Islands of Chaldea

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2014

Review

A posthumous novel begun by well-known author Diana Wynne Jones; finished by her daughter Ursula Jones. This represents a difficult task and I was conscious of looking for transition of style or other rough patches. The story seemed smooth but has an abundance of characters and plot.

My 6th grade reviewer states: With a suspenseful and elaborate plot, this fantasy (book) draws the reader's attention. Although the plot is very complex, sometimes it becomes too complex to follow. Other times, if feels rushed, and some details are hazy. For the most part though, the captivating plot of (a) young wise woman trying to complete her quest makes the book exciting and hold the reader's interest.

Additional comments: With this complex plot, the Jones writing dynasty lives on. For libraries where Dian Wynne Jones fans abound and where readers exist for more challenging plots. Perhaps some additional editing would have been helpful?

Copyright 2014

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Ursula

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062295088

Price: 17.99

The Twins' Little Sister

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

This book portrays little Asian twin sisters who have two of everything, except they only have one Mom. They feel that there is not enough of Mom to go around. Then,horror of horrors, Mom announces that they are to be big sisters as a new baby girl is on the way. Mom will be busier than ever and have even less time for them. They are appalled and angry with the situation. Of course, when the new baby arrives Mom's attention is spread pretty thin and the twins are not at all pleased. Will they realize that there is enough love to go around, that if they help Mom they will become wonderful big sisters and carve out even more time for themselves? Will they learn that little sister is actually pretty fun? The author was actually a twin herself and has experienced these feelings first hand. With soft, expressive, pastel illustrations, this is a wonderful choice for all siblings, especially twins, to help to understand that sharing Mom isn't all that difficult and may actually be pretty darned terrific.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hyewon, Yum

Illustrator: Hyewon, Yum

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Frances Foster Books/farrar straus giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374379735

Price: 17.99

Eva and Sadie and the Worst Haircut Ever!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2014

Review

This is an adorable choice of a picture book about Sadie, a big sister, who decides that her little sister Eva's hair needs to be cut. Eva has long, curly, blonde, beautiful hair and has NEVER had her hair cut before. Sadie climbs up high to retrieve Mom's scissors and chops away at Eva's stunning locks....and one can imagine Mom and Dad's reactions when the new do is revealed. This contains a good lesson about making mistakes and learning from them. The illustrations are soft and pastel and fit the text well. I would recommend this addition to 4 - 8 year olds' collections as well as library picture book shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohen, Jeff

Illustrator: Allen, Elanna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062249067

Price: 17.99

Loula and the Sister Recipe

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2014

Review

Loula has three brothers and wishes very much for a little sister. When she asks her parents for one her father and mother say that it takes very special ingredients to make a sister including a Papa and Mama, butterflies in the stomach, a full moon, chocolate, a candlelit dinner, kisses and hugs...Wow. That is a lot, but Loula sets out to find all those ingredients with the help of the chauffeur Gilbert. This is an especially amusing book with fabulous expressive illustrations and a very accommodating chauffeur who drives Loula all over the city procuring ingredients for her endeavor. Surprisingly, Loula's plan works almost immediately. Hard to believe? It's true. The font of the text seems a bit small for this level of book, but the wordage is spot-on and jibes with the illustrations well. I would recommend this selection for shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Villeneuve, Anne

Illustrator: Villeneuve, Anne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781771381130

Price: 16.95

Just Grace Gets Crafty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Grace is back in the eighth entry in the Just Grace series. A substitute teacher begins a creative writing project that gets the children's imaginations running. Grace and her best friend Mimi are preparing for a craft fair and scheming to make friends for their crossing guard who is new in town. Captions done in what is supposed to be hand drawn letters keep the reader aware of what Grace is thinking throughout the story. It almost feels like a stream of conscience. Graces's many drawings throughout illustrate what is happening. This all makes this book approachable and appealing to young readers. Friendship, and the need to work at it and give it space are another theme. Told with humor and insight, this will appeal to children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mericle Harper, Charise

Illustrator: Mericle Harper, Charise

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544080232

Price: 15.99

A Pet for Fly Guy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

In this first picture book spinoff of the popular Fly Guy series, Fly Guy and Buzz go on a picnic in the park where they watch other people playing with their pets. Fly Guy decides he needs a pet, too. After unsuccessfully trying out several different possibilities, they settle on a good solution for both of them. The colorful illustrations will give children lots to look at--and to giggle at. The themes of pets and friendship will resonate with children. This can be enjoyed as read aloud at story time, but is also approachable to young readers as a book they can read themselves. A nice story of friendship and fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545316156

Price: 16.99

Hello, Moon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

A cheerful, bright, round faced little boy has some bedtime questions for the moon. Does it bounce on the bed, go to the park, play pretend in many different ways? The moon seems important to the little boy, but, with the exception of donning an eye patch when asked about playing pirates, it never seems to be an integral part of the story. Children will be attracted to the cheerful, colorful drawings and will enjoy studying all of the faces at the windows in the city and details in the other illustrations. Overall, especially with so many wonderful bedtime stories available, this one feels a little flat.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Francesca

Illustrator: Cort, Ben

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545647953

Price: 16.99

Where's Waldo: The Wonder Book Deluxe Edition

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is another entry in the always wildly popular Where's Waldo series. There is even a list of things to find on the book jacket. The reader is also told on the front flap that there is a poster of Odlaw on the inside of the jacket. That will be a problem for libraries. Each page has a flap that opens revealing the list of things to be found and giving the reader even more space to search. Children will love it, but my eyes hurt just looking at the colorful pages!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Handford, Martin

Illustrator: Handford, Martin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763645304

Price: 11.99

My Nose is Long and Fuzzy What Am I?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This series introduces children to animals with which they might not be familiar in a fun way. Each book focuses on one animal. Jigsaw puzzle pieces reveal different parts of the animal for children to inspect while reading simple, large print sentences about the picture. A fact box at the end gives more information. Particularly helpful to children is a silhouette of the animal next to those of an adult and a child to give them more perspective on the animal's size. A highlighted map of the animals range is also included. The concept of the book is simple but fun. It will give children something to think and talk about. Emergent readers will have fun with these!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627241113

Price: 18

How Do Lions Say I Love You?

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

This Little Golden Book explores how different species say I love you. The illustrations are sweet and perfect for a preschool audience. This book is bound as a traditional Little Golden Book. The pages seem a little large for the cover, but I don't think that we expect exceptional binding from this type of book. This book is perfect for the preschool crowd. This would be a great bedtime read aloud. The title and the cover suggest that the book may be about a lion and her cub, but this is really a story about many types of animals and how they express their love. The book felt intimate in that you might want to share it with those whom you are closest. I would recommend this for a family read aloud versus a class.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Muldrow, Diane

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449812563

Price: 3.99

Crazy Buildings

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

Cartoon drawings accompany photographs of strange dwellings around the world. Readers will learn about a crooked house, a dancing house, rock houses, a huge tree house, a dog-shaped house and more. While there is not a lot to learn, it will be fun to look at the photographs and think about what it would be like to live in such a dwelling. The tone of the text is lighthearted and almost jokey in some places. This book could give children food for thought about designing fantastical places where they would like to live. Other titles in the series are Bizarre Vehicles, Strange Foods, Wacky Sports, Odd Medical Cures and WEird Jobs. Not necessary purchases, but books kids which kids would probably have fun perusing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Jones, Doug

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761389866

Price: 15

Acme Exercise Book: I Wish I Could Draw

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

I picked this book up because I thought that it would offer practical advice on drawing. In a way it did. Not in the way that I expected. This book would be a good text to introduce storytelling and writing with illustrations to an elementary school class. The illustrations are completely in harmony with the text, which is the point of this book. The size and shape of the book is appropriate for elementary school children and the layout is creative. The point is that you do not have to have a perfect set of illustrations and the book uses gentle humor and encouragement to support young writers and illustrators.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fagan, Cary

Illustrator: Fagan, Cary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781554983186

Price: 12.95

Friendship Over

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

This epistolary novel written from the point of view of fourth grader Celie Valentine is set in the current day in an unnamed city. The female characters are strong and convincing and develop throughout the story. The male characters are few and far between and a little flat. In addition to mostly strong character development, this "journal"? includes diary entries, drawings, and evidence including notes and emails. This is a strong novel for 3rd to 5th grade girls. It examines tough issues such as friendships ending, parents who fight, and grandparents who become ill. All of these issues are handled in a manner that is friendly for kids of this age and sympathetic to their fears, without becoming corny. Sternberg uses humor, anger, and all of the emotions that kids, and all people, experience to explore some very sensitive issues. It took a little while for me to be drawn in, but by the halfway point of this book I was cheering for Celie, Jo, and the other characters in this heart-warming novel.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sternberg, Julie

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789933

Price: 15.95

The Midnight Library

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

This story of a little librarian and her three assistant owls is a sweet picture book for kids up through elementary school. It would make a nice bed time story for a child resistant to sleep. This book would also make a nice introduction to an elementary school library to help explain to the students the different services and help that a librarian and assistants can offer. The illustrations are fitting and appropriate for the age group and the book is of good quality.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kohara, Kazuno

Illustrator: Kohara, Kazuno

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596439856

Price: 16.99

Ben Franklin's Big Splash: The Mostly True Story of His First Invention

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

This picture book about Ben Franklin's first invention would be appropriate for upper elementary school through middle school. There was WAY too much alliteration in this book. I did not enjoy reading it. The illustrations were excellent. The story is great. My favorite part of the book is the author's note at the end and the timeline of Ben Franklin's life. The author discusses the scientific method in the note. This book would be appropriate to accompany an alliteration lesson, to discuss perseverance, or to address the scientific method.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenstock, Barb

Illustrator: Schindler, S.D.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Highlights

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction, historical fiction, biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620914465

Price: 16.95

The Truth About Alice

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

Four characters in a small Texas town share their point of view relating to the events leading up to a star football player's death and the aftermath. Some of these events in this contemporary, realistic fiction novel include, and are rumored to be influenced by, Alice. The narration is shared by main characters in the story, each telling their story in alternating chapters. Only the two characters that are impacted the most are not participating in the ongoing narration. Brandon cannot speak for himself from the grave and Alice does not speak up until the last chapter of the book.

This book will appeal to both boys and girls at the high school level. Many controversial issues are handled in a very realistic manner. Sex, drinking, and bullying are the prominent issues. These issues are addressed by the narrators and perspective and character motivation are explored. The characters in this novel look honestly and deeply at what is happening around them and at how they are responding. I would highly recommend this novel because of it's honesty and the self reflection that the characters share with the reader.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mathieu, Jennifer

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596439092

Price: 16.99

Truth and Kisses

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

Third book in the series, The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair. As an adult reading it, I felt that I was missing something by not reading books 1 and 2. I understand that teens are happy with jumping in with book 3.

It all starts with Gaga getting married and kissing (yuck, grandma's shouldn't do that!). It then continues on with April's life. She is torn between two boys, Billy and Matt. Billy is a friend and was a boyfriend. Matt lives next door and goes to high school. What's a girl to do? Add a little girl drama in, best friend Bryn likes Billy too, and you've pretty much got the book.

No sex, very little kissing, so quite tame.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Publisher: darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467709279

Price: 17.95

The Tyrant's Daughter

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

Laila is thrust into life in exile in the United States after fleeing her unnamed Middle Eastern country with her mother and younger brother (who at age 6 is told he will be King someday) following the assassination of her father and subsequent collapse of his regime. While adjusting to the sudden drop in status, navigating high school (and boys), and life in a Western country, Laila comes to realize that life back home was not as she always believed. Her father was not the benevolent leader she thought him to be and as she learns more about her country she must deal with a shadowy CIA agent and refugees from her country who were opposed to her father. Carleson, a former CIA officer, has written an nuanced and compelling story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Carleson, J.C.

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449809976

Price: 17.99

Faking Normal

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

As Alexi begins her junior year of high school, it becomes evident that she has suffered some kind of trauma, most likely a sexual assault. She begins her journey of healing with the help of an unlikely friend, Bodee (dismissed by their classmates as the "Kool-aid kid" for his ever-changing hair color), who comes to live with her family after suffering his own tragedy. The author handles this story with great care and touches on some big issues - gender roles, special treatment for athletes, rape culture, and high school friendships and popularity. The story rings true and keeps readers on edge until Alexi's story is finally revealed. The author includes a note at the end encouraging readers to seek help if they are suffering.

Excellent - Cream of the Crop nominee

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stevens, Courtney C.

Publisher: HarperTeen/ Harper Collins Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062245380

Price: 17.99

The Riverman

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 18, 2014

Review

This unnerving Mystery/Fantasy is told by two main characters, unreliable Fiona Loomis and naive, loyal Alistair Cleary, over the period of about 40 days in Oct./Nov. The reader is never on firm footing with what truly happened, what is innocently imagined and what is a lie. Fiona contacts classmate Alistair and asks him, with a sense of urgency, to write her biography. Alistair is reluctant, intrigued and infatuated in equal parts. As Fiona's story unfold the suspense and foreboding increase keeping the reader engaged in the mystery despite not quite trusting her narrative. Thought provoking with much material for discussion. Questions about loyalty, keeping secrets, lies, responsibility in friendships and false accusations would make this a good book club choice.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Starmer, Aaron

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374363090

Price: 15.99

From There to Here

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 22, 2014

Review

This book is about an 8-year-old girl dealing with a big change. She has moved with her family from rural Canada to Ontario where it is much more citified. You name it, it has changed. She is not pleased and narrates and describes the differences between there (her old home) and here (her new home.) The illustrations are exceptional and the story of change is universal. The lesson children will learn is that a change is not necessarily good or bad. Change is inevitable and can be dealt with, especially when a new friend is made. I would recommend this title for the beginner reader set.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Croza, Laurel

Illustrator: James, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Groundwork Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781554983650

Price: 18.95

The Way to the Zoo

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 22, 2014

Review

This is a story of little Sylvie who suddenly discovers a door in her bedroom which leads to stairs, a hallway, another door and ultimately to the zoo. She begins bringing small, furry animals into her bedroom at night, but then finds the bigger, smellier, noisier, thieving animals also want to come. All is fine if she returns the animals to the zoo each morning before school, but...as one can imagine, one morning she is running late and the animals are watching TV in the living and basically wreaking havoc in the house when she gets home. She speaks quite sharply at the animals and they retreat back to the zoo, and she cleans as quickly as possible, as Mom is due home soon. Will she make it? The illustrations are spare, some sketches are included, pastel colors and lots of white space. All these elements plus a fantastical story that little ones can relate to and possibly wish for, makes this a good choice for picture book shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burningham, John

Illustrator: Burningham, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673178

Price: 15.99

Olga the Cloud

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 23, 2014

Review

This is a lovely tale about Olga, a puffy little cloud that is trying to find a place to rest, then a place to disperse a bit of rain. Of course, no one wants her around and she despairs of ever finding a place where she can do what she is meant to do. The illustrations are especially appealing and add a lot to the story. Olga sees lots of things from on high and all the colorful activity will be fun for little readers to peruse. The lesson here is that each of us will eventually find the place that we are most comfortable and accepted. I would recommend this book, especially as a read-aloud as the text is a big advanced for the intended audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Costa, Nicoletta

Illustrator: Costa, Nicoletta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823430512

Price: 16.95

Peppa Pig and the Great Vacation

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 23, 2014

Review

Peppa Pig is a TV show that is a big hit in the UK. There are also products, toys and such that are extremely well received. In this adventure, Peppa and his sibling George are going on vacation with Mom and Dad, but Peppa is very worried about her pet fish, Goldie, who is to be cared for by Grandpa and Granny Pig. Are they up to this demanding task? While the Pig family does lots of vacation-like things like going to the beach, taking walks, using the pool, and shopping for gifts for Grandpa and Granny Pig, Peppa continues to worry about Goldie. Will Grandpa and Granny pay enough attention to her? Perhaps they are paying too much attention to her. Hmmm.. The illustrations are digitally produced, soft, and full of many shapes and colors. One wonders if little ones looking at this book will notice what is taking place with Goldie back home. There are many titles offered of Peppa Pig and this addition will be another great one for picture book shelves everywhere. The only downside to this offering are the endpapers, which are navy with tiny white polka dots. They actually are painful to look at.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Author, No

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 980763669867

Price: 12.99

Monkey Me and the New Neighbor

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Clyde and his twin sister Claudia are off on the fourth adventure in this series. Early in the series, they visit a science museum where Clyde eats a banana that has been infused with gamma rays. It enables him to turn into a monkey when he gets excited. That ability allows him to solve problems. In this story, the dreaded principal moves in next door to Clyde and Claudia and they discover she is not so bad after all. When Clyde turns into a monkey, the story switches to graphic novel format. The rest of the story has a lot of illustrations as well. These two things, combined with short chapters, makes the book approachable and appealing to new readers who need to boost their reading confidence. While not great literature, it does fill a nice niche.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, Timothy

Illustrator: Roland, Timothy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545559867

Price: 15.99

Great

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2014

Review

Closely paralleling F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", this modern-day retelling focuses on narrator Naomi Rye's summer in East Hampton. Though Naomi lives with her dad in Chicago for most of the year, summers are spent with her mother, a Food Network star with the cutting ambition to rise to the top. Though Naomi typically hates socializing with New York's young elite, this summer is made different by the appearance of Jacinta Trimalchio, an up and coming fashion blogger who moves in next door and throws lavish parties. Jacinta hopes to connect with Delilah Fairweather, one of Naomi's acquaintances, through her new friendship with Naomi. "Great" falls flat by adhering to Fitzgerald's novel too closely, where the original story elements could have stood well enough on their own. Lies, gossip, indulgence, and intrigue all feature in the plot, but the lack of originality make "The Great Gatsby" the better choice of the two novels.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Benincasa, Sara

Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062222718

Price: 17.99

A Piece of Cake

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2014

Review

Mouse, who is very kind, has baked a cake for Little Bird's birthday. On his way to deliver the cake, Mouse can't refuse trading slices to the friends he meets for seemingly worthless objects. Mouse is sad when he arrives at his friend's house without any cake, but Little Bird assures Mouse that they'll find a use for the objects he brought instead. It turns out each animal who traded something for a piece of cake needs something that another animal traded. Little Bird and Mouse's clever solutions to their friends' problems will delight readers, as will the sweet finish at the end. The charming cartoon-like quality of the illustrations lend strong picture support to the narrative; making this an excellent title for identifying plot development, character development, and problem-solution narratives.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pham, LeUyen

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061992643

Price: 16.99

Fake ID

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

Nick Pearson, aka Tony, has just moved to a new town with yet another new identity because his family is in the witness protection program. While trying to remember his cover story, he must settle into yet another new high school. He falls for the school bully's ex-girlfriend and her brother uncovers a conspiracy that Nick is afraid might involve his own father. This thriller not only covers the usual YA topics - navigating high school, bullies, romance, family dynamics - it also deftly deals with racial tensions (Nick/Tony is African-American; his love interest is Hispanic and they live in a southern town where the Confederate Flag is still flown). Fast-paced and fun-this should appeal to reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Giles, Lamar

Publisher: Amistad/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062121844

Price: 17.99

Divided We Fall

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2014

Review

Seventeen year old Danny is just starting his senior year of high school. Having already joined the National Guard, he is called to guard duty to help stop a riot. when his gun accidentally goes off it triggers events that change his life forever. The book takes place in a near future where the Governor of Idaho is at odds, with the president of the USA. Danny soon finds himself at the center of a possible rebellion. The book not only deals with politics, but with Danny's moral dilemma - he is being forced to choose sides in a no win situation. Danny just wants to do the right thing, but he is portrayed realistically, he makes mistakes and bad choices, and just wants everything to back to normal so he can play football and be with his girl. Reedy delivers a well paced, relatable, action movie of a book, and deftly handles the difficult morality of divisive political viewpoints. This book will likely have heavy appeal for boys. Note - there is underage drinking, bad language, character death, and lots of action/war violence in this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reedy, Trent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545543675

Price: 17.99

The Freedom Summer Murders

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - Retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2014

Review

This is a riveting account of the individual and institutional racism that existed in America and specifically in the south. Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner were idealistic, young men working in Mississippi to help register African-Americans to vote. On the night of June 21, 1964 they were jailed by the local sheriff and with his permission, abducted and murdered by members of the Klan. This meticulously researched book introduces the reader to the racial climate of 1960s America, profiles the 3 men, documents their murders and also the long struggle to bring the perpetrators to justice. The black and white photos are often disturbing but bring this turbulent period of American history into clear focus. An extensive bibliography, source notes, and a comprehensive index complete the package.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mitchell, Don

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545477253

Price: 18.99

Hit and Run

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 25, 2014

Review

Mike has lived with his uncle Billy since his mom was killed in a hit and run 4 years ago. They never found out what happened. The case gets re-opened when Mike's history teacher turns out to be an ex-cop who worked the case. They mystery aspect of this book is pretty good, with a couple of surprises. The character development is not that great. Mike's character feels a bit one-dimensional and Billy's character is a bit confusing--the words he uses with Mike sound like he doesn't care but then she keeps saying that Billy is grinning while saying all those things. There's never more background to explain that for Billy. The book also gets really violent right at the end, which there's no lead up to, so it's a bit jarring. Otherwise, it feels more like a middle grade novel. The series continues on as Mike and the ex-cop continue to solve crimes. Recommended only for libraries who have voracious mystery readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McClintock, Norah

Publisher: Darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467726054

Price: 8.95

Abuelo

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2014

Review

Together on their horseback rides across the plains, a grandfather teaches his grandson meaningful lessons that will help the boy adjust to a new life in the city. This story expresses the lasting impact that an adult family member can have on a child, and shows how a relationship can transcend distances. Raul Colon's watercolor and pencil illustrations bring to life the expansive landscape of the plains, and the expressions of the characters. The English texts weaves in Spanish words and phrases followed by immediate literal translations, making this an accessible title for those who are unfamiliar with the Spanish language. Dorros' story will resonate with many audiences, as it is both specific and universal in its theme of family relationships.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dorros, Arthur

Illustrator: Colon, Raul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061686276

Price: 17.99

Otis Dooda: Downright Dangerous

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2014

Review

"Otis Dooda: Downright Dangerous" is the hilarious of Otis, his family and friends, and the ridiculous (and dangerous!) situations he gets himself into. In this book (the second in a series), Otis battles another kid for the title of "Greatest Lego Genius Who Ever Lived," (barely) lives through the embarrassment of his dog-training mother who bites dogs who try to bite her, learns not to stick baby carrots up his nose, and survives a curse cast upon him by the mysterious boy who hides behind a potted plant and curses anyone who doesn't leave him candy in a bucket as they pass.

Similar to the "Wimpy Kid" and "Big Nate" books, "Otis Dooda" is partially text and partially illustrations. I couldn't quite figure out if the illustrations were supposed to be drawn by Otis, or if they are official book illustrations, but either way, they add a lot to the book.

Kids who love funny books and gross humor will really enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Heatley, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250011770

Price: 13.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

This is a 50th year anniversary edition of this book. I had never read the story, and really enjoyed it. It is a fun read about a very implausible adventure. Young readers will want to be part of the adventure as the car soars through the sky and sails over the ocean. They will be be cheering the Pott family on as they find a gangster stash, blow it up, and flee from the gang. Occasional English words may need to be explained, but overall, this adventure is a great one for children to take. John Burningham's color illustrations from the original edition add even more fun!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming, Ian

Illustrator: Burningham, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666781

Price: 22.00

The Ostrich Conspiracy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

In this second book in the series, the Platypus detectives are out to solve a crime. The ostrich Mayor has promoted the building of a new theme park in town. Opening night is a disaster, setting the detectives into action. There is lots going on as they try to solve the crime. There are lots of TV type effects, a popular movie star, a dramatic chase up a steep roller coaster, and lots more happening before the crook is captured. The first book was popular, so this one will probably be as well. Lots of illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, science fiction, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062071668

Price: 12.99

There Will Be Bears

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2014

Review

Tyson is a middle-schooler that is dumped by his best friend for the popular crowd. He is also losing his grandpa to a nursing home. On top of that he isn't going to get to go hunting, something he has been waiting to do with his grandfather. But when he does get a chance to go it's different than he imagined. The cover on this books is great and perfect for the story. I liked that it showed boys being mean to each other. Mean girls are always being pointed out but mean boys often get overlooked. I would give this 5 out of 5 stars. This would be good for grades 7 & up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gebhart, Ryan

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665210

Price: 16.99

Cruel Beauty

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

Her future was traded for her existence. The demon prince had bargained with her father - twin girls would be born, but one would be his bride. Nyx has spent her entire life being trained to defeat her future husband, kill him, and release her kingdom from his rule. Rosamund Hodge's delicious take on Beauty and the Beast twines the old French fair tale together with mythological gods and creatures, and replaces the standard selfless and kind heroine with one that is bitter, angry, and relatable. Being familiar with the original fairy tale will give the reader some sense of where the story is going, but that will in no way stop them from reveling in Hodge's twists and turns. Cruel Beauty had a heady, romantic pull. This book is for those of you that wish that sometimes the bad boy was the right guy. Recommended for readers who like dark, tortured heroes, lush, yet creepy, romantic settings, and epic fairytale romance.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hodge, Rosamund

Publisher: Balzar + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062224736

Price: 17.99

Threatened

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

The second book by Schrefer (Endangered 2012). I had to read it when I saw it on the shelf. Wow. This book is captivating. The story is engaging and filled with suspense and lush descriptions, none of them unnecessary. It is a dense read, but one that you keep thinking about when you're not reading it. An orphan boy is given a job by a professor who is in Gabon to study chimpanzees (to become Africa's own Jane Goodall). The boy learns about chimps and come to love and respect them. This is the kind of book that you put in the hands of people who love a fully-realized, absorbing story. I am not sure about the believability about all of the science and behavior, but Schrefer does a ton of research, and the story is just so well-written, that it doesn't feel too far-fetched. If you want to be transported to the deep jungle of Gabon with a baby chimp wrapped around your leg and a vervet on your shoulder, then I highly recommend this book. For grades 7-adult.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schrefer, Eliot

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545551434

Price: 17.99

Split Second

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the pivot point series. Readers will want to start with Pivot Point to understand Addie's past ability of searching, but the action story line and alternative word that West has created is fully realized without it. Addison's abilities to manipulate are not only expanded, but her loyalty to the Compound is tested in devious and emotionally cruel ways. This novel is written in alternating chapters narrated by Addison and her friend Laila, with subheadings that provide humorous insight into each girl's voice. The story line expands readers' understanding of Laila's ability, the motives of the Compound and fuels some surprising twists and turns that Addie and her group must survive if they work together. Enjoyable second book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

West, Kasie

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062117380

Price: 17.99

Sometimes You Barf

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

I am not familiar with any other nonfiction books about throwing up, so I was glad to see this one. The topic is certainly not unfamiliar to kids, and throwing up can be scary and, in school, embarrassing.

"Sometimes You Barf" is a decent book about the topic, and I recommend it for libraries because there aren't many, if any, other picture books on the topic.

Carlson did make the book silly and fun while covering a topic that is not silly or fun at all. She shows a number of animals throwing up, including worms and aardvarks! In addition, she hopes that if you do have to barf, you'll barf on your math test. She also covers the steps of being sick quite well: the initial, horrible throwing up, followed by drinking water, nibbling crackers, having soup, and finally being able to eat again! She also realistically talks about the reactions of students and teachers if you throw up at school.

However, I did have some concerns about the book. First, Carlson only talks about throwing up in the context of the flu. She doesn't talk about eating something gross or getting car sick, for example. Second, she includes a random "Interesting Made-Up Fact!" about lizards turning pink when they barf. Strangely, this is the only "Interesting Made-Up Fact!" in the book. I could understand it if these were scattered throughout the book, but just one is confusing and odd. In addition, younger children may not understand the concept of a made-up fact in the context of a nonfiction book. Finally, while she initially writes about barfing anywhere, Carlson ends up focusing on throwing up at school. It might have been helpful to cover other locations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carlson, Nancy

Illustrator: Carlson, Nancy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467714129

Price: 16.95

Ice Dogs

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

This is a survival story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Victoria is a champion musher in Alaska. On a routine run with her sled dogs she encounters an injured novice snowmobiler. Chris has just moved to the area from a large city. The two end up being lost in an unexpected snowstorm fighting for their lives in the wilderness. Chris has no wilderness experience and makes some serious mistakes, yet has the skills that could help them reach safety. This well written novel offers a wealth of information about sled dogs and winter survival tactics. The characters are believable and well developed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure stories.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Terry Lynn

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547899268

Price: 16.99

Paint Me a Monster

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2014

Review

An absorbing story relevant to many teens. We are pulled right into the first person account as three year old Rinnie becomes aware of the world around her, her fascination with the TV dog Rin Tin & subsequent naming of herself, & her discovery of her baby brother. Her child-like self-absorption is authentically portrayed. As she grows, & her parents' marriage dissolves, she finds herself replaced in her father's life by his new wife & stepfamily, & she internalizes the emotional abuse her mother heaps on her. The only love in her life comes from her older sister & the family housekeeper. Food becomes the punishment that Rinnie doles out to herself, severely limiting her intake & priding herself on her thin body. A teacher takes an interest, & with eventual help from the school counselor, Rinnie begins to find her own self-worth. Although her insights revealed at the story's end are advanced for her years, teens may find them helpful in their own lives. Well written and compelling, Rinnie's story will offer another viewpoint for teens struggling to understand their families.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Baskin, Janie

Publisher: Scarlet Yoyage/Enslow

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781623240189

Price: 18.95

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Walton's writing pulls readers into this brutal yet whimsical story of three generations of mothers & daughters who love and endure pain. Although the narrator is Ava, a 16 year old born with wings, who is finding her place in life, the story leads into the far reaching past and a compilation of the peculiarities and deep scars that each member of Ava's intergenerational family endures. Their sorrows and the unconventional ways that they cope with neglect and loneliness are interwoven into the present and future of Ava and her brother who has some type of autism disorder. Ava's ability to break out of the walls that her family has built around their lives provides her both freedom and places her in physical danger.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walton, Leslye

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665661

Price: 17.99

Boy on the Edge

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

This is the story of Henry, a boy born with a clubfoot. He stutters and has great difficulty learning to read which make him a target for bullying. After much abuse he lashes out and finds himself being sent to a farm for troubled boys run by a preacher and his wife. The husband and wife couldn't be more different in their approaches to what they believe is important for helping these boys. This gripping, yet sensitive story is set in the author's native country of Iceland. The character development and descriptions of Iceland's landscape are exceptional. There is much to ponder after reading this well written novel. Using this book in a classroom or a small group would bring about a variety of discussion topics. I highly recommend this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Erlings, Fridrik

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666804

Price: 16.99

The Secret Box

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

This road trip adventure/family mystery engages readers right form the start with crisp writing and lively characters. The story begins when 12 year old Jax is given a box for her birthday by an Aunt she didn't know she had. Her Mother and only parent, immediately forbids her to open it and intends to return it to the sender. Jax enlists the help of her two male cousins to retrieve the box and solve its mystery. Told in short chapters, alternating between the voice of strong willed Jax, the birthday girl, and her extremely but shy capable cousin, Ethan. Action, humor and suspense move the story along to a satisfying conclusion. Readers will want to spend more time with these characters who, despite their differences manage to work together and gain respect for each other. The story's ending leaves an opening for more, but this first book is not solely set up for a sequel, it is an appealing story in its own right.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ringwald, Whitaker

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062216144

Price: 16.99

Girls Like Us

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2014

Review

Quincy and Biddy, recently graduated from high school, find housing together with the help of the school counselor. At age 6, Quincy was hit with a brick by her mother's boyfriend, suffered brain damage, and spent the rest of her youth in foster care. Biddy has moderate retardation due to lack of oxygen during birth. They live with and care for Miss Lizzy, a gentle and perceptive woman with health issues of her own. Although perceiving themselves as worlds apart, the girls discover that leaning on one another helps to make the world tolerable. The story is told in two voices, each with her own unique vernacular dialect. Each is believable, and provides clues into the reality faced by special education students aging out of the education system. This is not your typical unlikely friendship story, as these are voices not often heard in teen literature. Team this with Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman for a discussion on empathy and challenging stereotypes. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Giles, Gail

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763662677

Price: 16.99

And We Stay

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Through poetry over the period of 3 months, seventeen year old Emily, works out the trauma she has gone through while she gets acclimated to the boarding school she has been transferred in order to provide her some anonymity in her circumstances. Through the verses, one per chapter, the reader learns of how Paul, Emily's boyfriend, brought a gun to school and committed suicide in front of her after finding out she was planning to get an abortion instead of marrying him. The descriptive tale telling voice allows the reader to understand the trauma that has placed Emily in a boarding school without making the situation so graphic. Hubbard uses the poetry and life of Emily Dickinson to mirror the main character's writing and her journey in coming to grips with her situation. Emily in the end is able to reveal the trauma to her roommate and make initial steps to reconcile with Paul's sister.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hubbard, Jenny

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385740579

Price: 16.99

The Winter Horses

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - Gray New Gloucester Middle School, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

This has the feel of White Fang and Incredible Journey. Kalinka is the lone survivor of her Jewish family in a Nazis invaded Ukranian steppe. She walks for hundreds of miles until she comes to the Russian nature reserve at Askaniya-Nova (a real place still open to the public today). She lives with a family of Przewalski horses (oldest horses on earth found in cave paintings). The Nazis are intent on killing off these non-German horses, and Kalinka escapes with what may be the last mating pair on earth.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kerr, Philip

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755436

Price: 16.99

We Were Liars

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - Maple Stone School, Acton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

We Were Liars is a mystery/suspense novel centered on three cousins and one family friend within the very wealthy Sinclair family. Every summer they go to the Sinclair's private island off the coast of Massachusetts where the world fades away and they have summer fun-until Summer Fifteen. Cadence Sinclair Eastman is the story's narrator and she tries to piece together what exactly did happen just before the accident that left her with debilitating headaches and other symptoms. Because she is the narrator events unfold slowly and memory is faulty. She cannot quite remember, things the adults are not telling her, and she must remember on her own-but the memories are just too painful and remain out of reach until the dramatic end. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lockhart, E.

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385741262

Price: 17.99

The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean Telt by Hisself

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Almond's new title is upsetting, compelling and absolutely a fun venture into an early learner's phonetic spelling. Billy Dean is a hidden child who had been born the day that war came to his island home. His life till age 13 is limited to one room, the mice that scurry in the walls, and the stars that appear outside his window. The only human contact he has is with his mother and usually absent father - the parish priest. Some readers will be put off by the text which is written in the style of an uneducated child. Others may find the images of a war tore environment difficult. Those who can decipher the writing will be treated to a good story that will keep them thinking long after they have put the book down.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Almond

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763663094

Price: 17.99

The Lost Planet

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2014

Review

A boy wakes up on a planet he doesn't recognize; with a serious head injury he doesn't know how he got and no idea of who he is. A doctor helps him figure out name, which is Chase. Chase quickly realizes that someone is after him and wants to kill or capture him. So he and his new friend Parker & an android Mina try to escape but run into more trouble than they dreamed possible. This is an action packed sci-fi adventure with space ships, aliens & robots. I really liked how Chase had to solve all kinds of things throughout the story. Sometimes he got an answer but other times, he just had to move on to find out what would happen next. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It would be good for grades 4 & up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Searles, Rachel

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250038791

Price: 15.99

Her Dark Curiosity

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 28, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the "madman's daughter" series. Although it can stand alone, reading the first book will provide some back story. Lush descriptions of damp, dank, cellar laboratories, human mutants with animal organs and passion between characters who have a forbidden love make this Jekyll and Hyde meet Frankenstein mix a yummy forbidden read. An intriguing main character, Juliet, must not only deal with her own madness, sins and secrets, but she is torn between helping and killing Edward who is the "wolf of whitechapel." Who's to trust? Who assisted her father in his terrible experiments? What organization will find his research and use it for evil? Multilayered suspense/horror/dark romance. A must read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Publisher: Balzar + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery, horror, romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062128058

Price: 17.99

Swim That Rock

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2014

Review

This book captured my attention right away. The boy in the book doesn't really believe that his dad is gone because they never found a body. Because of the uncertainty of his father's fate the book has an element of suspense to it. It's a great family story of a boy and his mother working hard and over coming many obstacles to save their way of life. The relationships that are presented in the story are very real and endearing. I highly recommend this book. It teaches the reader about the world of being a quahoger in Rhode Island.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rocco, John

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669058

Price: 16.99

Say What You Will

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2014

Review

For her senior year in high school, Amy, who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheeled walker and computerized communication device, persuades her overprotective parents to hire peer helpers for her, replacing the selection of adult aides who have traditionally filled the role. Matthew, who she's known since elementary school, is one of the classmates selected, and though he's long been hyper aware of Amy and his attraction to her, he's nervous about the job and is somewhat intimidated by her willingness to ask difficult questions. Matthew is struggling in vain to hide his worsening Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and over the course of the year, Amy challenges and encourages him to seek help. Told in the third person, McGovern switches narrative perspective between Matthew and Amy and intersperses conversations they have via e-mail, including strings of those written but not sent, to very effective end. There are some teen problem novel tropes at play in places, including an unplanned pregnancy and disapproving parents, but the characters are refreshingly well developed, intelligent and insightful, making this a standout.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGovern, Cammie

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062271105

Price: 17.99

The Great Greene Heist

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2014

Review

Jackson Greene is famous. At least at Maplewood Middle School. Well, he's actually infamous. He's the mastermind behind the Blitz and he's about to work his magic again to help Gabriela de la Cruz win the class presidency. Jackson is such a great character that you forgive his adult-like clarity of thinking and uncanny ability to read people and situations. The plot is fun, the other characters are fantastic (and multi-cultural!), and the conclusion satisfying. The story jumps right in as if you already knew Jackson (like from a previous book about the Blitz, which there is not), and this was a clever choice by Johnson as it keeps the intrigue about Jackson Greene high and the plot backstory filler low. A fantastic read. Highly recommend to middle schoolers (and the adults who appreciate a well-crafted YA book).

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Varian

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545525527

Price: 16.99

Rebel

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

This sequel to Reboot continues the story of Wren, a legendary reboot, having been dead for 178 minutes, and her boyfriend Callum (22 minutes). Reboots are humans who have died and come back to life as something not-quite-human. The story picks up after Wren and Callum help several reboots escape from their human captors. Tintera effectively employs alternating chapters to tell the story through Wren's and Callum's eyes as they decide whether to join the rebels and attack the humans or strike out on their own. Readers will be able to start here but will more fully enjoy this dystopian world by starting with the first book. (Not cream nominated as this is a sequel).

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tintera, Amy

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type:

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062217103

Price: 17.99

The Lion Who Stole My Arm

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Choose Library District

Review Date: August 18, 2014

Review

The story gets off to an attention getting start with Pedru being dragged into the long grass by a lion. The description is real, but not gory shocking as the reader is prepared for the event by the book's title. Pedru is blessed with a strong, wise father and loving family. Still, he struggles with adjusting to his new circumstances and desire for revenge. A second lion attack in the village leads to a hunt and the introduction of lion researchers, smoothly exposing the reader to all points of view regarding the prediction of large/top predators. The outcome of all the characters is wrapped up a little too perfectly, but doesn't take away from the enjoyment or value of the book. The publisher recommends this for 7-10 year old readers. I would also give it to the 6th or 7th grade struggling reader due to the books undaunting size, cliff hanging chapter endings and high interest topic.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666200

Price: 14.99

A Snicker of Magic

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

This is a story about a town called Midnight Gulch that use to be full of magic, but now it only has a tiny bit left-just a SNICKER of it. It got lost a long time ago when 2 brothers had a fight and left, taking the magic with them. Felicity and her family move there, and Felicity can feel the magic, but can't figure out how to bring it back. She has a bit of magic herself...she can see words above people and things that give away parts of what they are feeling. She knows that somehow this is key to bringing the magic back to Midnight Gulch, exactly how is what she is going to have to find out. If I said to you this book is about a little girl that collects words she sees, you might think, hmm, not too interesting. Bit it is so cool Felicity collects words she sees above people and things and these words are magic, even for the reader...you really get to see what the person is feeling but more importantly, you begin to see who they are. I would give this 5 out of 5 stars. This would be good for grades 3/4 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd, Natalie

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545552707

Price: 16.99

Three Bird Summer

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - Retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

Twelve year old Adam is spending the summer at the family cabin in northern Minnesota as he has for as long as he can remember, but this year everything is different. His parents have divorced so Adam's father and raucous cousins are absent, his prickly grandmother is forgetful and behaves strangely at times, and his mother is preoccupied. Adam befriends a girl who is staying in the cottage next door and his summer begins to turn around. This is a marvelous coming of age novel with realistic, fully developed characters and a complex and engaging plot. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

St. Antoine, Sara

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665647

Price: 16.99

The Winner's Curse

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2014

Review

This book is a nice change from the ever popular supernatural/problem solving books currently making the rounds. It is a fantasy, mixed with historic fiction and a bit of romance (no sex). Seventeen year old Kestral has two choices, join the army or get married. Neither appeal to her. One day her path crosses with slave Arin, and you can guess where it goes from there. But, there is a twist and everything is at stake-will you keep your head or your heart?

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rutkoski, Marie

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374384678

Price: 17.99

Never Ending

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2014

Review

An emotionally rich, at times almost grueling, novel about a British teen who blames herself for her brother Declan's death while they were on a holiday in Greece. Plagued by drastic personality changes and fits of rage that she doesn't later remember, 16 year old Shiv (Siobhan) agrees to inpatient therapy at a new treatment facility that employs unusual methods to help a group of teens who are each overwhelmed by guilt and grief surrounding the deaths of there respective loved ones. Chapter by chapter, the intense relationships formed between patients are juxtaposed against Shiv's memories of the vacation she and her family took during which Declan died. Bedford takes his time in revealing the details of what actually happened the night Declan died, effectively drawing out the suspense. Readers will be rapt by the drama, the remembered romance that brewed between Shiv and an older teen during the trip and her psychological turmoil. This is a gripping, poignant read filled with multilayered characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bedford, Martyn

Publisher: Wendy Lamb

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385739917

Price: 16.99

Guy in Real Life

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2014

Review

Sophomore Lesh Tungsten and junior Svetlana Allegheny, students at the same high school, have never met before she collides with him the weekend before school starts. Wobbling drunkenly out of a heavy metal show, he weaves in front of Svetlana's bike, causing her notebook of sketches and game plans (she's a Dungeon Master for a D&D Tabletop Rollplaying group) to fly into a puddle. Lesh emerges unscathed, but smitten by her height, mane of almost white hair and the glimpse he gets of her art. Somewhat prim Svetlana, however, at least at first, feels otherwise: she dubs him a miscreant. As school begins, though Lesh has previously eschewed all efforts by his best friend Greg to involve him in the MMORG with which he's obsessed, the grounding-for-life punishment imposed by his parents after they discover he'd been drinking leads the homebound Lesh to give it a try. He stumbles into creating an avatar in the game -- a tall, white blond elf priestess - who he names Svetlana, setting off a chain of events that he doesn't expect. Brezenoff has crafted a very funny love story about two misfits who are drawn to one another despite being different in many ways. Observations about class, gender conformity, social dynamics and more are effortlessly worked into the novel, told in alternate narration by them both. Readers will likely spot one of the culminating plot points before the characters do, but this won't lessen the overall effect of this novel. A smart, engaging and heartfelt romance with enough edge to pull in non-romance fans.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brezenoff, Steve

Publisher: Balzar + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062266835

Price: 17.99

Hungry

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2014

Review

This fast-paced and compelling dystopian novel is set in a future where there is not food, only a synthetic nutritional substance called Synthamil that quells the need to eat and feelings of hunger. It isn't until Thalia Apple, whose mother invented Synthamil, begins to feel hungry that she questions the corporation that supplies nutrition for the world and starts an underground movement that demands the right to food. Fans of science fiction, such as Scott Westerfield's "Uglies" series, as well as fans of dystopian literature will enjoy this book and crave a sequel. Readers will explore themes of class, science versus nature, human rights, and corporate control. Action, adventure and romance are all included in Swain's novel, which is recommended for grades 8-12, for both boys and girls.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Swain, H. A.

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction, romance

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250028297

Price: 16.99

Eternity

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2014

Review

Fantasy book for middle elementary through middle school age. This book has it all...dinosaurs, time travel, Galileo, a Chinese alchemist, a Russian dog, etc. It is fast paced and may be confusing for some. I have not read any other books from this series so that may be why it seemed confusing to me. The story centers around Dak Smyth and Serae Froste who are trying to fix the Great Breaks in History so that history can unfold as it is meant to be. The idea that history is brought to life is great because it may encourage the child to go on reading about the various historical topics brought forth. A few things that jarred me a bit were Dak and Serae getting into physical fights, a dog being kicked and Galileo called a "player." Good to excellent. Boy and Girl. Very sturdy binding. Will hold up well even in a book bag.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

de la Pena, Matt

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545665353

Price: 12.99

Caminar

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

This lyrical verse novel set in 1981 tells the haunting story of a boy caught up in the violence in Guatemala (1960-1996). Carlos lives with his "Mama" in a small village and yearns to be a man, even skipping school one day to work in the fields. While out picking mushrooms, his village is attacked. He must quickly learn to fend for himself and heads up the mountain to his grandmother's village. During this walk (caminar=to walk), he meets up with a gang of rebels as they rush to warn his Grandmother. The books is sprinkled with Spanish terms and includes a glossary and Q&A section. This is a book to savor; the story is powerful and the layout add to the enjoyment. Cream contender.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Skila

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665166

Price: 15.99

Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2014

Review

Alvin Ho is back, this time taking off to visit relatives in China which is very far away from Concord, Massachusetts. Alvin's good intentions, sweet soul, and constant ability to create panic situations are in full swing throughout this sixth volume in the series. His ever present PDK (Personal Disaster Kit), carefully packed before airplane travel, falls upon the hands of airport security, and is wiped out. With great humor Look infuses Alvin and his family with believable circumstances. A most enjoyable reference to his baby sister Claire as a fish is enhanced as each time he finds a new type of fish to call her. Artwork by Pham is spot on and is less abundant than in a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and can be used as a hook for folks looking for something other than DWK suggestions. A great romp with Alvin, his family, and the relatives in China. This series is maintaining its appeal and quality well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Look, Lenore

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385369725

Price: 15.99

West of the Moon

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2014

Review

This story of 13 year old Astri and her younger sister, Greta, takes the reader on their journey from an unloving Aunt's home in Norway toward their dream of reuniting with their father in America. The author integrates dark Norwegian Folktales and superstitions into Astri's thought and actions giving the story a magical tone. The action is not fast paced, but the suprises in the sisters epic journey keep the reader on the edge of their seats. The two main characters are unforgettable. Astri has a youthful optimism coupled with grit and determination all of which serve to get her through some harsh circumstances. Her younger sister, at first glance, seems meek and naïve but in fact has steel core. This unusual, remarkable book gives us characters who lie, steal, even kill out of desperation, but are also self reflective and regretful. Themes of forgiveness, right and wrong, motivation, and justification. This one has loads of material for discussion.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Preus, Margi

Publisher: Amulet Books/Abrams

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction, folklore

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781419708961

Price: 16.95

Out of Eden

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - New Gloucester, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2014

Review

Stony and his family head to New Hampshire for a short vacation but before leaving their path crosses with that of Leopold and Abraham, serial kidnappers and killers. The family is ultimately caught and held captive tied to trees in a remote area of the forest. This extremely dark and creepy story will appeal to many older readers who are fans of the macabre and stay with them long after they read the last page. The book is not very long which will also be of interest to reluctant readers who are drawn to the genre.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Peter

Publisher: Namelos

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781608981601

Price: 18.95

Winterfrost

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - Maple Stone School, Acton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2014

Review

Winterfrost is a delightful story with the theme of self-forgiveness and awareness of one's feelings and surroundings. Set in Denmark during the Christmas week and featuring the mythical creatures, Nisse, the reader is taken on a magical romp through the Winterfrost. Winterfrost is a weather phenomenom where fog descends and freezes on trees, grasses, and houses creating a magical winter wonderland. The fun begins when Bettina's parents are both called away during the Christmas holidays to different emergencies and obligations and Betinna, age 12, is left in charge of the house and her baby sister. She puts her sister, Pia, outside for a fresh air nap-as all Danish babies nap outside well bundled up, and baby Pia is stolen. The mystery of who has stolen the baby and why reveal plenty about how misunderstandings can grow to divide families. Charming and instructive on the legends of Denmark.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Houts, Michelle

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665654

Price: 16.99

Goodnight, You

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

In this offering Piggy and Bunny are preparing for their first campout. In a tent, in the dark, by themselves...Bunny is afraid of monsters and lets Piggy know of her fears. Piggy shoots down every one of Bunny's scenarios of what a monster might do by responding with what she would do in response. When Bunny's fears have been summarily quashed and she is ready to turn out the light, Piggy confesses her fear, the dark!! Will Bunny be able to sooth Piggy's fears? Soft, pastel illustrations with Bunny on the left page of each spread and Piggy on the right are soft, appealing and soothing. The text follows the action on each page very well. This is a great choice to validate a child's fears, while illustrating that having someone with whom to discuss them may be just the ticket to make those scary feelings disappear. I would recommend this choice for the picture book set, for shelves private and public.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cote, Genevieve

Illustrator: Cote, Genevieve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781771380508

Price: 16.95

I love I Hate I Miss My Sister

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2014

Review

Sohane and Djelila are Muslim sisters living in America with but a year between their ages; Sohane is a senior, Djelila is a junior in high school. They have always been extremely close, Sohane lovingly taking care of her younger sister. But when their paths veer from one another, Sohane is worried for Djelila's safety and well-being. Sohane wishes to embrace her religion by wearing a head scarf, which is against the law in her school; Djelila wishes to live life to the fullest by wearing skimpy clothing, dating boys and flaunting her hair. The consequences for each of them are big, one is dire. Based on true events, this book would be a wonderful choice to prompt discussions about religious freedom and the important choices one must sometimes make. There is a helpful glossary included of Muslim words and phrases.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sam, Amelie

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743761

Price: 15.99

The Eighth Day

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

There is an 8th day that was created by Merlin, Arthur and his knights. People living in the 8th day world have to stay there and people living in the 7 day world have to stay there. The transitioners are people that can travel between the two. Jax, the main character, is one of the transitioners. There are people that want to destroy the 7 day world and only have an 8th day and Jax is going to be caught up this this fight. Lots of magic and action. There is a bit of humor and the King Arthur/Merlin part is cool. Grades 4-8. I would give this 4+ out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Salemi, Dianne K.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062272157

Price: 16.99

The Mark of the Dragonfly

Reviewed by: Martha Van Wyck - Portland Public Library/Burbank Branch, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2014

Review

This tale starts strong - the setting and characters are skillfully drawn and the plot is engaging from the get-go. The premise: an orphaned thirteen year old girl in a vaguely dystopian world makes a living by fixing machinery. The machines she repairs fall from the sky during meteor showers (the meteors carry objects from other worlds). Her life changes when she saves another girl's life and then feels responsible for saving her from a mysterious, menacing man. The pace lags a bit in the middle of the book but picks up again toward the end with some surprising twists. This story stands alone but sequels are possible; especially welcome in a sequel would be more about those mysterious meteor showers and why they carry things from another (read our) world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Jaleigh

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385376150

Price: 18.99

Saving Lucas Biggs

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

The dust jacket caught my eye and I'm glad it did. The magical cover fits this story of time travel and redemption. Margaret O'Malley's family has the ability to travel through time and she feels compelled to do so in order to save her father. With the help of her best friend Charlie and his grandfather, she learns more about the past and they hatch a plan in the present to save her father. The husband-wife author team raise some big issues along the way - fracking, whistle-blowing, mining, labor relations, and the power of social justice. As an added bonus, librarians will appreciate Margaret's and Charlie's love of their public library. Should appeal to students who enjoy fantasy and historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

De los Santos, Marisa

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062274625

Price: 16.99

Savage Drift

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2014

Review

This third in a trilogy called Monument 14 is fabulous. Fourteen children of different ages have been trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where blood type greatly impacts behavior and how one is treated. Some are in a refuge camp, some are in a containment camp. The premise is fascinating. There has been a mega tsunami, a hailstorm and a chemical weapons spill. They have formed a tight family group and are trying to reunite at a farm in Vermont where they hope all will be nirvana. There is a pregnancy, the government covering up the savage drift (a killing cloud of the chemicals in the air and the substance used to combat it), and chaos in both the refugee camp and the containment camp. Fast paced and exciting, I couldn't stop reading. I loved it and will order the first two for my library asap. I recommend this highly.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Laybourne, Emmy

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250036

Price: 17.99

Forget Me Not

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 29, 2014

Review

This book deals with Alzheimer's disease. A little girl is trying to understand her beloved Grandmother's failing memory. Her grandmother even gets to the point where she does not know Julia's name anymore. The topic is handled extremely well for the audience of 4 - 8 year olds for whom this is intended. Her grandmother's failings are described by her mother thus, "You know how some old people have trouble seeing or hearing? Well, some have trouble remembering -- like Grandma. It's a sickness that nobody knows how to cure yet." What a simple, truthful, and succinct explanation for young children to hear. Grandmother is eventually moved to assisted living, 'where she can get the care she needs.' Julia decides to bring her grandmother her favorite flowers, forget-me-nots, in hopes that her Grandmother will recognize them and be herself again, at least for a little while. This rare book could be invaluable for children going through this scary situation with someone they love. The illustrations are absolute perfection and follow the text well. I highly recommend this title.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

V an Laan, Nancy

Illustrator: Graegin, Stephanie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: schwartz & wade books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449815434

Price: 16.99

Richard Scarry's Good Night, Little Bear

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

Classic Richard Scarry's good night, little bear is an absolute must for collections everywhere. It's time for bed for Little Bear as Father Bear scoops him up and onto his shoulders for a ride to his bed, but when they get there Little Bear is missing. Helping Father and Mother Bear look high and low for Baby Bear will have everyone giggling with every page. Copyright 1969, new edition: 2014.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scarry, Patsy

Illustrator: Scarry, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Golden Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387287

Price: 9.99

Moe is Best

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 29, 2014

Review

This very beginner reader shows Moe, a monkey, and his two siblings doing basic daily things that preschoolers learn to do such as brush teeth, tie shoes, feed cat, drink milk, read a book and play basketball. Moe is the youngest and for each skill he says "I am the best"? while the illustrations show the exact opposite. When he becomes frustrated at not making a basket, over and over, again his brother reminds him that he is "the best at trying"?. The layout provides lots of blank space with each action being the focus of the spread. There is one sentence of text per spread such as "Moe can tie his shoes"? and then each of the three characters provide a sentence of dialogue in a speech bubble. The characters have large cartoon circle heads and look like children, but are really monkeys due to tails. Although the illustrations have a somewhat flat appearance, it works to keep distractions from the text minimal. The characters do show varying expressions that add to the contradicting humor of the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Torrey, Richard

Illustrator: Torrey, Richard

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: I LIKE TO READ/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823428373

Price: 14.95

Pretty Sly

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 30, 2014

Review

This is a sequel to Pretty crooked (Pretty crooked trilogy). Pretty Sly starts with Willa having just been released from juvie for stealing from the rich, mean kids. She comes home and finds that Mom has left. Email follows saying don't try to find me, and then the adventure begins. Willa and Aidan (with help from some friends) start a multi-state search for Mom...with bad guys, and the police and FBI, following closely behind.

Not having read book one, a bit of a slow start, but once you get into the book, you get hooked, suspense, mystery, adventure with just a touch of romance. Probably more of a girl book than boy, but not so gushy that a boy wouldn't enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ludwig, Elisa

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCrown Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, romance, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062066091

Price: 17.99

Strange & Ever After

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

*Disclaimer: this was the third book in a trilogy. I did not read the first two books. Therefore, some of my comments are stated without the big picture, and may not be completely accurate because of that.

I enjoy teen steampunk fiction, but I did not enjoy this book very much. From the first, the author and editor did very poorly in taking the time to quickly set up what was happening and introducing the characters for a new reader. I know doing so is possible, even in a trilogy, because I have experienced second or third books that had me excited to read the earlier books. Even by the very end of this book, I was still partly lost.

The plot was nonstop and exciting, and if I had known what was happening, it might have been even more compelling.

The characters were diverse and fully-formed, but without the background of the first two books, I did not become very attached to them. In addition, one character named Daniel was supposed to be a boy from the streets. Unfortunately, part of the time his speech reflected this (with "ain't", etc.), but the rest of the time his speech was the same as the other characters. This was similar for another character, Joseph. Joseph is creole, but his speech only reflected this part of the time.

I did go on Amazon.com to read the customer reviews. While one can never be completely certain who is writing the reviews, many appeared to be written by teens, and they were overwhelmingly positive. So again, my dislike of this book may be due to reading the third book in isolation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Dennard, Susan

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062083326

Price: 17.99

The Simples Love a Picnic

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

The Simples are a simply typical family; Dad, Mom, Ben, Lulu, and the pets, Rocco and Dizzy. When Dad suggests a picnic, the kids are excited, as they have never been on a picnic. However, when Lulu hides Dizzy the cat in her backpack and decides ice cream would be a good addition to the picnic lunch, Rocco the dog starts chasing squirrels, Mom is struck by a frisbee, and ants and birds decide to invade, the whole endeavor falls apart. What to do, what to do. In the end, Ben comes up with a solution that satisfies all and embodies the true spirit of a picnic. With pictures involving different textures, bright colors and lots of patterns, the illustrations and text jibe well. Children will be able to discern what is taking place. This will make for an amusing readaloud and children could ponder what makes for good picnic food; soup? spaghetti? eggs? The kids will be laughing out loud. I definitely recommend this title, especially during picnic season.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Phillipps, J. C.

Illustrator: Phillipps, J. C.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544166677

Price: 16.99

Soccer on Sunday

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

Part of the Magic Tree House series (#52), Soccer on Sunday takes Jack and Annie to Mexico in 1970 to watch Pele play in the World Cup final. On their way, they meet a boy named Roberto who is also on his way there and helps them get to the game on time. The book starts with a prologue describing how and why Jack and Annie are able to travel in time, which makes the book accessible as a stand-alone. I understand the books are supposed to be quick, exciting reads for young readers, but for a series that is all about going to different places around the world and throughout time, we learn almost nothing about the '70s, Mexico, or soccer in this installment. Inclusion of more facts or explanation of place and time would make this a much better book.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Pope Osborne, Mary

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy, historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307980533

Price: 15.99

Roller Derby Rivals

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

"Roller Derby Rivals" is written and illustrated by the duo who brought readers "Basketball Belles." Sue Macy loves writing about fearless women, and it certainly shows in this book!

Macy gives a short and understandable introduction to roller derby on the very first page. This is smart, given that roller derby may be a sport that many kids are not familiar with. The book does focus on the rivalry between two famous roller derby stars: Toughie Brasuhn and Gerry Murray. While Macy is honest about the violence in roller derby, she also is careful to show that each of the women is equally tough, and even points out that off the rink the women are friends.

Interestingly, this book is set during a real race set after WWII in 1948. The television was a new invention at the time, and Macy explains how roller derby helped make televisions more ubiquitous, and televisions make roller derby more widely known.

The race itself is action packed and exciting.

I am always critical of nonfiction that is missing what I consider key components. While this book does not have an index, "Roller Derby Rivals" is not written in a way that makes and index necessary. However, to my delight the book does have further information at the end of the story. In the Author's Note, Macy delves into more detail about roller derby and its relationship with television, as well as an excellent timeline. The author and illustrator are also careful to note that the book is based on press coverage and interviews, since no televised recordings exist. They admit that they have dramatized dialogue and the illustrations, but that they've worked very hard to re-create the race as accurately as possible. Photos of Toughie and Gerry are also included.

For those kids who want to know more about roller derby (which they definitely will after reading this book), the author provides further resources, including film clips, web sites and books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Macy, Sue

Illustrator: Collins, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823429233

Price: 16.95

A Day with Miss Lina's Ballerinas

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

This is a level 1 My Reader choice about Miss Lina's ballerina class. The girls jump, spin, and leap. Each page has a simple sentence that jibes with the illustrations beautifully so that the emerging reader can discern the text by watching what action the illustrations portray. When the girls leave their class they continue to dance throughout their day; at school, in the market, at the park, and while getting ready for bed. There is lots of white space and young readers will enjoy the soft illustrations that show movement beautifully; one can indeed 'see' the dance steps the girls are attempting. The fact that there is lots of pink color involved will make the girls especially happy. I would recommend this for the beginner readers out there.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maccarone, Grace

Illustrator: Davenier, Christine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Square Fish/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250047175

Price: 3.99

Promise Bound

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Part of a trilogy - Book 1 Lies Beneath, Book 2 Deep Betrayal, Book 3 Promise Bound. Mermaids are the focus of this book. Calder and Lily both mermaids are in love but there is much turmoil in their lives. Calder's mermaid sisters are trying to take over their clan and trying to take Lily's allegiance from her father. This book is full of intricacies and action and lots of complexity. To fully understand what is going on completely in this last book in the trilogy it is important to read the last two. The writing is good.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwood Brown, Anne

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385371292

Price: 17.00

Fetch with Ruff Ruffman: Show's Over

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Fetch is a dog who has just been fired from his job and to make matters worse his fancy pants he wants to wear to a dance are missing. He has been fired because a new company that is coming on board as a client at his job does not like dogs, so his boss fires him. He decides to visit the client in Australia and An with his cat friend and finds out that it was a scam and now he knows what happened to his fancy pants. The illustrations are bright and fun and the friendship between the cat and dog is very nice. There is a science activity at the end of the book that fits in nicely with the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Michalak, Jamie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672782

Price: 14.99

Enchanted Palace

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Fantasy/Fairy Tale series book that will appeal to little girls ages 2nd and 3rd grade. They stick together in this book because, of course, Queen Malice is back but this time she has hidden six nasty magic thunderbolts and they are sure to ruin the kingdom's special magic. Sweet pencil drawings and little rhymes and other sayings are interspersed throughout.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Rosie

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545535533

Price: 4.99

Unicorn Valley

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Fantasy/Fairy Tale series book that will appeal to little girls in ages 2nd and 3rd grade. They stick together in this book so that their unicorns will get their golden horns. There is a wicked queen to boot named Queen Malice. Sweet pencil drawings and little rhymes and other sayings are interspersed throughout.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Rosie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545535540

Price: 4.99

Frank Pearl in the Awful Waffle Kerfuffle

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Frank Pearl is a new friend of Judy Moody and he just wants to win something. So he enters a yo yo contest, a animal contest and a cooking contest. Judy sticks with him and encourages him all the way until finally something good surprisingly happens. The illustrations are bright, colorful and whimsical. It is great to see the loyalty that friends have for one another although things may not always go great the way one might hope. Cream of the Crop book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Megan, McDonald

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763657178

Price: 12.99

Bramble and Maggie Spooky Season

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Bramble and Maggie Spooky Season by Jessie Haas Illustrated by Alison Friend The book begins in the fall and takes the reader up through Halloween Night. The illustrations are quaint and brightly watercolored. A neighbor and a horse are major characters. The premise is that the horse, Bramble, and Maggie are enjoying the fall weather, the colorful crunching of the leaves, the geese flying south and scarecrows. Next comes Halloween and costumes. Both Bramble and Maggie get a little scared. Great Book for Horse Lovers Early reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haas, Jessie

Illustrator: Friend, Allison

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763664503

Price: 14.99

Big Bad Bubble

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Monsters and Bubbles, never thought of that combination but this book does and the monsters are afraid of the bubbles. Can you imagine that? Not only are bubbles discussed but near the end of the book there are cute illustrations with bubble wrap and even a bubble bath. All kinds of comforting things happen with the bubbles and then the monsters aren't afraid of them anymore, guess what they are afraid of now. The illustrations did not appeal to me. Thought they were too roughly drawn.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rubin, Adam

Illustrator: Salmieri, Daniel

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544045491

Price: 16.99

Count 123 On the Subway

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

Counting book with big colorful simple illustrations and rhymes aplenty. Little girl traveling with her mom so though it is full of hustle and bustle it is also warm, fun and safe feeling for a child. Proper wording to describe commonly used words when talking subway lingo. For example turnstiles, straphangers, station, underground, etc.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dubois Jacobs, Paul

Illustrator: Yaccarino, Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780307979230

Price: 14.99

The Shadow Hero

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2014

Review

This graphic novel is about a superhero named Hank. You know how most superheroes are born with their powers? Well, not Hank. Hank becomes one because his mom wants him to. And, it's not going so well. He does work out and practice a kind of Kung Fu to get stronger. But that isn't making him a super hero. But then he meets the tortoise spirit and things start to change.

This graphic novel is based on the Asian superhero, the Green Turtle that was created 70 years ago. This story is filled with action and bits of humor. At the end of the story, the author includes a bit of history about the original Green Turtle comics that this graphic novel is based on which was quite interesting. I will admit that I like the new illustrations and storyline better in this new version. This was a fun read with lots of action and humor.

This would be best for older readers. Ages 12 and up. 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yang, Gene Luen

Illustrator: Liew, Sonny

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596436978

Price: 17.99

The Magic School Bus Presents the Human Body

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

This Magic School Bus presents series is the best way to introduce children to our world. In this edition it is the human body and what child is not curious about his or her own body. With fun and adventure Ms. Frizzle takes you on one of the best school bus rides of your life. Bright and colorful pages include photographs and drawings and facts.

Includes two awesome pages of facts and another with "words to know"

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545683647

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Planet Earth

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

This Magic School Bus presents series is the best way to introduce children to our world. In this edition it is the Planet Earth and With fun and adventure Ms. Frizzle takes you on another great school bus ride. Every child loves dirt and this book encourages further exploration of the earth around them. Bright and colorful pages include photographs and drawings and facts.

Includes two awesome pages of facts and another with "words to know"

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545680127

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Sea Creatures

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

This Magic School Bus presents series is the best way to introduce children to our world. In this edition it is Sea Creatures. Amazing color photography mixed with the cartoon classroom take students and of course the ever delightful, Mz Frizzle, on another great adventure. Each of her students asks a question pertaining to the creature and has it answered. Includes two incredible pages of facts and another with "words to know".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545683661

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Wild Weather

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

This Magic School Bus presents series is the best way to introduce children to our world. In this edition it is Wild Weather. Amazing color photography mixed with the cartoon classroom take students and of course the ever delightful, Mz Frizzle, on another great adventure. For every child who is curious about hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder, snowstorms and so much more, this book gives the child the basic answers to their questions. Includes two incredible pages of facts and another with "words to know".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Callery, Sean

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545683678

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Our Solar System

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

This Magic School Bus presents series is the best way to introduce children to our world. In this edition it is Our Solar System. Amazing color photography mixed with the cartoon classroom take students and of course the ever delightful, Mz Frizzle, on another great adventure. Filled with Frizzel facts this series is a non-fiction companion to the original Magic School Bus series. Each of the eight planets is presented on two pages of facts and photos, plus the sun, comets and much more. Includes two incredible pages of facts and another with "words to know".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545683654

Price: 6.99

The Little Chef

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

There is something about this book and recipes that was off putting. Almost like foods we wouldn't make and the pictures seemed dated. Also the warning at the back of the book was kind of amusing, Warning: The recipes in this book contain ingredients to which people may be allergic. Such as nuts. Then they have the children making caramelized sugar and using skewers etc. Offers other titles to buy, web sites and the five basic food groups diagram.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Segarra, Mercedes

Illustrator: Curto, Rosa M.

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766042612

Price: 16.95

Of Neptune

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2014

Review

A fantasy book that takes place under the sea and on land. Emma who is half human and half Syrena is in love with Galen who is full Syrena. They decide it is time to get away and spend time alone with the other influences of others. Reed, a half-breed Syrenan tries to lure Emma away from Galen. And what ensues is a tug of war between two young men who are fighting for her attention. And at the same time they are trying to protect and save their kingdoms.

This book was so hard to get into and so confusing. I feel like all the pots and pans were thrown in the sink and what a mess.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Anna

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250039606

Price: 17.99

Evidence of Things Not Seen

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2014

Review

Multiple voices reflect on Tommy who has disappeared into the Texas desert. Tommy's fascination with theories of probability and possibility lead his peers to wonder if he has disappeared into another reality. The stories are disjointed, with only occasional overlap. Mostly they are vignettes of the teller's life. There is no character development or story arc beyond the speculation as to what happened to Tommy as a year passes. Some characters have no relationship with Tommy, such as the immigrant girl who finds his keys and the boy fleeing abuse who finds his goggles. All touch upon a patch of dirt, a pullout along Highway 281. Scraps of paper from Tommy's journal separate each entry, with his writings about physics, philosophy, particles and the nature of reality. Introspective, thoughtful teens will find much to reflect upon here; others may be disappointed with the lack of closure.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lane, Lindsey

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374300609

Price: 17.99

Photos Framed: A Fresh Look at the World's Most Memorable Photographs

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

An introduction to some classic photos from thoughout history. Included are portraits such as an 1844 daguerreotype of photography's inventor Louis Daguerre (p. 5) and the 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (p.13); nature photography including Earthrise taken by Apollo 8 astronauts (p.21); artistic photos such as Andy Warhol's diptych of Marilyn Monroe (p. 31); and documentary photography including the 1917 photo of the Cottingley fairies (p.37). Each photo stands alone on a page. Text on the facing page gives information about the photo and the photographer, invites readers to "Zoom In" and focus on specific details in the photo, and asks thought provoking questions encouraging readers to reflect on issues such as the photographer's intent or feelings stirred by the photo. Following this format sometimes limits what can be said about a photo. Some may quibble with the claim of the "most memorable photographs," as some are obscure and others are missing. However, all are appealing and provide worthy discussion. As an introduction, this title is appropriate for a broad range of curious readers, upper elementary through high school. Artistic readers may be inspired to replicate what they see, increasing their skills and using their cameras in new ways. Useful for art and photography classes, this brings the evolution of photography to the forefront of our digital age.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thomson, Ruth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel, graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763671549

Price: 18.99

Stand There! She Shouted The Invincible Photographer

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Befitting its subject, this life story of one of the outstanding portraitists in the history of photography, this book is handsome and well designed with numerous illustrations in acrylic gouache and photographs, of course. Appended along with source notes, bibliography and index is an impressive list of major museums where Julia Cameron's photographs may be seen. An interesting description of her childhood and adult years makes meaningful the later account of Julia's unorthodox but highly successful skills. Of special interest to young people of about ten years and up with an interest in photography, the book includes careful drawings of the earliest cameras. Recommended to budding photographers as well as to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rubin, Susan

Illustrator: Ibatoulline, Bagram

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography, graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763657536

Price: 16.99

Harlem Renaissance Artists and Writers

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

The Harlem Renaissance will not generally be a familiar historical period for most students. This book is devoted to ten outstanding African-American artists, writers and musicians who helped to make their art, writing, music and social commentary flourish in the Harlem section of New York City in the 1920's and 1930's. The book's overall appearance is excellent: modest in size, short, readable chapters having one and sometimes two photos, well-designed pages, good-sized type in addition to chapter notes, further reading suggestions, and two especially relevant internet addresses appended, along with the index. What is missing is being able to hear Duke Ellington or perhaps listen to Langston Hughes reading his poetry aloud. The two internet addresses help enormously in being capable of bringing the Harlem Renaissance alive for junior and senior high school students or any readers of about twelve years old and up. Recommended, especially to school and public libraries as an excellent introduction to an important era in American history.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Beckman, Wendy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Publishers,Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography, graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766041653

Price: 23.95

My Cousin's Keeper

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This contemporary story has a title that raises the question: "Am I my brother's keeper?" The story is narrated throughout by Kieran, an eleven year old boy who must slowly come to terms with his eleven year old cousin who arrives to live with both Kieran and his nearby grandmother. The cousin is cruelly bullied at Kieran's school making clear the biblical reference of the title. Bullying is the timely subject in this meaningful and focussed story. Small in size, brief, and without illustration, the book may work best as a read-aloud to third through fifth grade classes, having as it does, an appealing girl among the characters. It should also attract young readers of nine years and up who enjoy reading school stories. While even a few pen and ink drawings might have enriched the story, the book is recommended for its realistic treatment of an important issue and may encourage group discussion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

French, Simon

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763662790

Price: 16.99

Tickly Toes

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2014

Review

Simply written to entertain infants who appreciate their own toes. Cheerful parents of an infant are aware that baby laughs when his/her toes are tickled. Each two page spread shows family interaction dominated by baby's toes. Hood employs rhyming text that is augmented by Barroux's illustrations of normal baby surroundings.

Although there is no storyline this book works for its audience. The illustrations are attractive and lots of white space is provided. Toddlers will want this read aloud over and over.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hood, Susan

Illustrator: Barroux (no first name provided),

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781894786522

Price: 9.95

The Finest Hours: The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2014

Review

This middle grade adaptation of the adult nonfiction book is the story of a Coast Guard rescue of the men from two oil tankers that both split in two during a brutal nor'easter on February 18, 1952. Four men in a lifeboat risked their lives and saved more than 30 men stranded on their broken vessels. Readers will immediately be drawn into this gripping and remarkable survival account. It is well written and will appeal to a wide audience. Black and white photographs are included of the rescue crew, their lifeboat, the wreckage, etc. The bibliography is extensive. The epilogue and final notes about the rescuers completes this outstanding depiction of heroism and endurance. I highly recommend this excellent book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tougias, Michael J.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097641

Price: 17.99

Tease

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

A complex, emotionally taut novel about a young woman who commits suicide after being bullied by a group of her high school classmates, this debut is narrated by Sara, one of the teens accused of being one of the bullies in a lawsuit brought the girl's family. Chapters set in the present detail Sara's current existence as one of a social pariah in a sort of holding pattern between summer school classes where she meets Carmichael, a boy who eventually becomes a source of support for her, her lawyer's office, her therapist and her strained family life. These alternate with flashbacks to the school year before, when Sara and her best friend, Queen Bee Brielle viciously targeted newcomer Emma Putnam, calling her a slut, stalking her in person and online and even physically assaulting her because they resented her hooking up with many of the boys in their social circle, including with Dylan, Sara's boyfriend. Sara is not a likable character, at the onset angrily rejecting that her behavior was in any way to blame for Emma's suicide. However, she is ultimately able to grasp how she may have contributed to the other girl's struggle and the development of her character unfolds with nuance and intelligence, and includes a heartbreaking portrayal of how reliant she was on Brielle's much stronger personality to buoy her dismal self image. Likewise, this novel allows for a very realistic window into the feelings of powerlessness many young women experience about sex and their romantic relationships. Secondary characters are not as strong, including Brielle, who is very much popular and wealthy 'mean girl' prototype and little else; Carmichael, a misfit with a heart of gold; and Emma herself, about whom little is revealed other than her physical beauty and tendency toward relationships with guys at school. Despite this and an overly tidy ending, this is still a powerful, worthwhile read inspired by the 2010 case of Massachusetts teen Phoebe Prince. Author's note and a list of anti-bullying resources are included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maciel, Amanda

Publisher: Balzar & Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062305305

Price: 17.99

Hidden Like Anne Frank

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

This compilation of fourteen first person accounts of children hiding from the Nazis in the Netherlands is riveting. It is historically informative and personally inspiring. The courage and determination of the survivors, their families, and network of those hiding the children is evident in each experience. Each experience is very different. The photographs and maps draw the reader into every chapter. At the end of the book are black and white close-up photographs of those who shared these stories. This adds on even more personal feel to the book. A glossary is also included. I highly recommend this book for Holocaust study and anyone interested in true survival stories.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Prins , Marcel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur E. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545543620

Price: 16.99

Evil Librarian

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - Retired librarian, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

What librarian could resist this title? Mr. Gabriel is the hot, young librarian new to Central High. Everyone seems to fall under his spell except for our heroine, Cyn, who is resistant to demonic charm. Can Cyn prevent the demonic takeover of her school, rescue her best friend from Gabriel's clutches, and create the absolute best barber's chair for the school's production of Sweeney Todd? Maybe, but she will have to go to hell and back to do it. And, in exchange for help from her own demon ally, return to hell twice more. Rarely is a comic novel put up for CREAM, but this one is worthy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Knudsen, Michelle

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: horror, romance

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763660383

Price: 16.99

Nanny X

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

A creative story to keep readers from grades 2 to 7 captivated. I spy story with a fun twist. The Nanny is actually a secret agent. Nanny X comes with a packed diaper bag that is actually a bag of useful spy gadgets. Each chapter is illustrated with a little illustration of the baby item that will be the most useful for the scene. The chapters are written through different perspectives. One from the boy of the family and one from the girl of the family. Together the family and their new Nanny help solve the mystery of why people are getting hit in the head with coconuts. There is a bit of an eco-fiction element to this book and it would be great to pair it up with The Gorillas of Gill Park by Amy Gordon.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Madelyn

Illustrator: Donnelly, Karen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery, realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431663

Price: 16.95

Dangerous Deceptions

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the Palace of Spies series. Peggy Fitzroy is back with more spying misadventures as she impersonates a lady-in-waiting in the court of His Majesty, King George I. Peggy is faced with the re-appearance of the man who is her designated betrothed and the various levels of betrayal to the throne in which he represents. Characters from the first novel provide her support, some romance, new plans, new puppies and their own precarious involvements into Jacobite treasonous dealings. Readers will need to read the first book in the series to understand all the connections. A jolting "f--'d" and "f--kin'" appear in one scene, which seemed out of place in relation to the time period and in comparison to the rest of the text. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy Peggy's spark and spunk as well as the light-hearted spying and intrigue the plot provides.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zettel, Sarah

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544074095

Price: 17.99

The Monsterator

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

Edgar is bored by Halloween and wants to be something scary so it wouldn't be. When he gets a chance to be a monster he takes it. This picture book has some cute rhymes that take you through Edgar's hopes of being a monster to his becoming a monster. Then at the of the book there are lots of flip pages to turn Edgar into a variety of monsters. The story was good but the best part was the flaps at the end. There are some great monsters you can create with them. The last page had the author's face, which looked a bit on the creepy side, instead of Edgar's so you can turn the author into a monster, not sure if young children will like that. I would give this 3 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Graves, Keith

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596438552

Price: 17.99

Bats in the Band

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

It is a summer evening and all the bats flock to an empty theater where they can play in bands. The bats have instruments made out of all kinds of things and play all kinds of music. The drawings in this picture book are wonderful. Each page has something special in it so you need to take your time and really look to see what it there. The text and its rhythm match the idea of playing in a band. This was a fun book. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lies, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544105690

Price: 17.99

Tin

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

Tin is a charming robot who agrees to watch his little sister who is holding a balloon. Thanks to the family dog Tin soon realizes that Nicole has drifted off toward town. He gets on his bike and the adventurous chase is on.

Readers will love the robot family, their neighbors and the city dwellers who are robots as well. The illustrations are perky, boxy and multifaceted. Colors abound complementing this exciting journey over the city, through the amusement park and into the zoo. Parents will appreciate the display of sibling affection.

Place this is k- 3 media centers and consider as a gift book for robot lovers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Judge, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Anderson Press (Dist. by Lerner)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467750134

Price: 16.95

Comics Squad Recess!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

Eight different graphic novel artists all in one book is pretty cool. That is what Comics Squad Recess! has. Each artist has a short story in the book that has something to do with recess, and each one is pretty different from all the others. Readers will recognize many of their favorite characters from other graphic novels like the Lunch Lady and Baby Mouse. Another fun thing is the quick drawing lesson at the end of the book. The tips on how to draw a head are easy and the head actually looks pretty good! I would give this 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm , Jennifer L. & Mathew

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385370035

Price: 7.99

Welcome to Dog Beach

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

In this story, Remy and her 2 best friends return to their summer beach houses where they've hung out together forever. But this summer things are going to change, which isn't something Remy likes. To start with, Remy's dog that she loved died and she is super sad about it. Another change is that her best friends are starting to hang out with other kids and even leaving her out of the loop sometimes. Remy isn't sure exactly what she wants to do about it all- it's hard to change when you don't want to. This is a sweet story about friendships that change as you get older, even when you don't want them to. It doesn't mean they have to get left behind, not if you can find a way to work it out. The friendship between the 3 main characters was great. You will want to read more about them to find out where they, and their friendships, are headed. I would give this 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. For ages 10-13.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwald, Lisa

Publisher: Amulet Books/ Abrams

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781419710186

Price: 6.95

Bear Hug

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

Bear hug is a gentle animal tale that takes readers through an entire year of growth. As the seasons change so does the bear, his behavior, and the environment.

The primary attraction to this book is the lovely collage art work done by the author/illustrator. Each page presents new animals and plants exposing readers to various stimuli while it depicts the lifestyle of bears.

Place this is public library collections as well as in K-3 media centers. Art and science teachers would love this book on their classroom shelves.

My only concern is the very small font used on the reversal page

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McEwen, Katharine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666309

Price: 15.95

A Boy and a Jaguar

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

This is a lovely story about a little boy that stutters as young boy but can talk with animals. When he grows up, he needs to find his voice to save the animals he loves. This story is a picture autobiography of Alan Rabinowitz that reads like a work of fiction. Children and adults will be captivated by the drawings and the way Rabinowitz doesn't let his stuttering prevent him from following his dream of saving animals, especially jaguars. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rabinowitz, Alan

Illustrator: Chien, Catia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780547875071

Price: 16.99

Let the Celebrations Begin: A Story of Hope for the Liberation

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

The women of a concentration camp are planning a party to celebrate what they believe will be there release in the near future. As they scrounge for buttons and scraps of fabric to make toys for the children their horrible existence is revealed.

The first reading through of "Let the celebration begin" melts the heart as the eyes fill with tears. It isn't until this book has been read a second time that the illustrations can be totally appreciated. Both story and illustration are strong in this amazing historic fiction picture book.

Wild and Vivas have made this sad historic story into an important and lovely book that needs to be shared. This belongs in public libraries and would be welcome in history classrooms for all grades.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wild, Margaret

Illustrator: Vivas, Julie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press (other previous release)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3, all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670139

Price: 16.95

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2014

Review

A graphic novel depicting the heroic age of Antarctic exploration during the early 1900s, and detailing, specifically, the attempt by Ernest Shackleton to cross the Antarctic by foot in 1914. Shackleton's ship was, instead, stuck in the ice and he and his men were forced to leave the ship, which was ultimately crushed by the ice and sunk, and live on the ice for 10 months. Bertozzi compresses some of the details for brevity's sake, but he uses the journals of the crew to illustrate how they survived and what they did to pass the time (ice soccer, anyone?). Students familiar with Endurance by Alfred Lansing will eat up this graphic depiction of the voyage, and students/readers unfamiliar with the story may be intrigued enough to read more about the fascinating Shackleton. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bertozzi, Nick

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596434516

Price: 16.99

Underworld: Exploring the Secret World Beneath Your Feet

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 29, 2014

Review

This nonfiction book is engaging and interesting. Covering such topics as Volcanoes, Caves, Underground Animals, Buried Treasure, and Underground Living, the book uses a mix of facts, photographs, and cartoon-like illustrations to provide the reader with a window into the worlds under our feet. There is little depth here, but I can see young people poring over a book like this since every page is chock-full of tidbits and facts. Who doesn't want to know more about naked mole rats, or the creepy catacombs of Paris? The thought bubbles on the pages with puns and (what I'm sure were supposed to be) pithy comments are distracting, and the pages are busy (the chapter dividers are double-page spreads that are the best use of illustrator Hancock's talent). This doesn't matter much since you can read the info on a page out of order without losing it - order is not essential. Readers of Guinness Book of World Records will love a book like this and I can definitely see elementary- or middle school-aged readers picking it up and getting lost in the pages. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Price, Jane

Illustrator: Hancock, James Gulliver

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781894786898

Price: 18.95

This One Summer

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2014

Review

A coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the time in a young girl's life when she is leaving childhood behind and venturing into adulthood. Rose and her parents have been to Awago Beach since she was little and she looks forward to it. This summer she and her island friend Windy, who is a year-and-a-half younger, get caught up in the unfolding of a near-tragedy of some older teens. Rose realizes that her parents are in a rough spot, and that life is more complicated than riding your bike and digging holes in the sand. Beautifully drawn, this story is spot on - adolescence in all of its messy, heartbreaking, hopeful glory. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tamaki, Jillian

Illustrator: Tamaki, Mariko

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596437746

Price: 17.99

Plastic Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2014

Review

Focuses on 3 graduate students aboard a research ship studying the North Pacific Central Gyre, one of the recently discovered accumulations of plastic garbage found in the world's oceans. Accurately demonstrating the use of the scientific method, we get an overview of what each of them studied, how their interests developed, tools used, & hypotheses researched. Photographs taken during the trip bring the reader aboard, & changing perspectives get you down on your hands & knees examining the finds. Easy sentence structure is appropriate to the target audience. Diagrams of the cycle of the food web (p.22) & photosynthesis (p.26) are counter clockwise which may cause some confusion. How the amount of plastic in the gyre is calculated is started, but not completed, except to say "that's a lot of plastic 1,000 miles or more from land" (p.18). After gathering data, one researcher, Darcy, is told by her advisor to change the focus of her study, but we are not told why. Overall, an excellent introduction to scientific research in the real world.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Patricia

Illustrator: Crawley, photographer, Annie

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467712835

Price: 30.60

Because They Marched: The People's Campagin for Voting Rights That Changed America

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Retired librarian, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2014

Review

This book is a highly readable account of the Selma voting rights campaigns of the 1960's filled as it is with photos, drawings and lively quotes from the marchers. The campaigns led to the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a significant achievement in the civil rights history of the United States. A photo essay in picture book size, the book has eighty pages in eight chapters and includes a time line, source notes, a selected bibliography, index, and most notably, an epilogue that emphasizes the author's focus on bringing important persons and events in the history of the United States to young people. The epilogue makes this book especially timely by clearly describing the striking down of a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court in 2013. Recommended to school and public libraries and to all readers of about fourteen years through adult.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Freedman, Russell

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823429219

Price: 20.00

Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2014

Review

Cream nominee. Two girls hospitalized with Crohn's disease both speak in this unique novel. Shannon rails against the disease and those who's job it is to help her. Is it her anger or the meds flowing in her veins? Chess' meekness belies her denial and her struggle to accept herself while warring with her body. We get an inside look at the horror of treatment as well as the social implications, for how friends and first loves respond to the diagnosis of this illness? Told in verse, the alternating voices speak with spare text. The layout of the page may confuse some readers, with a line down the middle to separate the voices, just as the curtain separates their beds. An author note at the beginning explains how to read across the curtain line, and the two voices are quickly engrossing. Highly recommended for all teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frank, Lucy

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780307979742

Price: 16.99

Charlie and the New Baby

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 14, 2014

Review

Charlie the dog is king of the ranch until a newborn calf is brought in from the pasture and placed in his bed, under his blanket and he seems to be getting all the TLC usually reserved for Charlie. He soon sees through that and learns that there is plenty of love for all. The pictures are bright and colorful and quite expressive. The quality of the book is fair/poor, unless it is this copy only that is bad, I'm concerned that it will not hold up in library circulation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Ree

Illustrator: deGroat, Diane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062297501

Price: 17.99

Early Bird

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

A delightful picture book that will engage toddlers, this first book by author Toni Yuly is a keeper. Light text, that consists of simple action words, flows across the vibrantly colored pages. The digital artwork is rich in color, simple in design and works well with the integrated simple text.

The story follows an adorable bird who likes to get up early and get things started. The bird is busy -- moving across, through, under, up, around, and finally over the cat where she reaches her final destination...the garden. When she catches the early worm, the book is at its finest moment. Rather than eating the cute little worm she has placed on a strawberry, readers will be relieved to find the two friends instead sharing an early breakfast and happily singing together. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Toni, Yuly

Illustrator: Toni, Yuly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250043276

Price: 15.99

Schools of Hope: How Julius Rosenwald Helped Change African American Education

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2014

Review

Read this and Sears, Roebuck and Company will never mean the same. Sears was a railroad agent, selling watches on the side, his business grew and he hired Roebuck to help. They hired Julius Rosenwald to run the business. He made the company a household word, and the company made him rich. He created a fund to build 5300 schools in 20 years for African American children after meeting Booker T. Washington. His fund changed the country both for black & white. This story & this man has inspired the lives of Bill Gates & Warren Buffet who have imitated his thinking.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Finkelstein, Norman H.

Publisher: Calkins Creek/Highlights

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590788417

Price: 16.95

Learn to Draw Forest Animals and Wildlife

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2014

Review

This book is part of a series of Learn to Draw books featuring forest animals and wildlife. East to follow, step-by-step instructions are given so that 20 different woodland animals from grizzly bears to more obscure animals like the Mute Swan are included. Using basic shapes that follow a numbered sequence, amazing drawings will occur. Interesting Fun Facts appear in a band on the bottom of each page along with a photograph of each animal. A great addition to any library, this book will appeal to animal lovers and to young artist's who are looking to expand their drawing to more unusual animals.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Phan, Sandy

Illustrator: Cuddy, Robin

Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing/Quayside Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939581242

Price: 29.27

Darkness Everywhere: the Assassination of Mohandas Gandhi

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2014

Review

This book begins with Gandhi's death and how it came to be. It looks at Gandhi's early life, schooling, and how a play seen at age 12 influenced the rest of his life. The author also takes the reader into the politics of the time and how there was an element that was very anti Gandhi and what led to his death. Bibliography & glossary in back. Easy to read, thorough.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Doeden, Matt

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761354833

Price: 28.00

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2014

Review

This nonfiction book about the last tsar of Russia and his family is excellent. The author uses primary sources giving an intimate look at the Romanov family and what was happening in Russia at the time. The descriptions of the lives of the peasants, workers, revolutionaries, and soldiers show how their struggles affected the events leading up to the fall of Imperial Russia. The black and while photos of the Romanov family, Rasputin, peasants, workers, etc. add to understanding the family's privileged lifestyle in contrast to the rest of Russia. There is an extensive bibliography, website listing, notes, and detailed index. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming, Candace

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375867828

Price: 18.99

Best Kept Secret

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

This is the third book in the Family Tree Series, which covers four generations of four girls. The story begins when Francie, the main character is 7 years old in 1977 and follows her life through 1994 when she is a young adult.

Providing key insights into this time period, the book is not afraid to tackle tough subjects. Racism, disabilities,family issues, dyslexia, death, prejudice and child abduction are all touched upon. The writing is strong with well developed characters. However, to get the most out of this book, it is important to read the first books in the series. I had not done so and think I would have understood the characters better if I knew more about their earlier lives.

One disappointment with the book is the lack of closure on Francie's encounter with a dangerous stranger which becomes the "best kept secret". The reader is left waiting for some action or development on this front and nothing happens. Perhaps, the fourth book in the series will provide insight and some closure on this dangerous secret.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Ann

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545359443

Price: 16.99

Fighting Fire! Ten of the Deadliest Fires in American History and How We Fought Them

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2014

Review

This book tells the stories about ten of our country's deadliest fires including colonial America's biggest fire in 1760, the New York fire of 1835, Chicago's big fire in 1871, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and the catastrophe of 9/11. It has many fascinating pictures, political cartoons, newspaper covers and artists' depictions around these devastating events. The text moves along well, not dragging in the least, which is of great importance for younger readers. People who were involved in these fires are quoted and this makes the devastation experienced seem more real. This reviewer learned much about the history of fire, new procedures and laws that were put into effect after each fire, and was drawn into the personal accounts by people that were effected. This choice combines history with the always scintillating topic of fire to great effect. I recommend it highly.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Michael L.

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805097146

Price: 19.99

Handy Health Guide to Diabetes

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

This title in the Handy Health Guide series provides a stellar treatment of diabetes. Presents in a clear format for younger readers in grades 3-6 the various issues dealing with the diagnosis, causes, treatments and life style choices persons with diabetes must make. The Handy Health fact boxes break up the amount of information in "digestible" doses and the font and short chapters are perfect for younger readers. The illustrations and the various tools for giving insulin and checking blood sugar levels are pictured. Layout includes glossary, books and websites.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Silverstein, Alvin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Enslow Publishers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766042759

Price: 23.93

Dolphins

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2014

Review

This non-fiction book on dolphins is part of the Discover More series from Scholastic. Broken into 13 two-page chapters, this book provides plenty of easy-to-understand information on dolphins. The color photography is outstanding and is integrated with call-outs and sidebars that present dolphin facts in an interesting manner that will keep young readers engaged.

Printed on heavy card stock, this book will hold up well with young readers. Glossary and index are included along with a bonus offer which is a free digital companion book on dolphin rescue tales. This bonus is also noted on the front cover.

A recommended purchase for both school and public libraries. A perfect book for early readers doing their first book report.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545627382

Price: 7.99

Dandy Desserts

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2014

Review

This bright, inviting book will have young cooks baking with adult supervision in no time. The easy to follow step-by-step recipes are mostly laid out in a double page spread with photography of the finished item, giving cooks an idea of what products should look like. Enhancing the book are several pages at the front which cover: what to do before you start, safety tips, an illustrated page of cooking tools, cooking terms, and how to measure. Recipe directions are easy to follow and some do not even require cooking, or just use of the microwave (see instant chocolate cake p. 15 yumm). Ages five to eight could easily use this book with an adult, and older readers could follow these steps independently, needing supervision for cutting and cooking elements. I can never keep enough dessert cookbooks in the library. This is surely one to add to the collection, along with the other eleven in the series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cornell, Kari

Illustrator: Cohen, Brie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780761366447

Price: 22.00

Get to Know Dog Breeds: The 200 Most Popular Breeds

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

Part of the Get to Know series, this book covers the 200 most popular dog breeds. Organized into groups designated by what the dogs were originally bred for, the book includes information on the disposition, origin and appearance of more than 200 different dog breeds. The book takes an original approach, grouping dogs by the duties they were bred for versus the official grouping of the World Canine Organization.

There are 8 groupings of the dogs and each section begins with information on that type of dog followed by a one page profile of the specific breed. Each page includes color photographs and a sidebar that lists height, weight, color and coat of that breed.

The book begins with general information on dogs that covers topics such as finding the right breeder to dogs in our society. A further reading page is included in the back that includes books and internet addresses for more information. Bibliographic references and index are also included. A solid choice for middle graders wanting to learn about dogs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kramer, Eva-Maria

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766042582

Price: 31.93

Learn to Draw Angry Birds

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2014

Review

Fans of Angry Birds Apps will surely want to pick up this how to draw book. Each bird is laid out over seven to eight pages to give the reader specifics on how to draw each bird front view, side view and with various expressions. A comparative size chart is included at the beginning of the book. Illustrated in full color, readers will have no problem visualizing their end product, especially with the use of guidelines in the basic shape to help center the character's features. Many drawing books overlook breaking down the end product into simple steps, Learn How to Draw Angry Birds is broken down into simple shapes that will help the artist get the end result they are looking for.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Marroquin-Burr, Kristina

Illustrator: Marroquin-Burr, Kristina

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing/Quayside Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9871939581204

Price: 33.27

Love by the Morning Star

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

On the brink of World War II, two girls from very different backgrounds are sent to the grand Starkers estate in England. Anna Morgan has been sent by her father to spy for the National Facist Front and pose as a kitchen maid, while half-Jewish Hannah Morgenstern will seek refuge with her distant relatives and wait for her parents to join her. However, the two girls are mistaken for one another, and a comedy of errors ensues. Both fall for Teddy, the handsome heir of the estate, and stuggle to fit into their newfound roles. Almost everything that could go wrong for the girls does. The playful and quirky storyline loses momentum halfway through the story, and the constant barrage of misfortune becomes tiresome. If readers are willing to muddle through the romantic misadventures, they will be satisfied with the book's conclusion. "Love by the Morning Star" is best suited to grades 6-10, as there are some mature allusions and subject matter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sullivan, Laura

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 0547689519

Price: 17.99

Avalon

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

Authority figures might consider the characters in Avalon as loveable bad boys + girls. Jeth and his small band of metatech thieves are under-employed by a futuristic space crime boss who forces them to steal for him. Each of the young people is super talented, they form a bond that is forged by need and depravity. Avalon offers much to readers, this is a sci-fic with neat spaceships and a story about relationships. While a mystery looms over the entire operation a teen romance is budding.

There are however many areas where more editing is in order. Some simple sentences are twisted and in one paragraph the speaker changes causing some confusion.

There is room left for a sequel, readers will be waiting for more. Put this into collections where science fiction is appreciated by readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnett, Mindee

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: science fiction, mystery, romance

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062235596

Price: 17.99

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

Tom Gates is a near typical fifth grader who forgets to do his homework, torments his older sister and who keeps a diary complemented by amusing art work. Our hero is a forgetful and silly character who is surrounded by interesting teachers, classmates, and family. Pichon has provided lots of interaction to express Tom's relationships and his love of music in an appealing manner to entice the 9-11 year old fans who will flock to this series.

This British series may rival the current USA favorite, Diary of a wimpy kid in terms of humor and graphics. When I say add it to collections that includes Diary.. I mean purchase this for all intermediate schools and public libraries. Librarians may also have a nephew/niece who would love this as a gift.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pichon, Liz

Illustrator: Pichon, Liz

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press (previous published in UK)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674724

Price: 12.99

Ed and Ted and Ted's Dog Fred

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

This is an extremely humorous story about Ed, Ted and Fred who live in a shed, drive vehicles that are red,are swallowed by a whale named Ned, and nearly end up dead. This rhyming text is helpful to children, while the illustrations lend a hand in prompting young readers to understand what the text says. In other words, the text and the pictures complement one another quite well. The illustrations are absolutely hilarious with tube-shaped people, extremely expressive faces, and lots of action. There are also two more difficult words for the level 2 reader to learn (of course, these rhyme with Ed, Ted and Fred)adding a bit of challenge for the developing reader. I would recommend this choice for beginner shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: Denton, Terry

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Square Fish/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250044488

Price: 3.99

Ancient Egypt

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

Filled with of interesting facts on Ancient Egypt, this guide is chock-full of color photography and graphics to make learning about Egypt a visual experience.

The text is clearly written and covers a wide range of facts and tidbits on Egypt that will keep young minds intrigued. Includes an interview with an Egyptologist, Table of Contents, easy to understand glossary and clear Index. A free digital companion book on Amazing Mummies Tales is also available for download.

Just the right amount of information to explore life in Egypt and get children interested in learning more about this subject.

A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545627399

Price: 12.99

Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

This first in a trilogy by a mother/daughter author/illustrator team is fabulous. The size is perfect for the targeted audience of 5 - 8 year olds. The text is challenging but not overwhelming for that age bracket. Digby and Percy are dogs and best friends! They love to travel around in Digby's old car and, in this first offering, decide to enter a local all-day car race from Didsworth to Dodsworth. Lou Ella is the next door neighbor who buys a new car every year and is, basically, Digby and Percy's arch enemy. Of course, she also enters the race and even purchases a special new racing hat for the occasion. The illustrations are shades of red, black, gray and white. The pictures are busy, expressive, and amusing. There are lots of other characters introduced and the entrants in the race are varied and interesting, to say the least. At the end of the book are suggestions for games to be played while riding in a car and a quiz about the book to see how much the reader remembers, along with photos from Digby's personal album and drawing challenges. I would highly recommend this choice for beginner reader shelves and believe that readers will look forward to the next two in the trilogy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Vulliamy, Clara

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673697

Price: 12.99

Bunny the Brave War Horse

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

Based on the true story of a war horse, this picture book introduces young readers to WWI, the role that horses played and the harsh realities of war.

Bunny a well-trained police horse is sent overseas to fight. Experiencing poisonous gas, bullets and grenades, the loss of his rider and near starvation, Bunny fights bravely and is an inspiration to all.

This historical fiction picture book has somber mixed media artwork that portrays the bleakness of war. In the back of the book, there are two pages with informational text. Also included is a map that shows the battle sites in France and Belgium. A time-line in the back would have been a helpful addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

MacLeod, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Lafrance, Marie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380249

Price: 16.95

Voices from the March on Washington

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

Lewis and Lyon join forces to present the voices of fictionalized characters at the 1963 March on Washington. Going beyond the well-known speech of Martin Luther King Jr., we glimpse the dreams and frustrations that led people from across the nation to gather in the hopes of transforming the country. Black and white, young and old are moved by the voices they hear and their interactions with the crowd. Historical context includes the organizing skills of Bayard Rustin, the thrill of sharing a water fountain or sandwich, the music of Lena Horne and Joan Baez, and the exclusion of leading women of color. Back matter includes a guide to the voices both historical and fictional, bibliography including websites, and two indexes to the poems. This title deserves wide readership. Ideal for reader's theatre and classroom use, it brings the struggle for Civil Rights alive. "What you can see is huge, but there's a bigger crowd, much bigger: the people we come from and come for" (p.49).

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lewis & George Ella Lyon, J. Patrick

Publisher: WordSong / Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620917855

Price: 15.95

The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2014

Review

Joey Pigza has matured a lot since his first outing. With his parents separated, he's now the "Man of the House." Joey bears responsibility for his infant brother Carter Jr. while his mother checks herself into the hospital for post partum depression (not named as such). Joey knows what he needs to function and is relieved to find his meds that his mother had hidden from him. Despite both parents wanting Carter Jr instead of him, Joey showers love on his little brother and only when he sees the crib at his father's apartment does he demonstrate how this may effect him emotionally. His blind friend Olivia's description of her black box of hopes and dreams that eludes her (p. 82-84) parallels Joey's hopes and dreams that he cannot grasp. Both children speak with a mature voice, although their ages are not specifically mentioned. Joey remains upbeat despite his challenges, and has moved from a funny story to an inspiring role model. Most children will look beyond the fact that no authorities show up for Joey and his brother despite his mother's hospitalization and his absence from school. Children familiar with Joey's previous titles will get the most out of this one. Readers new to the series may miss some references, particularly related to his struggles with medication, the relationship between his parents and his friendship with Olivia. A solid addition to the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gantos, Jack

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374300838

Price: 16.99

Little Author in the Big Woods

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

Grades 2-6. An uplifting look at the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. We get a brief overview of her mother's life, to set the stage for the importance of education for the girls, an unusual belief for the time period. We follow the movement of the Ingalls family as they move back and forth across the prairie. Hardships are glossed over, including the death of Laura's brother and her own son. Always, Laura is portrayed as cheerful, a depiction that becomes cloying at times, and makes this title appropriate for young students. Readers of the Little House series will recognize some of the tales, and will enjoy learning of Laura's later years, her relationship with her adult daughter and her writing career. The epilogue includes games Laura played, a craft, some recipes, a listing of her writings, glossary and source notes. Pencil illustrations are scattered throughout, and are youthful and innocent, depicting fresh, smiling faces.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonough, Yona Zeldis

Illustrator: Thermes, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt & Co.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805095425

Price: 16.99

Battle of the Beasts

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Choose Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the House of Secrets series. Although this is a book in a series if you happened to read this book first it does recap frequently what happened in the first book. This is a book chock-full of adventure, suspense and wonderful richly developed characters. The age in which the book is intended for seems a bit young for some of the content. An example of this is when they hang one of the main characters upside down in a dungeon and cover him with cheese so the rats can eat the cheese. Except for a few scenes like this one the story really moves very smoothly and is an edge-of-your-seat read. Chris Columbus is a screen writer who has brought us many exciting and wonderful movie tales and I can totally see this coming to life on the big screen.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ned Vizzini, Chris Columbus

Illustrator: Call, Greg

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzar and Bray - Imprint of HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062192493

Price: 17.99

Bizzy Bear's Big Building Book

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Choose Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

Bizzy Bear, a big book for little paws, is building a project along with his friends. This is a well illustrated board book that is appealing and age appropriate. The digitally created illustrations go well with the text, there are many interesting things to see beyond what the text is describing. It is fairly sturdy, however, the moving parts are hard to move by the preschoolers I reviewed the book with. An adult or older child can move the parts easier. The lift the flaps are very popular, but a small flap that says "Tweet!" ripped off the first time and excited preschooler lifted it. This is very appealing, but has a few flaws.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673956

Price: 14.99

Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This is novel written in verse about the building of the Panama Canal in 1906. It follows fourteen year-old Mateo, from Cuba, who is starving and searching for work, lies about his age, and then is recruited with the promise of work and money. Once on he steamship, things are not as promised,no food, poor conditions, and, once in Panama, they are lined up by country of origin and color, then measured for coffins. The work is hard and many die. Next we meet Anita, abandoned as a baby, adopted by a healer, she sells herbs that she gathers in the forest. Henry,a Jamaican on digging crew, performs backbreaking labor, sleeps eighty men to a room, and must eat standing up. Augusto, an American geological engineer who draws birds, teaches Mateo how to draw. Written in verse, back and forth between each character's story, as well as the story of the forest, animals, trees, and other parts of the Panama forest, as the Canal is dug, the workers struggle with dangerous conditions, racism, sickness, death and threats, and the animals lose habitat, the rain forest being destroyed. The words are few but well chosen and powerful. They flow easily and well describe place, people and conditions. This is well written, easy and quick to read, but very informative and satisfying. Included are an epilogue and historical note. Well written historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Engle , Margarita

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-0-544-10941-4

Price: 17.99

Drop it, Rocket!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This Rocket book is in a beginner reader format with the little yellow bird teaching Rocket new words. Rocket finds items, picks them up, drops them, and gets another item, until he finds a red boot and does not want to drop it. The word for each item is named, the word is on a card, and placed on the word tree. Rocket finally drops the boot for a book. This is written with short sentences, repetitive text, large font, plenty of white space, and colorful illustrations that go well with the text for clues to the words. A good addition to a beginner reader collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hills, Tad

Illustrator: Hills, Tad

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385372473 2014

Price: 12.99

Boundaries: How the Mason-Dixon Line Settled a Family

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library , South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This is a well researched,comprehensive work on the Mason-Dixon Line.It begins with the history that leads to why the line was surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon,the actual process of the survey,and what the Line became as a geographical and cultural boundary. It begins in England with the Calvert and Penn families,Catholic and Protestant divisions, religious persecution, politics, and royal charters of land in America. The boundaries of the land were not clear and began to cause conflict,so Mason and Dixon were hired to survey the boundary. The process of surveying a difficult territory began. Politics, financing, sickness, wilderness, Indian conflicts and weather created difficulties. The process,the equipment and instruments are meticulously described. Included are an introduction, photographs maps,primary sources, epilogue, author's note, source notes, bibliography, photography credits and index. This is complete, but a little dry at times. The beginning history,seemed to be more about religious persecution in England, and English history and left me wondering what it had to do with the topic, but explains why and how the land was settled and why the boundary needed to be surveyed. Included what the Line would come to mean during the civil war and after. Some of the descriptions of the calculations are complex, but well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Sally M.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763656126

Price: 24.99

The Summer Invitation

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

Franny and Valentine, sisters from San Francisco, get an invitation to spend the summer in New York City from their mom's best friend, Aunt Theo. The plan is to spend the first half of the summer with Theo's friend Clover as a chaperone, before Theo comes back from Europe. Franny immediately loves the historic feel of the apartment and all of the places that Clover takes them. Valentine prefers more modern things and longs to fall in love. Valentine gets her wish, and they start to grow apart. They never end up meeting Theo, but that summer changes their lives forever. The author has created a wonderfully vivid picture of New York and the locales and descriptions draw you in completely to the European feel that Clover and Theo live in. This is a lovely coming of age story, and Franny, the main character learns about herself and who she really is, and to accept that. In the end, she has the perfect summer to lead her into the next chapter of her life.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Silver, Charlotte

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596438293

Price: 16.99

Who Was Here? Discovering Wild Animal Tracks

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

Young readers will enjoy learning about animals tracks in this engaging science picture book. The writing style alternates between descriptive poems and expository paragraphs as readers try to guess the animals based on the tracks and the clues in the text. Upon turning the page, readers see an illustration of the animal in its habitat along with information about the animal.

The soft, earth tones and textures in the water color and mixed media collage illustrations make this a book readers will want to revisit, and the tracks are illustrated in actual size. The book contains tracks from animals that live in different habitats including black bears, kangaroos, and hippos. Back matter includes tips for looking for animal tracks and a list of related books and websites.

Pair Who Was Here? with Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman or What in the Wild? by David M. Schwartz.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Posada, Mia

Illustrator: Posada, Mia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467718714

Price: 16.95

Judy Moody: Mood Martian

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2014

Review

Fans of the Judy Moody series know that main character, Judy, is often in a bad mood. What would happen if Judy Moody tried to be in a good mood for a change? When it's Backwards Day at school, Judy dresses and acts like her arch-nemesis Jessica Finch. She quickly finds out that being positive and being kind to others has its benefits. Despite the confused reactions she receives from friends and family, Judy makes it her objective to be neat, responsible and in a good mood all week long. Young readers will relate to Judy's predicaments in this hilarious early chapter book. Reynolds' pen and ink drawings enhance the story and add to the humor.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666989

Price: 15.99

The Escape

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

This is not a book for the sensitive reader. Horse lovers beware....from being thrown off a ship and fighting off sharks in the ocean, crocodile encounters, cruel treatment by greedy humans to horse beheadings, this book is for a mature reader.

The first book in the Horses of the Dawn series, the story is told through the perspective of Estrella a young filly who is looking to find the horses ancestral home in the New World. Her mother, Perlina, who dies by shark early on, helps guide her daughter by offering mystical clues along the way as her daughter leads the herd onward to find their original homeland. The text has Spanish throughout which could be tough for young readers as there are no definitions provided elsewhere in the book. An unusual story that combines fantasy with factual information, this survival story will keep readers engaged. Although this book is targeted to readers ages 8-12, this story may be a better read for children at the higher end of this range or older.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kathryn, Lasky

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545397162

Price: 16.99

The Crossover

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Josh "Filthy" and Jordan "JB" Bell are twins whose love of basketball is inspired and shared by their dad, who almost went pro before an injury he decided not to treat surgically destroyed his chances. Despite having pretty different personalities, the two brothers are close, until their eighth grade year, when JB gets a girlfriend, and Josh finds himself odd man out. It's also during this time that their father's health problems - hypertension and heart disease - begin spiraling out of control. Written in short, vibrant free verse poems, this moving novel told from Josh's perspective is engaging and there is enough basketball action described to pull in some of its major fans without alienating those in it for the family drama. While abundant foreshadowing of the climactic event ensures it will come as little surprise to readers, this doesn't lessen its emotional resonance. Readers who love basketball and/or are dedicated readers of contemporary fiction, will find plenty to keep them in thrall.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Kwame

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544107717

Price: 16.99

The Devil's Intern

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Eternal 17-year-old Mitchell Johnson has been in hell for four years since he was hit by a bus after he ran out into the street for a reason he now can't remember. He's made good friends with other damned souls there, including his best-friend-or-maybe-more-than-friend Melissa (called Medusa due to her unruly hair), who died in the late 1960's; Elinor, who died in the 1600's in the Great Fire of London; and Alfarin, a Viking warrior who was killed in battle. Upon discovering the existence of a time-travel device called a Viciseometer, he and his friends join together to travel to various points in history to stop each of their respective deaths. However, they find, as is so often the case with time travel stories, that they cannot undo events without causing a ripple effect that none of them wants. Comic details abound in this intricately (at times overly) plotted fantastical novel and readers who enjoy the banter that exists between love interests who protest a bit too strongly that they are only friends will find plenty to like here. Though the central mystery is resolved by the end, the conclusion seems to hint at a possible follow-up. Fans of paranormal romance who like their stories snarky and action-oriented rather than swooning will be the best audience for this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hosie, Donna

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823431953

Price: 16.95

The Chance You Won't Return

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

High school is hard enough for Alex Winchester but as her mother becomes more delusional she becomes more stressed. Her mother thinks she is Amelia Earhart and is planning her final flight. This coming of age story adds something different to the usual story, mental illness. Alex's mother has a nervous breakdown and Alex tries to take care of her siblings and her mother without telling her friends or boyfriend what she is going through. What she eventually finds out is that sharing with her friends will help her, and family is important and we love them no matter what.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cardi, Annie

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763662929

Price: 16.99

The Girls of Gettysburg

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

The story takes place in the summer of 1863. Annie disguises herself as a boy so she can join the Confederate army. Grace is a free black girl whose family owns a farm. Tillie is a spoiled white girl from a wealthy family. Their stories intertwine bringing the Battle of Gettysburg and the days leading up to it to life. Each girl's experiences give a unique perspective of this time in American history. The characters are well developed and engaging. I highly recommend this well researched historical novel for young readers. An author's note is included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Bobbi

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823431632

Price: 16.95

The Eye Of Zoltar

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

This is book 3 in the zany, comical Chronicles of Kazam fantasy series. As Fforde has achieved in his other novels in this series, there is head spinning witty wordplay, absurdity and satire rolled into a fast-paced adventure. New readers to this series can jump right in. Sixteen year old Jennifer Strange, stand in manager of the Kazam Mystical Arts Management and newly appointed Court magician must go on an search (not a quest, takes too long to get the license). Jennifer and her first date, who ages rapidly throughout, go into the Cambrian Empire, where only 50% of any party is predicted to survive, to bring back Colin the dragon who has become rubberized; locate a graveyard, pirate and a stone called the Eye of Zoltar all of which may or may not exist; while protecting a spoiled princess confined to her handmaiden's body to learn a lesson. If you give this hilarious novel a try, a Snodd dukedom may be conferred upon you which "allows the holder a twenty-five percent discount at the co-op, free bus and train travel, and two free seats at the Wimbledon finals every year." (p. 290)

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fforde, Jasper

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547738499

Price: 16.99

Catch a Falling Star

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library , Limington,ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Seventeen year old Carter is happy staying in her small home town of Little, CA working in her family's diner, and doing community service at the local old folks home. Teen movie star Adam Jakes needs some positive publicity, and while filming on location in Little he offers Carter a job as his pretend girlfriend. Carter's brother has a gambling addiction, not an issue often addressed in YA fiction, which brought an interesting angle to the story.The book also explores themes of growing up and leaving home, and growing as a person. Despite its predictability the light romance is enjoyable. The characters may lack a little depth - this book is fluff not grit, but it is good fluff. If you enjoy books such as This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, or movies like Win A Date With Tad Hamilton, then Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson is for you.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Culbertson, Kim

Publisher: Point/ Scholastic Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545627047

Price: 17.99

Best Lowly Worm Book Ever!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiiopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

Newly discovered and lovingly completed by Richard Scarry's son Huck, this Best Lowly Worm book ever is a treasure to add to new collections and old. Follow Lowly on his adventures to school, the farm, or just enjoy his busy day. There is plenty to see and discover. Don't forget to look for Goldbug on every page. This will be the book children will want to look at over and over again.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scarry, Richard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Golden Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387828

Price: 15.99

Miss Brooks' Story Nook

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Missy loves Miss Brooks' Story Nook before school. Missy usually takes the long way to school to miss being tormented by Billy Toomey, the neighborhood bully, but this morning it is raining and she was late. During the story time, the lights go out and Miss Brooks has the group make up their own stories. Everyone seems to have a story except Missy. She eventually begins a story about an Ogre which is developed as her classmates ask her questions. The story develops into a secret weapon that Missy uses to bolster her confidence in facing Billy T. before school the next day. This is a multi-layered story that delivers the inspiration for writing stories, ways to develop plot, supports school media specialists and provides a thread about bullying. Emberley's colorful, scanned watercolor painted illustrations show the multi-cultural class having distinct personalities and wardrobe choices. There is lots of white space on each spread that puts the various characters in the forefront. A good combination for the back and forth dialogue of the children while they are creating a story. Great for story times and discussions on the theme of bully prevention or storytelling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bottner, Barbara

Illustrator: Emberley, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449813287

Price: 16.99

Mortal Danger

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington,ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Edie has been bullied to the point of extremis? - suicide - when Kian shows up and offers her a deal. His boss will give her "three favors now in return for three favors later"?. Ann Aguirre's Razorland trilogy was a fantastic series, her new offering - Mortal Danger, book 1 in The Immortal Game trilogy - is a big disappointment. Even without being compared to the author's previous work it suffers in comparison to other offerings in its genre. Marketed as a revenge story with a Faustian premise it fails to make good on the revenge. Edie's desire for revenge wanes almost immediately. The books beginning chapters mishandle the subjects of teen suicide and bullying, and the intense emphasis on looks seems to validate the thought that being beautiful will change your life. The books saving grace may be that as you get further into the story several creepy entities are introduced and the book begins to lean towards more of a possible horror story. If this is the set up for the next installment of the series then book 2 may be much stronger as Aguirre's creepy people are genuinely creepy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Aguirre, Ann

Publisher: Feiwel And Friends/ Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, horror, romance, folklore

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250024640

Price: 17.99

Can You See a Chimpanzee?

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

To remember the three groups is really a snap! Just think M-A-P--- the three letters in map!

monkeys - apes - prosimians

The rhyming text in this book of the Learning Library makes learning about primates really fun and easy. Hard to pronounce words are sounded out for the reader and there is a glossary and index included.

copyright 2014

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Ruiz, Aristides

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375870741

Price: 9.99

Astray

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington,ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

In Astray, the sequel to her book Gated, Amy Christine Parker follows Lyla as she tries to adjust to life after leaving the cult in which she was raised. Lyla has been removed from her family and is now staying with the sheriff and his family, including son Cody - Lyla's love interest. The author does a great job at expressing Lyla's internal struggle with leaving all she has ever known behind and coming to terms with her childhood in the cult. Adjusting to life outside the Community is not easy, and the townspeople don't make it any easier for her. Lyla must also deal with truly seeing, for the first time in her life, how crazy the Community's blind allegiance to their leader, Pioneer, makes them seem. Things escalate as Pioneer's trial looms, and the Community's fervor takes a sinister turn. You do need to read the first book to really understand what is going on, but Astray is a much better read than Gated. The first book was slow, and lacked suspense. The sequel is suspenseful and engrossing, a nice psychological thriller.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parker, Amy Christine

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449816028

Price: 17.99

Time for Bed

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2014

Review

Such a soothing delight, this early age board book is the perfect bed time book. The storyline is brief but just right and it is paired with vivid tones that will capture the attention of 1-2 year old toddlers. Both the text and items portrayed are large scale and clearly portrayed. The shape of each page will intrigue little ones as they attempt to see more of the pictures.

As my grandson would say ?read again." This would make an excellent baby shower book and would circulate well in public library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: Horacek, Petr

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press (first US pub)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763667795

Price: 7.99

Andrew Draws

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

Andrew finds a crayon under the sofa and begins an adventure in drawing. He starts with barely recognizable pictures and progresses to images that are so lifelike they fly off the pages and are able to solve the world's big problems. Persistence and patience, helping others and following your passion are all themes included in this beautifully illustrated book for the K to Grade 2 reader. Similar to Harold and the Purple crayon, it would be good paired with that title and/or as an intro to an art project.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McPhail, David

Illustrator: McPhail, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430635

Price: 16.95

Wild Animal Neighbors: Sharing our Urban World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is a good introduction for middle grade readers to the topic of urban wildlife. The book examines seven species, touching on how these animals move in to urban settings, how they survive and the problems they often cause and encounter. The diverse conflicts and sometimes surprising solutions to protecting and co-existing with different species is clearly presented using engaging photographs and concise chapters. Abundant backwater includes an index, bibliography, source notes and lists of books and websites for further information. The Epilogue gives the authors insight into why this is an important issue and examples of what some cities have done to improve their design to accommodate wildlife.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Downer, Ann

Illustrator: Various Photographs,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780761390213

Price: 29.95

Manor of Secrets

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This historical novel seems to be selling itself on its similarities to "Downton Abbey." The writing is simple and predictable. The characters are believable but not extraordinary. Although the book describes itself as teen fiction, it is too immature in writing style and content for an older teen audience. Maybe I would recommend this novel to a middle school student that enjoys historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Longshore, Katherine

Publisher: Scholastic, Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545567589

Price: 17.99

Moldylocks and the Three Beards

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Princess who isn't like a princess at all feels a rumble in her tummy one night and falls through a portal into fairy tale land through her refrigerator. She meets a fairly well known fairy tale character with a slightly different name. Not Mother Goose but Mother Moose. This is the first in a series and the tales that are told in fake-believe are very creative and humorous. For readers who like fractured fairy tales this will be a great series to get into.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Noah Z.

Illustrator: Jones, Noah Z.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches an imprint of Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545638401

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger Class B.U.R.P

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This book is full of lots of interesting characters. From the main character who has a love of old comedians like Charlie Chaplin to his younger sister who is very unicorn obsessed. Also, we can't forget to mention his father who loves to decorate for Halloween but is stuck to a budget. Louie Burger is a boy who loves comedy and keeps a notebook of all his jokes and comic acts. Another thing that he keeps in that notebook are a list of acronyms of kinds of people there are at school. He is trying everything to not be a class B.U.R.P (Boy Used to Ridicule and Put-downs). The theme of trying to be popular is one of the main themes of this book but it is not until the end of the book that Louie realizes that popularity isn't everything and if you just use your strengths you'll be okay. I can see this book appealing to those readers who enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyerhoff, Jenny

Illustrator: Week, Jason

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374305215

Price: 13.99

The Garden Monster

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

There are three books so far in the Fiercely and Friends series. In this particular volume Fiercely the dog helps his girl and boy figure out what the mystery plant that is growing in their garden. It's a large plant and Fiercely's job is to protect the plant from things that might want to eat it. They all get ready for a vegetable parade and hope to win a medal. The illustrations are very bright, big and appealing. It would be nice to have a big salad in front of you when you are reading this because the pictures make you want to eat some vegetables. This is a great book to read in September during harvest time or in the summer for planting time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Giff, Patricia Reilly

Illustrator: Palmisciano, Diane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books and imprint of Scholastic Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545433792

Price: 16.99

Shark Kiss, Octopus Hug

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

A mediocre and forced tale of an Octopus who wants a kiss and a shark who wants a hug. Best friends who look at the people on the beach everyday and try to come up with schemes that will make it so in the end they get a hug or a kiss. The schemes they come up with are a bit "out-there" and it makes them seem like a crazy octopus and shark instead of someone you might actually want to kiss or hug. After coming up with lots of schemes that don't work they end up giving each other the kiss and hug that they desire. The illustrations are better than the text but those seem to be washed out and not bold and bright.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Reed, Lynn Rowe

Illustrator: Cornell, Kevin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzar and Bray and imprint of Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062203205

Price: 14.99

Six Feet Over It

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Longo takes a darkly comic setting--a family-owned cemetery--to explore themes of love, death, and guilt and gives them the voice of a sixteen-year-old girl named Leigh. Not much has gone easy in Leigh's life since she was born three months prematurely and not breathing. Her death-before-life has defined her and shaped her worldview. Then, in her mind at least, she is forced to choose caring for her critically ill sister and being with the only friend she's ever had. This choice leads to tragic consequences and an overwhelming burden of guilt. Adding to this felicity, Leigh's father makes her work in the cemetery office rather than pursue more typical high school activities. Fun stuff, right? And yet, it is. Following in the traces of Waugh's novel, The Loved One and the HBO series, Six Feet Under, Longo uses the business of death to explore life's enduring preoccupations: family, love, sex, and growth. Excellently voiced, paced, and "plotted," Six Feet Over It is COC.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Jennifer

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449818718

Price: 17.99

The Killing Woods

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

The "Woods"? are where Emily played as a child; where Damon played kinky sex games, and where Ashlee Parker was killed. Emily's father, a vet with PTSD, found Ashlee's body and carried it to his kitchen table. Now he is accused of her murder, and Emily must discover the truth. Told in the alternating voices of Emily and Damon, The Killing Woods is edgy and dark and a great read. Although the novel has received some luke-warm reviews, I think it is very fine, and recommend it for CREAM.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Christopher, Lucy

Publisher: Cicken House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545461009

Price: 17.99

Ship of Dolls

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

The author took a piece of history as the setting for this story of 11 year old Lexie who is living with her grandparents in Portland, Oregon, while her mom and new step dad earn a living as musicians. It is 1926 and Lexie is not happy living with a very strict grandmother who loves this child but wants her to "grow up right." Lexie's class has been raising money to buy a doll that will join thousands of others from all over the nation on a friendship voyage to Japan. This is the true part of the story - some 12,000 dolls were sent to Japanese girls to promote goodwill and peace between the 2 countries in a time of growing tension. The story has all the elements the reader is looking for - a friend, a mean, very mean girl at school, strict but loving grandparents, a mom who cares for her child but is not ready to give up her career to settle down, a mistake, consequences, a bit of heartbreak, and a resolution. An excellent story, a glimpse at a small piece of history, and what is important in life.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction, historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763670030

Price: 16.99

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Yes, another dystopian YA novel: but Kwaymullina, an indigenous Australian, has imbued her novel with a sensibility wholly different from the usual. The "interrogation"? of the title involves a fiendish experimental device that can reveal the victim's memories. Ashala has been captured. If she is subjected to interrogation, she may reveal the existence of her tribe of children with special gifts that the bad guys want destroyed less they upset the delicate balance achieved after an ecological cataclysm. Ashala herself can "sleep walk,"? while others can see possible futures and affect memory. These abilities and the character of Ashala herself give the novel a vibrancy that is missing from so many teen novels written lately. CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kwaymullina, Ambelin

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy, science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669881

Price: 17.99

Tremor

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is the second in the Pulse Series. "Pulse"? is telekinetic power that many in this post-apocalyptic world possess. But it is not limitless. They are all subject to an individual sort of "kryptonite"? that can destroy them. A very few people have a second pulse: they are almost indestructible. Faith and Dylan are two such, and together they try to save the world from the bad guys, who have second pulses of their own. Excellent character development and truly thrilling action make this an excellent choice for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carman, Patrick

Publisher: Katherine Tegen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062085801

Price: 17.99

Egg & Spoon

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Elena and Ekaterina are two Russian girls living in the waning days of the Tsar. Elena is poor, with a dying mother for whom she is the sole support, her brothers having been conscripted by the army or taken as a servant. Ekaterina is from a noble family. When the train on which Ekaterina and her family are traveling is forced to stop in Elena's village, the two girls meet, and, through a series of wonderfully improbable circumstances, switch places in classic prince and the pauper fashion. Then, the fun starts. Through the voices of the girls, an imprisoned monk, and a string-theory Baba Yaga, Maguire weaves a fabulous tale with a modernist edge. Absolute CREAM.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Maguire, Gregory

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy, historical fiction, folklore

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672201

Price: 17.99

Vango: Between Sky and Earth

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2014

Review

With his true, old-fashioned adventure story, complete with zeppelins, Nazis, Soviet assassins, and a boy of mysterious origin, Fombelle evokes Herge and Kenneth Oppel. All of the characters are fully realized, especially Vango himself and the strong young women with whom he becomes involved. Beautifully translated by Sarah Ardizzone, Vango will be a wonderful introduction of Fombelle to young American readers. Absolutely first rate.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

de Fombelle, Timothee

Publisher: Candelwick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763671969

Price: 17.99

Ghost Walls: Story of a 17th Century Colonial Homestead

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

In 1638, John Lewger made a home in what is now Maryland. He called this home St. Johns and it stood for some 80 years. It was his home, his place of business, and a center point of the new community that was somewhat unique for its time. All men and women lived and worked together, the first African-American man voted inside its walls. It was gone 100 years later and no plans or sketches of the home have ever been found. In 1962, the archaeologists arrived and have been putting together the physical attributes of the house and surrounding land and buildings ever since. Author Walker takes the reader on the journey of these first Americans, their hopes, dreams, how their society worked and how they lived and died. She also explains to the scientist in us how one goes about putting the bits and pieces of a past life together through fragments buried in the dirt. The layers of dirt tell a story, they even found where the outhouse was and it told a lot! The book includes drawings of what St. Johns looked like , actual artifacts and what their use was,why it was built where it was, what each room was used for, and a few mysteries that were solved and some not yet solved. It gives the reader a peek at what 1600 Maryland was like, how it was colonized, who lived there and why and the impact a single dwelling had then and now. Well written, lots of information easily understood, lots of source notes, a timeline, further reading and index.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Sally M

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: CarolRhoda/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780761354086

Price: 20.95

Recycling Day

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

A good deal of information is provided in this picture book concerning recycling, composting, and landfills. Although written as a story about a vacant lot that becomes a neighborhood trash heap this book will attract young readers who prefer non-fiction titles. Through the use of text boxes the author shares additional information which supports the story.

Recycling Day would be very useful when primary classrooms discuss recycling and should make a good addition to a program on Earth Day.

The illustrations are not the strong feature and the rats are menacing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Edward

Illustrator: Miller, Edward

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823424191

Price: 16.95

A Death-Struck Year

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2014

Review

Lucier's timely novel set during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic introduces us to Cleo Berry, a seventeen-year-old orphan who leaves the safety of her boarding school to volunteer in the Red Cross when the flu extends its claws to the West Coast. Unsparing in her depiction of the flu's predations and the fear of contagion that spreads even more rapidly, Lucier gives us a young woman whose courage is fully equal to anything that has emerged in any of the recent dystopias, and reminds us that historical events can grip us every bit as much as the imagined future. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lucier, Makiia

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544164505

Price: 17.99

The Mouse Who Ate the Moon

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

The story of Little Mouse who loves to look up at the moon. He is so enamored with the moon- he wishes he had a piece. Lo and behold the next morning a "piece" has fallen from the sky - it looks good enough to eat and that is what Little Mouse does- nibbles a piece and then another until there is just a sliver left! Now our readers will notice that the "piece" he finds is not the moon - but a banana! Horrified at what he has done, our hungry mouse tells all who meet him what he has done and now the moon will not be round anymore. His friends,finally show him that what he has done has not affected the moon. A story of love and friendship,love of our brightest night time light, friendship of friends who ensure their friend he really did not eat a piece of the moon! Text that is easy to follow, funny, and in its own way tells our youngest readers a bit of about the moon. The illustrations are big, bright, carry the text and are engaging to both reader and listener. I read it to my story time group and it was a hit! Add to your collection!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: Horacek, Petr

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763670597

Price: 15.99

Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and their noses) Save the World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

The power of a dog's sense of smell is celebrated here in all its glory. From the familiar bloodhounds and bomb sniffing dogs to the less well known medical alert service or biodetection dogs the common thread is the trainer's dedication and the dogs unfailing willingness to work. Early chapters explain the science behind a dog's keen sense of smell and some history of peoples reliance on working dogs. Later chapters focus on individual human/canine teams to illustrate the varied and heroic ways these dogs improve our health, safety and peace of mind. The book is chock full of information that is well written and organized including many engaging, poignant photographs. This inspiring book leaves readers with the sense that a dog's sniffing ability is a powerful tool that can be used in countless ways, some yet to be discovered.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Castaldo, Nancy F.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544088931

Price: 16.99

Shh! We Have a Plan

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This is CREAM! On the front cover flap, at the top there is a quote: "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstein. Four friends go into the woods and see a beautiful bird - 3 concoct a plan to capture this bird and of course, the plan fails. They follow the bird and concoct another plan - which again fails. The hunt continues and our listeners laugh at each failure - Eventually, the 4th friend knows how to make friends and enjoy the beauty of the bird without capturing it. The book is perfect! A true picture book, with the illustrations supporting the minimal text. Blue and black are the primary colors of the illustrations which are large, simple and more like a child has drawn than a grownup. The story - you get more with honey than vinegar. When you think the 3 have "got it" - another animal is the subject of their interest and "a plan" is put into practice. Your library has to share a copy with both children and their parents!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Haughton, Chris

Illustrator: Haughton, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672935

Price: 15.99

Buzz kill

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

A very fast-paced intriguing mystery that has a main character who loves Nancy Drew and is a little like Veronica Mars. One day during a football game Senior Millie starts to create a list of the people who would like to see the Head Football coach dead. One of those suspects is a very hot quarterback with a past. As Millie tries to figure out who the murderer is she also mourns her mother who died of cancer,tries to protect her father who is also a suspect and falls in love with the hot quarterback with a past. Fantaskey creates some great characters to help Millie find who did the murders including a very important endearing character who just happens to be a librarian. The author really knows how to keep you reading and keep you guessing until the very end.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fantaskey, Beth

Publisher: Houghlton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054739310

Price: 17.99

The Amazing Travels of IBN BATTUTA

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

In the Muslim tradition - a lifetime goal is to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. This is the true story of Ibn Battuta, a 21 year old man who lived in 1300 Morocco. He begins a journey that will take him almost 30 years to finish. He kept a diary of his travels both to Mecca to complete his Hajj, and then throughout Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa.The reader begins in Mecca where the author explains what Ibn encounters and then we follow him as he journeys throughout the known world. What is so striking are the colored pencil illustrations done in the style of the Middle East- like the designs you would see on mosques. They make the words come to life- you can feel what it was like because of the illustrations. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book. My only concern is how widely it will go out. I think it is an important book in that it gives our readers a wider scope of the world.This is a book that will gain readership through word of mouth and exposing teachers and parents to its worth.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sharafeddine, Fatima

Illustrator: Ali, Intelaq Mohammed

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Groundwood/House of Ananzi Bks

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781554984800

Price: 17.95

Pants for Chuck

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This is an easy reader book in the format of a picture book with lots of white space and a single line of text per page in a large font. The animals in the backyard are playing, running and climbing with Big Chuck, the woodchuck. When they come upon a discarded doll, Chuck tries on the doll's pants. He checks himself in the mirror, but doesn't listen to his friends that the pants are too small and he tries to play, run and climb as before but with much difficulty. The story provides repetition of words and actions to support the new reader. The illustrations provide a layer of sophistication to the story from the front end page which sets the scene with a child in the window to the back end page which may have the reader wondering if the story happened or if the child in the window was imagining it. Most of the illustrations show expression and action, although one picture of Chuck running has an awkward stiff pose to his back feet like he is stuffed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schories, Pat

Illustrator: Schories, Pat

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: I LIKE TO READ/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430666

Price: 14.95

Stray

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This is the first book of the Four Sister Novels. Princess Aislynn, with the help from her fairy godmother, has been able to hide the magic inside her and stay on the designated path for her status until tonight, the ball of her possible betrothal. When her adviser pushes her too far, she reacts magically which changes her path, her promise of happily ever after and the requirements she must live under. As she makes new connections while in training as a fairy godmother plots, rumors and dangerous magic are revealed. Aislynn is a strong main character who must overcome not only her own out of control magic tendencies, but must seek out which rules of conduct to follow and which people to place her loyalty. Sussman has placed all the normal fairy tale elements in a dystopian type fantasy world where all women seem to naturally have magic that needs to be contained. Dreams become reality, forbidden love blooms, magic is misunderstood and brambly dark forests with evil persons abound. The story has just the right amount of tension and suspenseful evil to draw in new readers to fantasy and fairy tales. A map in the front of the book, illustrated by Peterschmidt, provides a additional understanding of the world. The ending leaves an opening for the planned companion book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sussman, Elissa

Illustrator: Peterschmidt, Betsy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062274557

Price: 17.99

Parched

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Well, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Among all Dystopian Fiction this one will stand out because not only is there a group going against the head government but there are robots that are helpful, murderous and a love interest. Tess leaves the comfortable existence she has in Eden to go out into the Badlands because her mom is dead and the robot that her mom was working on had a big part in that tragedy. Water is a very valuable but scarce resource in the Badlands. One day a girl comes to find Tess to come back to Eden to be apart of a group called Kudzu to help fight the Trust. While getting used to living in Eden again Tess has to deal with many struggles and has to decided if being a part of Kudzu is the best thing for her. This book brings forth some issues on conservation, loving a machine, and fighting for others.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Clark, Georgia

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429493

Price: 17.95

Construction

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This picture book is the perfect mix of rhyme and sounds to make a construction story time hum. The easy on the eyes font is bold, dark and large. Sutton takes the readers from the breaking of the ground, to the building the outside structure, to the running of the pipes, painting of the sheet rock to the completed building. It's a library! Lovelock's pigmented ink illustrations show a variety of perspectives when viewing the various construction workers doing their jobs. Workers wear safety equipment and male, female and people of color are all represented. The style does not show clear facial features, but that works to draw attention to the larger theme of construction. Young truck and building enthusiasts will want this repeated, again. Useful for story time, construction and building themes or browsing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Brian, Lovelock

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673253

Price: 15.99

Bruno and Titch: A Tale of a Boy and His Guinea Pig

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

One day a very inventive kid named Bruno who likes to wear a stainer on his head buys Titch who is very excited about going to live in a Big Person's house. Bruno keeps Titch busy with all sorts of things that he builds. The best thing that he builds is a great house for Titch. Even though Bruno isn't quite a big person Titch is very happy with Bruno.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dempsey, Sheena

Illustrator: Dempsey, Sheena

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673161

Price: 16.99

The Orphan and the Mouse

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

This old-fashioned story takes place in an orphanage in Philadelphia in 1949. Mary, a mouse, is an art thief . Caro, an orphan, is a sweet and responsible girl. They work together to solve a crime involving the director of the orphanage and a missing infant. This well written mystery/fantasy is fast paced and full of adventure. It would make a wonderful read aloud. E.B. White's "Stuart Little"? is mentioned several times in the book which adds a nice touch for those familiar with this classic title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Freeman, Martha

Illustrator: McPhail, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type:

Genre: adventure, fantasy, mystery

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823431670

Price: 16.95

The Castle Behind Thorns

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - MSAD #6 - retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

Sand, a 13 year old blacksmith's apprentice awakens to find himself in a ruined castle with no memory of how he got there. Everything has been split apart in a long ago event know as The Sundering and here seems to be nothing alive in the abandoned castle - not a spider or a bird. The castle is surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns so there is no escape. Sand sets about repairing the broken things in the castle , he survives on food that although it is old hasn't spoiled, time seems to have stopped. As he explores the castle he finds a crypt and the perfectly preserved body of a young princess - who then seems to awaken from death.

The theme of Sleeping Beauty runs through this engaging tale. It is mysterious from the start, and when Perotte, the young princess is resureccted, the mystery deepens. Was she really dead ? Who or what was responsible for her death and the sundering of the castle? The reader follows Sand and Perotte, 3 dimensional, likable characters, as they puzzle out the answer to these questions. This is a mystery, a coming of age story, there are elements of time travel and fantasy - all pulled together with fascinating details that set the time and the place. Young readers will be riveted.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haskell, Merrie

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy, folklore

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062008190

Price: 16.99

Lord and Lady Bunny - Almost Royalty!

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - MSAD #6 retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

This is the second book starring Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, their friend Madeline and her flaky, hippy parents, Flo and Mildred. The author (allegedly Mrs. Bunny) catches us up with the Bunny's previous detective adventures in the first chapter - they helped responsible, practical Madeline recover her parents who had been kidnapped by foxes.

In this story, the characters find themselves on a cruise ship heading for England. Madeline, Flo and Mildred have inherited a candy store in the English village of Bellyflop and are hoping to earn enough money to buy some land and start an organic market garden. Mrs Bunny has decided she wants to be queen - so naturally she and Mr. Bunny set off to London.

What follows are the adventures of the quirky bunnies - Mr. Bunny finds himself on stage in a Shakespearean play, Mrs. Bunny meets a Rowling-ish fellow author in a hilarious book signing event. Flo and Mildred manage -with Madeline's help- to make a go of the candy store. The over the top dialogue and comical situations result in a delightfully silly story. Readers will be reaching for their dictionaries to decode challenging vocabulary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Horvath, Polly

Illustrator: Blackall, Sophie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307980656

Price: 16.99

Timmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Timmy Failure returns in book two of the humorous chapter book series. Timmy, who fancies himself a world-class detective, is determined to win his school's detective contest. When he misses the deadline, Timmy will do anything to enter the contest in another school including getting kicked out of school so he can attend Glouberman Academy for "bad kids."? Reluctant readers will easily become hooked on this outrageous, slapstick story filled with polar bear sidekicks, a great aunt on roller skates, voodoo dolls and underwear jokes. Even though the characters are one-dimensional and the plot is thin, the book serves its purpose: to motivate kids to read and make readers laugh.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763660512

Price: 14.99

Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Young Readers will enjoy learning about animals from the African grasslands in this nonfiction poetry picture book. Each two-page spread features a free verse poem about a different animal and is accompanied by an expository paragraph. Latham uses a lyrical style to describe various animals including meerkats, black mambas and giraffes in these carefully crafted poems. High interest facts are included in the informational paragraphs and may motivate readers to read more about the animals. The whimsical illustrations will appeal to children. Back matter includes a glossary and a list of books and websites for further reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Latham, Irene

Illustrator: Wadham, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467712323

Price: 17.95

The Murder Complex

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Fans of Marie Lu's Legend trilogy and Elsie Chapman's Dueled will be drawn to the premise of Lindsay Cummings The Murder Complex (The Murder Complex #1). Zephyr has been programmed to kill, Meadow has been raised to survive (i.e. kill). The two of them live in a militant dystopian city surrounded by a wall, and when their paths cross their lives will be forever changed. The dual narratives of Meadow and Zephyr are so indistinguishable that sometimes the only indicator as to which character is currently narrating is the chapter heading, and since some of the chapters are no more than a page long it is easy to become confused. Add to that the illogical world building, and the repeated instances of contrived coincidences to further the plot, and you end up with a disappointing addition to the genre.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Cummings, Lindsay

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/ HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062220004

Price: 17.99

Uncaged

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Uncaged, the first book in John Sandford's new YA series The Singular Menace, is an action-thriller movie waiting to happen. Sixteen-year-old Shay Remby's older brother Odin gets himself mixed up with an animal rights group and disappears after things go wrong during a break in at a lab doing animal testing. Trying to find her brother will take Shay from her foster home in Oregon to the streets of L.A. where the enigmatic Twist takes her in. Soon the two of them, along with a few other new allies, find themselves in the fight of their lives. The Singular corporation is into far more than animal experimentation, and saving Odin may mean exposing it all. The fast-paced, action-based plot along with strong female characters should give the book appeal to male and female readers. The tone of the writing is a bit grittier than the average YA and may be more appealing to older teens and adults. This first installment ends with just enough plot points wrapped up to keep the reader from pulling their hair out, but leaves you hanging for book two, and wondering how long it will take for this series to get a movie deal.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sandford, John

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/ Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385753067

Price: 18.99

Revolution

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Set during the "Freedom Summer"? in Mississippi, the second entry in Wiles' Sixties trilogy tells the story of Sunny - a white girl - as she watches her town react to the Civil Rights Act and Freedom Summer while also coming to terms with having a new stepmother. Alternating chapters tell the story of African-American Ray as he struggles against Jim Crow laws. Described as a "documentary novel,"? Wiles intersperses the fictional stories with snippets of history and biographical information (e.g., Lyndon Johnson). The book is very visual - photographs, posters, and song lyrics are scattered throughout the book. This was such a fun read and so well written, but the binding is absolutely wrong for this series. The book is so lengthy and so visual and the binding is so tight, that this is a difficult book to actually hold and read. It would have worked much better in a larger size to allow for a reduction in the total number of pages. Volume one - Countdown, an ALA Notable Book - was set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wiles, Deborah

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545106078

Price: 19.99

Surrounded by Sharks

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Having read the dust jacket, I was curious to know how an entire book could be written about a boy pulled out to sea but Northrop managed to do just that. Davey wakes up early while on a family vacation on an island off the Florida Keys. He decides to wade into the ocean but doesn't realize there is a dangerous rip tide until it's too late. Oh, and there are sharks in the water with him. A good middle school adventure/survival story which builds to a very satisfying climax. Should appeal to reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545615457

Price: 17.99

The Shadow Lantern

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Choose Library District

Review Date: November 1, 2014

Review

At first this book was very hard to get into but when I got back to it, I really grew to like it. This is the final installment in a trilogy with the central characters, Sunni and Blaise and artist-magician Fausto Carvo and Corvo's arch enemy, Soranzo. The other books in the trilogy are, The Black Enigma and The Crimson Shard. The book is chock full of mystery, adventure with a touch of horror. The book is chock full of Ouija Boards, ghosts and specters and travel and adventure. The writing and language is charming. Few illustrative touches here and there in black and white.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Flavin, Teresa

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery, horror

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763664367

Price: 15.99

Beetle Boy

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Charlie Porter is crashing on his girlfriend's sleeper sofa while recuperating from an injury. Through nightmares of larger than life beetles and stilted conversations with his girlfriend he seems to be trying to work out some of his childhood demons. When Charlie was young, his mother left Charlie and his brother with his ne’er-do-well father who moved them into a cramped, run-down apartment. One night in an effort to comfort his father, Charlie told his father a story he learned from his mother about a beetle. Charlie's father published these stories and trotted Charlie ?sometimes dressed in a beetle costume -- around the region to author events billing him as the world's youngest published author." Along the way, Charlie befriended a fellow author, Mrs. M., and ended up living with her for awhile. This is such a sad book with an almost-redemptive ending. Readers of this novel will clearly come to understand the lingering effect of childhood trauma.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willey, Margaret

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467726399

Price: 17.95

Perfectly Good White Boy

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

A very realistic novel, Mesrobian has a knack for portraying teenage boys. Sean, a perfectly average boy, grapples with the usual teen boy angst - girls, high school, family, and life after high school. He spends time hanging with friends, having sex with his girlfriend and then hooking up with her after they break up, developing a strong friendship with a female co-worker who has her own sex/hooking up issues, and dealing with the aftermath and emotions of his parents' divorce which involves an alcoholic father and harsh financial conditions. An excellent coming-of-age story. Probably best for older teens due to all the sex.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mesrobian, Carrie

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467734806

Price: 17.95

Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

As a recent offering in the "Scientists in the field" series this book covers a lot of territory and examines several species. Carson and Uhlman start their journey at Yellowstone National park where they reveal the extent of scientific data continually being collected by staff geologists. Wildlife biologists monitor the grizzly bear population in the great Yellowstone ecosystem. Within Saguaro National Park gila monsters are studied by herpetologist and citizen scientist. Animals and cacti are tracked and counted by park biologist as well as students while taking part in BioBlitz. An evolutionary ecologist searches for salamanders in Great Smoky Mountain National Park as another scientist prepares for the rarely seen synchronous firefly display in the park.

The photographs are rich in detail and show off the natural beauty of plants, animals and the parks. The glossary is excellent and each park has a nice informational page. This series entry would have benefited from a more complete introduction of the scientists; it is difficult to discern between park staff, other agency scientists, and university professors. The title seems to focus on half of the scientific study mentioned in the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carson, Mary Kay

Illustrator: Uklman, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcoourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547792682

Price: 18.99

Find Me Where the Water Ends

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

"Find me where the water ends" wraps up the "So close to me" trilogy in a tight package. Lydia is a complex character who sustains injury during time travel events. Her emotional state spirals as she begins to see what life could be in the future just as she realizes that love and trust are the strongest ties.

This trilogy is well written, full of action, intrigue and a tad of romance. Young female teens are sure to search libraries and book stores for all three titles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carter, Rachel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Hamper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction, romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062081117

Price: 17.99

The Story of Owen, Dragon Slayer of Trondheim

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

This is a story about a teenager named Owen that happens to be a dragon slayer. Now, there is no magic in this story other than the dragons. Owen lives in our world so to speak but is filled with people eating dragons that need to be slayed. The world in this story has had dragons forever and dragon slayers are the only thing that can stop them - which means kill them. Owen is training to do this and with the help of a high school friend, Siobhan, he might end up being a famous one! People getting eaten by a dragon isn't funny, but this story and the way it's told has quite a bit of humor in it. The story is told from Siobhan's viewpoint and she has a pretty good sense of humor. I will say that a few of the historical connections were a bit hard to follow sometimes but the book was still great and full of humor and adventure. For grades 6-9. I would give this almost 5 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnston, E.K.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467710664

Price: 17.95

Hooray for Hat!

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Have you ever had a grumpy day? In this adorable and deceivingly simple story, Elephant is having a grumpy day when his door bell rings. Outside he finds a present - a stack of hats. As soon as he puts the stack of hats on his head, he is immediately cheered up, Hooray for Hat! Elephant wants to show his friend, Zebra. The only problem is that Zebra is grumpy too. So Elephant shares his gift and gives Zebra one of his hats. Elephant and Zebra set off to show their hats to their friend Turtle, but they find that Turtle is having a grumpy day too. Soon Elephant is cheering up all of his friends by sharing his hats. Author and Illustrator, Brian Won creates brightly pastel colored illustrations which draw the readers attention to the animals expressive faces that harmonize perfectly with the text. A simple message of friendship and kindness with repeat phrases is perfect for a pre-K-2 audience and for anyone who needs to be cheered up - Hooray for Hat!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Won, Brian

Illustrator: Won, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544159037

Price: 16.99

The Troublemaker

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

What's a little boy to do when he is bored? Why, bother his sister of course! The main character in Lauren Castillo's The Troublemaker decides that he is a pirate and decides to cause a little mischief. Along with his trusty sidekick, Rascal, his stuffed Raccoon, the little boy plunders some rope (his sister's shoe lace), a blindfold (his sister's scarf) and prisoner (his sister's stuffed bunny)! Soon the little pirate gets caught by Mom and needs to give everything back. He seems to have learned his lesson but when bunny goes missing again, the little boy is the the number one suspect. That is until Rascal also goes missing. Who is the real troublemaker this time? Castillo uses minimal text to tell this delightfully funny story. However, her clever pen and ink and water color illustrations add so much more and tell the story of the real troublemaker. Recommended for a pre-K-2 audience.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Castillo, Lauren

Illustrator: Castillo, Lauren

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780547729916

Price: 16.99

Elmer and the Monster

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

A new addition to the Elmer the Patchwork Elephant series. Elmer the patchwork elephant is taking a walk when he hears a terrible ROAR! Then he comes upon his jungle animal friends who are running in the opposite direction. Elmer's friends warn him that their is a monster in the jungle! Curious, Elmer decides to investigate. Eventually Elmer finds the monster, a little blue puff ball, named Bloo-Bloo, and realizes that Bloo-Bloo is just as scared of the jungle animals as they are of him. This simple message of bravery combined with David McKee's colorful illustrations and suspenseful story will definitely keep the attention of young readers. This story would work well in monster themed read aloud. Recommended for a pre-K-2 audience.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

McKee, David

Illustrator: McKee, David

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Andersen Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467742009

Price: 16.95

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

The Ricky Ricotta early chapter book series has been reprinted with new, full color illustrations by Dan Santat. Newly independent readers will devour these exciting fantasy stories featuring a young mouse named Ricky Ricotta. When Dr. Stinky McNasty's robot creation goes awry, Ricky befriends the robot and helps him use his power to fight evil and keep bullies away. Santat's comic book style illustrations capture the excitement of the story, which is perfect for young readers looking for an action-packed book with accessible text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545631068

Price: 15.99

In The End

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

The conclusion to In the After, In the End shows us a world where humanity has been invaded by powerful, violent creatures with incredible strength and senses. Our protagonist is a young woman named Amy who grew up during the invasion and saved a toddler who she named "Baby" and raised upon her own. In the conclusion of the last book Amy reunited with her mother and left Baby in her care at a fortified town. In this book things begin early on as Amy is delivered the chilling news that Baby has ended up in the hands of a sadistic scientist that runs the fortified town, and that she's being used for experiments.

Amy's strong desire to protect Baby at all costs are strongly humanizing elements that are easy to empathize with, drawing the reader in and giving lost of support to the main character and her struggles. In addition to a very human story of saving an innocent, the series delves into the science behind the invaders and reveals a strong twist regarding their origins. For lovers of post-apocalyptic fiction this is a very strong series and I would recommend it to any fan of the genre, particularly to those who enjoy a positive ending.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lunetta, Demitria

Publisher: Harperteen/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction, horror

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062105486

Price: 17.99

Graduation Day

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

The Third of the Testing series, Cia has been undergoing a process known as the Testing, a process undergone by all potential leaders of the community, and usually conducted in ways that leave the participants with no memories of what happened. Cia does remember, and has learned that the Testing is violent, inhumane, and covers layers of secret corruption and control within her government. She has to navigate murderous intrigue and politics to find ways to end the barbaric practice, but who can she trust, and who will she be putting into danger along the way.

I can't really put my finger on why, but I felt like this series never really 'clicked' well. There was no single element that really stood out as to why, but this series didn't grab me deeply enough to leave me really hungry from the next one. It was a decent series, but not one that comes in at the top of the list.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Charbonneau, Joelle

Publisher: Houghton MIfflin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054795921

Price: 17.99

Little Boo

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

Little Boo tells the story of a pumpkin seed who wants to be scary. He tries to scare the falling leaves, the garden grubs and the first snowflakes of the season, by yelling boo! but no one seems to be bothered by the little seed. This makes Little Boo very sad until his friend, the wind, encourages him to be patient, telling Little Boo "You'll be scary soon enough." Little Boo waits through the long winter and then in the spring he starts to grow into a pumpkin plant. All summer he tries to scare bugs, shovels and buckets but he is still not scary. Finally as autumn comes around again, Little Boo has grown into a big pumpkin. He is carved into a jack o'lantern and on Halloween night his wish finally comes true! This adorable story combines the life cycle of a seed with Halloween fun. The illustrations are colorful, do a beautiful job of conveying the changing seasons and work well with the text. Recommended for pre-K-2 audience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wunderli, Stephen

Illustrator: Zeltner, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805097085

Price: 16.99

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cats

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Dept., Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2014

Review

This is another book in the excellent "Scientists in the Field" series. Bishop's amazing photographs immediately draw readers into the story of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and scientist Laurie Maker and her team of scientists and students who are fighting to save cheetahs from extinction in Namibia. The Center also raises goats and dogs. The dogs will protect livestock from predators such as cheetahs so farmers will not need to shoot predatory cheetahs. The goats are there to train the dogs. Readers will be captivated by the illustrations. The text does a good job of conveying the importance of the task and all that is being done to insure success. This is the kind of book that can evoke passion in a young reader and lead them to learn more. Another excellent entry in this already excellent series. Starred in Hornbook.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Bishop, Nic

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 97805478015497

Price: 18.99

Baby Animal Farm

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

A sweet board book that follows five toddlers on a visit to a baby animal farm. The soft illustrations done in lithographic crayon and watercolor go well with the text. Short sentences, animals are identified, then the animal sounds. "Follow the ducklings. Quack, quack, quack" are age appropriate for the target audience. Well done.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blair, Karen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670696

Price: 6.99

Demolicion

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

This is the Spanish edition of Demolition. Although the rhyme doesn't translate, it still has great use of action words and sounds. This is set on a construction site to follow a building being demolished, the site cleaned and turned into a playground. Illustrations go well with the text. Prepare to read it many times as it will become a favorite.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Lovelock, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763670313

Price: 6.99

Have You Heard the Nesting Bird?

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2014

Review

We are introduced to the songs of multiple bird species, with the repeated refrain of "but have you heard the nesting bird" to remind us that this one is quiet. Each page introduces a new species, including a written translation of what their song sounds like, enabling adults to approximate the song for children. The watercolor and digital media art looks as though it is painted on wood. Perspectives change from eye level to above and below the pictured bird. Questions in the back are answered by the robin herself, giving children more information about the nesting process and respecting nests. It is only in these endnotes that we learn of the song of the robin; from the text some children may assume they don't sing at all. Notes on the verso refer readers to the Annenberg Foundation's website to hear the robin call. Although thanked in the credits, it is surprising that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website is not referenced, since it includes 592 bird species including most calls. Overall, a great addition to spring storytimes!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Rita

Illustrator: Pak, Kenard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544105805

Price: 16.99

Oh So Brave Dragon

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 26, 2014

Review

Another winning book from author David Kirk (whose earlier books include: Oh So tiny Bunny, Miss Spider's Tea Party) this playful, beautifully illustrated story of a brave little dragon will not disappoint. Everyone can relate to being scared and the challenge of being brave, especially little children. The story follows a little dragon who hears a noise in the woods and although he "roars" back still finds himself in need of help from his little friends who provide additional roars that are needed to keep the presumed monster at bay. The illustrations in this book are over the top fantastic -- bright bold colors depicting the main character, the "brave" little dragon accompanied by the endearing animals from the woods. They are balanced by plenty of white space with easy to read text. A great read-aloud at storytime, this story would work well as an interactive story having young listeners take on the part of the various animals in the story and provide their "roars." The illustrations are so well done, you will want to re-read and follow the dragon's tail on every page which provides an interesting design device.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kirk, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250016898

Price: 17.99

Rules of Summer

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2014

Review

The summary says it's about two brothers who review the "rules they learned over the summer." The rules are rather straightforward--know your way home, never lose a fight--but it's the illustrations that make this book special. Not the cute, sweet, warm brotherly drawings. They're almost harsh, rather strange--almost alien-like--but they are fantastic! This is a very sophisticated picture book, for the older reader to take in both word and illustration!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tan, Shaun

Publisher: Arthur Levine / Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545639125

Price: 18.99

Milo and Millie

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2014

Review

This is a simple tale about Millie and her stuffed bear Milo. They are going on a sailing adventure and they have many mishaps along the way, including fearsome frogs and storms. At the very end of their trip they encounter a swirling whirlpool but are saved just in the nick of time and just in time for bed. There are minimum words on each page and delightful muted illustrations. Of course, we deduce that they have really been taking a bath before bed. Perhaps this will entice little ones who otherwise might be frightened or unwilling, to enjoy their bath rather than dread it. To top it all off, there are instructions about how to make a boat out of a piece of paper. What fun!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Robaard, Jedda

Illustrator: Robaard, Jedda

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763667832

Price: 14.99

Superworm

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2014

Review

This book about Superworm in rhyming text is hilarious. Superworm is a friend to all so when he is threatened by Wizard Lizard, all his friends must devise a way to come to his rescue! The illustrations are perfection, spot-on, and expressive. This will be a fantastic and amusing read-aloud.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054559176

Price: 16.99

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 14, 2014

Review

Lewis and Florian have a winner with this book. The poems all center around imaginative, silly cars/vehicles. The rhymes are fun, easy to understand (with a few references that might have to be explained, but don't detract much from the overall context, ie, Zanzibar, Model T), and appeal to the silliness of childhood. Who doesn't want a "Banana Split Car?" The illustrations by Jeremy Holmes can be studied--they have depth and great movement. The colors are appealing and the cars are given character (in a better-than-Disney way). Highly recommended - as a read-aloud, as a book to give to a child who would pour over the pictures, for use with an older elementary student studying poetry.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lewis, J. Patrick

Illustrator: Holmes, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375866906

Price: 17.99

Demolition

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

Written with rhyming text, this board book is set on a construction site to follow a building being demolished, and the site cleared and turned into a playground. Great use of action words and sounds. Illustrations go well with the text. Prepare to read it many times as it will become a favorite!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Lovelock, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763664930

Price: 6.99

Tulip Loves Rex

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

A sweet story about a young girl that loves to dance. She finds a dog, Rex, that's not typical -- he loves to dance. The two dance together and at the end Rex finds the perfect home. This lovely story has beautiful, fun pictures. The dancing between the dog and little girl will appeal to lots of of readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin

Illustrator: Massini, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062094131

Price: 17.99

The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees

Reviewed by: Danielle K. Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2014

Review

The cover gives the impression that this is a sweet storybook about honeybees, when in fact it is a very important book describing the life and work of the bee and how it effects our lives. It explains why we need honeybees, their crucial importance to the human race and our food supply. It also tells us of the mystery of worldwide loss in the honeybee population. There is no clear cut answers to this problem. Author's note, facts, ways to help honeybees and Global Rescue efforts are included as well as glossary and websites.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467705929

Price: 29

Monkey Me and the Golden Monkey

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Part graphic novel, this is a fun story of an energetic boy who turns into a monkey when he gets too excited. His sister is there to help him calm down and turn into a boy. Memorable characters and a bit of mystery make this an excellent book for read alouds and independent readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, Timothy

Illustrator: Roland, Timothy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches / Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545559768

Price: 4.99

Richard Scarry's Best Bunny Book Ever!

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - retired, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2014

Review

A collection of three bunny stories originally published separately over fifty years ago which still entertain readers today. This book contains: Naughty Bunny, Bunnies (formerly titled The Bunny Book), and The Bunny Book by Patsy Scarry. Young readers will delight in the stories of the cute, cuddly bunnies shown through beautifully timeless illustrations. A good addition for any collection whose copies are sure to be well-loved and worn out.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scarry, Richard

Publisher: Golden Books / Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385384674

Price: 6.99

Hi, Koo! A Year of Seasons

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2014

Review

Jon Muth, winner of the Caldecott Medal for Zen Shorts, introduces readers to Koo the Panda in this poetry picture book. In an author's note, Muth provides readers with the elements of haiku. The book begins in fall with Koo mesmerized by falling leaves and dancing in cold rain. Each page contains a gorgeous watercolor illustration of Koo with an accompanying haiku. The seasons change, and Koo plays in snow, frolics with birds and does handstands with friends. The poems and illustrations will appeal to a range of readers from Kindergarten through adult and could be read aloud in a story time. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Muth, Jon J.

Illustrator: Muth, Jon J.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545166683

Price: 17.99

Sea Turtle Scientist

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2014

Review

Another winner from the Scientists in the Field series focuses on Dr. Kimberly Stewart who works with sea turtles on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. The history given includes both archeological information and human interaction with the sea turtles. Discussion includes the interconnection of social issues with conservation of the sea turtle, including the need for financial livelihood and food. Her work involves a lot of outreach and educating all ages about the turtle's placement in the web of life, and how extinction of the sea turtle would impact fishermen. Included are tales from a fisherman who now works with her, and a "you are there" description of volunteer work. Inclusion of a 4th and 8th grade volunteer helps the target audience imagine themselves there. Clear photos are taken at sand height, bringing readers eye to eye with a rarely seen visitor from the sea. Back matter includes a glossary, index, suggestions of how to help, websites and suggested titles for additional research. Highly recommended for all libraries. Cream?

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Swinburne, Stephen R.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547367552

Price: 18.99

Smokin' Muscle Cars

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2014

Review

This book is all about muscle cars. What's a muscle car? It's a car with a really powerful engine, drives great and is affordable. A cool design is not part of the definition, but it is usually part of the whole muscle car style. You'll get to see lots of photos of muscle cars and stories about their beginning designs and where they are today. I didn't know much about muscle cars before reading this book. Ok, I am not an expert now, but I know a heck of a lot more. If you do know stuff about these cars, you'll get even more out of the book than I did because they explain lots of details about the cars and like I said before, there are lots of cool muscle car photos. This is a nice resource for muscle and even regular car fans. I would give this 4+ out of 5 stars. It would be good for grades 3-7. Recommend for cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Woods, Bob

Publisher: Enslow Publishers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781622850907

Price: 13.95

Galapagos George

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2014

Review

This true story of Lonesome George, a giant tortoise, who lived to be one hundred years old is fascinating to anyone who has heard of the Galapagos Islands and loves nature. Full of beautiful paintings it also includes in the back of the book, key terms, a timeline and additional resources. This book also meets the Common Core State Standards for English language arts/Science and Technical subjects. A great addition to a personal, school or public library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

George, Jean Craighead

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060287931

Price: 14.99

Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2014

Review

This book follows butterflies on their incredible journey that begins on a farm in Costa Rica where workers nurture them as they transform from eggs to caterpillars to pupae. The text is clearly written and is enhanced with 4-color photography and illustrations and call-outs. In the back there are pages on insects and their life cycles, insect words, a glossary and a further reading page that includes information on books and websites. Also included, is information on visiting a live insect exhibit. Selected bibliography, index, and interesting author's note conclude this well written, well-researched book. Would make a great addition to both school library and public library. Highly recommended read to anyone interested in butterflies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burns, Loree Griffin

Illustrator: Harasimowicz (photographs), Ellen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761393429

Price: 29.26

Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2014

Review

It's not easy to write a story about the Holocaust and make it accessible for children. But that is just what Dauvillier does in this beautiful graphic novel. A small girl finds her grandmother in the living room and notices that she is sad, so she asks her why (the color palette is warm and sepia-toned in these scenes). The grandmother unfolds the story of her own childhood, hiding from the Nazis, changing her name and leaving her home. The colors are darker and then lighter as she escapes the countryside. The framing of the ending with the picture of grandmother with her parents as a girl and her as an old woman with her son and granddaughter brought me to tears. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dauvillier, Loic

Illustrator: Lizano, Marc

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction, graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6, all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596438736

Price: 16.99

The Dumbest Idea Ever!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2014

Review

The guy that wrote this graphic novel wrote the Amelia Rules! graphic novels. This is about his life and how he got to be a graphic novelist. Jim Gownley started out at the top of his game at middle school - popular, athletic and smart but then he got to high school and stuff changed. He wasn't what he used to be so he turned to comic books and then began to try and write them. He wasn't successful right away; it took help from friends and a new look at himself to change things. This is a good story about a comic book author but it is really about friendship, dealing with set backs and working at something, even if there are others better at something than you are. The message here is you don't have to always be the best at something to still be successful and good at what you do - not everyone is a superstar and we don't all have to be good and love what we do. I would give this 4+ out of 5 stars. It would be good for grades 4 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gownley, Jimmy

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545453479

Price: 11.99

In the River Darkness

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - Gray New Gloucester Middle School, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2014

Review

This is a German book that was translated into English this year (2014). It won the Hans-im-Gluck prize from Linburg, Germany. Translator Tammi Reichel lived in Germany for 10 years and now lives in Richmond, Virginia. The introduction starts with a powerful, "Will this be the day that I die?", thoughts and experiences of someone who has just crashed through the river's ice while skating. This book is told from the perspective of three protagonists, Mia, the new girl next door, Jay, the younger brother, and Alex, the older brother. Best suspense story I have read in a long time. The reader is not sure if Jay has multiple personalities, or if this is a ghost story, or if Mia is being stalked by her rapist ex-boyfriend. Dead fish, dead animals, foot prints, and warnings are being left behind at both homes. Mia plays the cello and is deeply moved by music, falls for Alex, and is trying to keep her distance. Alex is protective of his brother because their mom took off when Alex was seven. Jay likes to make tape recordings of the four seasons natural music he hears in nature.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roder, Marlene

Publisher: Scarlet Voyage/Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781623240103

Price: 17.95

Spell Robbers

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

Ben goes to a science camp in his new town because his mom asks him too. He finds out that the campers are being taught by a professor to mold atoms and electrons into things they imagine. But the professor is captured and Ben sets out to find her and stop the kidnappers from using the technology for evil. The bummer is the side helping him might not be any better. Love the science piece in this (it's far fetched but still neat). Lots of action and I really liked that the "good guys" weren't really so good, they lied and used evil tactics to get what they wanted. I would give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. Good for grades 3-6.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kirby, Mathew J.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545502269

Price: 16.99

The Incredible Twisting Arm

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2014

Review

Mike is a fourth grader who is working hard to make good choices and convince his parents that he is responsible enough to ride his bike downtown alone. The driving force for this trip, is the White Rabbit, a magic shop downtown. Magic is the most important thing to Mike and is something that he is working hard to be good at. School, friendships, and model behavior are all hard work for Mike. But with magic, he can show everyone that he is really good at something. This story works on many levels... many kids will be able to relate to Mike and his struggles with academics and self control in school. His parents, although well meaning, are very busy with their schedules and do not always understand how much magic means to Mike. All of the magic tricks that Mike performs are fully explained (with illustrations) at the end of the chapter. A key message in the story... Try again, only different. Would make a nice complement to a biography on Harry Houdini who happens to share the same name as the main character -- Mike Weiss. (You can find out how Mike found the magic shop in The Vanishing Coin.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Egan, Kate

Illustrator: Wight, Eric

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250029157

Price: 14.99

The Cabinet of Curiosities: 36 Tales Brief & Sinister

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2014

Review

This is a collection I would have loved in middle/high school. In the same vein as Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or a really good Stephen King short story, these 36 tales are creepy, dark, and atmospheric. There are evil magicians, bloodthirsty spiders and gardens, soul-sucking shadows, and so many more things that will probably keep you up at night, but will definitely keep you turning pages. Bachmann and co, are curators of spooky, mysterious things and the stories that accompany them. Sorted by eight "drawers and rooms," cake, love, luck, tricks, flowers, travel, song, and fairy tales, there are familiar tropes and villains, but many fresh takes on the things that scare us. There is a hint at the end of more to come or maybe new "curators" contributing and it was great to read the encouragement by the authors to the reader to become a curator and collect the memories and tales in his/her own life. Highly recommend though not to readers who scare easily. Cream recommendation.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bachmann, Stefan

Illustrator: Jansson, Alexander

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062331052

Price: 16.99

The Time of the Fireflies

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2014

Review

Larissa Renaud lives in Louisiana, close to the bayou, and this book is imbued with the thick, southern magical haze found in that part of the country. Larissa has moved around quite a bit with her mama and daddy, and has now returned to her mama's home town, which is filled with ghosts of the past. And not all of them are kind. A disconnected telephone rings, a mysterious girl's voice tells Larissa to find and trust the fireflies, and the story is off. Filled with many hold-your-breath moments, emotional scenes, and an easy-to-like main character, as well as some time-travel, cursed dolls, and voodoo-like healing, this book is fast-paced, engaging and easy to recommend. It would be appropriate for middle grade readers who liked When You Reach Me or A Wrinkle in Time, or lovers of elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction all rolled into one book. It is ambitious, and the end was a bit predictable for a seasoned reader, and probably even a little too neat, but I truly could not put this book down. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Little, Kimberley Griffiths

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545165631

Price: 18.99

Colors Versus Shapes

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2014

Review

This is a very amusing and informative picture book about shapes and colors. A group of colors and a group of shapes are competing against one another and being judged to see who this book will be about. The colors demonstrate how they can mix together and create secondary colors. Blue and yellow make green, are the shapes envious? The shapes show how they can form new shapes together, such as two triangles forming a square and they even bring out some of their special shapes: pentagon, hexagon, octagon and rhombus. They battle on. Who will win and end up in this book? Perhaps colors and shapes will learn that they can work together and that the sum of the whole is greater than the sum of their parts. This whole concept seems so clever and teaches children about colors and shapes in an entertaining way. The illustrations are perfect and the text is largely in cartoon bubbles in black, but the color names are in the appropriate color. I recommend this book highly and hope that it will be added to collections far and wide.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boldt, Mike

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062103031

Price: 16.99

The Scarecrow's Wedding

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2014

Review

Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay are two scarecrows living on a farm. Harry thinks Betty is a beauty and proposes marriage. They make a list of all the things they need for the big day: rings, bells, a dress made of feathers. They set out walking around the farm to procure everything they need. When Harry ventures far afield on his own to find the flowers they want, the farmer builds a new scarecrow and he, Reginald Rake, is appropriately named as he sets out to impress Betty and win her love. Will Betty fall for his antics? The text is rhyming and is absolutely hilarious. This will make for a stupendous and amusing readaloud choice and will have the children in stitches. The illustrations are colorful, expressive and complement the text perfectly. Get this one for your shelves, public or private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545726061

Price: 17.99

Jim's Lion

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2014

Review

This graphic novel is about a little boy that's sick, but at first you don't know that. There are just drawings of crazy things happening to a little boy, most of them scary that end up with him almost being really hurt. Then they stop and you hear a young boy talking to his nurse from his hospital bed about being scared in his dreams. The nurse tells him he need to go to his special place somewhere that he feels calm and safe and there his special "finder"? will come to him and help him. This story is really powerful. The scary dreams are something most of us as a child might have had when we are frightened or really sick and the illustrations (which are incredible) match what a feverish dream might produce. The idea of the finder is lovely and gives a child, or an adult that is very sick, a way to deal with it. The ending here is not always what a child will end up with, but it offers hope and a way to deal with the scariness of being very sick. This would be am excellent addition to any libraries graphic novel section.CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hoban, Russell

Illustrator: Deacon, Alexis

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665173

Price: 15.99

Barbarian Lord

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2014

Review

This graphic novel is about a lord that becomes a hero to the local people. It has a Viking feel to it and lots of fighting. The drawings are all in black and white which adds to the feel of the book. But the drawings of the actual characters looked a lot alike I thought which made it hard to tell some of the characters apart. I also felt like the story jumped around and did not hold my interest. My student reader that I discussed this book with (a 7th grader that reads every graphic novel he can get his hands on) just gave it an ok rating as well. It might be great for Conan the Barbarian fans but for other graphic novel enthusiasts, it might be just an "ok" read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Matt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780547859064

Price: 17.99

On the Wing

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

This book celebrates a myriad of winged things, from hummingbirds and woodpeckers to albatross and crow. The illustrations on these one and two page spreads are detailed and exceptional. The succinct poems about each species are sometimes amusing, sometimes thought-provoking. The very last poem about the bald eagle, differs from all the others in that it continues onto a third page, which this reader found unsettling. All in all, an outstanding poetic offering with text and illustrations equally stellar.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: Stadtlander, Becca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763653248

Price: 16.99

Mortal Heart

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

Fans of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy will be relieved to see all the loose ends around Annith, Ismae and Sybella, the daughters of Mortain (death), come together nicely in the end. Readers new to the series will be able to follow the first three quarters of the novel which has Annith rebelling from her underwhelming tasks at the convent, discovering how she has been betrayed in her life and forging a new future after a supernatural, romantic encounter with Balthazaar. As the loosely based historical novel takes on the task of political moves and impending war, readers will want the background of the first two books. Woven through much of this romance novel is the underworld's rules and questions about life, gods and old traditions in a fifteenth century Brittany. Love can become supernatural in the end. LaFever provides a helpful list of the numerous characters, as well as a sparsely detailed map, illustrated by Cara Llewellyn.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

LaFevers, Robin

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547628400

Price: 17.99

The Magic Box

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

When his father must spend a lot of time traveling, Max is sent to live with his grandfather in a spooky, run down old house. Max loves the house and soon discovers that Uncle Larry lives there also. Uncle Larry died long ago and is a ghost who never realized his ambition to become a detective. While Max is visiting Uncle Larry in his house, the phone rings for the first time in 20 years and Larry is off to solve a mystery with Max at his side. The story continues at a fast pace that will keep young readers' interest. Those children who like silliness will especially enjoy the antics that ensue until finally the mystery is solved.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Falcone, L.M.

Illustrator: Smith, Kim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97811771381536

Price: 12.99

Magic in the Park

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Jennifer is new in town. While spending time in a nearby park, she notices an old man feeding the birds. He seems to be able to appear and disappear. There is also an old hollow tree that moves around. She makes friends with a young boy named Mike and together they are off on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to solve the mystery. The characters are engaging in this almost believable fantasy. Nondangerous supernatural powers bring fun and engage readers as they wait for the mystery to be solved. This is a republication of the original book published in 1972. The original cover art done by Ruth Shew is under the dust jacket.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chew, Ruth

Illustrator: Chew, Ruth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type:

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449813751

Price: 15.99

Ten Rules for Being a Superhero

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

I was very interested when I saw the title and vibrancy of the cover as I thought it would be graphic novel like. The illustrations are bright and vibrant but they are a bit flat. The theme of the book is that everyone has at least one super power but the book is about "ten rules" for being a superhero. I found the storyline to be a bit confusing. If a young child reads it with someone else I think it would be more valuable. Overall I found the book to be a bit confusing and the drawings to be a bit scattered. If one looks at it as more of a graphic novel interpretation I think the setup of the illustrations.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Pelutti, Deb

Illustrator: Pelutti, Deb

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805097597

Price: 16.99

B. Bear and Lolly Off to School

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Illustrations are very large, bright and homey looking. This is a story about a girl and bear friendship. Lolly is about to start school for the first time and she and her friend, Bear go clothes shopping and try on several types of outfits til they find the right school outfit. On the day they head off to school for the first day they decide to take a shortcut but fall into a small river. Bear saves his friend Lolly but in the process they lose all of their new school supplies to the forest creatures who carry them off. They realize though they have lost everything they still have each other. This is a must have book for a library first day of school collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Livingston, A.A.

Illustrator: Chou, Joey

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062197887

Price: 15.99

Sleep Tight Anna Banana

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Illustrations are quaint and very expressive. Anna Banana does not want to go to sleep and her stuffed animals are not helping any. She is ok about that at first but after awhile when Anna Banana decides to settle down to sleep the little animals are not ready or is it really that she is not ready? Finally they all decide it is time to sleep so Anna Banana surrounds herself with all her stuffed animals and of course they agree too. This is a perfect book to read to a child who is reluctant to go to sleep.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rogues, Dominique

Illustrator: Dormal, Alexis

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626720190

Price: 15.99

Joy in Mudville

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Cream of the Crop. Charming, matching the period in time, clean illustrations. The story is told as a creative inspiration in poetic, rhyming format. And the inspiration for the book is the famous poem, Casey at the Bat. Joy Anderson, a relief pitcher steps forward after the failure of Casey the Bat in Mudville, if one does not know the story of Casey at the Bat, the poem is at the end of the book. Well needless to say there is "joy" once again in Mudville because of Joy and her sports ability. So a girl saves the day in 1927 in a man's sport. A great book all around for all ages. Not a boy or girl book but an everyone book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Raczka, Bob

Illustrator: Dibley, Glin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780761360155

Price: 17.95

Little Humans

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Cream of the Crop. The charm, specialness and joy of children is clearly illustrated in the book in clear, crisp photography. The lettering is large in black and colors. The photos are of children just being children on the streets of New York doing what they do, playing, sliding, digging, twirling. Very straightforward and uplifting. This book gives you the feeling that little kids are not really all that little and so it is fun to have such expressive photography. I can see children studying this book and engaging in conversation with others about who they themselves are and what they do. Really enjoyed this book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stanton, Brandon

Illustrator: Stanton, Brandon

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Straus-Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374374563

Price: 17.99

Mia's Thumb

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Thoughtful simple illustrations. Dark and tasteful colors make the book rather interesting. Lettering is large and clear. Mia is a little girl who sucks her thumb all the time and no matter what she will not stop neither for ice cream nor under threat that her teeth will be crooked. Until the day that grandma starts sucking her thumb all the time even on the city bus does Mia stop, I really liked this book from illustrations to theme to the family immersion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stille, Ljuba

Illustrator: Stille, Ljuba

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823430673

Price: 16.95

Enzo Races in the Rain

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Cream of the Crop. The illustrations are quaint, homey and active. The artist used pen and ink, pencil and watercolor, gouache, acrylics and coffee spills on paper to create the illustrations. Charming story about a farmer who has a litter of puppies and one day her dad and she go to get one, well they end up picking out the liveliest puppy and named it after a famous race car driver named Enzo. Soon after arriving at Zoe's house Enzo goes on an adventure on his own when he decides he is going to tunnel under a fence and escape into the busy city landscape. It is fun at first but when it starts to storm he becomes cold and lonely and decides to return to his new home. Enzo returns home and is welcomed by a very happy and relieved little girl and her dad. Great book for a family who is contemplating a new puppy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stein, Garth

Illustrator: Alley, R. W.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins Children

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy, realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062295330

Price: 17.99

It is Night

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Ilustrations really suit the title. They are dark and saturated yet cheery. Acrylics were used to create the effect and the print is 24 point Contax. The book is filled with every kind of animal from bears to cats to elephants and where the sleep. At the end of the book we find out that though the book is about where real live animals sleep, the book is actually about the stuffed animals that sleep with the little girl. It is a really sweet bedtime book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rowand, Phyllis

Illustrator: Dronzek, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Childrens

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062250247

Price: 16.99

The Princess in Black

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

A very memorable addition to the stories about princesses. This princess has a secret identity as well as her unicorn. Her job as the "Princess in Black" is to protect the goats from the goat-eating monsters. While she is out on a rescue mission she has to leave a nosy Duchess at her palace. Princess Magnolia is worried that the Duchess will find out her secret. The names of the characters are very clever. There is a goat boy who is a very important character that adds so much charm to this really enticing tale. For readers who can breeze through Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo this will be a great book to read.

*Cream of the Crop nominee

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon

Illustrator: Phan, Leuyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665104

Price: 14.99

Tooling Around: Crafty Creatures and the Tools They Use

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

This outstanding book features eleven animals and how they use tools. From a deer that dresses up its antlers with mud or grass, to an octopus that uses a coconut shell as a protective hiding place, this informative book provides interesting examples of a wide range of animals using tools.

Rhyming text appears on the left hand pages with informational text following on the right hand pages for each animal explaining how they use tools. The mixed media illustrations are beautifully done with warm, earthy tones and do a great job portraying the animals using the tools.

An author's note in the back provides extra information on the animals and their habitat and a deeper explanation of tool use. Also included, are additional resources for children that include websites and books along with a bibliography. This book is listed in the 2015 National Science Teacher's Association list that highlights outstanding science trade books for students K-12 An excellent addition to any public or school library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Ellen

Illustrator: Benoit, Renne

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580895644

Price: 17.95

Hide and Seek Harry: Around the House

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

As the second Hide and Seek Harry title this board book works well with the toddler age group. Harry the hippo loves to play his favorite game, hiding behind and under objects smaller than him. The positive approach to the game reaffirms that play does not have to include competition. Harrison's illustrations are adorable and employ limited background. His use of white space and straight line drawings makes this an attractive offering for sharing at bedtime. This is a book that will be purchased as a shower gift and by grandparents who love to read while on stype with their grandchildren.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harrison, Kenny

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666026

Price: 6.99

Old Manhattan has Some Farms E-I-E-I-Grow

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2014

Review

Old McDonald would be honored to know his song has yet again been revised and used to amuse children.

This picture book was obviously well thought out right down to the number of syllables needed to make a city name fit the music score. Recognizable city landmarks set a backdrop for salad fixings and bees growing in compact spaces. Hair and skin tones utilized by the illustrator expresses a refreshing representation of the US. The inclusion of and local animal life adds depth to the title.

Included are a CD of the revised lyrics and a glossary of the garden types entitled green matters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lendroth, Susan

Illustrator: Endle, Kate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580895729

Price: 16.95

Santa Clauses Short Poems From The North Pole

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 22, 2014

Review

Haiku written by Santa on an old typewriter provides an introduction to how he spends the month of December. Each poem shares one gem of a simple and relaxed life in the North Pole.

Most Christmas books are red all over but Groenink selected lovely blues for most of the layout. Shading adds solemnity to many of the lovely poems but a few pages are just to brown in this charming title.

Add this to collections of Christmas titles and gift a copy to an art teacher.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raczka, Bob

Illustrator: Groenink, Chuck

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (Lerner Publishing Group)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3, adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467718059

Price: 16.95

The Sound of Thunder

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 23, 2014

Review

The Sound of Thunder is the 3rd volume in the graphic novel series BIGFOOT Boy. In this volume the ravens have stolen the totem that can change Rufus into Bigfoot. Rufus and his friend Penny are trying to get it back before the ravens can use it for their own benefit. The illustrations are great and fit the story line well. The story itself is not super exciting and moves slowly. It might be a good book for reluctant readers. This book would be good for ages 8-12.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Torres, J.

Illustrator: Hicks, Faith Erin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781894786584

Price: 17.95

The Carnival

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This graphic novel is the 5th in the series. You can figure out what is going on in the story but the relationship between the badger and fox family isn't really clear. I am not sure this will be important to younger children. The story is about the hardship of winter and how having a fun day, like a carnival day, can make the worries of winter seem less important just for the day. The drawings are adorable in this graphic novel. The story is good but not one that is of high interest. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Luciani , Brigitte,

Illustrator: Tharlet, Eve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467742030

Price: 25.26

Villainous

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 19, 2014

Review

This book is the third in the Supers of Noble's Green trilogy. I didn't read the first 2 but was able to follow the story line just fine. It was a fun read with lots of actions and twists. The friendships between all the different characters, both good and bad, were interesting and very realistic. I liked the way things went down between the bully Cody and his sidekick Bud. Sometimes even if a friend treats you badly, you still want to be friends. This is a fast paced read with some great action and sleuthing not to mention fun super hero stuff. I would give this 4 out of 5 stars and pick up the first two in the series. For grades 4-7.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cody, Matthew

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385754897

Price: 16.99

Maisy's World of Animals

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 22, 2014

Review

This story has lots of cute animals throughout the book. There also cool flaps to check out what everyone is doing. As Maisy goes to different places in the world, she finds animals living in them all and she gives a little bit of information about the area and animals that live there. The book's side panel is a great way for young readers to see what animals will be found in the picture. For ages 3-5. I would give this almost 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669898

Price: 14.99

Earth Space Moon Base

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 23, 2014

Review

This picture book is about a space ship and a robot and a monkey that watch for aliens. When they see some they pack up their ship and take bananas to them to keep the aliens happy so they won't eat them. The pictures are fun but the story line is just ok. However, it will appeal to children that like books about aliens. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Price, Ben Joel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385373111

Price: 16.99

Captain Beastie's Pirate Party

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 24, 2014

Review

Captain Beastie, the grubbiest and smelliest pirate ever to sail the seas, is counting down the days to his birthday in this rhyming, fun-loving pirate tale. Children will laugh at all his disgusting manners that include holey pants, nose picking and food encrusted clothing. His ship however, is kept very neat by his squeaky clean crew, who plot to give him the best birthday present ever. The colorful illustrations are filled with lots of detail which encourages re-reading to catch all that's going on. When Captain Beastie awakes (clutching his pirate toy) and can't find his clothes the birthday surprise is about to be revealed and a cleaned up Captain emerges. But how long can this last? Spoiler alert...Crumbs appear on the last page. A nice, non-scary pirate read for young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Coats, Lucy

Illustrator: Mould, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow, imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673994

Price: 15.99

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2014

Review

For those who enjoyed the book "Wonder", and longed for the story of Augie to continue, this companion book will be a must read. Told from the perspective of Mr. Browne, Augie's teacher in "Wonder", the book begins by defining precepts and presenting a goal that readers begin each day with one of the "words to live by". The inspirational sayings for each day of the year come from a diverse group of sources that include words of wisdom from popular songs, fortune cookies, great works of literature, characters from "Wonder" and even from inscriptions on Egyptian tombs. It is also interesting to note that over 100 came from actual children who responded to a request from the author. Once a month, a personal narrative written by Mr. Browne provides updates on the characters lives and his own thoughts. A mystery from "Wonder" involving the note to Mr. Tushman will also be solved. An inspirational book full of hope and wisdom. A powerful book full of wonder.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Palacio, R.J.

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553499049

Price: 14.99

Scholastic Discover More: Human Body

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 26, 2014

Review

This reference book about the human body provides in-depth information that is presented in a visually appealing manner. Also included is the free digital companion book - Be a Brainiac - that can be downloaded. This digital book provides information on boosting your brainpower.

Each region of the body is covered using a variety of 3D photos, artwork, charts, sidebars and clearly written informational text that reflects current medical research.

The copy is presented in various formats such as a Q&A sidebar in all the sections that answers interesting questions children may have such as, "Why don't ballet dancers get dizzy?". A glossary and index are also included.

Science-lovers will be kept engaged throughout the 119 pages on the body's anatomy and physiology.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Steve, Setford

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545667760

Price: 15.99

Death Coming Up the Hill

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2014

Review

The Vietnam War takes its toll on Ashe's family with his parents on either side of the political divide. Although Ashe is able to see both sides of his parents' conflict, his loyalty remains with his mother, despite her betrayal. Angela's brother is missing in action. The two find solace with each other amidst the wars pervading their lives.

Crowe uses haiku to parse the story down to its core, and thereby finding a way to honor 16,592 U.S. GI dead, the number who died in 1968. The haiku format is an ambitious undertaking but some emotions are minimized because of it. Despite the syllable count of five-seven-five, the haikus connect to form sentences to tell the story. Sometimes, this jars the flow. High school teachers will find multiple uses for cross-discipline studies. Social studies and history will read the text at one level, while literature and creative writing classes can compare the use of haiku with prose writing and the difficulty of remaining true to the form. Struggling readers may welcome the expanse of white space.

An author note discusses the haiku inspiration as well as word choice difficulties. However, an error in his notes may cause confusion with the text. Some details ring more true for the current Iraq War. Chapter headings include a date and death count for the week, based on author research. A creative introduction to the turbulence of the era, Ashe likens the conflict at home with the increasing turmoil in the country.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crowe, Chris

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544302150

Price: 16.99

Eye to Eye: How Animals See The World

Reviewed by: Martha Van Wyck - Burbank Branch/Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

In this interesting look at the differing eyes and eyesight of animals, Steve Jenkins combines his beautiful trademark collages with short paragraphs on 24 different creatures. He chooses both the usual (frogs) and the unusual (gharials) but has something intriguing to say about each one's sight. The target audience might seem to be preschoolers judging by the illustrations and the large amount of white space around them but elementary age may be a better fit for many children due to the vocabulary level. End material includes information on evolution of the eye, additional facts on the animals (size, habitat and diet) and a glossary. The topic itself is not one that is an absolute must have for library collections but children will no doubt find the book very interesting if they happen upon this book on their library's shelf.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcout Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547959078

Price: 17.99

The Witch at the Window

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2014

Review

Chapter book full of fun and mystery. Nick and Marjorie, brother and sister see some legs on an air conditioner outside a bedroom window and to on a journey to find out who this witch is and what is going on. On their way to finding out they meet a spooky bird who talks. The pencil drawings are really good. I like it that a brother and sister are the main characters. Very charming.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruth, Chew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780449815632

Price: 15.99

What's New at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Beginning 4400 years ago in the Sumerian city of Ur, Krull takes readers on a whirlwind tour of zoos through time and through the world. From the menageries of ancient kings and queens through the first public zoos in Victorian times to modern zoos working to save the lives of all kinds of creatures, the readers learns the many reasons and places zoos have been found. The book appears well reserached and includes a lengthy source list at the end. In addition to learning about animals and zoos, the book would be good to use as an example of a timeline as it follows the development of zoos chronologically, making it a good teaching resource. Perhaps the inclusion of a timeline somewhere in the book would help. Illustrations are somewhat cartoony but would attract the interest of young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krull, Kathleen

Illustrator: Hall, Marcellus

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545135719

Price: 13.99

Born in the Wild

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Children will immediately be drawn to the tender illustrations of baby animals and their parents. The giraffe baby and mom on the cover will make any reader want to open the book. Throughout the book, a double page spread with a simple statement tells of an animal's need or life event; "a baby is born," "a baby is hungry," "a baby needs protection" etc., then another double page spread tells how various animals meet that need. There are interesting facts for young readers to learn throughout the text and in a paragraph at the end about each of the twenty six animals mentioned. It also includes a glossary, sources, adn web sites for more information. A great example of a nonfiction book for young children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Judge, Lita

Illustrator: Judge, Lita

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97815696439252

Price: 18.99

Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Fleischman brings us into the environmental debate with a clearly written introduction to some of the issues. He truly goes "behind the headlines" to offer insight into popular media portrayal of the issues. Fleischman encourages readers and future voters to research behind the headlines to learn who is funding politicians and advertisements, referring readers to reputable sites such as Snopes and SourceWatch. His chapter "How to Weigh Information" is a worthy read for all high school and college students. The solutions are not simple and many impediments are deeply ingrained in our culture.

Attractively designed with bullet points, callouts, photos and graphics, browsers are sure to find something to catch their eye. Arrows lead the reader to sidebars suggesting additional resources, many online. Extensive source notes lend credence to his arguments and give an example of quality research. Underlined words in the text are defined in the glossary. The bibliography includes books, articles and videos, some available online. Suggested resources are divided by topic. Includes a table of contents and index. Useful in a variety of classrooms, environmental studies, sociology, economics, and journalism. Engaging for browsers. Well written and highly recommended for all libraries. Cream nominee.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fleischman, Paul

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763671020

Price: 17.99

Big Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

When Mama Pig tells her three children to be "good little pigs" they set off to prove they are not little anymore, but are BIG PIGS. Onomatopoeic verse follows the three pigs through rollicking high jinx to prove who is the biggest pig. When Mama finds them at the end of the day dirty and worn, she shoos them into the barn, closes the door, and tells them how proud she is of them for being big in their own way, but still her little pigs giving her lots of goodnight kisses. The large, colorful illustrations are amusing and engaging for young children. The sometimes alliteration (...they gobbled and gulped, slip, slop, slurp) make listening fun. A good book to share at story hour.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hewlakoski, Leslie

Illustrator: Helakoski, Leslie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620910238

Price: 16.95

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

This version of what may originally been a campfire hand rhyme comes with a sound board down the side to enhance the story telling. The wonderful pastel color pages alternate with pages of charcoal drawn illustrations. The expressions on the four children and presumably their father are wonderful throughout. The alliterative text on the color pages is enclosed in a box which also includes a small image of the button the reader is to press to hear the appropriate sound. Children will need to search the buttons for the correct one to press. At the end, they all end up safe in bed vowing never to go on a bear hunt again. This book would not do well in library circulation due to the sounds and also the relatively poor binding.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Oxenbury, Helen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677022

Price: 17.99

Independent Study: The Testing, Book 2

Reviewed by: Martha Van Wyck - Burbank Branch/Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2014

Review

In this second volume in the Testing series, the protagonist, Cia, starts the next phase of her schooling to become a leader in the United Commonwealth, the government created after devastating wars destroyed the country. The author does a nice job of summarizing the major plot points of the first volume without slowing down the pace of the second. However, when Cia undergoes more testing, the plot has a bit of a same-old, same-old feeling about it. The rhythm picks up after the testing is over and tension builds until, after reaching the end, the reader will want to get the next book in the series. Immediately.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Joelle, Charbonneau

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcout Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547959207

Price: 17.99

Backhoe Joe

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

Nolan is a little boy who has always wanted a pet backhoe. Lo and behold, one morning he spies a little yellow backhoe on his street. He adopts the backhoe and names him Joe, but Joe is a little hard to handle. He digs up flower beds, chases the mailman and digs in the garbage. Nolan tries his best to train Joe. He finally succeeds, but then notices a missing poster with a picture of his Backhoe Joe on it! Will he do the right thing and return the backhoe to its rightful owner? The illustrations are absolutely adorable. Joe has big headlight eyes and a huge smile and Nolan is extremely expressive. This will be a great addition to picture book shelves of every ilk, especially for little boys that love heavy equipment. I recommend this book highly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Lori

Illustrator: Cameron, Craig

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062250155

Price: 15.99

The Vanishing Season

Reviewed by: Martha Van Wyck - Burbank Branch/Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

The plot: two girls, one cautious, one impulsive, one boy whom they both are drawn to, living in a small town where they don't fit in - sound familiar? Throw in a ghost and a serial killer and the plot still feels predictable, even given an author who writes well. However, no one will see the end coming when all that predictability gets turned on its head. This book is a very good choice for readers who like(fairly)realistic fiction that isn't too demanding but who would appreciate a better than average read with a very effective twist at its close.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jodi Lynn, Anderson

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery, romance, realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062003270

Price: 17.99

Anna Carries Water

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

This brilliantly illustrated book takes place in a country that does not have running water. The family has to travel a bit by foot to get water for the household. The youngest girl Anna wants to carry water on top of her head as her siblings do. Her older sister tells her that she will learn how in her own time and eventually Anna does carry her pot of water on her head. The illustrations go very well with the story. It is unfortunate that we do not know the country where this story takes place, but we do get to see the cooperation of the family to get water daily and how proud Anna's parents are of her. For ages 4-6.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Senior, Olive

Illustrator: James, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Tradewind Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781896580609

Price: 18.95

Chu's First Day of School

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2014

Review

This is the second Chu book (Chu's Day) and is equally delightful. Chu starts school and is very worried what the other students will think of his sneeze. He keeps it a secret as all the other animals name one thing that they are good at. When Chu finally does unleash his "one thing" (thanks to a cloud of chalk dust), the other students approve. Chu's apprehension is quelled and he can sleep easy. This will appeal to students, both because of the gorgeous illustrations by Rex, but because every child worries about the first day of school, and being accepted. And every child likes to see the roof blown off the school by a giant panda sneeze. Funny, gorgeously illustrated, loveable character, and a huge sneeze at the end (which delighted an audience of 3-5-year-olds). Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Rex, Adam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062223975

Price: 17.99

Zoe's Jungle

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2014

Review

A very endearing story about sisters using their imagination during a visit to the park. A realistic interaction between parent and children makes this book an excellent read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murguia, Bethany Deeney

Illustrator: Murguia, Bethany Deeney

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545558693

Price: 16.99

A Night at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2014

Review

Clean, brilliant illustrations and simple language and very up-to-date technology wise as the cell phone is as central a character as the animals and Sam (little boy) and Pop (grandparent...he has white hair but it could be a dad with premature white hair or older dad). After a busy day at the zoo, Sam and Pop fall asleep and the zoo closes and they are woken by a security guard and he lets them out of the zoo. Sam and Pop answer the phone when Mom calls and what do you suppose they see? Zoofies! Delightful fun loving book, nice to read about a dad/son day out. Boy or Girl.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Caple, Kathy

Illustrator: Caple, Kathy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430444

Price: 14.95

Peppa Pig and the Day at Snowy Mountain

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

This addition to the Peppa Pig series is all about the family spending a snowy day at the mountain skiing, skating, and sledding. Surprisingly, George is great at skating, Daddy is afraid of heights, and Mummy remembers well how to ski! The digital illustrations are colorful and expressive. This reviewer went to youtube to watch a Peppa Pig episode and was delighted to see that the characters have British accents. Any child that knows the program will enjoy hearing this book read aloud with the accents they expect. This will be a good addition to picture book shelves everywhere, especially for little ones enamored of the show.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Press, Candlewick

Illustrator: Press, Candlewick

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674557

Price: 12.99

I Said Bed

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2014

Review

Muted illustrations. Little boy does not want to go to bed and makes that clear as he argues with his grandmother/mother who is watching him. As soon as he finally gets in bed he goes to sleep and his bed turns into various types of transportation that all children of a young age would be familiar with. The wording is clear and understandable and by the end of the story the dreaming little boy is glad to be dreaming pleasant dreams. Guess who else is sound asleep? Charming book, that after having been read to children, might be anxious to go to sleep so they to can have adventurous dreams, too. Boy and girl. Excellent/Recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Degan, Bruce

Illustrator: Degan, Bruce

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429387

Price: 14.95

Where's My Tushy?

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - New Gloucester, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2014

Review

One night all the tushies decided to "high-tail" it out of town. Clad in geometric-patterned boxers and lacy panties, the tushies escape the confines of pants and skirts and head to the beach. The surprised tushy-less citizens are shocked and find out how hard it is to wear clothes, sit, or live their normal lives. Eventually the tushies return and everyone is happy again. The concept and illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny. This would be a great read-aloud sure to bring down the house.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aronson, Deborah

Illustrator: Stevanovic, Ivica

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467711975

Price: 17.95

The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

Soooo adorable. The Itty Bitty Committee has rescued/fostered over 150 kittens. This book has photos and stories of many of these kittens. It also has tips on what to do with a new kitten and things you can make for them (easily at home). At the end it gives you tips on how you can help kittens. The cover is great and the format will appeal to good and not so good readers. I showed my copy to several children in our library and they want to be on the waiting list for our copy - which we ordered today. This would be great for grade 1-8. I am giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cinotto, Laurie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439375

Price: 12.99

Middle School Cool

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

A new experimental school has opened in the old mental institution in town. The staff is "unique" and the students have all been hand picked by the head of the school, Marcel Kaboom. What follows is mayhem, learning by taking books in pill form (warning: don't take pills all at one time or the books get scrambled), dodge ball with balls with teeth and a multiplication table that multiples what is put onto it (including students).

The book pokes fun at traditional education, and celebrates nonconformity, individuality and oddity.

The goofiness added to the cartoony illustrations make this a good match for middle schoolers--male and female.

Not currently listed as part of a series, but wouldn't be surprised to see Jory and the gang come back in a second book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, Maiya

Illustrator: Edwards, Karl

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385743495

Price: 12.99

Dog and Bear Tricks and Treats

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Clear, bright, simple illustrations tell a story about two of most children's favorite animals, a dog and a bear. The bear is a stuffed bear and the dog is real at least in the story which may be comforting to a child when reading the book. Dog and Bear are planning for Halloween by shopping for their own costumes and then handing out treats. Next they go to a trick or treating...guess who each is dressed as. A fun and surprising book that takes a child through the steps of the typical Halloween Ritual. Boy and Girl. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Seeger, Laura Vaccaro

Illustrator: Seeger, Laura Vaccaro

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978159643632

Price: 14.99

The Princess and the Presents

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2014

Review

This is the second book from Caryl Hart and Sarah Warburton, whose first, The Princess and the Peas, is equally enjoyable. The Princess and the Presents is very well illustrated with big, colorful pages, and great rhyming text. The story bounces along at a good pace, teaching the reader that there are more important things in life than presents, like family. A sound moral told in a delightful manner.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hart, Caryl

Illustrator: Warburton, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673987

Price: 16.99

Not Very Scary

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2014

Review

Quaint illustrations. I like the title of the book. Halloween can be a scary time for some young children and this book will help to demystify and instead, delight. Melly, the vampire gets an invite to a Halloween Party and on the way she feels she is being followed and she is....by every type of Halloween character one can think of. This is a counting book beginning with one cat following her and than two skeletons....etc. By the time Melly gets to her three-eyed friend's house she is totally scared out of her mind....but literally gets a nice surprise party with all the "not very scary" new friends there to celebrate with. If Halloween is scary to a child this is a perfect book to read to him/her.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brendler, Carol

Illustrator: Pizzoli, Greg

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374355470

Price: 12.99

Titanic

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2014

Review

This is a really cool book about the Titanic. It's great for people that don't know a lot about it (like me) or people that know a bunch about it. Now if you are an expert, this might not give you tons of new info, but it has lots of great photos and diagrams that would still be interesting. The book is set up kind of like a guidebook - there are lots of photos and diagrams on every page and each one has a short description. There is not a lot of info on any one topic but enough to get a quick understanding, which I thought was perfect. It also includes links through out the book to get more info and it has a link to an online book that tells the stories of some of the survivors. What I liked about the book was the descriptions about the boat itself - I mean, it was an amazing ship but seeing drawings and photos of it make that even more real. I would give this almost 5 out of 5 stars. For grades 3 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Callery, Sean

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545505123

Price: 15.99

A Baby Elephant in the Wild

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School , Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2014

Review

The author and her husband witnessed the birth of a wild baby elephant (Lisa) in Africa. This opportunity lead to them following Lisa over several months capturing fantastic photographs that show the young elephant's growth and development. Readers learn about the formation of a family group, eating, bathing practices, and ultimately read that these magnificent beasts are dwindling in the wild. There is just enough text to keep primary graders on the edge of their chairs as a teacher or parents shows the photos. The scrapbook presentation works well and the background colors complement the text and photos. Add this to primary school media centers and public libraries where animal books are craved by young readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connell, Caitlin

Illustrator: O'Connell and Timothy Rodwell (photos), Caitlin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544149441

Price: 16.99

Frida & Diego

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - Maplestone School, Acton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2014

Review

Frida & Diego is both a beautiful and informative book. The opening page of each chapter is done in bright red and all chapters contain photos to illustrate the time period covered. There are ten chapters that cover the lives of Frida and Diego and tell the stories of how and when their lives intersected. The information is thorough and accessible. The book then has an extensive and satisfying 38 pages of resources. The first section is titled Paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. In this section the reader finds a list of museums in Mexico and the United States that have the paintings with a note that many are available to see on line. The next two sections are devoted to photos of the paintings - one section for each of the artists. The paintings are followed by a detailed timeline. We then come to the notes, bibliography and index. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reef, Catherine

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, all ages, adult / professional

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547821849

Price: 18.99

Quest

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2014

Review

This sequel to the Caldecott Honor Book Journey, Quest by Aaron Becker follows in the same wordless picture book format. Quest picks up right where Journey left off with a young girl and her new friend on a new adventure. Reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon, readers will be fascinated by the children's use of their imagination and their trusted colored markers to save the king and his kingdom. The gorgeous illustrations are intricately detailed, while the dull colors bring the readers eye to the bright colors of the children's markers and the imaginative things that they create to help them on their adventure. This book is sure to spark the reader's imagination. Recommended for pre-K - 6th grade.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Aaron

Illustrator: Becker, Aaron

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665951

Price: 15.99

I Want to be a Ballerina

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

Little Mia wants to be a ballerina just like her older sister. She has all the clothes to be a ballerina, including tights, a leotard, ballet shoes and a tutu, but she lacks several traits needed to reach that goal. She is not coordinated, she is clumsy and just not very graceful. When her big sister takes her to her first ballet class she finds out how difficult being a ballerina really is. All ends well, though, when her big sister exclaims, "Well, it was your very first class," and now we can practice together. Mia's classmates are of varied ethnicities and include boys and girls. The illustrations are exceptional and make use of collage and patterns and both traditional and digital processes. This book will definitely appeal to little girls and anyone interested in dance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Membrino, Anna

Illustrator: Coh, Smiljana

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385378642

Price: 14.99

I Plege Allegiance

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2014

Review

Libby's aunt will become a citizen at the end of the week - she will say the Pledge of Allegiance. Through Libby's story the reader learns what the Pledge is all about and what it means. The words to the Pledge are written several times throughout the story. The illustrations add to the upbeat mood Libby has about her aunt's citizenship. A wonderful way to explain 31 words that we should know.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mora, Pat

Illustrator: Barton, Patrice

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307931818

Price: 16.99

The End (Almost)

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 14, 2014

Review

The book stars Donut the bear in a very short story, which he does not want to have come to an end. He pushes the author to write more and refuses to get out of the story. The author finally concedes and writes Donut a story, but runs out of the room and, finally, ends the book. Very cute read-aloud. The yellow backgrounds are bight and cheery and the simple, primary colors of Donut and his story work well. I can see Donut as a recurring character for Benton and Scholastic, and I think that children will gravitate toward this/these books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Benton, Jim

Illustrator: Benton, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545177313

Price: 16.99

Gravity

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2014

Review

Chin explains the concept of gravity with gorgeous pictures and few words. He chooses to illustrate the concept with a few items that start on the beach with one little boy, drift up to space when there is no gravity, and then fall back to Earth on the heads of some very surprised little girls when gravity resumes. There is a double-page explanation of gravity in the back of the book and a bibliography of additional titles related to gravity. This is a lovely book to use with students learning about gravity or interested in science. And for younger readers, the pictures are mesmerizing enough just to flip through.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Chin, Jason

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596437173

Price: 16.99

Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2014

Review

A "Spring catalogue and instruction manual" that explains with the extinction of most birds, you can craft and create your own wondrous bird. Beautiful artwork, unique concept, dark humor. David Weisner feel to the book. Not entirely sure of the readership, though a five-year-old poured over the illustrations (got little of the text). The notes about extinction should alert readers to the danger of extinction faced by many animals. It might be useful to schools with an art program, or in conjunction with Look Up! from the MSBA 2014 reading list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Samworth, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547978994

Price: 17.99

Troll Swap

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Choose Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

A cute, humorous creative story about a troll and a girl who switch places but then figures out there's no place like home. The language used in the book is very rhythmic. The names are very similar which makes a nice cadence to he text. The pictures and extra text add so much tot he story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hodgkinson, Leigh

Illustrator: Hodgkinson, Leigh

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763671013

Price: 15.99

Poppy the Pirate Dog's New Shipmate

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2014

Review

A great easy chapter book that is really entertaining and endearing. It's a good story to share about acceptance and introducing new people (or animals) into a family. Poppy think talks and it is written in a different font instead of using quotation marks. This is a neat introduction to that writing technique.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kessler, Liz

Illustrator: Phillips, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763667511

Price: 14.99

Sparky!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2014

Review

A little girl longs for a pet, maybe a bird, a bunny, or a trained seal, but her mother says she may only get a pet that doesn't need to be walked, bathed, or fed, which pretty much narrows it down to...a sloth, a suggestion from the school librarian who knows everything in the world. The sloth isn't much for games. In fact, his favorite activity is sleeping, though he excels at statue. When a friend belittles Sparky (what a fitting name, yes?) the girl decides to put on a Trained Sloth Extravaganza showcasing the countless tricks of which Sparky is capable. Oh, my. The water and pencil art in shades of burgundy and brown is appealing and the text is also done by the illustrator so that the pictures and text complement each other perfectly. Of course, the lesson is sometimes a sloth is just a sloth and that's okay.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Offill, Jenny

Illustrator: Appelhans, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375870231

Price: 16.99

Mama's Day with Little Gray

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2014

Review

Little Gray is a young elephant who wonders if while he is growing bigger his Mother will grow smaller and younger. Little Gray and his mother spend a wonderful day together and he tells his Mom that if she were his calf and he was the grown-up, he would take as good care of his Mother as she takes of him. Mom always has the perfect response. This book nearly brings tears to the eyes as, out of the mouths of babes, our universal desire to always have Mom with whom to share our lives and take care of us is voiced. The illustrations are fantastic, soft, expressive and heartwarming. This is a great book to consider adding to one's shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reid, Aimee

Illustrator: Bryant, Laura J.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449810835

Price: 16.99

Hickory Dickory Dog

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - Maplestone School, Acton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2014

Review

Hickory Dickory DOG is absolutely charming. The playfulness of the language along with the expressive illustrations - especially the facial expressions of boy and dog. Murray takes the old nursery rhyme and ticks us through the day with "a dog, a boy and clock." The alarm rings and the day begins. When lunchtime arrives it is "Hickory, lickery, lunch, some yummy food to munch." We go through the day in this way. "Hickory dickory, doo, Uh-oh! a glob of glue." When dog later rolls in leaves we have "Hickory stickory, stack, a scritchety, scratchety, back." When dog dries off after a bath we have "Hickory, flickory, fly." Fun to read and hear. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Alison

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763668266

Price: 16.99

Body Bones

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

This informational picture book is full of interesting facts and details about bones. Animal bones and human bones in action are briefly described and illustrated. The color photographs of humans and animals have illustrated overlays of the inside parts of the body which clearly show the various bones. Also included is a overlay that includes ligaments, muscles, bones and tendons. The comparisons between human and animal bones are very interesting with the text explaining the differences in bones needed for different body parts.

An excellent starter science book with easy to understand text, visually appealing photographs, balanced layout that includes just the right amount of text for young readers. Glossary and index included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: White, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823431625

Price: 16.95

Sleepytime Me

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - Maplestone School, Acton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2014

Review

Sleepytime Me is a story with vibrant language and rich illustrations. The world prepares for rest beginning with the sky and the animal kingdom. "Yawn around, yawn around, sleeptime sky," the refrain, goes from sky to farm, to town, to house, to ME! Beautifully rhythmic and rhymed. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fine, Edith Hope

Illustrator: Denis, Christopher

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449810620

Price: 17.99

Scarlatti's Cat

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

There really was a Domenico Scarlatti and legend says he had a cat who loved to listen to Scarlatti's music - he did indeed write "Cat Fugue" that he said was written by the cat walking across the keys - this is the story of the writing of said music! Beautiful illustrations add to the story of a composer, his cat and what happened when the cat played the harpsichord

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lachenmeyer, Nathaniel

Illustrator: Beccia, Carlyn

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761354727

Price: 16.95

Great Big Green

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

It's the illustrations that first grab you! Mixed media collages the illustrator scanned from her own paintings, fabric, photos, etc. - big, bright, green with lots to look at. The text written in rhyme is a "what is it" question. I'll give you clues - author explores all the shades of green! Fun, beautiful!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gifford, Peggy

Illustrator: Desimini, Lisa

Publisher: Boyds Mills

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620916292

Price: 15.95

Florence Nightingale

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Demi's signature illustrations tells the reader the story of Florence Nightingale. Born to affluent parents - she lacked for nothing but all she wanted was to help others - eventually deciding to be a nurse - but had to fight her parents objections to do so. She made a name for herself during the Crimean War - cleaning up the filthy conditions.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

., Demi

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097290

Price: 17.99

Flip Flap Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Young emerging word warriors will love the clever, slapstick mix of animals (121 possibilities) that will result during the reading of this picture book. This hard cover, sturdy page flap book consists of 12 basic animals on the right and 2 rhyming verses about each one on the left of each spread. The pictures are divided into halves which allows the top half of one animal to be matched with the bottom half of a different animal. The new words beg to be read aloud because the left hand margin asks the reader "What is it? It's a COW." When split, it may become CIP, CICKEN, CEEP, COG, COUSE, CURKEY, CORSE, CIRREL, COAT or CABBIT. Scheffler's stylized, simple illustrations match well with this fun and engaging concept book. Although the squirrel combinations are slightly awkward and readers must be willing to stay true to the animal pronunciation's of words like SHOW (Sheep + Cow) instead of show (long o), this is a perfect book for story time, preschool farm themes, beginner readers and lovers of words.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Axel

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670672

Price: 11.99

Froodle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Little brown bird breaks out an unexpected silly song "Froodle sproodle" and all the birds and other animals in the neighborhood try saying something new. All except Crow who needs a little coaxing. Entertaining while making the points of being different, trying new things or thinking outside the box. The pencil, charcoal and ink illustrations were digitally colored and present as retro with a nod to multidimensional. Useful for building literacy, discussion social interactions and dialogue boxes, some text gets lost in the green background on a number of pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoinette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439221

Price: 16.99

My Bus

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School , Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2014

Review

Transportation enthusiast and animal lovers will feel their dreams have come true within My Bus. Joe's route takes him all over town as he picks up and lets off his riders. Each departure and arrival spot becomes an opportunity for readers to do simple math. With large print, simple sentences, bright colors and whimsical illustrations this is a perfect easy reader. Add to all public libraries and place in K classroom collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Byron

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062287366

Price: 16.99

Tippy and the Night Parade

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - New Gloucester, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2014

Review

Tippy is getting ready for bed but her room is a mess and she doesn't know why. There are animals, leaves and sticks, and bits of this and that everywhere. Her mom helps her clean it up and tucks her in to bed, warning her to not let her room get so messy again. While she sleeps, Tippy walks about having many great adventures and ends up back in bed with another messy menagerie, much to her mom's dismay. This Toon Book, a graphic novel for early readers, introduces the concept of following the action and dialog from one panel to the next and gleaning bits of the story from the pictures themselves a transferable skill to be used with graphic novels as the reader grown up. The monochromatic illustrations are full of action and humor and will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Carre, Lilli

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Toon Books/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781935179573

Price: 12.95

The Almost Fearless Hamilton Squidlegger

Reviewed by: Martha Van Wyck - Burbank Branch/Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2014

Review

In this tale, Hamilton Squidlegger battles imaginary monsters fearlessly during the day but come bedtime, those same monsters are much too scary for him and he rushes to the safety of his parents' bed. Desperate for uninterrupted sleep, his father tells him that monsters are silly and love to play, that he shouldn't fear them but rather have fun with them. The illustrations are hilariously untypical of the usual picture book, almost offputtingly strange but managing to stay on the funny, charming side of weird. Double-decker grasshopper worm cake with snake-belly frosting figures in the plot as do frackensnappers, skelecragons and cracklesneeds. It's all a bit odd, a tad unusual, but nevertheless, a very funny, completely enjoyable story of a child learning to overcome his fears with the help of his loving, protective father.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ering, Timothy Basil

Illustrator: Ering, Timothy Basil

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763623579

Price: 16.99

A Bunny in the Ballet

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2014

Review

An inspiring story of Desiree Rabbit who has a dream to be a ballerina. Desiree narrates her story of how there were NO BUNNIES in the ballet, until she arrived. "When I was a little bunny, I absolutely loved to...ping! twit! jump! and whoosh!...all around my bedroom! (And I could do splits, too!)" So she went to a ballet school in Paris, was told NO BUNNIES in ballet. The instructor saw "something" and allowed her to take classes. At first she didn't really fit in, but with trying her hardest, learning, practice, practice, practice, she mastered skills, took a non-dancing part in The Nutcracker, and saved the show. A delightful story of passion and hard work, the illustrations are created using ink and watercolor and go well with the text to set the place and mood. Appropriate for K-3, inspiring, delightful.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Beck, Robert

Illustrator: Beck, Robert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545429306

Price: 17.99

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2014

Review

A collection of 36 very short poems selected to reflect each season that can be read independently or used as a read-aloud. This book does a very good job of exposing readers to poetry in a non-intimidating way by keeping the verses short, and the illustrations large. Sweet's fun and whimsical mixed-media collages use signature elements such as graph paper and saturated pink and red tones. The size of the book allows for two-page spreads of illustrations that help readers visualize the often abstract language of the poems. This book is best suited for ages 4-8, as some of the vocabulary may be challenging.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Janeczko, Paul B.

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763648428

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

The Great Thanksgiving Escape

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

Single child, Gavin, along with his parents arrive at Grandma's house for another family Thanksgiving. The house is full of Aunts, Uncles, and multiple cousins, including the adventurous Rhonda. Gavin and Rhonda team up to break out of the kids room in search of their own fun. Along the way they encounter vicious guard dogs, over zealous Aunts, zombies and a kitchen trap. Subtle humor and expressive colorful illustrations celebrate the pitfalls, tedium, traditions and love that make up many family holiday gatherings. This one is a hit for read-aloud story time. The bold, colorful illustrations are essential to the humor of the story adding to the listener's fun when they "get it".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fearing, Mark

Illustrator: Fearing, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763663063

Price: 15.99

Animalium

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

This oversized volume is designed to mimic a visit to a Natural History museum, taking the reader/visitor through an introduction the tree of animal life then on through exhibits of increasingly complex life forms. The text gives a good concise description of each gallery of the museum representing different classes of animal life. Readers will be tempted to flip right to the large, striking artwork, but as with brick and mortar museums, it is helpful to the overall enjoyment if a bit of time is spent on the preface and "Welcome" pages. Intricate scientific drawings, digitally colored, are beautifully played out on the page. As mentioned in the preface of the book, this book is an overview of diversity meant to fascinate and inspire. The backwater includes a few helpful websites for further browsing and an index that unfortunately includes all the latin names but not all the common ones. This is a wonderful browsing book that mimics a casual visit to a Natural History museum, but should not be expected to be used as a resource for academic reports.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Broom, Jenny

Illustrator: Scott, Kate

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: BIG PICTURE PRESS/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763675080

Price: 35.00

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Reviewed by: Patricia - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

Julia is a take charge girl. When her house settles in a "too Quiet" neighborhood, she hangs a sign out by the front door welcoming any lost creatures. Soon her house too chaotic. A second sign listing rules and chores solves that problem. A final sign and the last very small illustration provides a satisfying ending and answers the unspoken question of why Julia's house keeps moving. The illustrations are a mix of graphic panels, full page spreads and spot vignettes all done in soft watercolor. Full of action and detail, they capture the changing atmosphere of Julia's house, cozy domestic to boisterous and chaoti, and move the story along. Good for read-aloud and discussions about chores and co-cperation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hatke, Ben

Illustrator: Hatke, Ben

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596438668

Price: 17.99

The Would-Be Witch

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Another charming book. A classic tale full of magic and adventure with flying dustpans and silver bird pepper shakers that come alive once they are polished. Robin and Andy are sister and brother and go on this adventure together beginning with their encounter with a white cat and her owner, Zelda a witch who has flunked the test to be in a coven many times. Again, pencil art done in black that is distinctive and expressive. This was a great book and would make and excellent purchase for school and public library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruth, Chew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780449815670

Price: 15.99

Uni the Unicorn

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

An endearing book about a unicorn who believes in little girls. All the other unicorns make fun of him and says that there is no such thing as little girls. Of course there is a little girl who believes in unicorns. Each of the characters think of all the wonderful and magical things that they would do together. The illustrations are very brilliant and bold. The illustrator has done work on animation for Disney and it shows. Those kids and adults who fell in love with the littlest girl in Despicable Me and her love for unicorns this will be one of their favorite books.

Cream of the Crop recommendation

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

Illustrator: Barrager, Brigette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385375559

Price: 17.99

Spirit Animals: Fire and Ice Book 4

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

This book was hard to get into but probably because it is part of a series. I could tell it was well-written and that young readers would really like it. It is full of adventure and little rest with danger and battles around every corner. Conor, Abeke, Meilin and Rollan each have spirit animals and depend on them to help protect each of them as they try to beat their arch enemies, "The Conquerers,"

On their journey they stop at a beautiful, small town where things are happening that don't make sense to the group. Somehow this mysterious town has some secrets but they cannot wait for long as the, "The Conquerers" are right behind them and that is a dangerous situation to be in.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545522465

Price: 12.99

Emma and the Blue Genie

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

A good addition to the "genie in a bottle" stories. This time the genie can't grant wishes yet because his nose ring was stolen by the evil green genie. A little girl and her dog set out on an adventure to help the genie get back his nose ring and to help the caliph of barakash. His country has been destroyed by the green genie. All turns out well. In the end when the little girl gets to make her wishes they are indeed unique wishes and because she can't think of a third wish she gets her very own genie to take care of. Another great tale that is brought over to the United States by the very talented Cornelia Funke. This was translated by Oliver Latsch. Being a translation some words didn't translate quite correctly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Funke, Cornelia

Illustrator: Meyer, Kerstin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385375405

Price: 9.99

Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

A pretty good story about bullying by an actress who knows mean. A story in rhyme that seems a little forced. When Marlene tries to be be her mean self one day the kids rally together and decide to not let her meanness bother them. It throws her off and she has to learn how to be without being mean. It does send a nice message that it's easy to be mean but it takes some effort to be "decent."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lynch, Jane

Illustrator: Tusa, Tricia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385379083

Price: 16.99

Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

A very good book about the saber-toothed cat. This is one of the first books that I have read that has referred to these ancient beasts as a cat and not a tiger. The illustrations are remarkable. The illustrator must have done a lot of research to depict these ancient creatures so precisely. The author must have done lots of research also to bring a very detailed glimpse of this creature's every day life to the page. She touches on such subjects as survival of the fittest and the food chain.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thomson, Sarah L.

Illustrator: Plant, Andrew

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580894005

Price: 12.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The World's Best Noses, Ears, and Eyes

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

This book about senses of smell, sight and hearing argues the question, "Who has the world's best?" Well, it appears that it depends upon what one's needs and criteria are for "the best." Hedgehogs think they have the best sense of smell because they can smell in the dark; moths think they have the best sense of smell because they can detect a potential mate from a mile away. Giraffes think they have the best vision as they are so tall and can see for great distances, and the peacock mantis shrimp think their eyes are the best as they can detect color underwater. There are many animals and insects that can see, hear, and smell much better than we humans, but for our needs, we get along just fine. This is a fascinating information-packed book in a picture book style with spot-on illustrations that will enthrall young readers and teach them at the same time. This will be a desirable addition to non-fiction picture book collections everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rundgren, Helen

Illustrator: Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431618

Price: 16.95

The Great Big Dinosaur Treasury; Tales of Adventure and Discovery

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This book is a bonanza for dinosaur lovers! It is a compilation of eight dinosaur picture books, Patrick's Dinosaurs, Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery, If the Dinosaurs Came Back, Tadpole Rex, Ridin' Dinos with Buck Bronco, Gus, the Dinosaur bus, Dinosailors, and Good Night, Dinosaurs. They were written at different times and in very different styles, but all are fun and should keep young dinosaur enthusiasts quite happy for a long time. In seeing the ways writing is now being taught, it could also be used for comparing and contrasting different writing styles on the same topic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Various, Various

Illustrator: Various, Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy, science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544325258

Price: 18.99

Beautiful Yetta's Hannukkah Kitten

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

In this followup to Yetta, the Yiddish Chicken, Yetta is a surrogate mother to a flock of Spanish speaking parrots. One cold night, she finds a small kitten and tells the parrots she will care for it. The parrots are afraid it the kitten is dangerous and no one knows what to feed it. Yetta decides, since it is Hannukkah when people are in a good mood, to take the kitten to the old grandmother to care for it. Grandmother does, indeed care for the kitten and feeds Yetta and the parrots latkes. The picture on the cover of this book, with a huge Yetta cradling a tiny kitten in her wings, is enough to draw in almost any reader. A lot of the story is told through speech bubbles, with Yiddish accompanying the English for Yetta and the grandmother, and Spanish accompanying the English for the parrots. Pronunciation is given for both. The illustrations are comical, and really wonderful. Vibrant colors really pop off of white backgrounds. Readers will not learn a lot about Hannukkah, but it is a good book to have to read at that time of year.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pinkwater, Daniel

Illustrator: Pinkwater, Jill

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780312621346

Price: 17.99

The Snowman and the Snowdog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Raymond Brigg's wonderful snowman is brought back to life in this book. Billy moves to a new home and finds a photograph there of a young boy standing next to a snowman. He decides to build a snowman of his own and also creates a snowdog. AS in the original story, the snowman, and, in this story, the snowdog come to life and set off flying through the sky on a great adventure that eventually ends at the North Pole where Santa gives Billy a special present. It turns out to be a dog collar which Billy puts on the snowdog when they return. The dog magically comes alive while the snowman sadly melts away. There is some confusion as Billy finds the box with the picture under a floorboard, the snowman and dog spring abruptly alive, and they all race off. The sudden appearance of a live dog in the house on what may or may not be Christmas is also a little strange. All in all, though, young children will probably be enchanted. One other note, it is not really clear who did the illustrations. Kirkus calls this book a "travesty."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Audus, Hillary

Illustrator: Briggs??, Raymond

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387149

Price: 17.99

Olive and the Embarrassing Gift

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

In this third offering in the Olive series, Olive receives a gift from her friend Joe which usually would be a very nice thing, but the gift is a truly ugly hat with Best Friends written across the front. Joe has one nearly exactly like it. Everyone they run into laughs and makes fun of the ugly hats. Oh, what to do, what to do...Olive tries to come up with all kinds of reasons to take the hats off, to no avail. Finally, in desperation, Olive stuffs the hat into a trash barrel and Joe sees her do it! Oh, my. What will happen now? This is a nice story about friendship and to what lengths one might go to preserve one. Also, it will teach children how to accept gestures of friendship gracefully, whether or not the gesture is of great value to them. The illustrations are set against lots of white space and are colorful, appealing and expressive and include Joe the turtle, Ziggy the monkey, Lola the giraffe, and many others. This will make a good addition to picture book shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Freeman, Tor

Illustrator: Freeman, Tor

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674069

Price: 15.99

Little Pear Tree

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This board book has astounding, colorful, pastel illustrations that depict four seasons in the life of a pear tree, from its beginning as a seed underground in winter to becoming a home for owls and other birds by the next winter. There is a stanza on each page-spread about the pear tree's journey, a lovely poem about what the pear tree is experiencing each season. Throughout the book are several flaps to lift that reveal varied creatures, insects, birds, and the like along with the word for each. All in all, this is a lovely book, BUT the font is quite small and dark for a boardbook format and the flaps are invitations for little hands to rip, tear and generally destroy this lovely offering. Therefore, it might be better as a read-aloud for a private collection as opposed to a library choice where it just would not stand up to the little ones' predilection for ripping and biting, and would not remain in good condition for any length of time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bowers, Jenny

Illustrator: Bowers, Jenny

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763671266

Price: 14.99

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This beginner reader selection is illustrated with the characters and scenes that we all know and love from the cartoon special we see each Christmas season on television. Rudolph is snubbed because of his red nose, he falls in love with Clarice, and Hermey the elf wants to be a dentist. Rudolph and Hermey run away and end up at the Island for Misfit Toys where the King tasks Rudolph with finding good homes for them all. They run into the snow monster and meet Yukon Cornelius who saves the day. It is a beloved story in a clipped, fast-paced telling for children who are ready to read a bit on their own but may need assistance with some more difficult words and pronunciations. This will be a good addition to Christmas beginner reader shelves of all kinds.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Depkin, Kristen

Illustrator: Karl, Linda

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Square Fish/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250050489

Price: 3.99

A Bed for Kitty

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Kitty loves sleeping everywhere but her brand new bed, much to the surprise and bewilderment of Chloe. Through bold, bright colors and simple text, Kitty shows Chloe that sometimes it takes a friend to find the perfect place to sleep. This book, best suited for ages 3-6, will charm readers with gentle humor and sweet ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Surovec, Yasmine

Illustrator: Surovec, Yasmine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596438637

Price: 16.99

Falling into Place

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This captivating non-linear young adult novel, told by a surprising and unexpected narrator, centers around Liz Emerson, the most popular junior girl in Meridian High. One day after school, Liz runs her Mercedes off the road in an attempt to commit suicide, but make it look like an accident. As she struggles for her life in the hospital, the question everyone is asking is: why did Liz try to kill herself? This book explores themes such as how we impact one another with our actions, and what it means to be a true friend. Beautifully written and heavily focused on character, rather than plot, fans of Lauren Oliver and Jay Asher will love this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zhang, Amy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062295040

Price: 17.99

Food Trucks!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Foods from across the United States and the world are explored in this wonderful introduction to food trucks. This book for ages 3-7 pairs descriptive and detailed cartoon illustrations with a short, comic poem about each type of food truck. Included in each spread are also interesting and whimsical facts about the types of foods featured. With food trucks gaining such momentum in the culinary world, you won't want to miss out on this tasty treat of a book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Todd, Mark

Illustrator: Todd, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544157842

Price: 16.99

Feral

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2014

Review

This books starts in a very shocking manner. A teen is murdered and although she is dead she knows everything that is happening to her. And it is very very descriptive. "With the nexy heave, her teeth ripped at the dead grass like a lawn mower needing its blade sharpened. Yikes. But I liked it. I loaned this book.

A high school senior read the book also and this is what she said,"I thought the books was a great read. The ending was a complete twist!! I was not expecting that. It was a quick read but also extremely hooking. the beginning was a bit confusing but I'm glad I kept reading.

Thank you for the book suggestion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schindler, Holly

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062220202

Price: 17.99

I'm Brave!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2014

Review

I’m Brave is the newest in an unnamed series of picture books about vehicles. The fire truck relates his/her story to young enthusiast who craves more fire station fiction while educating them about equipment. The use of sounds makes an oral reading dramatic and the movement in the illustrations adds to page turning enjoyment. Readers can’t miss the facial expressions on all the vehicles, their eyes tell it all.

Action is expressed in both the text and illustrations. Add this to public library collections and gift to future firefighters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McMullan, Kate

Illustrator: McMullan, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062203162

Price: 16.99

If..A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2014

Review

How money is distributed in the world and just how large is the solar system? These are some hard questions that students ponder. By scaling information to more management numbers and using images that children relate to the answers become clearer.

Scaling down large concepts to make them more comprehensible is not a new educational technique but it is very tangible in Smith’s new title. Common learning tools and the use of graphs as well as timelines contribute to making this a good book for teachers and home school children. The double page spread presentation and use of color will pull in young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, David J.

Illustrator: Adams, Steve

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781894786348

Price: 18.95

The Flying Beaver Brother and The Hot-Air Baboons

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Ace is having a good downhill run when the snow disappears. As the beaver heroes continue down the mountain they find a river and dam built by three baboons which will negatively impact the island.

Not only is this a lesson in environmental science it is a funny and attractive graphic novel. The text is very readable, the font is well sized as well as clear, and the illustrations are compelling. Emerging readers as well as reluctant readers are sure to want this title on their library and classroom shelves. Due to the poor binding this book will not last long in any collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eaton lll, Mazwell

Illustrator: Eaton lll, Mazwell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780385754668

Price: 6.99

Chasing the Storm: Tornadoes, Meteorology, and Weather Watching

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Award-winning author and illustrator Ron Miller, provides an interesting window into the world of storm chasers and meteorologists with fascinating insights into tornadoes. Broken into six short chapters that include, a day in the life of a storm chaser, the makings of a tornado, what's going on with the weather, a meteorologist on the job, official weather watchers and being a storm chaser.

Detailed information on creating your own weather station is included in the back with instructions on how to make a rain gauge, wind gauge, wind vane, barometer, hygrometer and also what to include in a weather emergency kit. Back matter includes source notes, helpful glossary, selected bibliography, further information, excellent web sites, index, information about the author and photo acknowledgements.

Fascinating photographs, colorful maps and diagrams, along with interesting sidebars help break up the informational text. This book provides scientific information on severe weather and also provides first-hand accounts of the challenges of being a storm chaser. The dangers are not ignored, with information provided about three experienced storm chasers who were killed on the job.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Ron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467712842

Price: 22.85

The Perfect Place

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Twelve year old Treasure and her 7 year old sister Tiffany are dropped off at their Great Aunt Grace's home while their mother goes off in search of their father. Great Aunt Grace (GAG for short) is not used to having children around, and has strict expectations that Treasure rails against. Guilt by association with Great Aunt Grace forecasts a difficult stay. Having spent most of her life moving frequently, Treasure is resistant to any attempts for friendship or sense of "home," and clings to hope that her father is off finding the "perfect place" for their aggregate family. Slowly, Treasure begins to open her heart, recognizing the strength in GAG's gruffness and the potential in friendship. Treasure's tale may not be all that different from others, but she tells it with heart. Protecting her sister is paramount, and her difficulties with her great aunt ring true. Hers is a genuine voice that inspires empathy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harris, Teresa E.

Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780547255194

Price: 16.99

On a Clear Day

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Unfortunately for all YA readers this is the final book written by Walter Dean Myers. This is not his best work but there are several positive things to be said about this near future adventure book. The characters are an assortment of teens brought together to use their talents to save the world from eight major companies who have taken over. Dahlia, a math whiz is the most likeable. Readers are in touch with her fears, regrets, and dreams.

There is a lot of internal discussion that provides some background but is a tad annoying. The concept however is frightening; currently in this country large companies are destroying or absorbing small business as they seek more profit and power. This futuristic story is not far from reality and may well be the perfect text for classroom discussion. librarians and teachers need to be advised of some language and violence which does support the storyline.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Myers, Walter Dean

Publisher: Crown (Random House )

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385387538

Price: 17.99

And Then Comes Christmas

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

And then comes Christmas approaches the holiday in a warm and soothing environment. There is little mention of Santa and no religious preference is indicated but most of the holiday traditions are contained in this sweet holiday story.

When and then are creatively used to begin the story line for each two page spread. The illustrations are intentionally a little fuzzy, giving a sense of wonder to the page. This is a good secular holiday book for families and libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brenner, Tom

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Chandlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763653422

Price: 15.99

Edward Hopper, Paints his World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2014

Review

Clearly written text introduces young readers to a young boy whose pencil case is labeled, Edward Hopper Would be Artist. Edward's goal was to make a living drawing and painting subjects that moved him deeply. The author conveys the hard work and dedication it took for Hopper to ultimately achieve that goal. The illustrations are a combination of sepia toned drawings and colorful paintings that capture the time period of Hopper's life and beautifully evoke his style without mimicking it. Extensive backwater includes the usual source notes, but also expands the reader's understanding of how Hopper thought about art. Reproductions of and comments on four famous Hopper paintings are particularly interesting.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burleigh, Robert

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/ Henry Holt and Co

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805087529

Price: 17.99

Neighborhood Sharks, Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

The neighborhood sharks referred to in this book are a group of Great White sharks that spend 4 months in the Fall near the Farallon Islands off San Fransisco. The author/illustrator spent time there with a shark research team learning about the ecosystem and this thrilling predator/prey relationship. In recounting the act of one shark hunting one seal the author covers the science of the shark's body design, vision, teeth, and social interaction all integral to their success. Even the biology of their perfect meal, the elephant seal is covered. The watercolor illustrations, predominantly done in blue,gray and blood red, are just realistic enough without being sensational. Perfectly paced to convey the science, but also capture the thrill and drama of hunting with the largest predatory fish in the ocean. I'm recommending this for "Cream of the Crop"

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roy, Katherine

Illustrator: Roy, Katherine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: David Macaulay Studio/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781596438743

Price: 17.99

Dead Zone

Reviewed by: William Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Dead Zone is the Sequel to Blackout, a story about teens who develop supernatural powers. Our main character, Aubrey, has the ability to make others not notice her, a power much like invisibility, if with a few quirks. In this installment Aubrey and her friends have joined the US Military to help the country as it is assailed by terrorist acts from superpowered teens.

This book sees the acts of terrorism rise into outright war as Russia invades Alaska and begins to crush the US Military response with the abilities of superpowered teens on their own. It's a good and compelling story that follows the original characters throughout the conflict. The atmosphere remains a bit more rigid and militaristic throughout compared to the first book. The writing for the protaganists is well done, but the story feels a little lacking as the entire Russian offensive relies on the powers of two teens. While this gives good reason for the antagonizing teens to be detailed as characters, they also seem to steal too much of the focus for events on that side. I think this story could have been improved by splitting this book into two, and really giving more time adding detail and focus to the other Russian superteens and involving them in a larger part of this stage of the war.

Still, it was an entertaining and compelling read. If you have teen fans of military action and war, or kids with superpowers, this is a good read. An excellent choice for fans of the Fifth Wave.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Robison

Publisher: Harperteen / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062275028

Price: 17.99

The Glass Mountain Tales from Poland

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2014

Review

This is a highly attractive collection of Polish folktales, having as it does, brilliantly colored drawings in the famed illustrator's distinctive style, an appealing size, and an eye-catching title. It is the fourth book of folktales from other countries by a pair of friends, the author and the illustrator, who visited each country first before creating the retellings and the vibrant drawings. The tales from Poland, Pienkowski's birthplace, offer both mythical and magical explanations for Polish history. The eight stories are preceded by a foreword by Walser who says that he had the pleasure of hearing Pienkowski remembering some of the stories from his childhood followed by a brief essay on the artist's Polish childhood, and finally, most helpful, a short glossary with a pronunciation guide . The book is a winning collection for school and public libraries and for all ages of about eight years and up. It is recommended for consideration as a Cream of the Crop selection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walser, reteller, David

Illustrator: Pienkowski, Jan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, folklore

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673208

Price: 17.99

Blackbird

Reviewed by: William Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

It begins when she wakes up laying between the rails of the subway track with a train barreling down upon her. She survives that harrowing moment only to find out that the risk to her life has only just begun. She has no memories, no name, only a backpack, a strange tattoo, and a note that warns her not to contact the police. Only one thing becomes clear quickly: She isn't safe. There are people after her, and they don't intend nice things. Who can she trust? Why are they after her, and who are they? This mystery-thriller tale has lots of questions and turns throughout it, while a few hints of sci-fi and the feeling of being hunted makes this a great choice for fans of the Hunger Games. An exciting and action packed book, this is a good thriller but never develops into a particularly deep backstory, this is a fun, quick read that could have been a longer series with more investment. Still an enjoyable read for fans of sci-fi, dystopias, and survival fiction.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carey, Anna

Publisher: Harperteen / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction, mystery

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062299734

Price: 17.99

The Heaven of Animals

Reviewed by: Karen spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Finally! This is the book that families will ask for whenever they loose a beloved pet. The comforting message told in easy rhyming form is just right. It sends a positive view that animals like people cross to a very special place while waiting for their people to join them. Simple yet beautiful for all ages. The enhance digital drawings are typical Tillman, just lovely.

copyright 2014

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tillman, Nancy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780312553692

Price: 17.99

Horton and the Kwuggerbug

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

This is a collection of "lost" Dr. Seuss stories featuring familiar characters from some of the old classics. With us again are Horton, who just can't catch a break, Marco who has another adventure, Officer Pat who saves the day again, and the Grinch who's up to his usual antics. This is a must for any Dr. Seuss fan.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Seuss, Dr.

Illustrator: Seuss, Dr.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385382984

Price: 15.00

How to Behave at a Tea Party

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Julia attempts to teach her little brother how to throw a proper tea party. We start with washing up and dressing fancy, and move on to definitely NOT inviting the neighbor boys. But they show up anyway, and Julia is losing control of her tea party. Eventually she loses it and has to start over with a different tact--inviting everyone and allowing them to do things you don't typically do at a tea party. This would be a great story to teach patience, particularly to older siblings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Madelyn

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katharine Tegen Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062279262

Price: 17.99

Tap to Play!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Tap to Play! is an interactive book. The character, a red dot, asks you to help him reach a bar. It's sort of like a simple video game...but in a book. It attempts to create the connection between the character and the reader, but it doesn't achieve that. It's kind of awkward feels a bit foolish to be doing all of this tilting and flipping to get a red dot to a bar. For a much better done interactive story, go for Herve Tullet's Press Here.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Yoon, Salina

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062286840

Price: 15.99

Star Child

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2014

Review

Star Child wants very badly to see Earth. His elders explain to him that he will have to be born a human and live as one so he can experience all earth has to offer. Clare Nivola has created this calm, quiet story through both beautiful, simple text and illustrations of quiet color that compliments the text. It is a book that explains the joy, heartbreak, excitement and challenges of living a life on earth as a human being. It is the complete package

CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nivola, Clare A

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Frances Foster/ Farrar,Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374371821

Price: 16.99

Day Dreamers: Journey of Imagination

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2014

Review

Martin sings the praises of imagination. She takes the reader on a journey, explaining that though you may not see dragons, unicorns, and other magical creatures in the everyday - they exist and you meet when you day dream. Martin's illustrations are magical- clear, smooth and soothing - a day dream quality. The text is poetic, is the tidal pool you are gazing at a "tiny seaside kingdom" with ancient creatures in the waves? This is her companion book to Dream Animals

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Emily Winfield

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385376709

Price: 17.99

The Storm Whale

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2014

Review

A simple story of a small boy who lives on an island with his fisherman dad, and 6 cats. His dad goes to sea all day and his son remains home. After a storm,he finds a stranded young whale and quickly goes to work to save it- including bringing back to his house and putting it into the bathtub. He worries that his dad will be understanding of the situation. Davies heartwarming story told in simple, sparse text and in illustrations that reflect the life and bond the boy and his dad have with one another makes this a Keeper!

CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805099676

Price: 16.99

Hunters of the Great Forest

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2014

Review

A group of fearless but somewhat goofy group of explorers set off on a journey of discovery. They must face all sorts of challenges to secure the treasure they seek. Nolan's quirky, detailed,illustrations add to the adventure. This is a fun, beautiful wordless book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nolan, Dennis

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596438965

Price: 17.99

Imani's Moon

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Let nothing nor anyone stop you in whatever you wish in life. Imani, a small Maasai girl wants to do something big! But at each try- she is teased and made to feel inadequate by children in the village. As low as she feels after each attempt- it is the calm, quiet, soothing words and stories of her mother that give her the courage to try again until success is hers. With a text that is encouraging not didactic and beautiful, bright illustrations that take the reader to the Maasai village, this message of confidence and determination is conveyed to the reader in a beautiful book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brown-Wood, JaNay

Illustrator: Mitchell, Hazel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Macinac Island Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781934133576

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Knockout Games

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Erica is the ultimate misfit. She's not only the new student in her high school; she's a white girl in a mostly African-American school. Erica has recently moved to urban St. Louis from suburban Little Rock with her mother after her parents' divorce. With the encouragement of her art teacher, she explores her new world through the video camera her father gave her. Her new friend Destiny (their friendship was forged during detention) invites her to bring her camera and meet her friends. These friends turn out to be gang members who participate in "knockout games." Egged on by their leader (the "knockout king"), the boys choose random people to attack, trying to knock them unconscious. Erica finds herself quickly sucked into life with the gang -- chronicling their "games" with her camera, falling for the "knockout king," and even throwing a punch herself. Readers will not be surprised when the situation spirals out of control and people end up really hurt. Sadly this is based on actual events. In addition to the brutal violence and sad tone, the voice of the girls is a bit off-putting -- Erica starts talking like a gang member almost the minute she starts hanging out with them while Destiny often sounds like a suburban high school student. Near the end of the book, the author switches from first-person to third-person during a pivotal scene but the abrupt shift is more confusing than dramatic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Neri, G.

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467732697

Price: 17.95

One Death, Nine Stories

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

This is a bittersweet little book created by nine of today's best YA authors -- Rita Williams-Garcia, Ellen Hopkins, A.S. King, Torrey Maldonado, Charles R. Smith, Jr., Nora Raleigh Baskin, Chris Barton, Will Weaver, and Marina Budhos. The book was built on a simple premise: the back cover shows a brief obituary of Kevin Nicholas. Kevin was 19, ran cross-country in high school, attended community college, was survived by his mother and sister, and predeceased by his father. With these few facts, the authors fleshed out the life of Kevin. The editor's afterword discusses the writing process: the first author kicked off the book and each subsequent author then wrote a story. The authors shared their stories and went through revisions that made this more than a collection of stories. The stories all tie together to form a cohesive novelette.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aronson (ed.), Marc and Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763652852

Price: 16.99

Guys Read: True Stories

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

The latest entry in (editor) Jon Scieszka's Guys Read series features non-fiction adventure, biographical, and historical essays. From the story of a shipwreck (on the edge of the Sahara desert no less) by Steve Sheinkin to a graphic novel by Nathan Hale to Universe ("Uni-verses") poetry by Douglas Florian, this book has something for every reader -- boys and girls. Features ten excellent, high-interest essays. (Cream of the Crop)

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scieszka (ed.), Jon

Illustrator: Floca, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure, biography / autobiography, graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780061963827

Price: 16.99

A Matter of Souls

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

Eight short stories set in the South relive the experiences of the Africa American journey in our country. From Slavery through segregation, reconstruction, education reform, and civil rights these stories shed light on the reality of what it meant to be black in a hostile environment.

Night searching is realistic and horrifying as it depicts the type of violence that occurred in the near past. The only response possible is deep sorrow when reading most of these stories but they need to be shared. High school teachers may want to include these stories when discussion our turbulent American History. Readers of historical fiction should be handed this slim book and it would make a great book club selection for YA / adult.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patrick, Denise Lewis

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab (Lerner)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761392804

Price: 16.95

Made for You

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

After being hit by a car our heroin awakes in a hospital wondering why anyone would want to harm a prominent popular girl like her. As Eva's daily social life somewhat resumes other friends are killed and Eva becomes aware she has a stalker who tells part of the story using the name Judge. In addition she now has the ability to see the death of those she touches.

Somewhat different than current YA books, this will peak the interest of mystery, horror and science fiction readers. Other readers may find it creepy or object to the in crowd mentality.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Marr, Melissa

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction, horror, romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062011190

Price: 17.99

Einstein the Class Hamster and the Very Real Game Show

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

In this second book of the series, Einstein Class Hamster, the reader follows Ned, Bonnie and the rest of the class on a trip to a game show where Einstein has to confront his fears and snakes!

This mother-son team of writer and illustrator create a story perfect for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy kid series. Plot lines are clear, engaging and humorous. The large type font and illustrations are appealing to early chapter book readers. Short chapters are easy to follow and will get readers laughing. A solid choice for those readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tashjian, Janet

Illustrator: Tashjian, Jake

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627790260

Price: 12.99

A Mousy Mess

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2014

Review

A book in the "Mouse Math" series. This book uses a story of three mice roaming the humans' playroom while the people are away. Albert the mouse isn't paying attention and makes a huge mess and his friends grab additional mice to sort all of the toys and put them away before the humans and, more importantly, the cat come home. These books are well done. The concepts of sorting and problem solving are well-illustrated. The colorful pictures, likeable mouse characters, and clear explanation of the sorting process make this an engaging and accessible book. Grades pre-K-2. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Laura

Illustrator: Melmon, Deborah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: The Kane Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781575656465

Price: 7.95

Wild Things!

Reviewed by: Shirley LaBranche - MapleStone, Acton, SMLD

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

Wild Things! by Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson and Peter Sieruta is a delightful read full of thought provoking insights and good old fashion literary gossip. Written by three bloggers with impressive reviewing credentials, we get the inside story of many children's books. My favorite was the epitaph which slipped through on the first edition but has been removed in all subsequent editions: Virginia Kirk US A Nasty Soul Is Its Own Reward 1765-1776. This was aimed at Virginia Kirk, the editor of Kirkus Reviews and inserted into a scene when Hancock is visiting the graves of his children in the book, Will You Sign Here, Mr. Hancock? Why the nasty epitaph? A particularly vitriolic review of Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations created for Snow White. This book not only gives many similar inside stories, but also outlines trends in Children's Literature. Sure to be a hit among students of literature and book lovers in general.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bird, Betsy

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12, adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763651503

Price: 22.99

Theseus and the Minotaur

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2014

Review

This is a Toon Graphic, which is an imprint of Candlewick Press, and is a nice quality book. The premise is that some children have requested a story and so a man weaves the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. Pommaux delicately handles the conception of Theseus and using prose that is heavily illustrated, not quite a graphic novel, but without a better category for this type of storytelling that's where I'd put this book, he recounts the entire story of Theseus and his defeat of the Minotaur. The book ends with the storyteller tying Theseus's victory and subsequent rule as the start of democracy. Greek names and places are defined and phonetically spelled out in footnotes, and there is an illustrated index in the back of the book for further information about characters and places mentioned in the story. This book could be picked up for pleasure by readers who like mythology, and it can be used in the classroom to teach the myth, or to teach how a myth can be told/illustrated. Recommend for collections with high-mythology interest, schools with Latin programs, and for lovers of graphic novels.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pommaux, Yves

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Toon Graphics

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, folklore, graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781935179610

Price: 16.95

Justin Case Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - Gray New Gloucester Middle School, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is written like a journal from Justin's point of view. It had me laughing out loud many times as I read the entries. "We have a lot of rules. Like SHARE. But now it turns out that DON'T TAKE DAD'S STUFF is an even bigger one." He is not allowed to say HATE so he calls things he doesn't like a big NO THANK YOU. This is a great story about how sometimes your best friend turns out to be a bully because he doesn't want to share you with others. He accidently hits and sends rubber bands into Justin's eye. I think this would be a great read aloud to help kids not be bullies to their best friends, but learn how to work things out. Recommend for cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Vail, Rachel

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978125003978

Price: 16.99

Trust Me, I'm lying

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2014

Review

Julep Dupree is a sophomore in high school and she is a swindler, a con artist, if you will, following in her father's footsteps. Her mother abandoned them years ago and she has lived with her father since. She makes money for her tuition at a posh high school by running small time cons for her fellow students. Her latest moneymaking scheme is providing them with fake I.Ds at $100 a pop. She has an elaborate email and drop box set-up to accomplish all of these deceptions. She has a close guy friend and has recently acquired another friend who is the hottest boy at the school. Go figure. Is he trustworthy? Her father disappears, as he has in the past, but this time she fears he is dead and things transpire whereupon she discovers that he was inadvertently involved with the mob. This is all a bit unbelievable but it makes for a good mystery that some YA will enjoy. There is a little romance involved to add a dash of spice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Summer, Mary Elizabeth

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385744065

Price: 17.99

Controlled

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2014

Review

Rachel's cousin Misty comes to live with her, completely disrupting her plans for junior year. The two don't know each other, and could not be more different. Where Rachel is focused and serious about her studies, Misty has only known the chaos of a drug addicted mother (now deceased), and lives only for the present. She rebels against the rules of her new home, is eventually sent to Rondo, the alternative high school, before being sent to a psychiatric hospital.

Having two very different characters offers broader possibilities of identity for readers. Told from Rachel's point of view, we see her begin to expand her perspective and begin caring about Misty. Teen drinking and sexual experimentation are briefly mentioned. There is minimal character development. The adults are flat, not recognizing Misty's need to grieve the loss of her mother, and unable to reach her in any way before sending her to the hospital. The definition of Borderline Personality Disorder is vague enough that many teens may self-diagnose inaccurately. The passage of time is unclear and the pacing unbelievable, as Misty admits cutting herself to Rachel on her second day. Short chapters and an easy reading level will help weaker teen readers stay engaged. A brief author note about Borderline Personality Disorder does not explain "dialectical behavior therapy" which Misty undergoes.

Part of the Alternative series, about students at Rondo Alternative High School.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek / Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467739023

Price: 27.93

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs the Jurrasic Jackrabbits from Jupiter

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2014

Review

This is another adventure for Ricky Ricotta and his mighty robot redone with illustration by Dan Santat. This time the evil General Jackrabbit tries to take over the Earth using giant rabbit-like dinosaurs. It is up to Ricky and his robot to save the day. This is a fun early chapter book. There are fabulous colorful drawings on every page by Dan Santat. The book has several pages that are more graphic novel style- less writing and more pictures which fits the story line perfectly. If you have an older copy of this story, swap it out for this version. The drawings make it come to life which will make it a hit with young readers. Excellent.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 97805456311198

Price: 14.99

Coming Home

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2014

Review

Mother is coming home from war because she is a soldier. Big beautiful illustrations that look very realistic. The little boy sees everyone else meeting their loved ones and is patient but anxious to see her. Lettering is bold and sparse. The characters and dog are expressive. You get the melancholy yet hopeful and joyous feel from the first look at the cover. Cream of the crop

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ruth, Greg

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250055477

Price: 16.99

Curious George Goes to a Bookstore

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2014

Review

George is excited to meet his favorite author at a local bookstore. There is also banana bread being served at the event and we all know how much George likes banana. A charming story where George goes on a adventure and stacks all of the authors new books so they are in a tower shape and no one seems to mind. In the end the author signs his book and he is over the moon with happiness. Little creative writing exercise is included in the back of the book. Another must purchase. Cream of the crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bartynski, Julie M.

Illustrator: Young, Mary O'Keefe

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544320734

Price: 13.99

Work, Dogs, Work: A Highway Tale

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2014

Review

Loved this book. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The lettering is simple and clear and the story is told in rhymes.The book has as its main characters and array of dogs each of who has a name. The job that each truck does is clearly told. For example: Dump trucks deliver load after load It will take lots of trips to build this long road. It is a book that kids will read over and over and want to take on trips. Cream of the crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Horvath, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062189707

Price: 15.99

Curious George Visits the Dentist

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2014

Review

Another charming Curious George book. This time George has bitten into a wax apple thinking it was a real one and hurts is tooth which is thankfully a baby tooth. George gets very nervous and jumps out of the dentist's chair because he is scared. The other children are afraid also but then George is up to his usual fun antics. He starts juggling dental floss and this makes the children laugh and they are no longer scared. At the end of the day as a reward George gets a coin from the tooth fairy. This is a great book for a child who has to make a visit to the dentist and is feeling a bit wary.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Perez, Monica

Illustrator: Mary O'Keefe, Young

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978054414611

Price: 13.99

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 15, 2014

Review

Berry dishes up a dark and comical, Victorian-era melodrama featuring seven female boarding students who watch their headmistress and her cruel brother die at Sunday dinner after eating poisoned veal. Motivated by their desires for freedom, the girls try to keep on as if nothing has happened whilst they bury the bodies in the garden, solve the mystery, masquerade as their mistress at the strawberry social and juggle all the visitors who have come to call. This is a complete package of hilarity and the book jacket art by Bruno brilliantly sets the stage. The beginning of the book displays a portrait of each girl by Bruno as well as a preface that enlightens the reader to why the girls do not want to be sent back home. Berry's writing style is spot-on in terms of dramatic farce and timing. Even the seven girls names brand them with a negative connotation e.g., Disgraceful Jane, Stout Alice, which adds a flair of blatant inappropriateness to the consistent mix of clues, devious suspects and budding of romances. Older fans of Lemony Snicket will be drawn to this farce.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Berry, Julie

Illustrator: Bruno, Iscopo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439566

Price: 15.99

And Away We Go

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 15, 2014

Review

I loved this book and everything about it. Mr. Fox has decided to go to the moon in a hot air balloon so he proceeds to pick up a bunch of animal friends to go along. Many bring along food to eat and music to listen to. However the balloon becomes very full and the balloon becomes to heavy and the strings that hold the balloon to the basket break....Fortunately each animal has some sort of parachute and each drifts gently to the ground.

The illustrations are whimsical set in a city scene at night. Cream of the Crop

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Migy, Migy

Illustrator: Migy,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805099010

Price: 17.99

A Big Day for Migs!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 15, 2014

Review

Migs the mouse is starting school, though he is looking forward to it he is also a bit apprehensive. Migs is very shy but while he is watching the other school children from afar he spots a closet and inside is a superhero costume. He becomes very brave and proceeds to race around the room but suddenly by accident he spills a jar of water on a painting one of the kids in his classroom his working on. Migs goes away by himself to think about what to do. And comes up with a fun plan. Suddenly everyone is friends and Migs is already looking forward to the next day at school.

The illustrations are bright and colorful and have great movement.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hodgkinson, Jo

Illustrator: Hodgkinson, Jo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Anderson Press USA

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467750141

Price: 16.95

While You Were Napping

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 15, 2014

Review

A little boy is reluctant to go to bed to take a nap but as soon as he does he goes right to sleep and misses out on all kinds of excitement. There are pirates, firemen and astronauts and lots going on but the little boy is asleep.

The pictures are in watercolor and almost like a seek and find puzzle because each picture has so much included. Children will be very engaged by all the pictures in the book and adults will find this fun to look at together.

Some of the wording was a little strange and did not seem to fit the story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Offill, Jenny

Illustrator: Blitt, Barry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375865725

Price: 19.99

Sleuth on Skates

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 16, 2014

Review

A funny new mystery series with a very cheeky main character. As I was reading this book I was reminded of Pippi Longstocking. She was a very strong willed opinionated curious girl. Sesame Seade is all these things and more. Against the demands of her parents she recruits herself to help solve the mystery of a missing ballet dancer. For those readers who are very technical this is a great book to get them reading because technology plays a big part in the mystery. If you are in need of a fast paced mystery with a slightly hyperactive character this is your book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Beauvais, Clementine

Illustrator: Horne, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978823431977

Price: 16.95

Katfish

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2014

Review

Book 4 in the Creature from my Closet series

Rob's last interaction with a creature from his closet resulted in disaster, and he imagines that everyone at school hates him including his crush, Janae. Now Kat has appeared, destined to help make things right. Resembling Katniss from the Hunger Games, she impresses Rob and his friends with her archery skills. Rob notices his friends hanging around and trying their best to impress her. Even Rob finds himself drawn to her, in that it is nice to have a female friend. But when Kat rescues Rob's dog from the pool, she turns into the Little Mermaid, decidedly less cool.

New concerns about girls and social standing are presented in a humorous text. Line drawings add to the fun and will appeal to fans of the Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants series. Enough backstory is given for readers new to the series to follow the plot and may inspire curiosity to read the previous titles.

Although the characters are in middle school, younger students will enjoy this series. The Hunger Games seems like an unfortunate choice for the target audience. It is described as a "cool story but not always happy" where kids have to compete against each other "for food," p.66. This simplified version may mislead readers who want to follow up with reading the original.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Skye, Obert

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805096903

Price: 13.99

The Island of Excess Love

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2014

Review

Follow up novel to Love in the Time of Global Warming. Not a stand alone novel. For the mature as the book uses the F word many times. And also includes some graphic sex scenes. The main character in the book has lost her parents and her eye and has found peace with her brother and friends in a Pink House overlooking the ocean. Until one day a ship appears off shore and bad things begin to happen. They are entranced by the ship and board it and Penn finds herself fighting to overcome great temptation in order to be reunited with her loved ones. Though I found the writing very good and enjoyed the interpretation of the book as it relates to Virgil's Aeneid, I found it a bit confusing, probably because it is the follow up novel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lia Block, Francesca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805096316

Price: 16.99

Frankenstein's Fright Before Christmas

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

There is a book for everyone, and this one is for that special family that loves fractured fairytales and other stories that are just a little bit off... It tries pretty hard to rythme to the original Night before Christmas tune. This book is certainly colorful and bright. Entertaining for the right child.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bemonster, Ludworst

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and FriendsBook/ imprint of Mcmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: horror,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780312553678

Price: 16.99

Outside

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

A wonderful winter tale. The illustrations are bold, bright and captivating, telling the story along with the simple text. What child isn't reluctant to go outside to play? And then just as reluctant to come back inside.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gill, Deirdre

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780547910659

Price: 16.99

Mary Engelbreit's Nutcracker

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

A great introduction to the Nutcracker for the younger child and beginner reader. These illustrations are Maty Engelbreit at her best with bright and colorful pictures. It does not have that slight dark tone the original book has. Perfect for parents who plan to take their child to the play during the holidays and want to read the story again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Engelbreit, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062224170

Price: 9.99

Bad Bye, Good Bye

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

The illustrations look to be multimedia mix,which I like, but slightly on the "dark" side, making the story seem scarier than I would like it to be. Even though the text "lightens" up toward the end, the illustrations do not make it seem like a happy ending. They leave when it is raining and travel at night. One page shows daytime, then they arrive and move in at night. I don't know if this book would help a child alleviate their fears of moving or make them worse.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Underwood, Deborah

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780547928524

Price: 16.99

Mimi and Bear in the Snow

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

A gentle story about loosing your favorite stuffy. Mimi has her bear by her side all through the day and then looses it. The simple illustration of bedtime reminds us of how tough it might be to get through the night alone. Morning begins the search for bear, the joy of finding him, and the solution to not loosing it again. Thank goodness it was spring though or that bear would have stayed buried all winter! A very cute book for toddlers and preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Trasler, Janee

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374349714

Price: 16.99

The Lure

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

A tough subject line, that inner city kids get but suburban kids won't realise, the very terror of the drugs and violence some inner city kids face everyday. Blaise Montgomery, fifteen, chooses what she thinks is the safety of being a part of a gang will give her. However the danger she is in as a "lure" to rival gang members leaves her with an important decision, stay or leave. A decision a lot of teens face with the choices of friends and situations they find themselves in today. A timeless storyline.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ewing, Lynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062206886

Price: 17.99

Don't Touch

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

Wilson shines a light on anxiety disorders, magical thinking and ways to face fears in this debut. Caddie has always kept her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) behaviors hidden from family and friends except when life becomes too stressful. Her symptoms revolving around not being touched and being clean become more pronounced as she begins to attend high school at Birmingham Arts Academy and her parents divorce. Being cast as Ophelia in the school's production of Hamlet and growing closer to her male lead slowly brings Caddie to the point of seeking professional help and sharing her struggles with her new friends. There is some parent supported underage drinking. Although the author may have used the device to instill an understanding to the reader, Caddie's continual mantra of "don't touch" becomes a barrier to investing in her character. For those who persevere, the second half of this novel is a theater-focused love story that juxtaposes Ophelia with Caddie's dilemma. Theater enthusiasts will enjoy. In the author's note, Wilson explains her own history with OCD and provides a brief question and answer for teens about seeking mental health support.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/ Harper Collins Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062220936

Price: 17.99

Rory's Promise

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

Rory lives at the Foundling Hospital of New York with her sister Violet. Although 12 years old, she has been able to persuade the Sisters in charge to allow her to stay with the young children to stay close to Violet. When she discovers that Violet is due to be adopted, she stows away to try to get adopted as well. Upon arrival in Clifton, AZ, Violet is at the heart of the struggle between Mexican and Anglo families unable to bear children due to the effects of copper mining and smelting in the mountain town.

Rory is headstrong and manipulative. She makes herself indispensible by helping with the young children. She easily gets her way, is given adult responsibilities, and is more adept than the adults in charge. She is older than her years.

The two girls ride one of the Baby Trains, the forerunner to the Orphan Trains that took street children and orphans to rural families throughout the US. Ambiguity of historical placement makes it difficult to check accuracy. Horse drawn taxi cabs mix with electric lights, automobiles, indoor plumbing and water closets. A note opposite the verso page sets the story in the 1870's yet the train passes the St. Louis World's Fair, held in 1904.

Many questions detract from the quality of the story. Violet and Rory ride in a special car hired by the orphanage. Would the charity hospital have funds to hire an entire car? Would the townspeople of Clifton be aware that the mining and smelting are the cause of so many miscarriages in town? Would Ramon, Violet's adoptive father, be familiar with the similarity of the discrimination suffered by the Irish of NY and the Mexicans of AZ?

A note to the reader and a note about the sources discuss the events in Clifton upon which the tale is based, and the truth behind some of the characters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

MacColl, Michaela

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek / Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620916230

Price: 16.95

The Islands at the End of the World

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial LIbrary, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 30, 2014

Review

The story takes place on HI at a time when several disasters have taken place around the world sending not only HI, but the rest of world back to a time before modern electronics and technology. The apocalyptic story brings to light the ecology of HI and it's mythology. Lots of adventure and mystery. An interesting read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Aslan, Austin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744027

Price: 17.99

Gold Medal Winter

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 30, 2014

Review

When Esperanza (Espi) becomes the student of a retired Olympic skater her life begins to spiral toward her goal of competing in the winter Olympics. Not only does Coach Chen take Espi as a scholarship student but she provides a private skating rink for their sessions. The focus of the story is on Espi making the winter team and her interactions within the US Skating Team as well as with her family and supporters. A romantic triangle provides some intrigue but it is Espi’s relationship with her mother and her reaction to all the media coverage that makes this title strong.

Having had a skater in the family I felt the story line was plausible but the circumstances were extraordinary. Girls who compete in any sport and those who love to watch skating or dance will appreciate this title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Freitas, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545643771

Price: 16.99

The Door

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 30, 2014

Review

For generations Hannah’s family has lived in a secluded lighthouse where she has been home-schooled until recently. Lacking playmates Hannah has acquired three imaginary friends who mimic or critique her often strange behaviors. A series of events lead to radical changes in her life after her mother is killed and Hannah opens a formerly closed door to the afterlife.

Although the protagonist is an interesting character others are weak. I found the story to be poorly defined and the plot confusing. In addition there were several places that needed further editing.

Some fantasy readers will enjoy the read but this is not a necessary purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Marino, Andy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545551373

Price: 17.99

Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do.

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 1, 2015

Review

Familiar or not the faces that stare out at readers are animated and amazing. Each of the 25 animals tells their story when prompted by a question concerning their unique facial features. Important and interesting pieces of science are presented, information that is sure to lead to more research by readers.

Colored backgrounds perfectly show off the intimate close up of each animal making their faces pop off the page. The illustrations themselves are intricate depictions created using torn paper. Early grade students will keep this off the library shelf.

Creature Features is a WOW book that should be considered for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Page, Robin

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcoourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544233515

Price: 17.99

Up & Down: A Lift-The-Flap Book

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2015

Review

Like any good concept book this title is designed to depict how up and down are opposite. The author/illustrator’s underwater environment is an excellent backdrop for the sweet story of two penguin friends. The use of dark blue in the background lends itself to telling a story about the animal and plant life under the ocean.

Kindergarten teachers will use this title for science discussion, while art teachers will want to share this unique lift-the-flap presentation with older students. Preschool age children will love the story and flaps.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Brutta

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763671297

Price: 17.99

If You Were a Dog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2015

Review

Young readers are asked to imagine themselves as a dog, cat, bug, fish, dinosaur, and other animals and are asked which of the animal's qualities they would like. The text is somewhat rhyming and very sing song, making it a good choice to read to young children. In just a few brush strokes, Raschka captures the animals as they act out the characteristics, making the illustrations very appealing to children. In the end, readers are told they are NOT any of those things, but they are a kid who can GIGGLE, GIGGLE, GIGGLE and that is the very best thing to be. A fun, appealing book to add to storytimes for young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Swenson, Jamie

Illustrator: Raschka, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978-0-374-33530-4

Price: 17.99

Wild about Bears

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2015

Review

There are only eight types of bears in the world. This nonfiction picture book tells about each of them, taking the reader to the habitat of each. In addition to the text, captions next to most of the drawings add additional information about the bears. Useful additions at the end of the book include a globe with each bear's habitat indicated, a habitat glossary, and a nice list of places to get additional information. Illustrations are nicely done. The text is approachable by young researchers. This would be a good addition to your nonfiction collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brett, Jeannie

Illustrator: Brett, Jeannie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-1-58089-418-0

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Nancy Clancy: Secret of the Silver Key

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 30, 2014

Review

The Nancy Clancy series is the ever popular picture book character Fancy Nancy as a middle grade student and a detective! This series does a great job of conveying a sense of positivity and how never giving up on a task or yourself can give you a great feeling. Lots of fun and adventure in every story. This series is very popular with my 2nd and 3rd grade readers!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Preiss Glasser, Robin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper / Haroer Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062082992

Price: 9.99

The Fall

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - Retired, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2015

Review

Griffin's novel retells Poe's Classic, The Fall of the House of Usher, from Madeline Usher's view. Through a variety of devices that challenge the reader to keep up, including a non-linear chronology, Griffin manages to make Poe's tale of a cursed family and their crumbling mansion into something beyond pastiche. Will Madeline escape the curse of madness that has taken her parents? Can she protect her twin brother? This is a new story, which will nevertheless send readers back to the original to see how Griffin has made it her own. Although it goes off the rails a bit here and there, I recommend it for CREAM.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Griffin, Bethany

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow/HaperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062107855

Price: 17.99

The Swift Boys and Me

Reviewed by: Megan Moynihan - Walker Memorial Public Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2015

Review

Nola Sutton is an eleven year old girl whose best friends in the world are her next door neighbors, the Swift boys. Brian is the oldest brother, Kevin the youngest and then there’s Canaan, Nola’s “best-best friend” and classmate. It is the very beginning of summer vacation, when Mr. Swift abandons his family, leaving the three boys devastated. Nola struggles to be there for the boys while trying to get to the bottom of their father’s disappearance but meanwhile Nola is facing challenges of her own. She finds out her mother is finally marrying her long-time boyfriend and Nola will be moving out of the neighborhood by the end of the summer. So when Brian takes off to stay with friends, Kevin stops talking altogether, and Canaan starts hanging out with the neighborhood bullies, Nola finds herself wishing things could be like they once were. This is a story of a young girl on the cusp of adolescence trying to come to terms with changes in her life, some positive and some painful. With good pacing and well-developed characters, this book keeps the reader engaged. Nola is brave, sweet, and thoughtful but at certain moments, perhaps a little too insightful about her emotions and experiences to be believable for a character her age. Despite this one aspect of Nola’s character, I found myself rooting for her as she learns how to navigate the difficult changes in her life. I would recommend this book to children ages ten and up as Nola’s experiences could be relevant to anyone who has struggled with friendships and change.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keplinger, Kody

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545562003

Price: 16.99

Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This series of Amelia Bedelia books features a young Amelia Bedelia, and this Amelia is just as literal as the older one, leading to many funny and confusing moments! In this edition Amelia and her friends go on several adventures around the neighborhood - she freezes a gecko, a monkey from the zoo finds his way to their garage... These books are great for young readers just getting into chapter books, there is a familiar character, fun story line, lots of white space and illustrations. These books also do a great job of illustrating how using your imagination can lead to a lot of fun!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books / Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978062095028

Price: 15.99

Too Good to be True

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This diary style narrative tells of April Sinclairs life as an 8th grader. Seventh grade ended on a high note, she had a boyfriend and a BFF. Eighth grade seemed like it would be just as great - that is until another boy comes into the picture, leading to jealousy and other typical Jr. High pressures and emotional upheavals that impact Aprils life. This engaging story will surely connect with young adolescents.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467709262

Price: 17.95

The Little Bear Book

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This endearing tale of a little white bear with a magical pen will not disappoint. Reissued to appeal to a new audience, this book from 1988 will have as much appeal today, as it did when it first came out. A story of a little white bear with a magical pen is told with minimal text that allows the stylized illustrations to bring the story to life.

While walking through the woods, the little white bear meets a menagerie of animals -- from a lonely gorilla, a noisy crocodile, an angry lion to a scary elephant. The little bear is very clever and knows just what each animal needs. Thanks to his imagination and his magical pen, the little bear is able to just what is needed in each situation. A clever ending, where the bear takes care of himself and brings the book to a satisfying closure.

An engaging picture book for pre-schoolers from award winning, author-illustrator Anthony Browne

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-0-7636-7007-8

Price: 15.99

One-Eyed Doll

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This is a tale about a one-eyed doll that is found buried in a box behind a falling down house in town referred to as "that old place." All the children in town have been warned to stay away from there, but Malik's little sister Tiana, whom he is supposed to look out for, hears an odd voice calling to her from behind that house saying "Let me out." She finds the box in the earth, and it is locked and nailed shut and very hard to open. Within is a one-eyed doll that Tiana instantly loves, but the doll, which she names Selena, is not at all what she seems. Malik finds himself in an unenviable position and he must figure out how to put things to rights. The illustrations are shades of black, white, and gray and the text is decidedly frightening. There is rain, thunder, lightning, creaking and, of course, the kids have a black cat named Midnight with extraordinary senses of his own. Some children might find this story a bit too scary, but some will relish every moment.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Prellier, James

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250040954

Price: 5.99

Anatomy of a Misfit

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Despite her supposed friendship with Becky, a popular mean girl, Anika Dragomir feels like an impostor at her high school in 1980's Nebraska, like "spider stew" among her normal peers. When fellow misfit Logan emerges from summer vacation with a new allure and begins offering her rides on his scooter, she's won over despite worrying what Becky will do if she finds out. Anika's quirk is well-balanced by her decency and intelligence and her much truer friendship with Shelli, who also lives in fear of Queen Bee Becky, is funny and touching; their frank discussions about sex and boys are refreshingly realistic. When another guy, the very popular, but possibly disingenuous Jared also begins pursuing her, it adds another layer into the already tense social dynamic, perfectly capturing the intricate unspoken rules of social status that will be recognizable to many teen readers. It is clear from the beginning that this offbeat story will end in tragedy -- brief chapters are interspersed throughout that foreshadow it -- but the tension is nicely sustained throughout. A darkly comic, emotionally rich novel that will appeal to fans of John Green, A.S. King and Rainbow Rowell.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Portes, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062313645

Price: 17.99

Unbroken; An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive

Reviewed by: Barbara Merrittb - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This is a young adult adaptation of the adult blockbuster story of Louis Zamperini. Zamperini was a young man headed for trouble until his brother encouraged him to run. Louie went on to the 1936 Olympics as a track star. The story follows his being drafted into the Air Force. The gripping saga of his plane being shot down and his spending 47 days in a life raft then spending the duration of the war in Japanese prisoner camps makes the reading intense. The horrors of the prison camp at times make the reader cringe at times. Photographs add interest and support details well. The thing that shines through this book is the importance of courage, determination, the will to live, and the support of family and friends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillenbrand, Laura

Illustrator: , Various Photographers

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385742511

Price: 19.99

Guess How Much I Love You Guess What I Can Do

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This is a concept book, featuring colors, nature, weather, actions, shapes, numbers, and sounds. As in previous books, the warm nature of the parent and child relationship shines through, making this a nice book to share from that aspect. As a concept book, it is not as effective. Small flaps on the colors page could be hard for little fingers to grasp. The shapes page is much less clear than the other pages. The numbers page is the most effective. This book would not survive library circulation, but would be better used for laptime sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McBratney, Sam

Illustrator: Jeram, Anita

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670641

Price: 9.99

Little Blue Truck's Christmas

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

It is December and Little Blue Truck has a delivery job to do. He picks up Christmas trees and delivers them to his friends. Counting is emphasized as each tree has a numbered tag and Little Truck Delivers them one, two, three, four, five. Colorful illustrations are cute and engaging. The twinkling tree at the end will be particularly captivating to young children. Good for laptime sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schertle, Alice

Illustrator: McElmurry, Jill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544320413

Price: 14.99

Wedding Belles

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Amy's mother will finally marry Dave on Amy's fourteenth birthday.Clover, Amy's aunt, is helping with the wedding plans so life is very hectic. Meanwhile, Mills (Amy's best friend) asks Amy to help out on the cheerleading squad while one of the members heals from an injury so they can practice for Nationals, but that means dealing with the popular and mean D4s. Amy has to deal with boyfriend issues, family problems, and many changes that all seem to happen quickly. This is a solid continuation of the series, but also the last of the series, so all storylines are neatly tied up, Her mother gets married, her father and his new wife come to the wedding, Clover may move to New York where here musician boyfriend is going, and Amy may continue writing the advice column for Clover. A good addition to the Ask Amy Green series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Webb , Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655846

Price: 16.99

Sammy Keyes and the Kiss Goodbye

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This opens with a warning from the author in her own voice to explain that Sammy isn't here (as she was in the rest of the series)and then goes on with the story to explain what happened to Sammy, girl detective. This is the final book in the Sammy Keyes series, Sammy has been hurt and is in a coma. Characters from previous books come back to help solve the mystery of who, why, and how Sammy was hurt. This book will make sense as long as the reader have read at least some of the series but is not meant to stand alone. Loose ends from the series are tied up and the humor of the characters come through. Fans will enjoy this satisfying ending to the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Draanen , Wendelin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375870552

Price: 16.99

Maybe One Day

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Longtime best friends Olivia and Zoe are about to begin their junior year of high school and are adjusting to life after being told by their NYC ballet company that there is no longer room for them. All their dreams and plans for the future must be changed. Olivia is now teaching ballet at a community center while Zoe is still pretty lost when Olivia is diagnosed with leukemia. Olivia has always been the positive one, but now Zoe is called upon to be supportive and positive. This is well written about a very difficult time that includes normal teenage issues such as Zoe beginning to like the boy that Olivia had a crush on, lies to spare her feelings, and well articulates the emotions and feelings around the leukemia. Zoe must deal with Olivia's mother, dreams must be thought about, navigating school without her best friend at her side, and dealing with the cheerleaders who use Olivia as a cause. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kantor , Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062279200

Price: 17.99

The Mayflower

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book for K-2 to introduce the subject of the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving to young children. The text is brief and factual, easy to understand, goes well with the illustrations which are created with Winsor & Newton goache on Arches paper. Also included are a Time Line, Resources and Journals, Publications, & Educational Materials. Useful for classroom or for families to read together before Thanksgiving.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwood, Mark

Illustrator: Lessac, Frane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429431

Price: 16.95

Roger Duvoisin's The Night Before Christmas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This a reissue in a new special size perfect to be a stocking stuffer, tall and narrow, originally published in 1954, renewed in 1984 by Louise Duvoisin. The classic poem is illustrated with the original color pallet of red, blue, green, yellow, black and white.The small details on each page help to keep the interest of even a toddler. Nicely done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Clement C.

Illustrator: Duvoisin, Roger

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754590

Price: 16.99

The History of Money

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This well illustrated book takes the reader from the when there was no money at all to present day currency - the reader learns about the barter system, to how the Romans first kept track of things they owned, to the concept of the IOU to the development of coins and the concept of buying things and even inflation! I found this book to be quite an interesting read that kids of all ages will enjoy!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Martin

Illustrator: Kitamura, Satoshi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763667634

Price: 16.99

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer the classic story based on the original television classic 1964-2014 Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition is retold by Thea Feldman. This is a rewritten short version of the classic reindeer story. The illustrations are based on the television program. Children who know the program will like this short version as it looks like the television show. The cover is nicely done. I would have liked Robert L. May and Montgomery Ward to have a mention somewhere in this "classic".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Feldman, Thea

Illustrator: Madrid , Erwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Square Fish

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250047601

Price: 12.99

Maisy's Christmas Tree

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Maisy and her friends decorate a Christmas tree in board book format for young children. The book is shaped like a tree on one side which makes the pages easy to turn. The basics of tree decorating are shown ending with carols sung around the tree with friends. Nicely done, especially for little ones who will enjoy the simple text and brightly colored illustrations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674571

Price: 6.99

Curiosity's Mission on Mars

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Lbrary, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

What life on Mars??! In this well illustrated book about the Mars rover named Curiosity the reader learns how it was named, previous missions (failures), the launching and landing of Curiosity and most importantly what it found once on the surface of the planet. So can we ever build a colony there? Was there once life there? Read this book and find out!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Ron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467710879

Price: 29.95

At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - MSAD# 6, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

In 1972 a tomb was unearthed near Changsha, China. Nested coffins were painstakingly opened to reveal the well preserved body of a woman wrapped in yards of silk. This was Lady Dai, who died around 158 BCE - she was the wife of the wealthy Marquis of Dai and her tomb is a cultural treasure chest.

This well researched book offers a great deal of information about the cultural practices during the time of the Han dynasty. Young readers will be drawn into each chapter by a fictional account of a scene in Lady Dai's life, the authors then cite objects from the tomb and archeological findings that support their theories. The text is supported by clear photographs, labeled drawings, maps and timelines. A glossary, bibliography, and index are included.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Liu-Perkins, Christine

Illustrator: Brannen, Sarah

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580893701

Price: 19.95

The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This epic tale of Sweetie Pie the hamster's journey from a lonely pet store cage to life in the great outdoors is a cautionary tale with a melancholy feel despite the happy ending. Sweetie Pie is given his name by the first in a series of well intentioned young owners. One after another, the owners lose interest in the small caged pet until he ends up in the relatively comfortable position of class pet. He spends many hours gazing out the school window watching squirrels perch on the sill and run through the trees. On his way home with one student for school vacation, Sweetie Pie is left in a snowy park. The next day, thecae is found deep in the snow with the door open. Sweetie Pie survives to live among the squirrels, but readers are left with a sense of mournful regret. The author's stated goal is to inspire young pet owners to provide the best possible environment for their animals. With that in mind, this book could be used as a conversation starter for parents of hopeful future pet owners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Allsburg, Chris

Illustrator: Van Allsburg, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547315829

Price: 18.99

The Orchestra Pit

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A confused snake wanders(slithers) into an orchestra pit instead of he's familiar snake pit. Undeterred, he explores the various sections and instruments of the orchestra, developing an appreciation for music along the way. As the full orchestra begins to play, the snake heads back to his proper pit bringing a bit of his new found musical knowledge with him. This book gives only the briefest introduction to some common instruments, but does it with an enjoyable story. This could be paired with a picture book or video of Saint-Saens "Carnival of the Animals".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wright, Johanna

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: -19781596437692

Price: 16.99

The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Oceans

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This title in the Scientist in the Field series focuses on a group of engineers who have had success in the development of wave to energy devices. These individual scientists built on their early interests and talents to contribute at the cutting edge of the renewable energy field. The author introduces these scientists as teenagers and follows the course of their research to the present day. Along the way the engineering challenges and years of trial and error experiments are clearly presented in text and photographs, giving the reader insight into both how these scientists work and the joy they get from their projects. Extensive back matter includes a broad range of websites, source notes, index and a recent update on two of the projects. Another solid addition to this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rusch, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544099999

Price: 18.99

Before After

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

Coupled images wordlessly tell multiple stories in either two page spreads or up to four sets of paired illustrations. Some paired images are simple, i.e. a cow next to a bottle of milk, while others are more unusual. The four pages picturing egg-chicken-chicken-egg depicts an age old question for young readers to ponder. Illustrated in flat pastel digital images, the illustrator's wit, humor and thoughtfulness add life and numerous storytelling possibilities. This will hold the interest of both children and adults through many readings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ramstein, Anne-Margot

Illustrator: Aregui, Matthias

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676216

Price: 19.99

The Story of Passover

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

David Adler retells the Passover story for young children in an age appropriate way that is true to the bible story, simply told in a factual way, not leaving out the killing or violence, just stating what happened, but then goes on. The artwork by Jill Weber is brightly painted with acrylics, goes very well with the text, is detailed and colorful. Children will enjoy the many details, being able to retell the story using the illustrations. Rabbi Frank A. Tamburello is thanked for his expert reading of the text and art. Very well done, a good addition to library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David A.

Illustrator: Weber, Jill

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429028

Price: 15.95

Kitty & Me

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

Written in rhyming text, a young girl tells about her Kitty and all of the things they do together.The text and illustrations go well together, all activities are shown, both child and cat, playing, eating, sleeping, go outdoors, even scratching. Children who love cats will enjoy both the text and the many positions of the cats.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kane, Sharon Smith

Illustrator: Kane, Sharon Smith

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805097054

Price: 15.99

Earthquake

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

An introduction of earthquakes for very young children. Short sentences, very brief information, simple facts.Illustrated with photographs and accompanied by a fact box on each double page spread. Includes four Earthquake Facts, Glossary, Index, Read More, Learn More Online and About the Author sections.This book has very little real information, and does not say that people can be killed by an earthquake, only that "After an earthquake, workers look for survivors." Suitable for preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627241281

Price: 23.93

The Man who Invented the Electric Guitar: The Genius of Les Paul

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A nonfiction book illustrated with photographs for grades 3-4 with a focus of how Les Paul became interested in music, who encouraged him, his music career and how he began inventing to create a sound he loved. Included are his successes as well as failure and how trial and error and a will to keep trying, finally resulted in an instrument he loved. He also experimented with using sound-on-sound and created a new sound with layers of sound. Many photographs are used, they are well placed and labeled. His family life is briefly mentioned, keeping the focus on his music, guitars and inventing. Very interesting and informative. Includes a Timeline, You Want to be an Inventor! Words to Know, Books, Internet Addresses and Index.

Note: On page 36 Typo storng should be strong, and the paragraph above that has "He came up with hear new ways of changing..." incorrect wording?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Elementary

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780766041370

Price: 23.93/ School & Library 17.95

A Creature of Moonlight

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This is a debut novel by Hahn, about a girl who lives with her Grandfather in a shack surrounded by woods. She raises and sells flowers to support them, but hears voices calling her to come into the woods. We find out her Grandfather was the King, her mother a runaway princess, her unknown father a dragon who is feared by the kingdom and her mother was murdered by her uncle who became King when her Grandfather gave up everything to spare her life. Quite a plot, wonderful descriptions of another mythical world and it's creatures. An imaginative plot about a young girl struggling to find her place in the world and about her choices. On the surface it is interesting, but lacks real depth and leaves some questions of why characters made the choices they did. A very good first novel, imaginative with detailed setting of place.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hahn, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544109353

Price: 17.99

Lives of the Explorers

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A collective biography of explorers, presented chronologically, some well known, some obscure, each with a brief background of their life and what and why they explored. A good introduction for children, but very uneven, as some have maps, some cover the more violent, cruel aspects of the explorers, other just the basics. Included are: Leif Ericson, Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, Zheng He, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Henry Hudson, James Cook, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacajawea, Richard Francis Burton, Isabella Bird, Mary Kingsley, Matthew Henson, Richard E. Byrd, Auguste and Jacques Piccard and Sally Ride. Included is a For Further Reading page, which will be needed as the information given is very brief.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kroll, Kathleen

Illustrator: Hewitt, Kathryn

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780152059101

Price: 20.99

Fat & Bones

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - MSAD#6, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Fat and Bones, both residents of Bald's farm, hate each other - no one is really sure why but they always have. Fat is not a Disney fairy,cute and mischievous, he is mean and vindictive. Bones,the son of the recently deceased farmer Bald, is also mean and vindictive and not very bright. The first tale in which Fat and Bones try to kill each other sets the grim mood for this series of loosely related short stories. Subsequent stories feature pigs who have their hoofs cut off one by one to make Pig Foot Stew, Leonard the clumsy spider who bravely saves an attractive lady spider and finds love, a song sung by maggots, and 3 others.

These dark fairy tales are appropriately accompanied by Adam Doyle's equally melancholy spattered ( is it blood?) illustrations. The stories are absurdist tales of hate, love, sacrifice and vengeance and perhaps require a particular sort of reader but could also spark some very interesting discussions if used as a read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Theule, Larissa

Illustrator: Doyle, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467708258

Price: 16.95

Who Says That, Cat the Cat?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Willems may have found a new audience with this new series. The illustrations are clear, uncluttered and simple yet there is movement and emotion shown in each page. Although this storyline is simple it is perfect for young toddlers who love animal sounds. The use of a subtle shade of green makes for a perfect background while the deeper shade provides a feeling of connection.

Cat the cat is an adorable and precious character who is sure to tickle the funny bone of any adult reading this early board book to a toddler. While children will enjoy the cat’s antics it will be the animal sounds that first attract their attention.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willems, Mo

Illustrator: Willems, Mo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306548

Price: 6.99

Animal School: What Class Are You?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2015

Review

This attractive book provides the basics of animal classification. It is not useable for report writing however it will spur interest that will send children back to the shelves (or internet) seeking more information. An informative chart follows the sometimes rhyming text which list characteristics of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. The use of digi-woodcuts was a good choice for the illustrations. The least attractive however found its way to the cover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lord, Michelle

Illustrator: Garland, Michael

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430451

Price: 16.95

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the gorilla on whom the author also based her book The One and Only Ivan. Ivan starts out with an idyllic life in the jungle with his family, swinging from the trees, playing with other gorillas, and generally just enjoying life. When he was around six months old, he was captured by poachers and taken with a baby girl gorilla to a shopping center in Tacoma, Washington to be put on display. For a few years he lives with a human family, during which time the tone of the story remains upbeat. When he gets too big to live in their house, he is forced to live on display in a cage in the mall. He lived there for twenty seven years. This part of the story is sad and clearly a lonely, unhappy time for Ivan. Gradually, his plight became known as people became more aware of the needs of animals held in captivity. Ivan was eventually moved to Zoo Atlanta where he lived out his days with other gorillas in an enclosure made especially for them. Applegate's text lets the reader slowly realize Ivan's plight, while Karas' illustrations beautifully convey the story. They truly portray Ivan's feelings to the reader making this a poignant read. A great book to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Applegate, Katherine

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544252301

Price: 17.99

Hunter Moran Digs Deep

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Hunter and his twin brother Zack search for treasure that was apparently hidden by the town’s founder. Hunter is a sixth grader, but seems much younger. Many of the characters in the story were entertaining, but the story was not realistic. The short chapters may appeal to young readers looking for a brief chapter book. I would not recommend this book for most collections. This is the third in the series.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Giff, Patricia Reilly

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431656

Price: 16.95

Skink No Surrender

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Richard, a fourteen year old boy, is out to save his best friend and cousin, Malley. She is the same age as Richard and has run off with a twenty six year old man she met on the Internet. Skink comes to their rescue. He is a seventy two year old former governor of Florida who lives off the grid and is quite eccentric to say the least. Skink knows the Florida wilds where Malley has been taken. He also knows how to deal with dangerous characters. The plot moves quickly with much laugh out loud humor. I highly recommend this for older readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hiaasen, Carl

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. KNopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375870514

Price: 18.99

Salvage

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This is a very large book (520 pg.) and tells the story of Parastrata Ava. As an important member of the Crewe she has a major role to play. In particular, marrying the man her father has chosen for her. She is sure she is to be joined with Luck, which turns out not to be the man chosen for her. She ends up having sexual relations with him. As a result she is doomed to die but escapes to earth and meets again up again with Luck who now has multiple lives. She also meets a variety of other interesting characters and learn some important life lessons from them. I would purchase for a teen collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Duncan, Alexandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062220141

Price: 17.99

How it Went Down

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Loved this book. It is definitely a cream of the crop book. A young black man is shot and each chapter has a recurring character who talks about what they saw, what they believe and what they know. Not only is their perspective about what has actually occurred concerning the incident but it is about the bigger picture...society, ethnicity, perception etc. Very Walter Dean Myers. What really happened that day...Read this book and see what you think. Loved the ending.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Magoon, Kekla

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9869-3

Price: 17.99

A World Without Princes

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

A World Without Princes is the second book in The School for Good and Evil trilogy. The premise in the series is that there are two schools, one for good and one for evil, and the fairy tales that we all know are created from the students there. Agatha is good and Sophie is evil, though most thought it should be the other way around. At the end of the first book, Agatha chooses her best friend Sophie instead of her prince, ignoring the typical fairy tale ending. In this installment, the girls find themselves back at the school where everything has change, and now it's girls vs. boys instead of good vs. evil. But that's not the only thing gone wrong. The new dean is very evil and is manipulating everything in both schools. Again it comes down to Agatha trusting Sophie (or not) and having to make a choice between her best friend and her prince. The series will appeal to those who love fairy tales and will enjoy picking the characters from their favorites out of this new story. However, there is a lot of talking between characters instead of action, and the constant back and forth of is Sophie good or evil gets monotonous.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chainani, Soman

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062104922

Price: 16.99

Aw, Nuts

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Squirrel loved acorns. In this book we find Squirrel busily stashing all his acorns away for the winter. Until he tries to fit one too many and they all explode back out of the tree! He sets off in pursuit of the one prized acorn. But bad things keep happening to him, like his cab running out of gas and his balloon popping. Every time he faces a setback he uses the phrase "aw, nuts". The illustrations are great—minimal and colorful—and they perfectly tell the story. Just be prepared for Squirrel's catchphrase to be repeated many times around the house after reading this.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McClurkan, Rob

Illustrator: McClurkan, Rob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062317292

Price: 17.99

Edible Colors

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

"Edible Colors" showcases a rainbow of photographed fruits and vegetables. Some of them are well known (though they give them very specific names instead of the generic ones: i.e. Jersey blueberries instead of just blueberries) and some of them will be mysteries to kids and adults alike. While this book is a good idea, in theory, they've really stretched on some of the colors and included some items that while they may exist, are not something available in most communities in this country. So while this book may encourage kids to try some new fruits or veggies, you probably won't be able to find them to do that.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bass, Jennifer Vogel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720022

Price: 12.99

The Lovely and the Lost

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Ingrid and Gabby, sisters, move to Paris in 1900 to get away from London gossip. The book is full of demons and gargoyles and the sisters are being constantly attacked and instead of a more peaceful and private time they had hoped for they are faced with this challenge every time they turn around. Ingrid has special blood and so she is able to fight the demons and gargoyles. They also have a brother, Grayson, who is under their protection. Vampire's remain popular reading for teens so to throw in a few demons and gargoyles in ya fiction is a good thing. There is a good gargoyle named Luc, part of the Dispossesed, who is Ingrid's protector and so begins a love story intermingled with the chaos and intricacies of many characters. Action packed. I enjoyed the book's setting and time period. I thought this was very interesting and refreshing and will draw much interest from teen readers. Book One in the series is The Beautiful and the Cursed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morgan, Page

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385743136

Price: 18.99

A Bed for Bear

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

What's a bear to do when he doesn't want to sleep in his own bed, where it is too noisy, too big and too crowded?? Find a better bed of course...Bernard sets off on a adventure into the forest looking for a "better" place to sleep for the winter. Exploring other animal habitats is fun but none seem quite right. Too windy, too wet, too crowded, too lonely, Bernard is at a loss until the little mouse that has been following him brings him full circle back to where he started. Dry, calm, lots of space and plenty of company, Bernard is back in his bear den snuggled up with his family. The simple text with plenty of repetition works well with the warm crayon & watercolor cutouts that utilize plenty of white space. Although there is nothing groundbreaking with the story, this first book by author-illustrator Clive McFarland is a sweet bedtime story that readers will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McFarland, Clive

Illustrator: McFarland, Clive

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062237057

Price: 17.99

The Vault of Dreamers

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

The Forge School is the most prestigious arts academy in the country, and is also the setting for the most popular reality television show on the air. Students are monitored non-stop and their lives are broadcasted for the entertainment of viewers everywhere. Each year, 100 new students are admitted to the Forge School, but only the top 50 ranked students move on to continue their education. Rosie Sinclair, an aspiring filmmaker, desperately needs the school in order to escape her life from the poorest zip code in the country. It isn't until Rosie skips her nightly sleeping pill that gives students a mandated 12 hours of dreamless sleep that she realizes that something sinister may be at work once the cameras are turned off for the night. "The Vault of Dreamers" is a fast-paced psychological thriller sure to keep readers turning the pages, and features themes of class and appearance versus reality. The cliffhanger ending is sure to shock, and have readers wanting more answers. This young adult novel is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien , Caragh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439382

Price: 17.99

But!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Eddie and his dog, Phil, are off for a day of fishing when they find out they actually have to do all of Aunt Sue's chores instead. The list is incredibly long and includes dishes and laundry, and throwing a pirate a birthday party. Somehow they get it all done (including the dog baking the cake) but have gift wrapped a pair of socks as the pirate's gift; which would be fine if the pirate didn't have one wooden leg. But all is not lost because Eddie tells him it is a matching hat and sock set. And thus the community of Halibut Bay is full of people with matching hat and sock sets…and one cold foot. The author seems to be trying to be weirdly humorous, but this story is just weird. He uses "BUT" at the end of most pages as a device to carry on the story, but it doesn't work. Generally there’s a big reveal or a plot twist after the big "but" but this story just carries on.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Tim

Illustrator: Hamilton, Tim

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430468

Price: 16.95

Mine!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Amy loves her blankie, bird, bear, and bunny very much, and loves to call them, "Mine!" When Zack, Jack, and Baby Joe come to play, Amy does not want to share. She takes away all her toys, which makes Baby Joe very sad. The sight of such a sad baby stops all play, and Amy has the perfect solution. Heap's simple backgrounds and vibrant colored-pencil characters bring this story of learning to share to life by focusing on facial expression and emotion. A great book for teaching about sharing to ages 2 through 5.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heap, Sue

Illustrator: Heap, Sue

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668884

Price: 15.99

Love Monster and the Perfect Present

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A follow up to "Love Monster" (2013), this book features our titular character trying to find the perfect present to give to his favorite girl monster on Present Day. Love Monster is determined to buy the perfect gift, and is sad when he realizes that he does not have enough money to buy expensive presents. Love Monster is positively determined to show his friend how much he cares, and decides to make something for her instead. Bright's illustrations, made from plates etched with ultraviolet light, create vibrantly colorful images with dark outlines. Some of the page spreads are quite busy and can be very overwhelming, but the story is one that comes from the heart. Recommended for ages 3 through 6.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Bright, Rachel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar, Staus, and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374346485

Price: 17.99

There's a Pig in My Class!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Pig lives next to a school and his biggest dream is to go play with the kids. So one day he sneaks out and the kids dress him up and sneak him into the school. They go through a day fooling the teacher until he gets water all over himself and the teacher tells him to take his clothes off and then discovers that he is in fact a pig and not a child. Though she sends the pig away, the class comes to visit him later and he gets to play with the kids anyway. A message about being afraid is thrown in at the end. This story is extremely awkward. From the names (Pig, Honey Hair, Tall Tina, One Child) to the phrasing, it's all very uncomfortable. It was originally printed in Sweden, so I'm wondering if some of this story is just lost in translation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Thydell, Johanna

Illustrator: Ramel, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431687

Price: 16.95

What's So Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

"What's so Yummy?" is a first nutrition book for kids. It talks about why we eat and drink and what kinds of foods and beverages are healthiest for us. The vehicle for the information is a family going to the farmers' market and then on a picnic. The two kids share additional information such as what they had for breakfast or commentary on specific foods as word bubbles. Some of the foods at the garden are labeled, but the foods at the market are not, so there are some learning points there that are missing. The illustrations do a great job making the fruits and veggies look fresh and inviting. Some of the more casual text is stilted, but overall this book very clearly shares the basics about eating well and why that's necessary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harris, Robie

Illustrator: Westcott, Nadine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763636326

Price: 15.99

Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

From the author of the bestselling memoir: Until Tuesday: A wounded warrior and the golden retriever who saved him, comes his next book aimed at younger readers that continues the story of the soldier and his service dog. Tuesday, the soldier's beloved golden retriever, tells the story of their life together in simple text that is complimented by full page 4-color photographs. Tuesday explains how he helps with tasks, keeps his owner company, but most importantly helps him deal with stress, even sleeping with him to help control his master's nightmares. The real life story may be targeted to younger readers, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. An uplifting story that is moving and also informative as to what disabled veterans face on a day to day basis when they are back from duty. The back pages include information about service dogs, background information on PTST and traumatic brain injury. Readers are directed to a website to learn more about service dogs, wounded warriors or ways to help the disabled. A great book for dog lovers and people interested in learning more about disabled soldiers and their challenges.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Montalvan, Luis

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596438910

Price: 16.99

The Invisible

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

The Invisible - the sequel to The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney - does not improve upon it's predecessor. The plot twists are obvious, the story contrived. It's as if the author decided on some things she wanted to have happen and then put little effort into thinking of reasons why the characters would do those things. The book picks up where the last left off - Anthem Fleet is still coming to terms with her new super powers while she tries to fight crime, Ford is recovering from his injuries, and the whole cast is doing things and making choices that make sense if you don't really think about it. Readers who enjoyed the first book will be happy with this sequel.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Kahaney, Amelia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/ HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062231925

Price: 17.99

Ten Eggs in a Nest

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

This Bright and Early Book for Beginning Beginners has everything it takes to make a book want to be read again and again. It is a counting story as well as the story of Mother hen and Father rooster who are very excited to have their eggs hatch. But as Mother tells Father, "it's bad luck to count your chicks before they're hatched." So it's many trips to Worm World for this proud Papa. Much fun as a read aloud and an all by myself.

2014

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sadler, Marilyn

Illustrator: Fleming, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449810828

Price: 9.99

Second Star

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Alyssa B. Sheinmel re-imagines Peter Pan as a modern day surf bum, Captain Hook as a reluctant drug dealer and Wendy as just a normal girl searching for her runaway brothers. Second Star is a book about hope and loss, and those feelings are conveyed. The book is a bit unrealistic in it's portrayal of drugs, and the main character twice finds insta-love with a boy that is obviously bad news, but despite these short comings the reader will be invested in Wendy's quest, and pulled into the drama happening in the idyllic surfer's cove representing Never-Neverland.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sheinmel, Alyssa B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374382674

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Pete the cat loves bananas, that is until he eats a very ripe, mushy, disgusting banana and completely loses his taste for them. After trying other foods to replace his favorite treat he as no luck. When Pete sees his friend Greg eating a banana before the big race, Pete decides it is time for him to give his favorite one more try. It's delicious and Pete wins the race and is bananas for bananas. This one's for picky eaters everywhere.

2014

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Childrens

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062303837

Price: 16.99

Hunt for the Bamboo Rat

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Based on a true story, this historical novel is set in the Pacific during World War II. Zenji Watanabe is only 17 when he is recruited to join the United States army as a spy (code name: The Bamboo Rat). Zenji, born in Honolulu to Japanese parents, is the perfect recruit as he speaks fluent English and Japanese and was an excellent junior ROTC student in high school. He is sent to the Philippines just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, is captured by the Japanese, and escapes into the jungle. Includes a glossary of Hawaiian, Ibaloi, and Japanese terms, a bibliography, and a map. Latest installment in the Prisoners of the Empire series.

Cream of the Crop nominee

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Salisbury, Graham

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Boooks

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978037584266-5

Price: 16.99

People of the Plague

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Another entry in Anderson's Horrors of History series, People of the Plague is a fictionalized account of the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918. Set in Philadelphia against a backdrop of world war, Anderson follows the lives of three children from the tenements of South Philadelphia, seminary students who helped with burials, and Dr. Krusen, head of Philadelphia's health department, as they dealt with the fast-moving epidemic and the massive casualties. The cover might lead readers to think this is non-fiction - perhaps the word "novel"? should be more prominent. Illustrated with black-and-white photos. While this fictionalized account is well-written and well-researched, the lack of bibliography is unfortunate. The author's note does mention sources but the story is so compelling it cries out for a "for further reading" list.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, T. Neill

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580895187

Price: 16.95

The Walk On: May the Best Quarterback Win....

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This is the first in new series (The Triple Threat) of sports-themed books about freshman Alex Myers. Alex has just moved to suburban Philadelphia after his parents' divorce. He's really good at football and this fact becomes clear to his new teammates and coaches during the first day of tryouts. Alas, Alex is a quarterback and the team already has a star quarterback who just happens to be the coach's son. While the detailed description of the football team's practices and games might be a little tedious for non-fans, the story is interesting with a bit of a mystery thrown in and Alex's character shows growth and maturity. Feinstein ends up with a book offering good life lessons about not making assumptions and that life is often more complicated than you might think.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Feinstein, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385753463

Price: 16.99

Blue Mountain

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This adventure is told from the perspective of a young bighorn sheep named Tuk. As Tuk grows and learns of his herd's ways, he also realizes that humans are encroaching on their territory. Tuk must convince his herd that the blue mountain only he can see is where they must go to make a new home. Tuk leads his herd on a dangerous trip where they must outsmart predators and avoid humans along the way.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Leavitt, Martine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374378646

Price: 15.99

Zorgoochi Intergalactic Pizza: Delivery of Doom

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This humorous sci-fi adventure features thirteen-year-old Luno who helps his parents run the family pizza business (Zorgoochi Intergalactic Pizza). While still learning how to toss pizza dough and wrestle pizza-toppings that also happen to be (live) exotic space creatures, he is tapped to be the summer pizza delivery boy. In his adventures through the galaxy, he makes deliveries to Planet Fungi (a mushroom planet), meets the Mozzarella monks, and searches for the powerful Golden Anchovy all while avoiding the villain Vlactron and his Quantum Pizza minions. The book has great visual appeal with the cartoon-like illustrations. A great hook for reluctant readers but the pace is a tad slow.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: Yaccarino, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250008442

Price: 16.99

Like Water on Stone

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 1, 2015

Review

This story is about a family that becomes part of the Armenian genocide in the early 1900’s. In the beginning, the family is living among Turks and Kurds and everyone get along as friends, they even marry between each other. But then war breaks out and things change. The family in this story has to find a way to survive no matter what the cost. What they don’t know is that an eagle named Ar-DZIV will help protect the young ones in the family in any way it can. This story is written in verse, which gets the emotions and events across in such a way, that you know what is going on without having all the horrific details written out. The beginning of the book has a list of all the characters and their connections with each other that was super helpful in keeping track of who was who. I thought this was a very powerful book and would recommend it to older readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walrath, Dana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385743976

Price: 16.99

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. the VooDoo Vultures from Venus

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2015

Review

Ricky Ricotta and his robot have another adventure with a crazy villain- this time the bad guys are from the planet Venus. The vultures from Venus want all the food from Squeakyville so they put a spell on the mice living there. It will be up to Ricky and his robot to stop them. This is a fun adventure with Ricky the mouse and his best friend, super hero robot. The drawings are fabulous and make the story even better. It will be hard for any reader to put this down with out having laughed at least once.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: S

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545631112

Price: 16.00

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 1, 2015

Review

Isabel is a bunny that is the best at bunjitsu. But she only uses it when necessary, her first way of tackling a problem is by using her mind. This is fun early chapter book filled with humor, great drawings and bunny martial arts. The message to think of a solution before acting is well done.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Himmelman, John

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805099706

Price: 13.99

Cool Creations in 101 Pieces

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This book is filled with LEGO creations that never use more than 101 pieces. Some use less, but never more. There are step-by-step instructions to build things like a vacuum, stroller, truck stop and more. This book offers a wide range of creations that will appeal to boys and girls.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenney, Sean

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627790178

Price: 16.99

Autumn Falls, a Novel

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2015

Review

Autumn and her family have to move to Florida because of an accident. Once there, she meets a quirky guy that she befriends but the popular crowd turns against her. On top of that she gets a journal that was her dad’s and the things in it she writes seem to come true but not in the ways she always thinks they should. This book has lots of drama and a typical plot. I did get a bit bored with the drama at times but the journal connection to Bella’s dad was clever.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Thorne, Bella

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385744331

Price: 18.99

Las Fresas Son Rojas

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This is an adorable little board book that describes the color of 6 kinds of fruit in Spanish. The pages get smaller as the book progresses and at the end, a fruit salad is created by peeking through a cut out in the last page. This would be fun for a young child learning English or a child learning Spanish.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673932

Price: 5.99

Beware the Wind

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Beware the Wild tells the story of a small Louisiana town that has fenced in the swamp apparently to keep the people out of the swamp. Or, perhaps the intention is to keep the wildness of the swamp out of the town. Several characters are well defined but it is Sterling who carries the storyline and saves the day. Following a fight, her older brother Phin crossed the fence and disappeared into the swamp. Several hours later a girl emerged from the swamp and was accepted by everyone in the community (other than Sterling) as her sister.

This is a well written and creative mystery full of supernatural and creepy undercurrents. The story is primarily about a sister/brother relationship but friendships and a budding romance are added to the mix to make a fun read for fantasy readers. Older middle school – early high school readers will have this off the shelf and on reserve.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parker, Natalie C.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062241528

Price: 17.99

Love and Kisses

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2015

Review

A girl starts it all by giving a kiss to a cat. Other animals give each other kisses until it comes back to the little girl. A sweet idea with rhymes that young child will enjoy.The drawings are a perfect match for the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, Sarah

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673918

Price: 6.99

Wickle Woo has a Halloween Party

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2015

Review

This is story about Wickle Woo finding all his friends that are dressed up for Halloween. The friends are hiding behind pull tabs. While the story and the drawings are cute, the tabs are very difficult to pull. It would be difficult for a child to pull any of them to see the animal hidden on them. If the pull tabs were easier to use this would be a fun Halloween book for toddlers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crow, Nosy

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow/ Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763674007

Price: 7.99

Rain Reign

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2015

Review

This story is told from Rose’s point of view. Rose tells it like it is and is upfront about everything, including the fact that she has Asperger’s syndrome. She wants to share her story of how she found, lost, found and then lost her dog, Rain. Woven into her story are other parts of Rose’s life- like the fact that she loves homonym, finds them everywhere and likes to make lists of them. And the fact that her dad isn’t fond of the list she makes or the fact that she isn’t normal. In the beginning, Rose’s use of homonyms seems to be a bit much, but as you read her story, it just fits. This story will break your heart at times and make you feel what life is really like for Rose.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780312643003

Price: 16.99

My Brother's Shadow

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Kaia is surrounded by grief at home and has lost touch with her friends and teachers at school. She tells readers that she is frozen and is considered a freak by her classmates. Within this dark but haunting book her reason for overpowering grief is revealed making the sudden appearance of the Wild Boy understandable.

Readers will hold their breath when Kaia’s reason for sorrow is revealed and may become impatient with her Mother’s inability to overcome depression. My Brother’s Shadow is a story that will make you question, cry with, and cheer for a strong young woman who pulls herself out of a frozen existence.

Librarians may want to caution readers about the powerful and painful subject matter. This would be a fantastic book to share with a school social worker and it could be a mother/daughter book discussion title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Avery, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (Ramdom house)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385384872

Price: 16.99

Frozen in Time: Clarence Birdseyes's Outrageous Idea About Frozen Food

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This biography of Clarence Birdseye was adapted from the Author's original work"Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man" for a middle school audience. The result has a stilted, abbreviated feel. The first chapter reads like a list of comparable inventors in narrative form. Later chapters get bogged down in tangents involving Birdseye family members, scientists of the 1600's and business men of the early 1900's. The final three chapters focus on Birdseye's exploits after he has made his fortune. This is where Clarence Birdseye's character and personality are brought to life. I would recommend readers interested in this subject go to the authors original biography"Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man" which is only about 130 pages longer than this young audience adaptation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kurlansky, Mark

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacourt Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743884

Price: 15.99

Outside In

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 1, 2014

Review

The author, Canadian, has written more than a dozen books for young readers, received a number of literature awards,and has had her books translated in Europe, Japan and China. Outside In is brief, just over two hundred pages, a highly readable story about likable , thirteen year old Lynn who has an unreliable, "free-spirited" mother who keeps her daughter's home life completely unstable. Lynn relies on her close friendship with two classmates until she accidentally meets another girl who lives in a most unusual family that has a very different kind of life. Presented realistically up until this point in the story, the novel now borders on fantasy as Lynn gets to see an "outside in", alternate and perhaps saner way of living than her own. Readers who stay with the story, those with a willing suspension of disbelief and guided by an adroit author will be rewarded. Recommended as an unusual and appealing story for junior high aged girls.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ellis, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Groundwood Books House of Anansi Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781554983674

Price: 16.95

Harriet the Spy

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Bunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2014

Review

In celebration of one of children's literature's most memorable characters, this special 50th anniversary edition displays the jacket art of the 1964 edition illustrated by the author, a map of Harriet's neighborhood with Harriet's spy route indicated, tributes by fourteen largely authors, and finally original correspondence from the publisher and editor to Louise Fitzhugh. For today's young readers of about ten years old and up and probably mostly girls, it is the story, of course, that will be of interest. It is also today's young readers who will determine whether or not the book remains a lively, realistic page turner. Much has changed in the world since Harriet's story of fifty years ago. If the problems Harriet experiences and their solutions as offered by Ole Golly remain engrossing and timeless ones, then young readers will easily accept Harriet's reaching for her notebook and not her cellphone for many years to come. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fitzhugh, Louise

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385376105

Price: 17.99

Spinoza the Outcast Thinker

Reviewed by: Nina Sachs - MLIS, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Baruch/Bento/Bendict de (ironically meaning "blessedness" in Hebrew, Portuguese, and Latin) Spinoza was a 17th century philosopher born of Dutch Jews originally from Portugal. He had an unremarkable upbringing in the Jewish section of Amsterdam, then the most tolerant city in Europe. But by age 23, he had been cast out of the Jewish community for his heretical beliefs. As they evolved, these beliefs would come to deny the existence of God as the creator and judge of humans as good or evil. Moral concepts were meaningless aside from those meanings attached to actions by the individual. Heady stuff for the 1600s. In fact, Spinoza's philosophy is so modern in its nihilism that it causes spirited debate in classrooms and lecture halls today.Think existentialism. Lehman's brilliant and eminently accessible biography of Spinoza and his thought is an essential text for young adults beginning their own exploration of morality and the limits of religion, on the one hand, and logic on the other. This book will also stimulate debate about how students can be exposed to the central ideas of philosophy without treading on anyone's personal beliefs. Lehman sources her book extensively with end notes and bibliography. The illustrations are difficult to make out, but probably couldn't be reproduced and clearer without huge additional. One quibble: Lehman writes in her Epilogue, "It is impossible to underestimate the effect that Spinoza has had in our world."(p.218) Surely she means just the opposite. Recommended for CREAM/

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lehman, Devra

Illustrator: , archival

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Namelos

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781608981816

Price: 14.95

The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Marlin lives and exciting life at the Zoo at the Edge of the World resort in South America. His father, Ronan Rackham, is known for being a fearless handler of exotic animals and world explorer. However, Marlin’s stuttering impedes his relationships with others and causes him to be bullied by his older brother. When a rare jaguar is brought to the zoo, Marlin discovers he has a gift for talking to animals and puts Marlin in a difficult position. Should he release the animals or obey his father’s wishes that the animals stay locked up in cages? Eric Kahn Gale has written an exciting, fantasy story that will have middle grade readers questioning what is right and wrong. The descriptive language, setting, and characters make The Zoo at the Edge of the World an excellent read aloud for grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gale, Eric Kahn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062125163

Price: 16.99

Nuts to You

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

When Jed the squirrel escapes the grips of a swooping hawk, he falls into unknown territory and makes a startling discovery. Humans are cutting down vast sections of the forest with loud machines. This crisis causes Jed and his friends to team up with squirrels from different regions to warn their friends and family members. Perkins uses endearing animal characters and humor to teach readers a lesson about conservation.The story is didactic at times, however middle grade readers will enjoy the witty footnotes and Perkins’ pencil sketches.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Perkins, Lynne Rae

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780060092757

Price: 16.99

Children Growing Up with War

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

The author, a free lance photo journalist, dedicates this book to the children growing up with war, to those inspired to change the world, and to those who want to be photographers. As such, the book then shows the ways in which war affects the lives of children, the helping organizations devoted to relieving their suffering, and the professional photographer's preparations and precautions before proceeding into dangerous areas. Picture book size and with forty eight pages of full-color photographs, the book's end pages display the author's passports, tickets and transfers and includes a map of eighteen of the largely middle eastern countries she has worked in, a list of main conflict areas such as Afghanistan and Iraq each accompanied by a paragraph of their histories, websites listing and describing helping organizations many of which use her photos such as Save the Children, a glossary and an index. Young readers of about fourteen years and up who are already aware that children are growing up with war in places far away from them may find the book's brevity still more than enough deprivation, injury and cruelty to view. War in many places is a part of the current world, and, as such, the book is recommended as one belonging in classrooms teaching history or social studies and certainly on school and public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Matthews, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669423

Price: -17.99

Amelia Bedelia Chalks One Up

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Amelia Bedelia takes her mother quite literal when she says "she's blue and to chalk one up to another gray day". Amelia and her friends Rose, Chip and Daisy draw a bright and cheerful new landscape over the house, garage and drive to cheer her when "she goes to town". The kids go to town with the chalk and create a masterpiece her mother will not soon forget.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062334220

Price: 16.99

What to do When You're Sent to Your Room

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

A survival guide for being sent to your room - ingenious!! Ben is a pro when it comes to being sent to his room. He's even better at surviving the consequences of his actions for the duration of his sentence. This is time well spent. For everyone who's ever been sent to time-out and even the Angels among us will find this hilarious and may even want to be sent back to their room.

2014

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stott, Ann

Illustrator: Gilpin, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763660529

Price: 15.99

Our Solar System: All About Planets, Moons, Asteroids, Comets, and More!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A new updated edition of Seymour Simon's popular book about the universe. Included are a glossary, index, web sites for additional information and amazing full-color photographs and spacecraft images. A great entry level book for young readers with larger type for ease of reading, simple illustrations, key words bolded in text and clearly written text.

The eight planets and their moons, steroids and comets and the sun are covered with just the right amount of information for beginner researchers. Readers may have to consult additional materials for doing more in-depth reports.

Readers can also download a free four-page teacher guide that accompanies this book which will meet Common Core objectives. An excellent addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062333797

Price: 17.99

Night Sky Dragons

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Yazul, a young boy who lives with his family along Asia's Silk Road, is a dreamer -- he and his grandfather create beautiful kites out of silk and bamboo, much to the chagrin of his father, who is charged with protecting their han. Disgusted by what he sees as his son's idleness, he puts him to work doing menial tasks in the kitchen, until bandits are poised to cut off access in and out of the han and it is Yazul who divines a creative way out of the predicament. This short story moves quickly, but never skimps on artful phrasing - "Fear filled Yazul like a winter sickness." A kite that doesn't make it up into the sky "tumbled and dangled against the gates like a huge, wounded bat." Detailed, muted watercolor illustrations are punctuated with the vibrant colors of the kites and their layout expands into full-page spreads for dramatic effect. Readers will be captivated and moved by Yazul's struggle to be accepted by his stern father and the action of outwitting the bandits will draw in an even wider audience.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Peet, Mal

Illustrator: Benson, Patrick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763661441

Price: 15.99

I Am A Witch's Cat

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

An adorable story of a small cat/girl and her belief that her mother is a witch. When in fact she is a mother and it is her mother magic that makes her special. Pictures are clever mixed media of cut paper, photographs and three D effect.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Muncaster, Harriet

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062229144

Price: 15.99

Uninvited

Reviewed by: Dan n Wolotsky - falmouth high school, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

The more I learned about the world of the Uninvited the less interested I became. People carrying a gene to kill, a corporation running the justice system, and sanctioned concentration/detention camps for carriers who are guilty before proven are all part of this imagined future. There is little to no explanation of how we got to this violent unforgiving society. The main character is a genius but she is also supposed to be a normal girl. She soon gains the affection of another carrier and this romance will be sure to remind you of twilight. This book would definitely be for high school kids. There is some sex, language and violence.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Jordan, Sophie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062233653

Price: 17.99

Illusions of Fate

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This is a novel about Jessamin, an illegitimate teenage girl from an island colony, who has moved to the country of Albion by blackmailing her father to attend a prestigious school. She is looked down on because of her dark skin and island heritage, but she is determined to become educated and have a better life. She is rescued by a stranger on a street, a gentleman who falls in love with her. She is attracted to him, but strange, magical things begin to happen, she finds herself mixed up in a mysterious political battle between the evil Lord Downpike, and her rescuer, Lord Ackerly. Set in a Victorian setting, this is a quick moving story that includes dark magic, cards, romance, friendship, alliances, a murder mystery, being framed for a crime, and books that turn into birds. An enjoyable quick read that is all in one book. Note, the cover illustration does not look like the character, and perhaps should have cards to read rather the tea that drugged Jessamin.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Kiersten

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062135896

Price: 17.99

Soccer Star

Reviewed by: Danielle Grady - Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A great story of a young Brazilian boy, who wants to be a famous soccer star. A dream so many boys have in Brazil. Their main obstacle however is poverty. This book shares a day in the life of Paulo and his sister, Maria. We meet each of his friends, soccer players, at their daily jobs. As every sister is want to do, she wants to play soccer with her brother too. Unfortunately one of the boys sprains his wrist and Maria is called in to take his place. She is over joyed and she Scores! I love this book, the family dynamics, the dreams and the goals of the children of Brazil and everywhere.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Javaherbin, Mina

Illustrator: Alarcao, Renato

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763660567

Price: 16.99

Sebastian and the Balloon

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Sebastian, tired of seeing the same old houses in his neighborhood, decides to leave his home in a hot air balloon made from his grandma's afghans and patchwork quilts. He brings along everything he will ever need, and sets off into the night. On his journey he meets a bear, a very tall bird, and three old sisters. Together they share a grand adventure that does not end with the book, but will continue on long after the pages have run out, encouraging readers to imagine what other adventures Sebastian will have. Both images and words come together to create a whimsical and dreamy adventure in Stead's sophisticated book. This book is recommended for ages 3 - 7, but six and seven year-olds may get the most out of this story while younger readers will be able to appreciate the expressive images.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: , Philip Stead

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439306

Price: 17.99

The First Christmas: The King James Version

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This is a reissue, original c.1984,the first Christmas, combining the books of Luke and Matthew, it is beautifully illustrated. The language is well suited for the intended audience of grades 3-6.It seems to have a more secular look with holly and reindeer. In a few places the text seem to run over to the next page when there seems to be room on the preceding page. This edition does not have a dust jacket. If you need to update your copy, this is beautiful.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pienkowski, Jan

Illustrator: Pienkowski, Jan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755184

Price: 15.99

Creature Keepers and the Hijacked Hydro-Hide

Reviewed by: Elyse Davis - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This book is the first in very adventurous, clever and gripping tale about a group of people whose job is to protect the Cryptids of the world. Part of this tale gives new meaning to the phrase,"when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." This is a great new series for people who like Obert Skye's series The Creature from my Closet.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Peter

Illustrator: Rao, Rohitash

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzar and Bray and imprint of Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062236432

Price: 12.99

The Wrenchies

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A gang of kids struggle to survive and save a world destroyed by demons and zombie-like creatures in this riveting graphic novel that runs the gamut between touches of heart-wrenching sweetness to nightmarish horror. Constructing a narrative that moves freely back and forth in time, Dalrymple's intricate, exsquisite drawings, colored in a darkly lush pallet, are remarkably effective in creating the unsettling tone. Arcing away from the titular gang to focus on the back stories of two characters - Sherwood, whose encounter as a kid with a demon in a cave originally summoned the monsters forth; and Hollis, a misfit raised by a religiously conservative mother - there are various ways to read this multi-layered work, made only more so by the meta aspect involved in the story which features a comic within its pages also called The Wrenchies. Whether readers engage with it as apocalyptic adventure story or as metaphor, however, this is an epic tale shouldn't be missed by serious graphic novel fans. The gobs of messy violence won't be for everyone, but they are without doubt effective in illustrating how darkness can overwhelm people's lives. Readers who favor apocalyptic horror, like Cormac McCarthy's The Road or Andrew Smith's The Marbury Lens will be mesmerized.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dalrymple, Farel

Illustrator: Dalrymple, Farel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 97815961434219

Price: 19.99

Death Sworn

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Ileni, a sorceress is losing her magic and is banished to a school to teach assassins how to fight. This is exhausting as she is expected to be able to handle many hand on hand demonstrations throughout the day and must hide that she does not have the strength to do her job. Assassins are being murdered and Ileni is thrown into being the one that has to solve the murders. At the same time she falls in love.

The premise of the story is good and much of the setting is underground. The story did not seem to expand into other areas of interest. Lots of hand to hand combat. Though it is important for characters to have vulnerability I found that Ileni came across as rather weak.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cypress, Leah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062221216

Price: 17.99

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads is a humorous picture book set in the wild west. The Toad brothers are bad news; they run loose through the town of Drywater Gulch. They rob banks, steal cattle, and “insult your chili.” When Kid Sheriff slowly rides into town on his tortoise, the Toad brothers have met their match. The Kid uses reverse psychology to outsmart the villains and clean up the town. Witty dialogue matched with Lane Smith’s comic-style illustrations. Read aloud Kids Sheriff and the Terrible Toads in story time, and you’ll have them rolling on the floor laughing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shea, Bob

Illustrator: Smith, Lane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/ Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439757

Price: 17.99

Viva Frida

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Yuyi Morales introduces young readers to the artist, Frida Kahlo, in the picture book Viva Frida. Morales uses sparse text in Spanish and English and allows the illustrations to tell the story. Photographs of carved puppets created from steel, polymer clay and wool depict Kahlo playing dreaming, and observing the world around her. Viva Frida is not a book that will provide readers with details about Kahlo’s life and art, but the gorgeous illustrations will inspire readers to take the time to look around and to dream. The book may also serve as a springboard for readers who want to learn more about Kahlo and her artwork. An author’s note in the back of the book explains why Morales chose Kahlo as the subject of the book, and the note offers readers a some basic facts about Kahlo's life.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morales, Yuyi

Illustrator: Morales, Yuyi

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596436039

Price: 17.99

Galaxy's Most Wanted

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Oh, no, I thought. Combining SciFi with Humor what would be the result? Fun, for the nerdy kids who need humor and appreciate a touch of fantastical science. My sixth grade reviewer recommends this book as engaging, humorous, and a quick read. Summary: two rival groups at summer camp for science fans. A competition between two groups that mimics the lopsided competition that can happen when one group has outside (unfair adult) help. Call in the aliens! And call them in they did. Easy to follow dialog with simple and engaging plot.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kloepfer, John

Illustrator: Edwards, Nick

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062231017

Price: 12.99

The Twyning

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

If you like books with anthropomorphic rats, involved plots, evil-doers, and clever kids who outwit the evil-doers with the aid of the rats, then you will like this book. Despite my dislike of anthropomorphic rats, and of their habitat, and of the description of the "rat's nest" of entwined rats (being an image that did not appeal to me), the plot was good and the outcome was satisfyingly suitable.

With diverse characters: Efren the young rat, Dogboy (orphaned) apprenticed to the evil doctor out to rid London of the rats, and little Caz the reader is presented with quite a crew; as the plot twists and twines, the reader may just end up rooting for the rats. How the rats come to be involved with the orphan who is dumped by the side of the road, and how they band together with the most fragile of children against the townspeople out to destroy the town and the rats, is fantastical, a bit surreal, and a good read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Blacker, Terence

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9789763669027

Price: 16.99

Eddie Red Undercover

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Written with a Noiresque accent Eddie Red Undercover brings to life a smart, artistic, sharp-thinking young (African-American) hero. Eddie can draw - and he has a photographic memory. Two excellent characteristics that give him an entry into the dark world of police undercover work and art heists. His problems: he can't tell anyone; he's working for a real tough-guy detective; he doesn't make the rules; and sometimes he forgets. Eddie's subplot involves his attendance at a high-powered, expensive school in NYC. His dad has lost his job and Eddie is determined to earn money to help pay his tuition. This would be a little far-fetched considering the cost of private schools. However, the reader leaps over the reality hurdle to enjoy the fun of what will be a series of Eddie Red stories. Let's hope they all maintain the freshness and don't become dependent upon the repetition of cliche phrases from book one. With a fast-moving, easy-to-read plot Eddie's story kept my sixth grader reviewer's interest. He read the book over a weekend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Marcia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544238336

Price: 16.99

All Aboard!

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

I chose this because my three-year-old grandson likes trains and Thomas The Tank Engine.

Written and illustrated in a simplistic style, the text did not read aloud well, from my point of view. Some of the prose is in rhyming couplets, some not, I did not have a good sense of a clear and interesting story that was enhanced by compelling illustrations. Amazon tells us: "...train-ride adventure—perfect for fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site." The palette is blues, greens, and browns that did not grab the young viewer. This simply did not appeal to the reader or the three-year-old.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Dotlich, Rebecca

Illustrator: Lowery, Mike

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780385754200

Price: 12.99

The Swap

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A huge YES to this book being selected as a Cream of the Crop book. Elle is bullied by her supposed friends and loved greatly by her mom. Jack is bullied by his dad perhaps for an understandable though nonetheless still unacceptable reason. A surprise when each switches bodies and discovers inner strength and confidence. Extremely well-written. A book that will keep you riveted and cheering for both Ellie and Jack. Great book for middle schoolers and should be required reading for middle school students. Bullies, love, friendship, warmth, rigidity, reality is all intermingled in this book, great class read aloud, also.

Purchase this book for your school or public library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shull, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062311696

Price: 16.99

Is There a Dog in This Book?

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

While the lift-the-flap format might not last long in a library setting, this colorful and humorous story will entertain until the pages are fuzzy and torn.

Three hysterical cats, with excellent cat-expressions and cat-ittudes, explore the distinct possibility that there is a DOG in the book. With a Mo Willems style of asking questions that require the reader and the listener to talk with each other - Schwarz leads us on a very funny and entertaining romp through the house looking for the dog.

We lift the flap and find the dog behind the couch, and then the cats begin to hide: in the piano, in the closet, in a suitcase.... while the dog sniffs them out. Finally the cats overwhelm the dog with love; the dog runs and hides; the cats panic and mourn the dog's disappearance; and all turns out for the best as the cats and dog find one another again - enjoying each other for who they are, not who they thought the other one was. The flaps won't last that long, but the readers will have fun!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schwarz, Viviane

Illustrator: Schwarz, Viviane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763669911

Price: 10.99

Life by Committee

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Interesting! Life By Committee has a bit of "dare" and a lot of the anonymity of the use of social media.

Tabitha's small Vermont town could well be a small Maine town - students will find parts of the story mesh with their own experiences. In a small town, you may go to school with the same kids from pre-school through high school. Picture the insecurity one might have going through puberty and going from the person you have been for 14 years to being very attractive. Wow! Then involve the use of social media to help with asking all those questions that we have when we are maturing.

The social media, Life by Committee - where you tell a secret, it is discussed and a challenge is issued felt to this reader a bit like "Post Secrets" with a negative twist. In Post Secrets, people send anonymous secrets on a postcard to an address in MD. These postcards are posted on the website, http://postsecret.com/ - in the case of the actual website, nothing further happens. It is a site that allows a person to unburden themselves of a secret. The author of LBC has taken this one step further. Readers will be engaged, suggested for grades 8 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haydu, Corey Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062294050

Price: 17.99

Little Elliot Big City

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Little Elliot is a very small elephant who just happens to live in a NYC apt during the early 1940's. Covered in pastel polka dots, Little Elliot is a happy and delightful character who has one large problem. He cannot reach the counter to purchase his favorite treat – a cupcake. While walking home he assist and befriends a mouse who returns the favor by helping Little Elliot procure that desired cupcake.

The story is brief and sweet but the illustrations make this book a delight. Each two page spread tells the story of a grand city using muted colors, faceless people (other than one child) and vintage cars. This is a book that grandparents will want to read to their little ones and city librarians will want to add to their collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Curato, Mike

Illustrator: Curato, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098259

Price: 16.99

Ghostly Evidence: Exploring the Paranormal

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Regardless of personal attitudes this ghostly book will be interesting and educational to readers. Halls has done expensive research (well documented in back pages) and presents the text without showing personal bias. Within these pages readers learn about hoaxes, actual ghost sightings and ghost hunters. Historic places including houses, inns and battlegrounds are discussed and enhanced by excellent photos. The back pages are excellent but the font is difficult to read when used with dark backgrounds.

This glimpse into the world of the paranormal is sure to attract attention and will be passed around by friends. Public libraries and middle school media centers will want to make this purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Halls, Kelly Milner

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467705936

Price: 20.95

I Remember Beirut

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Seemingly a follow-up or companion to A Game for Swallows, which was award-winning, this book lacks cohesion. With the same sharp black & white illustrations at AGfS, this book is literally a collection of memories with no narrative arc. It mentions many subjects and people as if the ready already has context. Some of the memories are poignant and Abirached lived in Lebanon during a tense and historic time, but I didn't really get any punch from this book. I wanted to know what led Abirached's mother to clutch her children tightly to her and command that they "always look out for one another," and what happened to her brother's shrapnel collection. The very last page reads "I remember Georges Perec" and upon looking him up, I discovered that he was a French author of a novel that does not use the letter 'e' (translated in 1994 as A Void) - why she remembers him and what he, or her memory of him, has to do with anything is unclear. A strange little graphic novel that I liked, but wanted more of and one I am not sure to what kind of reader I would recommend.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Abirached, Zeina

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467738224

Price: 9.00

Alice-Miranda at Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Alice-Miranda sets sail on Auntie Gee's (the Queen) luxurious yacht for the wedding of Aunt Charlotte and Lawrence Ridley. Wild weather and a jewel thief on board throw the passengers into turmoil. Alice-Miranda and her friends, including a young stowaway help solve the mystery and everything ends happily. Some of the airs of the rich and famous passengers will be unfamiliar to readers, though others may find them intriguing. The length of the book may put off some readers, but fans of the previous Alice-Miranda books will enjoy this new adventure.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harvey, Jacqueline

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743754

Price: 14.99

Magic Thief Home

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

In this latest adventure Conn, the main character, returns home only to find the magic rocks are being pilfered. This should be impossible, so Conn returns to his roots as a beggar to solve the mystery.

Fans of this series will not be disappointed with the action and pacing of this latest adventure. This series is excellent for fantasy lovers, not quite ready to take on more complex reading like Rick Roirdan. The plots are easy for younger readers to follow and integrate into the whole story. Yet there are still edge of your seat moments that keep readers turning pages.

Highly recommended for grades 4-7.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Prineas, Sarah

Illustrator: Javier Caparo, Antonio

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006220542

Price: 17.99

The Castle Crime

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This is the first A to Z mystery that I have ever read, so I am not sure if the main characters have populated the first A to Z mystery books, but they seem to be recurring characters in this second set of "Super Edition" mysteries. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are in London with Dink's father, who is attending a conference and chose to bring three children along. The three kids from Connecticut enjoy visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London and it is here that they learn that the Queen's jewels have been stolen, and by thieves dressed up as her grandsons. Author Ron Roy writes that he learned that the Queen often drives herself to Windsor Castle so he thought, "what would happen if she were robbed while in her car, alone and unarmed." This is that story and it works pretty well. The action moves along. The perpetrators of the crime were not completely obvious, but the mystery was well crafted and it all made sense in the end. An easy book to recommend to young mystery fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roy, Ron

Illustrator: Gurney, John Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385371599

Price: 5,99

Playing for the Commandant

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

In this World War II story, a young girl, Hanna, is selected to play for the Commandant. This arrangement eventually helps her get food and other necessities to her family living in the shacks of the prison camp. She falls in love with the Commandant's son, Jager, who is helping her get supplies to the people in camp. As the war nears its end, Jager is arrested and Hanna is reunited with her sister. The ending is hopeful and positive.

Surprising that this book did not receive any starred reviews. It was beautifully executed and realistically portrayed. This unique view at how people helped each other during the worst of times carried excellent tension and strong characters.

Many published reviews marked this book for grades 8 and up. I believe any 6th grader who has read other Holocaust stories would love this novel.

I recommend this book for CREAM OF THE CROP

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zail, Suzzy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763664039

Price: 12.99

The Philly Fake

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Part of the "Baseball Mysteries" series in which each mystery is set in a different ballpark/baseball city in MLB. This is book nine and features friends Mike and Kate who are visiting Philadelphia and who have ticket to three Phillies home games vs. the Mets. They meet the mascot, the Philly Fanatic, as well as a historic impersonator, Ben Franklin. A little US history is interlaced with a baseball mystery: how are all of the Philly's bats breaking or, more importantly, who is causing this to happen? The answer was obvious, and the perpetrator's motive was a bit weak, but it was an engaging read for fans of mysteries and baseball and I could see this having high circulation. I am interested enough to purchase the other titles in the series. The "Dugout Notes" at the end gave a little more information about the ballpark and were a nice touch.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, David A.

Illustrator: Meyers, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307977854

Price: 4.99

Almost Super

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Humorous science fiction story about a group of kids who get only unhelpful super powers on their twelfth birthdays. Disappointed with this turn of events they band together to find the reason behind this debacle. Unfortunately, in order to defeat the true evil in town, the children must get the adults not to see each other as long standing enemies.

Written with great exuberance, readers will be swept up in this unusual super power fantasy. The characters are a riot and the amusing situations that they find themselves in will keep readers turning pages. Great book for reluctant readers, although the youthfully illustrated jacket may deter some.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jensen, Marion

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062209610

Price: 14.99

I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Fans of the I Survived Series will dig into this story line eagerly. Written with the same pacing and powerful events, readers will learn a bit about history while living the scenes through the eyes of the main characters, Max and his sister Zena.

Thinking they would be safe hiding in the forest, the war reaches them anyway and they decide to join up with Polish resistance fighters. The quick pace and desire to find the outcome will keep readers turning pages. Excellent choice for reluctant readers as the action starts quickly and doesn't stop. I can't keep these books on the shelf!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tarshis, Laurne

Illustrator: Dawson, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545459389

Price: 4.99

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This is the 25th anniversary edition of this delightful holiday book and the only change or addition is an afterword from author Kimmel and publisher John Briggs remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the characters to life. This book is a fantastic Hanukkah book telling of Hershel of Ostropol and his vow to rid one town of its anti-Hanukkah demons. Hershel is clever and tenacious and he does outsmart those demons, the first of which are almost comical, while still being serious and a bit scary. The Demon King is a shadowy figure who is creepy without being overwhelmingly scary. A great story, gorgeous illustrations, a wonderful addition to any library's holiday collection or a nice replacement for a copy that is 25 years old and showing its age.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kimmel, Eric

Illustrator: Hyman, Trina Schart

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431649

Price: 17.95

Shivery Shades of Halloween: A Spooky Book of Colors

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

A color book told through the lens of Halloween. Siddals's rhymes are fantastic and make this book excellent, but the illustrations are too cartoonish for it to be excellent. It is still a great book and I would recommend it for a holiday collection. It's a lovely read-aloud and the colors are spot-on: "blaze of orange, stain of red, blot of black, smudge of brown, glint of yellow, wash of blue, shroud of gray, wisp of white, blotch of purple, tinge of green". The ghost peeking at the reader on the end paper is a fun touch.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Siddals, Mary McKenna

Illustrator: Pickering, Jimmy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385369992

Price: 12.99

Nest

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2015

Review

Set on Cape Cod in the 1970s. 11yr old Chirp loves bird watching, Trick or Treating and making her spirited dancer Mother smile. When Mom is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Chirp, her older sister, Rachel, and their Psychiatrist Dad each strive to keep the household running smoothly. The Mother's serious struggle with depression leads to a long stay in a psychiatric hospital. Each changing seasons or approaching holiday brings new challenges to Chirp, Rachel and Dad as they gradually realize their lives will never return to pre-diagnosis normal. The author has written a realistic representation of sisters who love each other but don't always get along. She has also created a Father who doesn't always get thing right, but is doing his best and a Mother who is simply overwhelmed. The minor characters as well as the main ones will stay with readers long after the last heart wrenching chapter. This is beautifully written realistic fiction that explores some tough situations i.e. depression, suicide and abuse. The author stays true to the 11/12 yr old voice and point of view throughout. Recommend for "Cream of the Crop".

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ehrlich, Ester

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386074

Price: 16.99

Bug on a Bike

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

A ladybug on a bike picks up it's pie baking lizard friend and starts off on a lengthy ride to an unknown destination. Along the way they pick up many friends who keep asking where they are going and when they will get there. The lengthy procession finally arrives at their destination, Bug's birthday party, complete with Karaoke, a bounce house, and food all over. The illustrations are reminiscent of Richard Scarry. The pace is fast and the story is silly. All characters are some kind of living creature except for a pickle and a nickel which seem out of place. The text is silly and told in rhyme, on some pages speech bubbles rhyming with text. The craziness of the trip and details of the illustrations might be enough to grab some young readers, but really just an OK offering.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Monroe, Chris

Illustrator: Monroe, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467721547

Price: 16.95

The Loch Mess Monster

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Contrary to popular legend, there are actually three monsters in Loch Ness, Nessie, her husband, and their young son Angus.AS Angus grows, his parents teach him the Five Basic Monster Rules, including picking up after yourself and NEVER rising above the surface of the loch. As Angus grew bigger, so did his messes. He loved the action as his parents skidded across the floor and tripped on things he left lying around. His parents finally banish him to his room until he can pick up after himself. There the mess continued to grow until he had to use the top of his bed. AS that pile grew, he climbed higher and higher each night to sleep on the top until finally, one day, he broke the surface of the loch. There he was seen by three "monsters,"a cow, a goat, and a duck that scared him so badly that he went down and cleaned up his mess.The illustrations are full of detail, wit, and energy. The story will strike a chord with some children, and especially their parents. They will laugh as the mess grows and grows and as Angus is so frightened by the "monsters." This will be a fun addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97802544099906

Price: 16.99

Frederick

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

This is a re packaging of Leo Lionni's classic tale, Frederick, in Easy Reader format. The Easy Reader format is exactly as the original picture book, with all of Leo Lionni's text and images. The collage and water color pictures are excellent and the text is bold and easy to read for new readers. It is a step 3 book for grades 1-3 and it fits that target well. Paperback binding seems secure and durable.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lionni, Leo

Illustrator: Lionni, Leo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755498

Price: 3.99

Mamoko

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Mamoko in the Time of Dragons is a wordless picture book. The illustrations are excellent and fill the entire 2 pages with interesting imagery and story. The reader can follow the main picture story and also find new and interesting events occuring on the page. So a new story can be seen each time the reader opens the book. Made of strong reinforced trade binding with thick almost board like pages. A big enjoyable book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mizielinska, Aleksandra

Illustrator: Mizielinska, Daniel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Pictue Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763675189

Price: 17.99

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Christine Heppermann puts an interesting twist to some fairy tales that young teen girls can relate too in a poetry format. She takes realities that they face -- social lives, looks and family and uses the tales of Red Riding Hood, Snow White and more modern connections like GI Joe and Spiderman to express inner thoughts that can't always be spoken out loud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heppermann, Christine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062289575

Price: 17.99

The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Pout Pout Fish is heading to school and he finds it scary and new. But thanks to his teacher he finds his way and realizes school isn't so bad once you give yourself a chance. This is a great book to help children just entering school see that it can be hard but you will find your way. A good moral lesson told through rhyming text and colorful illustrations. The binding is strong and it is fun to read. The pictures are large and go well with the text. A great book for boys and girls starting out at school.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374360955

Price: 16.99

Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Those Magnificent Sheep is a great rhyming adventure for young listeners. The sheep happen upon a new flying machine and accidently take it for a spin around the world. The large two page illustrations completment the rhyming text very well. The pictures are bright and fun. The story moves along quickly with lots of laughs. A great hardcover book for boys and girls. Would be a great addition to any story time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bently, Peter

Illustrator: Roberts, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Andersen Press USA / Andersen Press Ltd

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467749350

Price: 16.95

Edgar's Second Word

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

The picture book 'Edward's Second Word' by Audrey Vernick is a sweet story about a new sibling and how his older sister copes. Hazel is hoping to read to her new baby brother but soon finds he isn't capable of much until he starts to talk. Once he starts talking though it is not what Hazel expects and she patiently waits to enjoy her brother while reading to him. A happy ending for all as Edgar seems enthusiastic for Hazel to read to him. A well bound hardcover with pretty, bright illustrations. Although told mainly from a girls point of view, this book would appeal to boys as well, or really anyone with a new member of the family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vernick, Audrey

Illustrator: Burris, Priscilla

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547684628

Price: 16.99

A Tale About Tails

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

The Story in 'A Tale About Tails' is taken from a script for the TV show on PBS of The Cat in the Hat. The story is told in the regular Dr.Seuss rhyming format but the story itself lacks in information. The story centers around the adventure of two main characters and the Cat in the Hat trying to find facts about animal tails. They only encounter a couple of different tails and there is very little actual information about the animal. Fun to read but disappointing in learning anything about animal tails. A good book for boys and girls bound in a paperback format easy reader aimed at grade level 1-3.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Brannon, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House Children's Books / Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385371179

Price: 3.99

Don't you Forget About Me

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Skylar takes lots of drugs to help her forget. Sometimes it works so well she forgets to breath. She is living in a "perfect" world where no one gets sick. But there's is a cost... every four years kids go crazy and kills other teens. Her sister is missing from the last four year cycle, she may be in Gardnerville's reformatory. Piper lead all the teens to a train trestle and had them jump to their deaths. Skylar is trying to forget Piper, or find her thought the book.

The books flops back and forth between the present drug induced state and the past. The drug scenes are well written, the chapters make no sense.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Quinn, Kate Karyus

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper/Teen Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062135964

Price: 17.99

The Turtles of Oman

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustrations are pencil. Young Aref from Oman parents are moving to Michigan, USA. for one year to continue their educations. His dad is going over first to secure an apartment for the family. Aref has to leave behind his cat, bedroom, and home to his aunt, uncle and cousins. He doesn't want to go. But his very loving grandfather takes him on mini adventures to build memories until he returns in a year. They camp on the roof, in a desert with camels, the go to the sea where the sea turtles hatch, and they write lists, and eat good food. Grandfather makes the leave easier. What if Mish-Mish his cat likes his cousins better? What if they don't appreciate his room? What if the new kids won't like him? What if????

Great story for kids leaving, or moving into the district.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nye, Naomi Shihab

Illustrator: Peterschmidt, Betsy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow books /Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062019721

Price: 16.99

Just Right for Christmas

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

2014 boardbook printing Illustrations are quilt like water colors. Cute story about the life of some red Christmassy fabric. It starts being used by a king, and the scraps are handed down through the village, and onto the animals in the forest. At the end of the story, there is a skating party with everyone in their new red clothes..."just how Christmas should feel".

Good for teaching organization in writing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Black, Birdie

Illustrator: Shaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow / Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675639

Price: 6.99

The Iridescence of Birds: A Book about Henri Matisse

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustration are relief prints. I liked the way the story starts," If you were a boy named Henri Matisse." The biography shows Henri experimenting with color. The back page includes an author's note with a quote from Matisse" My mother loved everything I did."

Not part of a series, but could be the start.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

MacLachlan, Patricia

Illustrator: Hooper, Hadley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter Book/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439481

Price: 17.99

Nicky Goes to the Doctor

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 23, 2015

Review

Families will certainly be pleased to learn that Richard Scarry’s Nicky Goes to the Doctor is back in print. Always a favorite in the past, a new generation of youngsters will find this informative and entertaining before their own visits with their doctors. Nicky Bunny has a positive experience being measured as well as weighed, he has the opportunity to listen to the Doctor’s heart and he gets tickled during the exam.

Children will appreciate the honesty when Nicky says ouch to a shot. This is a classic that is not impacted by the passing of time; this story remains fresh. Thanks to Random House for bringing it back. Add this to all pre-K to grade one classrooms and gift a copy to your child’s pediatric practice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scarry, Richard

Illustrator: Scarry, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780307118424

Price: 4.99

Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 23, 2015

Review

An adorable and very playful dog persuades an almost scary monster to play some childhood games. While the dog's need to play is the focus of the story it is monster's soft heart that exposes friendship as the plot.

Giggles will erupt when early readers sound out the simple words and pre-readers turn pages looking for the best action illustration of both the puppy and the green monster. Pair this with Go Away Big Green Monster for a silly storytime theme.

Wohnoutka’s use of acrylic paint make the illustrations jump off the page. The text is perfectly simple, allowing the illustrations to tell the rest of the story. This title is a good package and will be loved by any child who receive it as a gift as well those who find it on library shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wohnoutka, Mike

Illustrator: Wohnoutka, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430642

Price: 16.95

The Curse of the Buttons

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 24, 2015

Review

A great historical fiction that can be enjoyed by all. It is a tale of an eleven-year-old boy who is left behind when his father, brothers, uncles and other male cousins leave to fight in the Civil War for the Free State of Iowa. Ike is left with the "women" folk and tries to find a way to be with the men of his family. There are bullies, abolitionists and bounty hunters to keep the story going along with a dash of humor to make Ike's woes real.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ylvisaker, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763661380

Price: 15.99

Who Sleeps, Cat the Cat?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2015

Review

When Cat the cat announces it is time to sleep all her animal friends comply till she encounters the Owl. Once the animals are in their sleeping bags Owl is left alone wishing someone was awake to play. Children will identity with specific animals in the tale; some toddlers may see their own tendency to be night owls.

The background colors are an interesting dark shade of blue with a narrow band of brown. Although these are not the most attractive colors they do work well on the last two page spreads where half the pages become brown and stars dot the blue areas.

A simplistic board book that toddlers will enjoy. I wonder why the title was changed when the board book editions were published.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Willems, Mo

Illustrator: Willems, Mo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306555

Price: 6.99

My Bibi Always Remembers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2015

Review

A herd of multigenerational elephants are searching the African savannah for water to quench their thirst. Little Tempo (the Swahili word for elephant) knows that his Bibi (the Swahili word for grandmother) will remember the way as she had led her family to wet many times. This is the story of a youngster who tries to stay with her elders but is easily distracted by her environment and memories.

Ever the librarian, Buzzeo has added an informational author's note which explains that elephants live in a female society. In addition she mentions an organization that protects Africa’s elephants.

Readers will enjoy accompanying Tempo on her romp through the savannah. This would be a good addition to pre-school and K book shelves. Purchase for public libraries where patrons appreciate stories about animals in their natural environment.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Buzzeo, Toni

Illustrator: Wohnoutka, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Disney (Hyperion Books)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781423183853

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

I Know a Bear

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

A young girl sits pondering in her bed. Drawn with wild yellow hair, but otherwise subdued illustration and in a gentle voice, she tells the reader of the bear she knows. He comes from the Land of Bears and tells her about all that is good in that land. Then on a mostly black page, she says he cannot go back home. The next page shows him caged in a zoo. The girl thinks some more then goes home and lets her pet bird go free from its cage. This book was originally published in French by an Argentinian author. The subject matter is meant to provoke thought and conversation about the idea of freedom. There is not much to the story. The reader must add a lot. For young children, there may not be enough story about something they have not yet begun to consider.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruiz Johnson, Mariana

Illustrator: Ruiz Johnson, Mariana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386140

Price: 16.99

Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson Taking the Stage as the First Black-and-White Jazz Band in History

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

The true story of Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson becoming (with Gene Krupa) the Benny Goodman trio is told in this book. The unlikely meeting of Benny, a poor Jewish boy and Teddy Wilson, the son of professors at Tuskegee Institute at a party in New York leads to their playing together and developing swing music. Blue and yellow tones punched with red create illustrations that draw the reader into the story. Text is told almost in punches, reminiscent of the swing music Teddy and Benny played. Pictures of the dancers and the crowd really show the fun people had with their music. They went on to become the first racially mixed group to play in public and to great renown. Good background information and a timeline are included at the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Ransome, James E.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823423620

Price: 16.95

River Music

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2015

Review

This is a post-Civil War era book tell of the life in the rural south between several intertwining characters. Each chapter is narrated by a character and it tells their part of the story. The story flows with each chapter telling a bigger story in the end. A pleasant and intriguing tale about love lost and found and the meaning of family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauerwein, Leigh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Namelos

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781608981861

Price: 18.95

Druthers

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 28, 2015

Review

It is pouring outside and little Penelope is bored. Dad asks what she would like to do if given her druthers. Everything that Penelope dreams up, Dad tries to make as real as possible within the confines of the house by acting like a monkey at the zoo,imitating a cowboy and donning the appropriate clothes and eyepatch to play a pirate, as Penelope chooses several things she would rather be doing instead of being stuck indoors. The ink and watercolor illustrations are spot on and alternate between depictions of Penelope's imagined adventures and the inside of the house as it becomes more and more cluttered with toys as Dad tries to bring Penelope's druthers to fruition. In the end Penelope is not nearly so saddened by the rain outside because Dad has turned out to be a wonderful playmate. With lots of white space, minimal text, and illustrations that make the reader feel warm and fuzzy, this is a perfect example of a positive and energetic father-daughter relationship.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Phelan, Matt

Illustrator: Phelan, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763659554

Price: 15.99

This Book Just Ate My Dog!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 28, 2015

Review

Bella is taking her dog for a walk. She is on the right hand page and her dog is on the left-hand page. As her dog reaches the middle of the two pages, he disappears. The book ate her dog! When her friend Ben comes along, the same happens to him. The dog rescue vehicle arrives, the police car arrives, the fire truck arrives and...poof. When Bella disappears into the fold to investigate, there is a loud burp...Suddenly, a note appears asking the reader to please turn the book and shake it in order to try to get all the lost items to reappear. Will it work and will everything get back to normal? Hmmm...we will see. With tons of white space, the use of lots of reds and blues in its cartoon-like illustrations, which draws readers' eyes to the action taking place, the humor and inventiveness of this selection makes it a great choice for picture book shelves. This is an interactive book that children will ask for again and again.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Byrne, Richard

Illustrator: Byrne, Richard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627790710

Price: 16.99

Sequoia

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

Through poetry and beautiful paintings, the reader is taken through the year of a giant sequoia tree.The reader sees the wildlife and the weather that surround the tree at various times of the year. One picture showing the tree in a forest fire makes the reader wonder how it could survive. The illustrations are done from some interesting perspectives including two sideways double page spreads which gives more perspective of how big these trees actually are. Credit is given at the end to photographers who allowed their "upper story photographs" to be used by the illustrator. Notes about sequoias and giant redwood trees and a bibliography are also included. This would make a lovely addition to a study on ecosystems.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnston, Tony

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596437272

Price: 17.99

Albie's First Word a Tale Inspired by Albert Einstein's Childhood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

Albert Einstein was an unusual child in many ways. One of those ways was that he was very late speaking his first word. This book chronicles his parent's attempts to get him to speak. When he did not speak at the age of three, their doctor encouraged various ways to get Albert to speak his first word. None of them worked. One day, his mother found him staring into the nighttime sky watching shooting stars dart across the sky. He turned to her and asked "why?" Notes in the back tell the reader that it really is not known exactly how old Albert was when he first spoke, but definitely older than three, and tell about his being an unusual child.The story is told with humor and shows the parent's concern and perseverance well. Illustrations do a very good job of capturing the era. This book could be a reassurance for those late bloomers among us.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tourville, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Evans, Wynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780307978936

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Can You See Me?

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

The water colors are beautiful. The animals that are hidden within the jungle are all animals that Ted saw while visiting Costa Rica. Some are really hard to spot. Great for beginner readers and for science biomes. The last page of the book has circle pictures of the animals and there names, so you can go back and find what you might have missed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Ted

Illustrator: Lewin, Ted

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: I Like to Read/ Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429400

Price: 14.95

My Blue Bunny Bubbit

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2015

Review

This is a tale about a little girl and her soft, stuffed bunny Bubbit. Grandma Nonni made Bubbit when the little girl was tiny and Bubbit has been her best friend ever since. When a new baby brother arrives , the little girl decides that she and Nonni must make him a stuffed best friend and the project is underway. Nonni is an excellent seamstress and the little girl, listening to Bubbit's suggestions, and making use of her very own sewing box, helps her Grandma to choose what the little animal should be (an elephant) and that it should be yellow. The illustrations are busy, colorful and makes one want to take up scissors, fabric and thread and begin a project of one's own. There is a lot of text for a picture book and the text is not particularly conducive to prompting kids to try to read this choice themselves, as the font is quite small and black. However, this is still a good choice for little ones expecting siblings and children interested in crafts such as sewing and the like.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Maggie

Illustrator: Smith, Maggie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547558615

Price: 16.99

Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustrations are linoleum print cuts, wood engravings , broadsheets, water colors, done in collaboration with his wife, Marian Lansky, and Jangle Miller. They are incredible.

The poems located on the left hand side with animal/plant facts listed on the right hand side. The table of contents gives the titles of 12 poems. The vocabulary is sensory: snakes, "flick your tongue and taste the flakes of autumn gold", skunk cabbage, " up through the slick of soggy snow", and The whole world is melting, "snow is slumping and dripping and staining the bark black!" The facts from the right hand side are interesting and sophisticated. Honey bees cluster, the ones on the outside "beg" for food which is passed from bee to bee. The outer bees "shiver" flex their flight muscles which help to warm the rest of the hive. Snakes hibernate or "brumate" as it is called for reptiles and most return to the same "hibernaculum" year after year. The author has won the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sidman, Joyce

Illustrator: Allen, Rick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547906508

Price: 17.99

Rupert Can Dance

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2015

Review

Rupert loves to watch his mistress, Mandy, dance, which she does pretty much every waking hour. When Mandy finally goes to sleep, Mandy slips into her dancing shoes and dances quietly all night. It is his secret until Mandy wakes up one night and catches him. This makes his dancing absolutely no fun anymore because, as everyone knows, cats love secrets and now he has been found out. He hides and it seems that he will never dance again. Will Mandy be able to somehow coax Rupert into dancing again? The illustrations are such that one can feel the action of the dancing and the expressions on Mandy's and Rupert's faces are perfect. This will make a good addition to any collection for youngsters that enjoy dancing and/or cats.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Feiffer, Jules

Illustrator: Feiffer, Jules

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Michael di Capua Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374363635

Price: 17.95

Dinosaur Babies

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Dinosaur Babies is a non-fiction easy reader about many different types of dinosaurs and how they cared for their young. The pictures are very clear and show all the dinosaurs in different habitats with their young. The illustrations really help show what the text is explaining which is great to help new readers figure the story out. A great book for boys and girls who love learning, especially about dinosaurs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Penner, Lucille

Illustrator: Barrett, Peter

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House Children's Books / Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780679812074

Price: 3.99

Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2015

Review

Fly Guy Presents Dinosaurs is a non-fiction easy reader about dinosaurs. Fly Guy uses a lot of facts and great illustrations to tell the story of the dinosaurs. Most of the story is told through the pictures both hand drawn and photographs. Fly Guy is a very popular beginner reader series and he does a great job of telling the stories of the dinosaurs. Lots of facts and a great book for boys and girls who love dinosaurs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545631594

Price: 3.99

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 30, 2015

Review

What a great book for a child who is fascinated with stars and our universe. The reader meets Carl Sagan as a young boy who lives "In a neighborhood of stars...On the third planet from our sun...In a big city...In a small apartment..." Speech bubbles and graphic novel type picture boxes will help to draw readers into the dreamlike text telling of Carl's deep interest in the universe that leads him to intense curiosity and study. His passion and his ability to share that passion is evident and will make an impact on young readers. Picture details, (including plaid pants and the furniture style television) are true to the time. Overall, an excellent addition to your collection. Starred in School Library Journal

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roth Sisson, Stephanie

Illustrator: Roth Sisson, Stephanie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439603

Price: 17.99

Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 30, 2015

Review

Amelia and her doll, Princes Sparkle-Heart are inseparable, spending all their time together having tea parties, attending weddings and keeping secrets. Amelia's dog is plenty jealous and is shown growling on nearly every page. When Amelia's doggy has finally had enough, Princess Sparkle-Heart had better watch out. The Princess ends up in shreds and Mom must come to the rescue with her sewing box, buttons and fabric. This is a good example for children that most things can be repaired with a little imagination and effort and that there is plenty of love to go around for everyone, dolls and dogs included. The illustrations are unusual and edgy and complement the text very well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schneider, Josh

Illustrator: Schneider, Josh

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544142282

Price: 16.99

Dinosaur Parade

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 31, 2015

Review

This is an ideal book for the youngest picture book enthusiasts. It is all about dinosaurs. In fact, there is a dinosaur parade taking place. With rhyming text, colorful illustrations employing bold, broad strokes geared toward children aged 2 - 5, and endpapers depicting many different dinosaurs, the pronunciation of their names and interesting information about each one, this initiation to all things dinosaur is a good choice for children fascinated by dinosaurs. The love of dinosaurs, reptiles and the ilk seems ever ongoing and young readers seek them out on a regular basis.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Halpern, Shari

Illustrator: Halpern, Shari

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805092424

Price: 16.99

Bite-Sized Magic

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2015

Review

A Junior Masterchef who loves fantasy will love this book. The Mostess Corporation has kidnapped Rose who has recently won the Gala des Gateaux Grands baking competition and Mr. Butter wants her using her know-how to make recipes that will help him take over the world. How? Well the baked goods will be so good that people will to be able to stop eating them and their craving will put them under his control. Somehow Rose must convince Mr. Butter's bakers to come to her side and keep the world safe. I really enjoyed this book. It is over 400 pages so is a lengthy book but is consistent in the story line and presents multiple twists and turns which are entertaining and fun. Third in the series. Loved the cover art.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Littlefield, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062084262

Price: 16.99

The Nerdy Dozen

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2015

Review

A great first novel for Jeff Miller!! It was exciting, adventurous and fun to read. The main characters are a dozen game addicted teens that are "kidnapped" by the government to locate a secret plane that has disappeared only because they've played the pirated version online and are the best for the job!

It is sometimes easy to forget that the characters are only teenagers the way that the story is written and then once in a while you are reminded that they are just kids. The plot and flow of the book go hand-in-hand and compliment each other well. A must read -- even for older ages!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Jeff

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062272621

Price: 16.99

Firebug

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2015

Review

Ava is a firebug and can start fires with her mind. For the most part she has pretty good control of that gift but other times it can cause more problems than she had planned. She is not the only character in the book with some unique and fantastical gifts. There is a boy who can talk to trees and a female vampire. Ava is caught in a deadly contract with Corterie, a magical mafia and has many friends who help her in trying to figure a way out of being the Corterie's primary hitman. The book does have a strong emphasis on friendship. And Ava is trying to find out who she is and I believe that will resonate with young adult readers. This was a difficult book for me to get into. Young Adults who are avid fantasy readers will love it because it is complex and challenging. First book in a new series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McBride, Lish

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805098624

Price: 17.99

Kiss, Kill, Vanish

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2015

Review

Valentina is the daughter of a crime boss in Miami and in love with Emilio but must flee to Canada after she sees a murder. She then becomes a model for a painter named Lucien and does not realize it til much later but falls in love with Lucien's brother, Marcel. Lucien, however, dies a mysterious death and Valentina decides to go back to Miami. Marcel takes her back and she meets back up with Emilio but he is not happy to see her. I found this book difficult to get into at first and it seemed rather confusing but realized at the end that it was actually a very well-written thriller with "an artsy vibe." Recommend purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martinez, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062274496

Price: 17.99

Escape to California

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

In the fiftieth year since the publication of the first Flat Stanley,and in his twelfth worldwide adventure, he is off with his family to explore San Francisco. He saves a girl in a wheelchair from careening down one of San Francisco's famous hills, only to find she is looking for him to help her perform a trick that has never been done. She wants him to help her escape from Alcatraz prison. Using his flatness to great advantage, they are off on a preposterous adventure. A lot of children enjoy reading Flat Stanley books. They are really chapter book length, but not too long, so a lot of more reluctant readers will pick them up. The publisher's information touts them as meeting several Common Core Standards. I would not go that far, but would promote this to the Flat Stanley crowd in my school.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenhut, Jeff

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189912

Price: 15.99

On Impact!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

In this fourth installment in the Alien in My Pocket series, Zack crashes his bicycle because his four inch alien, Amp, took the brake cables to fix the landing system on his spaceship. As in the previous books, science is woven throughout the story, this time trying to make an egg drop without breaking it. Zack's younger brother continues to be annoying, as does Amp. The story is really pretty silly but with lots of illustrations and larger font, it will appeal to reluctant readers. The book jacket directs teachers to a website where Common Core tie ins can be found. At that site, the book can be brought up and there are questions about the book and the Common Core standards the questions address. This is not a book I would use for that, but I would direct reluctant readers its way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ball, Nate

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062314925

Price: 15.99

The Extraordinary Mr. Qwerty

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

This is a book about Mr. Qwerty and his far from ordinary ideas. He is of the mind that no one but he has these strange and imaginative ideas and that others think he is weird. He feels alone with his inventiveness and mental acuity. He hides his ideas under his hat but eventually they grow so big that they escape from under his hat and are seen by all. What will happen to Mr. Qwerty's ideas? How will they be perceived? Will others realize that he is actually quite amazing or will Mr. Qwerty's self-perception become reality? Perchance, will he will cease to feel so friendless and odd? The illustrations are in shades of gray, black, and white with minimal use of color, employing some red, blue and orange. The pictures are very busy and will occupy youngsters through several readings and perusals as they notice all of the inventions and oddities scattered throughout the pages in Rube Goldbergesq fashion. The illustrations also portray the ubiquity and prolific nature of Mr. Qwerty's ruminations and concepts. This book will serve to portray to children that all ideas are worth considering and being brought forth for merit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Strambini, Karla

Illustrator: Strambini, Karla

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673246

Price: 16.99

Wild Water Magic

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustrations look like black and white charcoal. The Willow children get caught up with some magic well water when Tate falls in. The water brings each of their natural gifts to come to them stronger and quicker.

I think the series is good for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jonell, Lynne

Illustrator: Dorman, Brandon

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375870859

Price: 12.99

Amelia Bedelia Shapes Up #5

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustrations are black and white gouache and pencil. Amelia brings her style to chapter books. In this one she is trying out different sports. Playing golf with her dad she asks if it's "tea time" yet, Dad says the "tees" are in a bag over there. I like using Amelia to teach inferences and how to cite evidence.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062333971

Price: 15.99

Cool Beans: The Further Adventures of Beanboy Saving the World one Dodgeball at a Time

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Illustrations are digital. Beanboy is Tuck's superhero comic book name for himself. He has won a drawing contest, but he lives in a world where sports are what's "really important". He makes a series of posters sporting BeanBoy adventures for school. Only to have found out that the bulletin board used by the Art Club has been given away to a sports club by the principal. Now he is asking for a pep rally for the Art Club, so they can get more members. This is how the dodge ball tournament get started. Each chapter has Beanboy working on his conflict of the chapter. It's a good way to teach conflicts because it has the visuals to go with the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harkrader, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544039049

Price: 16.99

The Kiss of Deception

Reviewed by: Megan Moynihan - Walker Memorial, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Seventeen year old Princess Lia of the kingdom of Morrighan bucks centuries of tradition, fleeing her own wedding to a prince she has never met. She settles in the village of Terravin where she finally feels at home and revels in the freedom of making her own choices, all the while attempting to blend in as a barmaid. When two handsome strangers arrive at the inn where she works, Lia soon finds herself falling for one of them. What Lia doesn’t know is that one of the strangers is the jilted prince while the other is a dangerous assassin that intends to kill her. Meanwhile Lia’s choice to desert her wedding has put the alliance between the kingdoms of Morrighan and Dalbreck at risk and has left the kingdoms vulnerable to the gathering armies of Venda, a third kingdom said to be made up of savage barbarians.

For more than half of this book, the story is mostly focused on the developing relationships between Lia and the two handsome strangers. The author keeps the reader constantly guessing which character is the prince and which is the assassin which is fun for a while but not necessarily important to the larger plot of the book. The true action begins when Lia hears news of an attack on the kingdom of Morrighan that was led by the barbarians of Venda. Guilt-ridden, she decides to finally face her duties as princess but en route to Morrighan she is kidnapped and a dangerous journey ensues where Lia begins to realize the grave danger her kingdom is in. At times, Lia’s character seems somewhat selfish and self-absorbed, putting her best-friend in danger to realize her own dream and her initial lack of concern for the political stability of her kingdom but as the story progresses, Lia begins to develop into a person of stronger character. I am hopeful that the next book in the series will answer some of the questions and plot points left hanging at the end of the first book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearson, Mary E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978080509923251799

Price: 17.99

How Can I Deal With Bullying? A Book About Respect

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

This is a book about what to do about bullying, whether you are being bullied or witness it taking place. It also explains that bullying can take many different forms; it may be physical, verbal or relational. It lets children know that standing by and doing nothing about bullying around you is not acceptable and suggests simple steps to take to stand up for the one being bullied, employing respect, calm tones, and basic common sense. It demonstrates that telling an adult about bullying is not like snitching or tattling, but is often the smartest step to take in certain situations. This book does not, however, address cyber bullying which I think is a huge problem and should have found a place in this title, even for the young audience it addresses. In this day and age, when bullying is such a tremendous and accelerating issue, sometimes even leading to suicide, cyber bullying should have warranted a segment in this book. Photographs are plentiful and up-to-date which is of utmost importance for prompting children to pick up a book such as this.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Donovan, Sandy

Illustrator: Donovan, Sandy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publications Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467713627

Price: 26.60

Alone Together

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Alone Together by Suzanne Bloom Bright, colorful and clean illustrations. Three animal friends: a duck, fox and bear are out in the night air but all want to be alone. Doesn’t everyone need alone time. The reader gets a glimpse of what the other is doing during their alone time but after awhile they are back together again for a good snuggle. This is a great book for little children to understand that being alone is not a bad thing. Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bloom, Suzanne

Illustrator: Bloom, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyd's Mill Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620917367

Price: 16.95

Game Changers Heavy Hitters

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Game Changers: Heavy Hitters by Mike Lupica Baseball story involving two main characters, Ben and Justin. Ben has been hit by a fast moving pitch in a game on purpose or not? He becomes baseball shy and his game is affected by the fear of being hit again. His new friend, Justin, who is also an excellent baseball player is acting strangely distant and unhappy. Ben finds out that Justin’s parents are divorcing and Justin feels angry but is hiding the impending divorce from everyone however Ben finds out and together they work out their fears. Strong adult role modeling and nice to see a girl part of the story and a friend to the boys.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lupica, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545381840

Price: 16.99

Fractions in Disguise

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Interesting and innovative children's book that focuses on fractions. A child who is fascinated by math would enjoy the character of George Cornelius Factor who is a very young and very smart young boy who is really and truly crazy about fractions. The illustrations are bright and rather fantastical and may also spark an interest in science and math.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Einhorn, Edward

Illustrator: Clark, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781570917738

Price: 16.95

The Zoo Box

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Comic book/graphic novel with a lot of action. Erika and Patrick find a magic box in their attic and of course they have to look inside. Once they do all kinds of strange things begin to happen. The illustrations are bright and colourful and of course very cartoon like. The characters that come out of the box are animals and once they get out of the house all kinds of adventures take place including a nearby carnival. A fun book. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohn, Ariel

Illustrator: Nels Steinke, Aron

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626720527

Price: 17.99

Sam's Pet Temper

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

I loved this book. Sam has a bad temper and in the book his temper looks like a black and mean tumbleweed that Sam does not realize is "his temper." Sam's "temper" is constantly tested and Sam is getting very tired of being angry. Finally the day comes decides he is sick and tired of "his temper." Sam decides to take a deep breath and slowly breathes in and out and suddenly "his temper" is gone....sort of. Read the book and you will see what I mean. The drawings are strong with bright red, turquoise and white....very angry looking yet appropriate colors for this story. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bhadra, Sangeeta

Illustrator: Arbona, Marion

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kid's Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380256

Price: 16.95

Tiny Rabbit's Big Wish

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Tiny Rabbit wants to be big and this children's book is filled with several antonyms for BIG. Baby-like soft pictures make up the illustrations. The book is thin and a good size for a child to hold and carry around. Tiny Rabbit is happy he is tiny when at the end of the book a lion appears and TR can jump into a tiny hole to get away. Sometimes it is hard to be the size you are but this book will make you feel it is ok. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghon Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547852867

Price: 16.99

Tuck-in Time

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Rayond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Soft watercolour illustrations and rhyme tell the story of how wonderful a little child is. Keeping watch while the toddler is playfully preparing for bed are a floppy eared dog and an equally floppy stuffed rabbit. Very charming and perfect for easing a reluctant child into bed and to sleep. And at the end, of course is a sweet hug and snuggle. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gerber, Carole

Illustrator: Campbell Pearson, Tracey

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374378608

Price: 16.99

This ORQ. (he cave boy.)

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Orq wants a woolly mammoth for a pet but his mother has lots of reasons why he cannot have one. Until the day that "Woma"? saves his life. Then his mother changes her mind, somewhat. The illustrations are muted, large and engaging and have the flavor of "caveman"? days. I have not seen many children's books set in this time period. I think parents and children would really enjoy this book and that may spark discussion about this period in history. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliot, David

Illustrator: Nichols, Lori

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620915219

Price: 15.95

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2015

Review

This easy reader re-edition of a Caldecott Honor book first published in 1969 in a picture book format will be much enjoyed by a new audience of early readers. Alexander is a little mouse who feels much maligned. When he meets a wind-up mouse named Willy whom is beloved and pampered, he thinks perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of the arched mouse-hole door. When he finds that there might be a magical way to turn himself into a wind-up mouse, the thought is very appealing. He is waiting for the requisite full moon to make the transition when Willy's circumstances change and not for the better. What will happen next? The illustrations are glorious, employing collage with lots of colors and patterns and that demonstrate the surroundings from the point of view of tiny mice. The twist on the fable may take a few readings to sink in for little ones, but this is a great story for the targeted beginner readers ages 6 to 9 and I recommend it without reserve.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lionni, Leo

Illustrator: Lionni, Leo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755511

Price: 3.99

Gobble Gobble, Tucker!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2015

Review

This is a board book about Thanksgiving from a little dog named Tucker's point of view. He smells the wonderful aromas of special foods cooking and can't wait for all the good eats. To make things even better, his cousin dogs Tiger and Murphy come over for the day, too. Romping and begging ensue, though the dogs begin to wonder if they will ever get their dinners. The colors used in this sturdy book are bright and the illustrations are very simple and appealing. The text, however, is black and plain with quite small font. This will definitely be a read aloud for the toddlers and not one that the older kids aged 5 or so will be drawn to learn the words to. All in all though, this should be considered for a holiday choice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGuirk, Leslie

Illustrator: McGuirk, Leslie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763668877

Price: 7.99

Trial By Fire

Reviewed by: William Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2015

Review

Trial By Fire is a very interesting book. Fantasy blended with a touch of science fiction. Our protagonist is a young lady in high school who is beset by crippling allergies that keep her from most aspects of a normal life. That changes completely when she is drawn through magic to an alternate version of the world she knows. She leaves behind the Earth that we know for one ruled by magic, where the study and teaching of science is forbidden on pain of death. Here she finds that she's not crippled by allergies, but instead has latent magical powers that she doesn't understand and faces another version of herself who rules from on high, and treats those who oppose her without mercy and must struggle to come to grips with meeting her own alternate self and find her way in a world she doesn't understand. This book has a fascinating approach to a magical world, depicting it through the eyes of a science literate teenager who takes what she sees and views it in terms the reader can easily understand. Few books blend science and magic with any degree of success, and this does an admirable job with both.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Angelini, Josephine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends / Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250050885

Price: 18.00

In a Handful of Dust

Reviewed by: William Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2015

Review

This is the sequel to "Not a Drop to Drink", and takes place in a modern earth where climate change has led to catastrophe, and drinking water has become a scarce and intensely valuable resource.

In the first book we watched Lynn as she struggled as a girl to protect her home and the small pond that kept her alive. We saw how ruthless Lynn could be, and how taking her water was an act with often fatal consequences.

In this sequel we follow Lynn and Lucy as they leave their home and pond to travel west to California. It is a long, difficult and grueling journey through a harsh and arid country to reach their destination. Danger threatens at every step, but where Lynn is hardened by the world they live in, Lucy is sweet and trusting in ways that Lynn could never be. The dichotomy between the two works well, and the journey provides an excellent coming of age story for Lucy as they make their way through a dry, bleak world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McGinnis, Mindy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegan / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062198532

Price: 18

The Streak

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

The Streak is an excellent picture book biography. This book tells the tale of legendary Joe DiMaggio and his still standing record streak of getting hits in baseball games. The short text on each page tells just enough about DiMaggio's background and sets the historical scene for his streak. The back matter includes attribution for all of the quotes and newspaper headlines as well as a bibliography and an author's note that included further detail of the time and story as well as DiMaggio's baseball statistics.

Widener's acrylic paintings are beautiful and the muted colors add to the historical feel of the book. The quality is so great that you could spend a long time looking at his brush marks and imagining painting it yourself.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenstock, Barb

Illustrator: Widener, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789926

Price: 16.95

Cold Calls

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2015

Review

The premise of this story is not really believable. Three teenagers from three different schools are blackmailed by text and email into bullying certain chosen kids in their schools. The blackmailer has information on each student that would cause themselves and others great disgust and disgrace if revealed. So, the teenagers are forced into bullying, which goes against their natures and has repercussions. When they meet in a required bullying weekend class and find what they have in common, they band together to find out who the culprit is behind the blackmail before time runs out. It was only okay and it did deal with cyber-bullying via blackmail but it didn't hold my attention very well.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Benoit, Charles

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544239500

Price: 17.99

It's Perfectly Normal

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2015

Review

This update of the acclaimed title covers questions and issues around growing up, our bodies as they change in puberty, sex and keeping oneself healthy and safe as pertains to our bodies and sexual choices. There is not a single topic that is not explained and illustrated, at least not that I can imagine. Some of the additional issues in this update include internet safety, sexual abuse, and LGBT issues, HIV and AIDS, as well as emergency contraception. There are some ares which parents or others might object to, such as the segment on LGBT and the fact that some people disapprove of LGBT people and that "These people's views are based on fears and misinformation, not on facts." Certain religious groups, particularly, may find this statement offensive, short-sighted or false. Another downside to this book are the illustrations which appear very dated. One picture includes a boom box, which young people nowadays will wonder at. The anatomically correct illustrations are great, I believe, and the cartoon-strips are amusing and illuminating. There are a cartoon bird and a bee throughout the book making comments which are entertaining and allow children to realize that they need not feel grossed out about these issues. All in all, this will be a great addition to shelves and will help young people deal with their inquiries and receive mostly correct information.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harris, Robie

Illustrator: Emberley, Michael

Illustration Quality: poor

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763668723

Price: 12.99

Exile

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2015

Review

A high school dedicated to supporting and producing talent for the southern California music scene and beyond is the backdrop for this promising first novel in the Exile trilogy, which appealingly blends a coming-of-age romance with a mystery involving a gifted teen musician named Caleb who has just discovered he's the son of a long dead legendary lead singer for a fictional band called Allegiance to North. Told from the perspective of Summer (her middle name, which she uses as she hones her considerable skill as a band manager, though she's known by her super straight parents who disapprove of her music business aspirations by her first name, which is Catherine). Summer's a smart and sympathetic protagonist and her romance with Caleb is believable and sweet. It's effectively juxtaposed against a mystery concerning hidden tapes of lost songs recorded by Caleb's famous, but seriously drug addicted and mentally ill dad before he died and plenty of band scene drama. Readers will likely have to be fairly serious music fans to appreciate this one, but for those that are, they'll quickly identify with the earnest descriptions of the emotional power of chord progressions and moody, clever lyrics and will be pulled in by the quest to find the lost tapes. Fans of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist should love this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062133953

Price: 17.99

Ful and Less, Er and Ness

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2015

Review

This addition to the Words are CATegorical series deals with suffixes. What are they? What do they mean? In humorous rhyming fashion and with charming, colorful, active, comical feline illustrations, this book will teach children about suffixes and what they mean and how to identify them. The suffixe letters are presented in color to make them pop and to visually reinforce and instruct the reader on the topic. This is definitely a book to consider for your 7 - 11 year old learners and will be a good addition to your shelves, private or public.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Brian

Illustrator: Boneau, Martin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467706100

Price: 16.95

Brothers

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Bruswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Brothers is a slight, sweet, sentimental and small-sized picture book, pages unnumbered , easily predicted to become a popular gift book as well as a minor classic, at least by adults. The full-color, often amusing drawings on every page are the work of its prolific author-illustrator and are done in ink and watercolor. The book is not quite a story but more a series of realistic episodes revealing a somewhat idealistic relationship between a pair of brothers of about five and seven years old. Parents of young sons may read Brothers aloud to encourage their own sons' compatibility. Read aloud to a group, the book could easily encourage laughter, comments and personal recollections. Recommended to all ages of about three years and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McPhail, David

Illustrator: McPhail, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544302006

Price: 12.99

Gabriel's Clock

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Twelve year old Jonathan lives in England with his parents and thinks he is a normal person. His parents have been able to protect him until they are attacked by evil demons from Hell. Jonathan is being pursued because of his unusual powers since he is the only half –demon and half-angel in the universe. After the attack he wakes up in the village of Hobbes End with a talking cat, a friendly werewolf, gargoyles that can move and converse, and some other very interesting characters. This story is imaginative, suspenseful, humorous, and at times a bit violent. It is a well written book that is full of action with well developed characters. I highly recommend this for readers looking for a unique fantasy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pashely, Hilton

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544301764

Price: 16.99

Susan Marcus Bends the Rules

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Mmorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

The colorful Jacket illustration suggests a story about racial prejudice. Its narrator, ten year old Susan, recently transplanted from New York City to a small town in Missouri in 1943, makes the book also one of historical fiction. In just over one hundred pages divided into seventeen brief chapters, readers can learn a bit about FDR, the country's President in World War 11, that mailing a letter within the country cost a three cent stamp, what a Victory Garden was and a disease called polio. Adding to her surprise and then immediate opposition to Jim Crow laws, Susan personally encounters dislike of Jews, of the Japanese, of her beloved baseball team, the New York Yankees. The story offers young girls of about nine through eleven or twelve years a thoughtful account of a once feisty new resident who is learning much about the nature of friendships, her success in achieving, through small, realistic steps, with help from new friends, a move towards acceptance of all people. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cutler, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430475

Price: 16.95

Every Body's Talking: What We Say Without Words

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

This well written book about body language will keep readers interested from the first page to the end. Some of the information includes: how to spot lies, how we communicate with our eyes and actions, the importance of recognizing cultural differences in gestures, how to feel more confident and powerful by using a specific body pose, and some tips for speaking in front of an audience. The design of the book is appealing with colorful photographs, illustrations, and fact boxes. There are extensive source notes, a glossary, bibliography, suggested books and websites, and an index. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Donna M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467708586

Price: 25.17

Backwards Moon

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raumond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2015

Review

Fantastical book about witches who are used to having their home called the "Hidden Valley" all to themselves completely separate and protected from humans. But now all of that is threatened. They are forced to a human city because their world has been polluted and they must go there to find a door to another world. They do have magic talisman's and animals to help them along the way but it is still a great and worrisome challenge for Nettle and her cousin, Bracken who have been charged with finding a new and safe place for all the witches from "Hidden Valley." Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Losure, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-0-8234-31601

Price: 16.95

The Klaatu Terminus

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2015

Review

This is the third book in the trilogy Klaatu Diskos. The first two books are The Obsidian Blade and The Cydonian Pyramid. The book I reviewed is the third entitled The Klaatu Terminus. It is not a stand-alone so I was confused. It is a time travel series and the main character in each book is as follows: Tucker Feye (Book 1), Lah Lia (Book 2), and Tucker's uncle Kosh. Each book in the series includes all time periods in separate sections. I think the writing was excellent and has just the right amount of complexity to make a great read for a teen who is ready to move on to more challenging science fiction. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hautman, Pete

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-076365405

Price: 16.99

The Caller

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2015

Review

Neryn and Flint are in love. But Neryn has been chosen to fight off King Keldec so that the people of Alban can be saved. Flint is a spy in the king's court and others are suspicious of him and the situation is becoming more serious. Neryn is known as a Caller and when she nears the time she must stop King Keldec she finds there is another Caller who may have stronger abilities than she does without the best intentions. Not only is she responsible for her own people of Alban but she is also trying to save and protect the Good Folk. I enjoyed this book as it felt rather medieval to me along with the fantasy component but it was confusing of course because this is the third in a series and I have not read the other two. Shadowfell Series

Book 1 - Shadowfell Book 2- Raven Flight

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Marillier, Juliet

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred a. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375869563

Price: 17.99

Drones

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - RSU # 6 (retired), Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

This comprehensive book covers both military and civilian drones. It begins with a brief introduction that defines what drones are and what drone operators do. Specific types of drones are featured in a two page spread with information on each machine's size, purpose, and method of launching. Clear photos show each drone in action and fact boxes contain additional information. Most of the drones profiled are used by the military for reconnaissance and combat purposes and most are aerial but some underwater drones are also shown. One of the most fascinating examples is the Amazon Prime Air delivery drone - a device that may become commonplace in the near future.

While in depth information is not provided, this book gives the interested reader a good overview of the many and varied types of drones used around the world. A table of contents and index are included.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dougherty, Martin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545664769

Price: 8.99

Screaming at the Ump

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

At great coming of age story about what "happens when the rules aren't so clear". Casey's father and grandfather run an baseball umpiring school in New Jersey. His mom left because she didn't like her life there -- his best friend wants to create reality TV show -- he is being followed by an eight-year-old girl -- worst of all, there is a student at his father's school that he feels is a cheater and Casey wants everyone to know. But his biggest issue is trying to get on the school newspaper as a writer even though sixth graders aren't allowed to write articles! Well written, lots of humor, relationship growth and bonding along with realization when Casey figures out the rules -- so too speak!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vernick, Audrey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544252080

Price: 16.99

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Hana's brothers Kenji and Koji ridicule her that she is not ready to perform her violin in the school talent show because she's only had three lessons. Inspired by memories of her summer with her grandfather Ojiichan, a former concert violinist, Hana surprises all with her choice of animal sounds for her performance.

Pencil and digitally colored illustrations are soft and inviting. Asian details such as tatami mats, bowls and chopsticks are worked in flawlessly. The fear of walking onstage and facing the audience is depicted by Hana's small size and the large expanse of space before her. Some details are missing, as her family is not seen in the audience as she takes her final bow, although highlighted in an earlier illustration.

Overall, Hana offers a fine example of the benefits of practicing a musical instrument and belief in one’s dreams.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Uegaki, Chieri

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781894786331

Price: 16.95

Taking Flight

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Michaela, then called Mabinty Bangura, tells her story starting with her early childhood with her biological mother and father in Sierra Leone. Her parents believed that she deserved an education even though she was female, and by age 4 she could speak 5 languages and write in Arabic. After rebels killed her father, she and her mother live with her uncle's family. When Lassa fever kills her mother, her uncle deposits her in an orphanage. The war encroaches; the "debils" take over the orphanage, and the staff and children flee to neighboring Guinea. Eventually, US adoptions come through for all of the children except for Michaela. At the last minute, the family taking her best friend agrees to include her.

Once in the US, Michaela seems to have lived a fairy tale dream for the most part. Renamed Michaela and Mia, the girls landed with a very loving and financially comfortable family. Their new parents recognize Michaela's desperate dream to become a ballerina, spurred by a magazine cover she found at the orphanage. She attends fine ballet schools and focuses on her dance.

The writing is clear, with a flow that pulls the reader in like a good novel. Michaela speaks highly of her growing up years, her relationship with Mia, and the sacrifices her parents made for her. She discusses the loss of her beloved brother Teddy and admits her middle school cruelty to her sister Mia. Always, her focus is dance, and she recognizes the racial barrier to fulfilling her dream. Ballet terms are not defined, and her age at various times is vague, but these are small quibbles. With hard work, Michaela has been able to realize her dream, and she will be an inspiration to many, black, white, dancer or not.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

DePrince, Michaela

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi / Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385755115

Price: 16.99

Guilty?: Crime, Punishment, and the Changing Face of Justice

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - RSU # 6 (retired), Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Guilty? is a provocative introduction to the American criminal justice system for middle and upper grade readers. Teri Kanefield, J.D. begins by examining how we determine what it is that we call criminal behavior. The author then cites several very interesting cases that illustrate an action that may not seem morally wrong but legally is criminal behavior and vice versa. She then considers how we punish those who have committed crimes - and raises many questions about the purpose and effectiveness of imprisonment and the death penalty. The final section considers due process and the presumption of innocence .

This intriguing, very readable book will certainly raise more questions than it answers and will inspire young readers with an interest in the law to delve further. The author respects young people's ability to handle abstract ideas and never patronizes her readers. Difficult concepts are deftly explained and clearly illustrated with actual legal cases. One small quibble - some of the photos are ineffective - for example a rather blurry photo of the constitution.

Useful and complete back matter is appended and includes a glossary, a list of further reading, notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kanefield, Teri

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544148963

Price: 16.99

Island of Misfit Toys

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Children familiar with the movie version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will recognize the characters featured in this graphic novel tale from the Island of Misfit Toys. Charlie-in-the-Box is adrift on an ice floe, and the other characters team up to find and rescue him. We learn the back-story of Cowboy and Dolly, see Train come to the rescue with his square wheels, and even the return of Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster.

Suspense of the rescue is minimized due to familiarity with scenes from the movie, but young readers will find adventure and cooperation emphasized in the tale. Full color illustrations offer the cold of the snowy North, the beauty of the Aurora Borealis, and close-ups of familiar faces. A nice addition to Christmas fare for elementary school-aged children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Deneen, Brendan

Illustrator: Kambadais, George

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Square Fish / Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250050632

Price: 9.99

Mumbet's Declaration of Independence

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Mumbet was owned by Colonel John Ashley, the richest man in Berkshire County, MA and his cruel wife. After the Revolutionary War, she heard the words of the MA Constitution, which state that "all men are born free and equal." Despite the fact that people owned slaves in MA, no law had made it legal, and Mumbet's lawyer successfully argued that the new constitution made it illegal. In addition to winning her own freedom, Mumbet's fight led MA to declare slavery illegal in the state in 1783.

Rich paintings are full of vivid color, and show the styles of the time, however there seems little age difference between Mumbet and her depicted daughter. Conversations and internalized dialogue can only be fictionalized as not much is known about Mumbet’s life. An author's note, bibliography and suggestions for further reading will encourage report writers and teachers wanting to know more. Mumbet's little known story is a welcome addition to US history and social studies classes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Woelfle, Gretchen

Illustrator: Delinois, Alix

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books / Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780761365891

Price: 17.95

If Kids Ruled the World

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Bailey pens a whimsical wish fulfillment where birthday cake is good for you, bedtime doesn't exist and there is playtime for everyone, even "106 year old adults." Equality is addressed by "every prince would have a castle, and so would every princess / and everyone could be a prince or princess." Digital illustrations are filled with racially diverse children playing happily together. Most pages are filled with action except for one offering the solitude of a treehouse with a ladder that pulls up behind you. Although offering nothing new, children will welcome this alternative world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bailey, Linda

Illustrator: Huyck, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781554535910

Price: 16.95

Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big Fat Quitter

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Eliza Bing's story is one 10-12 yr olds will relate to whether they have ADHD, as Eliza does, or not. The Bing family is struggling financially with one parent working long hours and the other going to school in hopes of a new career. Eliza desperately wants to take a baking class given by a celebrity chef, but the expense and her track record of quitting things causes her parents to say no. Eliza makes a deal with them to take over a spot in Taekwondo class from her Brother, prove she can stick with something and be enrolled in the next baking class. Eliza rises to so many challenges. She learns a new sport, learns to control her impulses, navigates new and old friendships and most of all gains confidence. Written entirely from Eliza'a point of view, readers get a glimpse int the day to day struggles of someone coping with ADHD. The author has written a main character that is easy to identify with, in a fast paced story with warmth, humor and a believable, satisfying ending. I would recommend this to a broad range of readers, for example, sports fans, reluctant readers or anyone who has ADHD or knows someone living with it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Vleet, Carmella

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429448

Price: 16.95

Strongheart: The World's First Movie Star Dog

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

This picture book biography is the story of a hard working German military police dog who was sent to America at the end of WW1 to be sold. A Hollywood animal trainer and his wife adopted him and taught him to play and perform in the first movie to star a dog. The police dog, Etzel, became the famous actor, Strongheart, who stared in many movies, fathered a line of acting dogs and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Readers will enjoy meeting this little known star and learning about dog training techniques in the early days of movie making. Colorful illustrations help set the story in the early 1900's and show the range of emotions of both the humans and animals. Author's note at the end fills readers in with more details about Strongheart's movie career and life.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt/ MacMillan

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805094480

Price: 17.99

Mr. Putter & Tabby, Turn the Page

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

#23 in this series celebrates the compatibility of Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, and their shared enjoyment of books. Neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her enthusiastic dog, Zeke, are up for any new adventure including reading stories together at the library Story Time. Readers learn from these familiar characters that there are different ways to enjoy books, stories, reading and the library. Short chapters, colorful and expressive illustrations and a well paced story make for an excellent addition to this early reader series. The library setting and final "Book Swap" chapter with the implied message to accept a book recommendation from a friend will make this a favorite with the adults that young readers live with.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rylant, Cynthis

Illustrator: Howard, Arthur

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780152060633

Price: 14.99

Kiss of Broken Glass

Reviewed by: Dan Wolotsky - Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 1, 2015

Review

Accessible to struggling readers but sophisticated in content Kiss of the Broken Glass is a great verse novel about the 72 hours a high school girl spends in psych treatment ward. In flashbacks we see why Kenna decides to start cutting and how she became addicted to this self mutilation. Kenna is a well developed character whom we come to understand and se why she has ended up in these dire circumstances despite that she "had a pretty ordinary childhood." As her treatment progresses Kenna makes some emotional gains and the reader can see a glimpse of how she might be able to pull herself up upon her release.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kuderick, Madeline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306562

Price: 17.99

Adrenalilne Crush

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Latest of Crompton's books. Other titles by her include The real prom queen of Westfield High and Blaze (or love in the time of super villans). This book is written for between 12-18 year old.

A bit of adventure, a bit of romance, but no sex. Written basically for the female reader, but not so gushy that a male wouldn't enjoy the read.

Dyna is a 17-year old thrill seeker, from a family of thrill seekers. This is the story of her life after she shatters her ankle while jumping from train tracks over the swimming hole. Hippie Mom finds her an alternative healing center to regain her independence. What follows is her journey and that of some of the others at the Ulysses Inner Outer Healing Center.

Does she stay with her high school boyfriend who wants to keep her safe or follow a young Afghanistan veteran who encourages her to spread her wings once again?

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Crompton, Laurie Boyle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300616

Price: 17.99

Remember Me

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

This second offering in Bernard's Find Me series is a fast-paced, at times grisly thriller that takes off when a dead woman with the words "remember me" carved across her chest is discovered during a political fundraiser that the main character, Wick, attends with her newly adoptive foster mother. This follows on the heels of Wick being blackmailed by a menacing police detective to install a GPS tracker on someone's cellphone. Though readers are rapidly brought up to speed in the opening chapters about the events of the first novel, including about Wick's sad family history (she's the daughter of a drug kingpin), this is still a difficult story to follow and it's hard to determine how much of that is due to it not working well as a stand-alone and how much of it may be due to a very complicated plot that involves many characters with questionable motives. Wick is a sympathetic narrator and her predicament of being stuck in the middle of a situation not of her own making will resonate with teen readers, as long as they don't find the plot too unwieldy, and don't mind the ending being somewhat unresolved, as a third in the series must be forthcoming.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bernard, Romily

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062229069

Price: 17.99

Clariel

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

"Clariel" is the prequel to Garth Nix's "Old Kingdom" series, which includes "Sabriel," "Lirael," and "Abhorsen." I had previously read and loved this trilogy and came to this reading with high expectations. "Clariel" definitely delivered.

A reader does not need to have read the first three books in the "Old Kingdom" series to enjoy this book. The world is fully created, and no part of the plot is dependent on the original trilogy. At the same time, those who have read the first three books will find much that is familiar. This is a hard balance to strike, and Garth Nix succeeded.

In this high fantasy, lead protagonist Clariel is forced to move to the capital city and away from her beloved forest. She does not fit in and does not like city. Nevertheless, she is dragged into political and magical intrigue, which leads her astray.

Without giving away the plot ending, I do feel compelled to share that this book does not end well (which I, personally, often think adds legitimacy to good fantasy). Neither the city nor Clariel has a happy ending.

Older kids and teens who like high fantasy will love this book. However, as stated above, it is not for readers who need their endings tidied up and happy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nix, Garth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780061561559

Price: 18.99

Lion, Lion

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Lion is looking for lunch, and a young boy is looking for Lion. Readers will at first be confused when the lion asks the little boy what he is doing, and the boy replies "Trying to find Lion." Readers will be befuddled, then amused as the boy offers choices for lunch that the lion deems either too prickly, snappy, or stinky. Close attention must be paid to the pictures as well as the text for readers to see the clues within this book, such as turtles in the grass that the lion says are too snappy for lunch. Happily, the boy finds his kitten, Lion, at the end of the book by making the lion sneeze. The last page is a play on the same theme that will leave readers tickled. This is a sly and darkly humorous book for little ones, who will enjoy discovering the relationship between the text and pictures in the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Busch, Miriam

Illustrator: Day, Larry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062271044

Price: 17.99

Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

"Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle" is an excellent informational picture book. One of the best elements is that it can be read at two different levels. Some of the text is written in large type. The large type can be read as basic information, but is still cohesive and clear. For older children, or younger children who are interested, the additional smaller type can be read as well. The smaller type provides further information presented by the larger type. Each size type is on a separate page.

The language is rich, and many kids will find the contents hilarious as well as informative. "One animal's waste is the dung beetle's treasure." "For these beetles, dung is a precious pile of food and drink." One can just picture a classroom of kids laughing hysterically, yet wanting to know more.

The illustrations are wonderful, though I am slightly disappointed that there are no photographs at all. Photos are important elements of science books.

The book also includes extra information at the end: - Finding Dung Beetles - Fascinating Facts About Dung Beetles - Glossary (best entry: "poop: see dung") - Selected Bibiography

However, there is no index, and the book contains enough information that I wish one was available.

The fact that amazed me the most was that dung beetles are what the Egyptians called scarabs!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bardoe, Cheryl

Illustrator: Marks, Alan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580895545

Price: 16.95

Bravo, Chico Canta! Bravo!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Chico Canta, the littlest mouse in a family twelve, saves the day in this delightful tale. Chico's bilingual family lives in an old theater, and loves going to plays and putting them on for friends. However, they must always watch out for the kitten, Little Gato Gato, who wants to eat the mice. During one play, Little Gato Gato sneaks up on the mice family in the middle of the play, and Chico cleverly scares the cat away. Readers will be exposed to Spanish and Italian phrases in Mora's story, a retelling of a well-known Cuban folk tale called "The Barking Mouse." The foreign phrases are always paired with an English translation of the phrase. The text often overwhelms the small pictures, but the illustrations are playful and offer glimpses of tiny mice in delightful costumes. This book is suitable for ages 5 to 8.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mora, Pat

Illustrator: Carling, Amelia Lau

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781554983438

Price: 17.95

Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library , Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

When Gemma was 11 she was purposely cruel to her new friend, Hallie, and unintentionally ruined Hallie's mother's career because she didn't want Hallie's mother to date her father.. Five years later, Hallie and her brother, Josh, don't recognize Gemma, so she decides to spend the summer using a fake identity so she can make friends with Hallie and make it up to her. Because we all know that the best way to make amends for betraying someone is to lie to them, right? Needless to say Gemma's plan isn't a huge success.

More than an acceptable amount of typos proved to be distracting while reading, or maybe they were just more noticeable because the story was not engaging. The plot was predictable and drawn out because--surprise surprise--this is going to be a series. If you like backstabbing and premeditated meanness, then you might want to check out this first installment of the Broken Hearts and revenge series.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Finn, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends / Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250045249

Price: 17.99

The Revenge of Seven

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

The Revenge of Seven, the fifth book in the I Am Number Four series, picks up where book four left off. John and his human friends (plus one Mog turncoat)are separated from the other Garde. Five is working with Setrakus Ra, and they have Ella. With Lorien numbers down, the Mogadorian invasion is beginning. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with the latest installment. As usual, this book is fast paced and action packed. The series definitely needs to be read in order as each book starts and stops in the middle of the action, leaving you anticipating the next. This is a fast, easy read with likable characters. The action and superpowers are divided between the male and female characters giving the book appeal to both sexes. Fans of alien, sci-fi, and superhero genres should like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lore, Pittacus

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062194725

Price: 17.99

Love Monster

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Rachel Bright's distinctive illustrations bring to life the story of a lonely little monster living in a town full of cute fluffy things. Younger children may not understand the alienation that Monster feels, but it's a good way to explain to little ones that nobody likes to feel left out. Monster goes on a quest in search of a kindred spirit, and finds one in the monster driving the bus home.

It's a bit British in spots (the costume shop is called a fancy dress shop), but the story is simple, and the pictures delightful.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Bright, Rachel

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/ Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374346461

Price: 16.99

Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Loree Griffin Burns traces how an invasive species traveled to North America and devastated forests in Beetle Busters, a Scientists in the Field book. The Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB) is an aggressive insect that lays eggs inside hardwood trees. When the larvae matures into an adult beetle it tunnels out of the tree causing extensive damage. Infected trees are then cut down by foresters to stop the spread of the ALB. Organized into six chapters, the middle grade text traces how the ALB came to the U.S. from China in wooden shipping pallets. Burns describes how scientists in Worcester, Massachusetts survey forests, identify infected trees and study the effects of the ALB as they attempt to stop the spread of the species. Close-up photographs, maps and diagrams support the narrative. Back matter is extensive and includes an author’s note, glossary, and a list of resources about the ALB. The final chapter is a call to action that stresses the importance of paying attention to nature and our surroundings. Beetle Busters is a recommended purchase for library collections, and it would make an excellent read aloud to middle grade science classes.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burns, Loree Griffin

Illustrator: Harasimowicz, Ellen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547792675

Price: 18.99

Spirit's Key

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Twelve-year old Spirit Holden lives on the secluded Bald Island with her father. Spirit’s father has a special family gift; he can see into the future when he holds a person’s house key. When some island residents mysteriously fall ill, many superstitious residents blame the wild dogs or “baldies” that roam the island. It’s up to Spirit to protect the baldies. The first person narrative allows readers to experience the story through the eyes of Spirit, the strong-willed protagonist. Spirit is surprised when the ghost of her deceased pet baldie appears and leads her to discover the answers to some mysterious events on the island. This unique middle grade novel written in the present tense will appeal to readers who enjoy magical realism and animal stories. The author explains in the Acknowledgements, the island setting is based on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohn, Edith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374300111

Price: 16.99

Positive: A Memoir

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

The title "Positive" is an excellent description of this book! The author was born HIV positive, she and her mother contracted it from her father. In sixth grade, she confided with her best friend and it grew from there -- bullying, taunting, trying to let adults within her middle school know what is happening to her and being told by administration and counselors to deny having HIV along with being told that they can't guarrantee protection. After being pulled from school to be home schooled, cutting herself and attempted suicide, and suing the school district, the author, as a high school student turned what had been happening to her around and began advocating for those who had been treated like she had. It is a memoir that reads like a fiction and you can't help feeling her pain and be extremely proud of the outcome!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rawl, Paige

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062342515

Price: 18.99

Cast Away on the Letter A

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Recommend this graphic novel to readers who enjoyed the Phantom Tollbooth and particularly those readers of the Tin Tin books as this book comes out of the same Franco-Belgian comics scene. This is a translated work of a 1972 comic by Fred (translated by Richard Kutner), and it looks like the first of a series of Toon Graphics (the next will come out in May 2015). Philemon is a young farm boy whose father doesn't believe his tall tales, one of which is that he is sucked down into a well which in turn spits him onto an imaginary island in the middle of the ocean, on the letter 'A' of the words 'Atlantic Ocean'. This comic is brightly colored, surreal, and psychedelic. The pictures have amazing detail and the story is odd and quirky. There are bits of Robinson Crusoe and Greek mythology, as well as art allusions and captivating storytelling. Middle school readers will enjoy this fantastical adventure and will likely clamor for more.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aristidès, Fred

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Toon Graphics

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781935179634

Price: 16.95

Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book, vol. 2

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

I didn't realize that this was volume 2 until I started reading it and saw that it started with chapter 6. I have read the novel, The Graveyard Book, but not for a while, so it was a little tricky walking into the middle of the book and figuring out what was happening. The first thing that I noticed about the book was that each of the three chapters are drawn in a different style (ch. 6:David Lefuente, ch. 7:Scott Hampton, and ch. 8: P. Craig Russell, Kevin Nowlan & Galen Showman). The adaptor of the work is Russell who also adapted Coraline and Sandman, so he is quite familiar with the feel of Gaiman's work. That is evident in the illustrations of this book. The story stays true to the book and the illustrations are high quality and as realistic as possible for a fantasy novel about ghosts and a major character who is a vampire. It was nice to see the three different depictions of Silas and would be an interesting study for a student who loves graphic novels to read the two volume set and compare the illustrations. If you had interest in the novel, and you have a decent graphic novel collection, this would be a fine addition, BOTH volumes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Russell, P. Craig

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062194831

Price: 19.99

The Rise of Aurora West

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

This graphic novel is set in the world of Paul Pope's Battling Boy. Aurora West is a teen-aged girl training to be a superhero with her father Haggard West, a known, and feared, hero. Together they fight monsters in Arcopolis, but Aurora knows that there is more to the story than just fighting the monster Sadisto and his clan. Her memories may hold the key to solving her mother's murder and this book sets up the story, the villains, and the heroes. Book Two, Fall of the House of West is due out in Oct. '15 and will hopefully finish the tale. This is a fast-paced, action-packed graphic novel. The style is reminiscent of old Archie comics books but with pictures in black & white. Some of the pictures bleed right off the edges of the page and the story must be carefully read, both text and pictures, to ensure that the reader catches all of the action. I recommend this for collections with avid GN readers and for those who enjoy sci-fi stories. This feels like a more grown up Zita the Space Girl (without the intergalactic travel).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Petty, JT

Illustrator: Rubin, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720091

Price: 9.99

George in the Dark

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

The story of George, who is a very brave kid...during the day. At night, George has a normal, but rather large, fear of the dark. His parents have lost patience with him and tell him to go to sleep, and he would, but he has lost his bear. When George sees that bear is across the room, he must conquer his fear and rescue bear, thereby regaining his courage. The pictures, with a mostly black & red palette, are quite good, from the cover that shows just George's (and bear's) eyes peeking out from the covers, to the acts of bravery that set up the duality of George's personality, to the terrifying bedroom where ordinary toys and laundry hampers turn into ghouls and monsters. Young readers will be engaged with this book and will cheer for George when he finally rescues his friend. Books that do a nice job handling common childhood problems are welcome in many collections, and though not adding anything new to the genre, this is a worthwhile title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Valentine, Madeline

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449813348

Price: 16.99

He Has Shot the President

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Volume five in the "Actual Times" series, this title tells the story of the day President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. The book sets up the shooting with some background about the discontent felt by Confederate supporters and their plot to take down the entire administration, and then describes the assassination and the reaction of the entire nation, including the manhunt for Booth and his accomplice David Herold. The book does a nice job with details of the assassination as well as painting that broader picture of what was happening in the country as the manhunt went on. Lincoln's funeral is described and the response of militia and common citizens as they said farewell to their beloved President. The book is accessible and truly captures the entirety of the event. Yet Brown does not hold back from his reader. There is a pretty graphic image of a man with a pistol aimed at his head as he is questioned about the whereabouts of Booth, and the final, haunting image of the four accomplices sentenced to death by hanging. The illustrations, in general, are muted but action-packed and add quite a lot to the narrative. This is the perfect starting point for 3rd-5th grade readers interested in the Lincoln assassination. In a few years, they can read Swanson's Chasing Lincoln's Killer, and then the full version Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. I like the idea of a series that covers only a few days in American history as they can be used to really dig into an event. Based on this title, I am very interested in the other titles in Brown's series. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Don

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596432246

Price: 17.99

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

If animals in a zoo were going to perform Shakespeare, this is exactly what it would look like. The lion is Macbeth, the hyena his best friend, the owl is king, and the stork is MacDuff, the hard-boiled detective and defender of the throne. With cute puns and clever nods to the original material, this retelling will delight children who will not mind reading their Shakespeare at all. The pictures are bright with just the right use of elephant to cover a bloody murder. The comments and asides from the audience evokes a sense of audience interaction that rings true to the 16th century experience. There is a teaser at the end that "Romeo and Juliet" is next and if it's as clever as this title, it will also be worth adding to a collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lendler, Ian

Illustrator: Giallongo, Zack

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439153

Price: 12.99

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

A revised edition of Spier's 1961 Caldecott Honor Book. This version has richly colored illustrations, compared to the black & white illustrations of the original, and they do freshen up the book and make it a gorgeous addition to a collection. A folk song can be a hard sell to children, but the narrative is engaging: the fox leaves his den to get dinner for his family. He is pretty easily able to score a grey goose though the farmer does give chase. There is something delightful about this hungry fox, but sensitive children may have a problem with his catching, and then eating, that goose. A nice update to a classic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spier, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385376167

Price: 17,99

Discover Ancient China

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2015

Review

Part of the "Discover Ancient Civilizations" series, this book does a passing job at providing the history of Ancient China to elementary-aged readers. The book starts with the terra-cotta army found in the mid-1970s by a Chinese farmer and buried during the Qin Dynasty in 207 BCE (the book uses B.C. and A.D. not the more scholarly BCE and CE) and it does so to explain the origin of the "dynasties" throughout Chinese history (the last ended in 1911). Books like this can be a good jumping off place for kids, but they bother me in their choppiness and lack of depth. I do like that the sources were given for many of the facts so students or teachers can find the original text. The photos are excellent. I like that there are not a lot of boxes and sidebars, just simple text presenting the information.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bramwell, Neil D.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766041943

Price: 29.60

Arcady's Goal

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Arcady is a young orphan in pre World War II Russia. His parents were enemies of the state so he was placed in an orphanage. He is a pretty good soccer player and ends up getting adopted by a supervisor that he thinks will train him to be a soccer star.

There are light black and white sketches throughout the story that give you a sense of the sadness and fear people had of each other during this time period as well as the moments when those feelings were overcome. Arcady’s situation gives the reader a glimpse into Russia at that time without showing the violence and killing that went on then. It also shows the compassion that can be found even in the most desolate of places. This would be a good book for readers that like historical fiction but the sports piece will give it broader appeal. This would be good for ages 8 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yelchin, Eugene

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805098440

Price: 15.99

Boys of Blur

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2015

Review

Bestselling author, N.D. Wilson sends a message that envy and hatred will eat at the souls of people in this mystery about “Stanks” that are overrunning a small Florida community where riots of hatred and envy even take over a rival high school football game. His use of imagery is excellent in portraying what envy and hatred can do to one’s soul – the horrible overwhelming “stank” that exudes, the mindless and meaningless words that hurt and the love and understanding that can overcome it all. The main characters' roles in the story are well defined in their purpose as well an easy to follow plot. It is fast past, interesting and a good spin on zombies or aka in this case “Stanks”.

This book would be enjoyed by middle, high school and even adults who are into mystery, dark arts, adventure and small town rivalries in football. This would be especially useful for students who are dealing with the “green eyed monster” and how to deal with life’s challenges. Beside it was just a fun read!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, N.D.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449816738

Price: 16.99

Centaur Rising

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2015

Review

The Quaker message of talking to resolve an issue until all can agree is the prevalent message of this story and that everyone, no matter their differences or disabilities are the same and to be treated as such. Janet Yolen has spun a wonderful yarn of mythology and fantasy into the lives of Arianne and her family as they deal with the birth of centaur on their families’ horse farm in Connecticut during the mid 1960s. After a Perseid meteor shower, Arianne notices a brilliant light in the field and their old pony, Agora is running to it – this later results in the birth of a half-boy, half-pony they named Kai, after the mythological centaur, Chiron.

Keeping Kai from being discovered by outsiders, Hannah, Arianna’s mother, decide to shut down the farm from their boarders and riders for a few days to figure out their best course of action. The secret is kept by Robbie, Arianne’s disabled younger brother; Martha, who lives and works on the farm and definitely prefers horses to people and Dr. Herks, the family vet. Working to agree, the ultimate decision is made to create a place to help – a therapeutic horse riding school.

At the end of the story, Janet Yolen gives a brief mythology history of centaurs along with information on therapeutic horse riding. Also in this section, along within the story, Yolen mentions Liz Hartel, who had been struck by Polio and was told that she would never be able to ride or walk again. Hartel went on to win Olympic medals in Dressage. This story would be enjoyed by middle and even high school readers who like fantasy, mythology, horses and romance. The message of being different whether it is being a centaur as Kai or handicapped as Robbie is okay and that there are ways to make situations such as these work for the better. A thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805096644

Price: 16.99

Babe Conquers the World: The Legendary Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2015

Review

This is a great book for anyone interested in the history of women in sports, famous female athletes, historical photos of the Depression and Post-Depression Eras and of course the main subject of the biography, Babe Didrikson Zaharias. The authors, Rick Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace have put together a very informational and interesting biography of the World's Most Famous Female Athlete with stories of Babe's youth growing up in Beaumont, TX., the challenges she faced being a female playing men's sports and life as a renowned athlete, who not only broke records but barriers, too.

The biography is well documented with archival photos of Babe, her family, friends and husband, George Zaharias, a famous wrestler. There are copies of newspaper clippings, photos of famous people that knew Babe and the various events that she participated in. Between each chapter or rather rounds (labeled Round 1, Babe vs., Round 2, Babe vs.)there is historical information that gives more insight to the events within the rounds. A Table of Contents is available along with an index, bibliography, and source notes. There is also a timeline of Babe's life and FAQs section in the back of the book.

The layout is rather busy with the historical information place in between rounds and photos in abundance so that it sometimes makes it difficult to follow the flow of the text. Information about Babe, her accomplishments and associations are easy to locate using the index provided. The photos do compliment the text with full and descriptive captions.

The text is geared for middle school age students, but could be read by many ages just for the information on Babe, who led a very fascinating life and to look at the photos of the time span. This fits perfectly with the Depression Era discussions, women's athletics, and stories about inspiration and the perseverance that it takes to overcomes barriers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wallace, Rich

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781590789810

Price: 16.95

Superlove

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2015

Review

One morning a little girl gets up and decides that for today her name will be Superlove and she will plan and perform a beautiful wedding for Pinky, her cat and her stuffed dog, Mr. Mittens. She will also be the flower girl, which is a most important part. She eats heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, finds appropriate clothes for the occasion, decorates outdoors and even builds an arbor under which the bride and groom will stand. Pinky, however, has different ideas about this marriage business and climbs up a tree and remains there. All manner of temptations are employed to change Pinky's mind but to no avail. Will Mom come to the rescue when she finds that "Pinky is ruining everything?"

The illustrations complement the text and are colorful and expressive. The endpapers are a beautiful pink wallpaper-like pattern and the cover is extremely appealing with a pattern, once again, reminiscent of old-fashioned wallpaper in shades of blue. Additionally,there are just the right amount of pink sparkles. Little girls who enjoy Fancy Nancy and all things sparkly will be entranced by this selection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Chambers, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375869235

Price: 16.99

Two Tough Crocs

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2015

Review

Being crocodiles, Sylvester and Arnold are the bullies of their swamp. They both are tough and mean, picking on small animals just for fun and wearing scary faces all the time. They share the same swamp but have never met. One day they literally run into one another and the battle begins. Enter Betty the Bad, a huge, ugly, scary crocodile who wants to take over the whole swamp. Sylvester and Arnold inadvertently join forces to drive Betty out of their swamp. In the end, though, they befriend her and all is well.

The pastel illustrations are somewhat scary, the crocodiles sport lots of frightening teeth and menacing frowns but they turn those frowns upside-down and decide friendship is the way to go. The lesson here is that banding together anything can be accomplished. Boys especially will enjoy this crocodile-themed choice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bedford, David

Illustrator: Jellett, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430482

Price: 16.95

Queen on Wednesday

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2015

Review

Thelma is bored on Wednesday and decides to appoint herself a queen. She makes the announcement,appoints royal pets, has a royal photograph taken and then finds that there are lots and lots of things that need to be done when one is a monarch; she needs assistants, a carriage, a castle, an animal trainer, a maid,a cook, electrician, veterinarian, plumber, nurse and the list just keeps growing. It is all very tedious and time-consuming. Will she abdicate her throne? Is it all just too much?

The illustrations are reminiscent of the Victorian era and remind one a big of the unusual pictures of Monty Python fame. These, perhaps, will be a bit lost on children and will appeal more to adults, but make for a welcome change. The text is also most unusual with varied sizing and placement. Children looking for something different will be drawn to this selection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Swiatkowska, Gabi

Illustrator: Swiatkowska, Gabi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374374464

Price: 17.99

Leopardpox!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2015

Review

Little Sadie does not think she will make it to kindergarten today. She feels funny. No sore throat, tummy ache or rash, just funny. When a cough turns into a roar, her nails grow into claws, and she sprouts spotted fur, it becomes apparent. She has leopardpox. Mom does not know what to do, but her three boys have some ideas. What about the doctor? When that fails, they try a veterinarian, then the zoo. Nothing works out. Mom must go with her instincts on this one. Will Sadie ever return to herself? The illustrations put one in mind of those of Curious George fame. This story is best read by Mom for the younger end of the targeted audience, as it is plentiful. It also explains more about the action than the pictures portray. The older children for whom this book is intended should be able to handle the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landau, Orna

Illustrator: Hoffmann, Omer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544290013

Price: 16.99

Three Little Words

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public LibraryN, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2015

Review

Through rhyming text and adorable illustrations, little ones will be entertained and delighted with this story, while learning about feelings and emotions. When no one seems to care about you, when you are losing every race, when others are grumpy to you or when monsters disturb your dreams, all can be remedied with three little words, "I love you." The end of the book touches on the fact that every one of us can help others to overcome shyness, blue moods, thoughts of scary monsters and other negative emotions by empathizing with them, including them in playtime, and offering the three little words to make them feel better. The pictures complement the text well and depict the furry and lovable forest animal families declaring their love for one another and will encourage lots of hugs and kisses. The lines of text declaring "I love you" and "Three little words" are in colors that make them pop off the page. This will make for a good readaloud and little ones can be prompted to say those three little words along with the reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearce, Clemency

Illustrator: Beardshaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385370011

Price: 12.99

The Bodies We Wear

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2015

Review

Jeyn Roberts warns us about the toll that revenge takes on the soul, what drug addiction does not only to the user, but the society around it and questions whether there an afterlife and is it heaven or hell?

Fay is a survivor of Heam, a synthetic drug that was created so that the person dies, allowing them to see heaven and with luck live again to suffer the continuing addiction. The story follows Faye through her feeling of revenge for what happened to her and the death of her friend and the demons within her because of this hatred. She also questions what happed to her when she died; she was supposed to see heaven, but all she saw was a tormenting hell. So is there really an afterlife that is as pleasant as Heam leads you to believe? What Faye would give to be treated as a normal teenager but instead because of Heam, she is considered a pariah as all the other Heam survivors and users. Can she change the attitude or will her revenge and hate over rule?

This would be a good young adult novel for high school age students . The messages are strong and would be interesting and helpful for those who are looking for a good story on how revenge can be more hurtful to the person seeking revenge than the ones that are being place sought after. The way the author deals with addiction - the reasoning for doing drugs, how society shouldn't turn their backs is well placed within the story line. And who hasn't wondered what heaven or hell is like!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roberts, Jeyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred KKnopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385754125

Price: 17.99

Sanctum

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2015

Review

This visually appealing supernatural thriller finds Dan, Abby, and Jordan returning to New Hampshire College and the old Brookline Asylum where they stayed the previous summer while attending a pre-college program. They are drawn back to campus after receiving mysterious old-time carnival photographs from one of their summer classmates. Sanctum stands alone but readers will enjoy it more having first read Asylum. Roux includes what she calls "photo illustrations" - some created for the book, some based on archival photographs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Roux, Madeleine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062220998

Price: 17.99

Monstrous Affections: An Anthology of Beastly Tales

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2015

Review

As the subtitle says, this is a book of short stories about beasts and monsters, and also teens and love. All the usual monsters are here, e.g., vampires, devils, mean girls, and abusive stepfathers. The more unusual beasts include a hill (yes, a hill) and "mercurials." This is a wonderful collection with contributions from some of today's best YA authors (Paolo Bacigalupi, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, M. T. Anderson, Nathan Ballingrud, Patrick Ness, Sarah Rees Brennan, Nalo Hopkinson, G. Carl Purcell, Dylan Horrocks, Nik Houser, Kathleen Jennings, Kelly Link, Joshua Lewis, and Alice Sola Kim). A book to savor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Link, Kelly and Gavin J. Grant (editors)

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763664732

Price: 22.99

The Life and Times of Benny Alvarez

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2015

Review

A sweet middle school story about Benny, his family, and a boys vs. girls poetry-writing contest. Benny's Mom gently chides him for being negative but Benny has a lot on his mind: his grandfather is recovering from a stroke, his younger brother is emotionally sensitive, and he has a love/hate relationship with classmate/poetry combatant Claudine. Benny and his friends play word games based on a thesaurus ("the book") and form a "Word Warriors" club. As sweet and clever as this book is, I do have a librarian's quibble: I don't like that it seemed perfectly ok for Benny's mom to complain about a book in the school library and have it removed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062215963

Price: 16.99

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 24, 2015

Review

Frances Dean, wearing her red coat and purple sneakers dances with abandon as long as no one is watching. Her audience of birds leads her to a lone girl singing in the park. This inspires Frances to share her dances, eventually with a whole park full of joyful students. Readers will benefit from the example of Frances Dean gaining the courage to share her talent for and joy of dancing. The message that anyone can make the world a little better in their own individual way is subtly delivered by a nimble dancer in purple sneakers. Lively illustrations portray the joy of dancing in nature. The palette and use of long shadows evoke the Author's Northern European surroundings. A great story to read aloud to draw out a shy reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sif, Birgitta

Illustrator: Sif, Birgitta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673062

Price: 15.99

Choose Good Food!: My Eating Tips

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2015

Review

Part of the “My Healthy Habits” series from Cloverleaf Books, this title is aimed at readers K through 2nd grade, but due to the oversimplification of the material and the lack of any depth at all, I would only use this book with very young children, pre-K through K. Perhaps, if an older child has never had any education about nutrition at all, this title would be a good starting point. The book begins with a father telling his son that he's a picky eater, which made me bristle because it's not a helpful tag. No child is going to eat every food, but figuring out which healthy foods he or she does eat is the goal, not labeling children. The book does get there, but the first few pages are off-putting. Healthy eating is mentioned, as are the food groups, and there are circles with additional, factual information to supplement the light narrative (what is a nutrient, what is grain, importance of breakfast) but the story is not quite realistic (not many kids would be satisfied with popcorn with almonds & raisins for dessert or offer to eat tuna salad just because he is hungry, when it was already stated that he doesn't like it at all). Overall, the book would not be bad to have in a collection as talking about healthy eating is always better than not talking about it, and a child might bring this home and feel empowered to implement positive changes in his or her family eating habits, but this is an unremarkable title. Illustrations are computer-generated and cartoonish; they work with the book, but are simplistic.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bellisario, Gina

Illustrator: Conger, Holli

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467713504

Price: 23.93

Nightmares!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2015

Review

This book is by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller. Segel is a well-known actor, at least for those of us older than middle school. This book is for middle grade readers, so his name may have no added draw. But that's not a problem: I was drawn to this book from the cover with its looming mansion and its warning to "watch your back". I continued to pick it up because of the characters and the wacky situations in which they find themselves, particularly in the Netherworld. The main character, Charlie, has lost his mother and now has a stepmother who he is convinced is a witch. As Charlie becomes more and more absorbed in his darkness, he is increasingly susceptible to nightmares. His life is, in fact, becoming a living nightmare, and it's affecting all of the other children in Cypress Creek. Then his nightmares accidentally open a portal to the Netherworld allowing some nightmares to cross over to the living world. The story was a page turner, gripping, poignant, exciting, dark, creative, and funny. The illustrations were not great; if they had been better, they could have enhanced the story with some added visuals, but they didn't take anything away, and the picture on page 309 of Charlie hugging his mother was quite nice. Segel taps into a common experience, and he holds nothing back - one of his characters has a mother who suffers from depression and it's her nightmare that she, too, will succumb. But all of the situations are manageable for a middle school reader. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Segal, Jason

Illustrator: Kwasny, Karl

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744256

Price: 16.99

Animals Work

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 25, 2015

Review

This book is about working animals. Each two page spread has minimal words to describe what certain animals do; horses carry, dogs herd, donkeys pull, etc. The most stunning part of this book, though, are the gorgeous illustrations that are simply works of art. Each two-page spread shows the animal in its environment from Egypt, to Norway, India, Egypt and Ireland, etc. At the end of the book is a world map which indicates where the author encountered these animals. This will be informative and fun for the youngsters to peruse. The illustrations depict the interaction between working animals and people and the last page shows that not only do animals accomplish many things for us but we do for our animals in return. This book will be appreciated by the youngest readers but older readers will, perhaps, appreciate the illustrations most of all.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Ted

Illustrator: Lewin, Ted

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430406

Price: 14.95

Ping Wants to Play

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 25, 2015

Review

This extremely simple book will appeal to the picture book set. The story about Ping and Pong, dogs who live right next door to one another and enjoy walking and eating together is precious, but they sometimes want to do completely different things. Ping wants to run, jump, play, even fly whereas Pong wants to nap. When Ping orchestrates an acrobatic trick, running up a sloped board, bouncing off a trampoline and flying through the air, all goes quite well, until he needs to land! Will Pong help him out? The illustrations are very childlike, colorful and flat, and complement the text quite well. The youngest picture book enthusiasts will relate to the simple pictures in this offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gudeon, Adam

Illustrator: Gudeon, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823428540

Price: 14.95

The Tomb of Shadows

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2015

Review

#3 in the Seven Wonders series.

Readers are in for nonstop action as Jack, Aly and Cass search for the next loculus at the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. They meet Skilaki, gatekeeper for Artemisia. She demands a soul in exchange for entry. The gravely ill Dr. Bhegad offers his own, in the hopes that his death will aid the quest for the loculi. Despite rearranging stones which makes the mausoleum rise from the earth, it is a mere replica that holds that which they seek. But they are not the only ones searching for it.

The three companions remaining in this segment of the series invite comparisons with Harry Potter. Aly's computer and mathematical skills invite comparison to Hermione; Cass is a stand-in for Ron with his goofy awkwardness; and Jack is the leader that everyone looks to in crisis, just as Harry was. Although a hint of attraction exists between Jack and Aly, it is never acted upon, so can easily be overlooked by readers not interested in romance.

Although enough backstory is given for readers to enjoy this title on its own, readers familiar with the series will recognize plot twists such as the return of the griffin and the memories triggered when crossing the River Nostalgikos. Cliffhanger chapter endings entice students to keep reading.

Readers who enjoy figuring out puzzles will enjoy the challenge, and those who enjoy fast action will enjoy the pacing. Skin and body parts dropping from the guardian zombies will appeal to those who enjoy a gross-out factor.

Endpages include a map of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lerangis, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062070463

Price: 17.99

Jessie Elliot is a Big Chicken

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2015

Review

It is the summer before entering high school, and Jessie Elliot is chronicling her last summer as a child. She reflects on things she fears, and things she's done in the past. Her best friend Julie shuns her for awhile, and she spends time with Ben, the cute boy she's known her whole life.

In the vein of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Popularity Papers series, this title is designed to look like Jessie's journal. The font is handwritten on lined paper. Frequent doodles and cartoon illustrations look like they were done with magic marker, appropriate for a young teen's journal. Very little text makes for a quick read and a less intimidating format for struggling readers.

Character development is lacking. Jessie's fears will resonate with students who recognize that they are not the "cool" kids. Yet Julie's return and Ben's companionship seem to be related to proximity rather than growth on her part, so readers facing similar issues won't receive any potential pointers on how to cope.

Instead of entering high school, Jessie's journal appears to be written by someone about to enter middle school. Younger readers and those who enjoyed the Amelia series by Marissa Moss will be the ones drawn to this title. It may only make them fear high school even more.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gravel, Elise

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press / Holtzbrinck

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596437418

Price: 14.99

Leontyne Price Voice of a Century

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 1, 2015

Review

Cream of the Crop. Biography about Leontyne Price one of the greatest black opera singers of the 20th Century. The book tells of her simple beginnings, encouraging parents and a strong sense of pride for who she was. The strife that has been prevalent in this country between races and how Marian overcame this strife is the prevailing message of the book. Though she was famous throughout the world she never forgot her roots and who she was as an individual. The illustrations were created in watercolors. Primascolor pencils and lithograph crayons on Arches watercolor paper. The illustrations and writing fit and flow well together. This would be a good book for a child who has a special hope and dream for their future and perhaps feels there are some road blocks to that future. And to also realize it is important to stay who you are. The writing is easy to understand and would be appropriate for young children thru 4th grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boston Weatherford, Carole

Illustrator: Colon, Raul

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfres A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780375856068

Price: 17.99

Timmy Failure: We Meet Again

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 1, 2015

Review

Cream of the Crop. Timmy Failure is back with the third book in this series. Timmy is a detective and his partner is a 1500 lb. polar bear named Total. Timmy is on academic probation and in order to get off probation he must submit a science report to his teacher called the Miracle Report. Though he hopes to work with his closest and smartest friend Rollo, he gets paired up with his least favorite person and also a detective Corrina Corrina. To top it off his mother loves to take care of people's animals and is dating his little league coach. Timmy is a fun and endearingly quirky character who is also forgiving and kind. He will appeal to kids who enjoy Big Nate, Dork Diaries, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. A great book for kids who are reluctant readers to identify with. This book would make a fun classroom need and is a fast paced with quirky pen and ink drawings. Both boys and girls will enjoy this book. Highly recommended for 4th-6th graders

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Staphan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673758

Price: 14.99

The Drowning

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2015

Review

15 year old Carl wakes up on the bank of a lake just in time to see his brother zipped up into a body bag but can't remember a thing. He does remember a girl and knows that the girl is his brother's girlfriend and soon finds out that he had fallen in love with her and his brother, Rob had found out and that is why Rob is now dead....the only time Carl can remember anything is when it rains and than that is when his brother appears to him. This book was thrilling, suspenseful and dark. The writing is good, flows easily and is true to the dark theme of the story. No graphic sex scenes. Recommend for high school age.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545627719

Price: 17.99

Doug Unplugged On the Farm

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2015

Review

In the first book featuring Doug Unplugged (2013) who is a little yellow robot, Doug visited a city. In this second book, Doug heads off with his parents to the country. On the way his parents ask him to "plug" in and learn all about farm life until they encounter a sheep and Doug has to get "hands-on." when some sheep get loose from a farm they are passing and Doug tries to help a farm girl herd them. She then asks him if he would like to help out with the chores around the farm. This is when Doug really learns about a farm and has lots of fun as he helps the girl with other farm chores. Great story to use with young children to help them understand that though technology is all around them that there are a lot of fun things to learn about if they observe and become actively involved in their surroundings. The illustrations are bright, bold and eye catching and were created with brush and ink on vellum and Adobe Photoshop. Recommend for PreS-Gr1

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: Yaccarino, Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: science fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385753289

Price: 17.99

Rock & Roll Highway: The Robbie Robertson Story

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2015

Review

Robbie Robertson's claim to fame is that he is considered one of the greatest guitar players in the world and is well-known as a member of "The Band" a rock 'n roll group particularly popular in '70's. Robbie, the son of a Mohawk Indian mother and a Jewish professional gambler joined his first band at 13 left his reservation at the age of 15 to go on the road. Along the way he met up with Bob Dylan. This biographical book is written by his son and the tone of the book is a mix of love and respect blended with historical accuracy. Along his journey Robertson meets with famous musicians including Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly. The tone of the writing is accessible, active and exciting. The illustrations are bold and keep with each time period covered throughout the book. The artist used oil paint on prepared paper to create the illustrations. Though this book may appeal to a budding rock and roller it may have limited appeal.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robertson, Sebastian

Illustrator: Adam, Gostavson

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805094732

Price: 17.99

No Place to Fall

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2015

Review

The dust jacket with its bright red heart and the words: "A girl. A dream. A choice." written below it suggests that this is a romantic story, while the words neatly summarize the story's plot. Sixteen year old Amber is the girl, to use her amazing singing voice before large crowds her dream, and to stay or leave home to attend an arts school her choice. The book's setting is rural, a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina where part of the Appalachian Trail is located. Type size is generous and the chapters are short making for easy reading of the 350 pages of text. Descriptions, noticeably of Amber singing accompanied by banjo or guitar as well as the beauty of the mountain views and countryside, shine in this first novel written by a high school teacher. Buyers and readers do need, however, to be aware of the occasional rough dialogue that includes four letter words and the inclusion of underaged drinking, pot-infused butter in brownies, and first-time sex. As the story unfolds, Amber and her mother both grow and change so that before the book's end Amber is able to choose where her future lies next with confidence. High school aged girls and adults too, both parents and teachers especially, will find insightful the sometimes shocking, funny, or poignant reminders of the enormous amount of choices that confront high schoolers daily. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Jaye

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062270993

Price: 17.99

The Graham Cracker Plot

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2015

Review

Daisy, almost twelve years-old, and best friend, sometimes, Graham, decide they should break Daisy’s dad out of Cub Fed (prison). The friends have been told that dad has been wrongfully jailed. They recruit Graham’s cousin Ashley to help (they need a get-away car), and “borrow” a miniature horse, and use the very special coin from 1919—the idea coin to get Dad out of jail.

What could be heavy topics, a parent in jail, substance abuse by parents, neglect by parents and poverty are all handled well. Debut novelist Shelley Tougas does a nice job of handling these themes with humor and warmth.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tougas, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439887

Price: 16.99

Little Bubba Looks for His Elephant

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, N, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2015

Review

This boardbook for toddlers is delightful. Little Bubba is a frog and he has lost his little stuffed elephant, Elly. He is looking all over for her at preschool; in the toy kitchen, in the painting area, in the playhouse, but each place hides other animals but no elephant. The tiny tabs are extremely sturdy and will last for a long time, even within a public library. This will be a good addition to the boardbook collection and the children will delight in making the varied animals pop out of their hideaways.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nosy Crow Limited, Nosy Crow Limited

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674014

Price: 7.99

Wedgieman and the Big Bunny Trouble

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2015

Review

Superheroes are all the rage and Wedgieman fits the bill . Though his true name is Veggieman, he knows enough to realize that kids will love him even more if he is willing to change his name to Wedgieman every now and then. Not only can he fly, lift whole buildings and multiply huge numbers, but he also is willing to make fun of himself by performing self-wedgies. Of course, this alone will delight the targeted audience, but add to that the fact that Bad Dude has built a Powerful Ordinary-Object Phaser that can make things huge or tiny and add the fact that the acronym for this machine is POOP and little ones will be laughing until their stomachs ache. Wedgieman/Veggieman delights children with lots of yummy vegetable treats. One wonders if this superhero series will truly make children think eating vegetables is preferable to sugary snacks, but it is worth a try. Level 3 readers will find this offering both amusing and challenging and one cannot ask for more than that.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Shea, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307930736

Price: 3.99

Road Rash

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Featuring plenty of teen angst and lots of music, Road Rash is unique look at life as an aspiring musician. Zach plays the drums with his best friend in the band Sock Monkeys. But just as their planned summer of recording and performing begins, Zach finds himself ousted from the band. He quickly finds himself with a new opportunity to go on the road with a better, more well-known group. However, he quickly learns that this band has its issues as well. The books focuses on Zach's relationships, from friendship to romance to enemies. There's a heavy amount of musical terminology, which can take the reader out of the book a bit if it's unfamiliar. However, this is a solid piece on relationships in general, not just the kind teens deal with.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Huntley Parsons, Mark

Illustrator: n/a, n/a

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385753425

Price: 16.99

Monkey Me and the Pet Show

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2015

Review

This second in the Monkey Me series is perfect for beginner readers 8 years of age or thereabouts. There are thriteen short chapters that are just the right length and there are amusing black and white illustrations on every page. When Clyde gets really excited, his heart races and his head spins and, finally, he sneezes, and he turns into a monkey. On class picture day he is very excited and, when the picture is taken, there he is as a monkey. The chapters in which Clyde is a monkey are graphic design. The other chapters are text and illustrations. His twin sister Claudia is the only person that knows of his secret and she is always trying to save him from getting into trouble. When Clyde decides to enter himself, in monkey mode, in the local pet show hoping to beat his nemesis,Chopper the bulldog, all the pets start to disappear and Clyde must use his monkey wits to save the day. The clever alternating format of graphic to text will appeal to reluctant readers and, perhaps, get them hooked!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, Timothy

Illustrator: Roland, Timothy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545559805

Price: 4.99

Huff and Puff Have Too Much Stuff

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2015

Review

This beginner reader at the shared reading level fits the bill for the targeted age group. Huff and Puff together comprise a train; Huff pulls, Puff pushes. They find that they have way too much stuff that they are carrying and there is way too much huffing and puffing taking place. They even have a difficult time climbing hills. They decide they must get rid of some of their stuff, but what to do, what to do. The bright illustrations are adorable and are much like picture book illustrations so the transition to beginner reader level is gentle. The rhyming text is great for this shared reading level and children will love this selection, especially those that are train lovers. Their vocabulary will be enhanced while, at the same time, they are investigating all that is going on within the illustrations. This is a good addition to easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Guile, Gill

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062305060

Price: 16.99

Friends for Freedom: The Story of Susan B. Anthony & Frederick Douglass

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This biographical story of a forty-five year long friendship between two people,who were not supposed to be friends at all, will provide young readers with a perspective on what it takes to maintain a true friendship. At the same time, it will provide information on a difficult and challenging time in the United States.

In a time when not only were men and women not supposed to be friends, and people of different races were most certainly not expected to be friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas formed a strong bond based on their mutual belief that all people should be treated the same.

The text in the story is easy to understand and is accompanied by historically accurate watercolor illustrations that clearly show the strong emotions of both friends as they face adversity and challenges to fight for their cause of equal rights.

The backmatter provides additional information that is very interesting. From the author's research note that explains in depth when the author used her imagination in the story versus factual information, to the illustrator's note on how she researched the clothing of the time period, much information is provided that enhances and enlightens the story.

This book would make a great addition to any library. It would be an excellent choice for a read aloud providing plenty of topics for discussion among students.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slade, Suzanne

Illustrator: Tadgell, Nicole

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580895682

Price: 16.95

Dare The Wind: The Record-Breaking Voyage of Eleanor Prentiss and the Flying Cloud

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Eleanor Prentiss grew up in a seaport Massachusetts town in the mid 1800's with a sea captain father who taught her about ships, navigation and a love of sailing. She married a sea captain who shared her love of adventure and recognized her ability as a navigator. As a team, they raced the clipper ship, Flying Cloud, from NYC harbor around Cape Horn to San Francisco to deliver miners and supplies to the Gold Rush. The excitement, setbacks and challenges of the voyage are presented with just the right amount of detail in the text to give readers an understanding of the high stakes and scope of their accomplishment. Outlined watercolor illustrations evoke the period and atmosphere of this exciting, record breaking trip. The endpapers depict a compass and map of the Flying Cloud voyage, a necessary and appreciated addition. A brief glossary and extensive author's note add interesting background and detail to Ellen Prentiss story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fern, Tracey

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374316990

Price: 17.99

Fly Guy Presents: Firefighters

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Fly Guy and Buzz take a trip to the firehouse and visit with firefighters. While there, they learn lots of information about fire trucks, firefighter gear, and important fire safety tips. This book is part of a FLY GUY non-fiction series that includes books on Sharks, Space, and Dinosaurs.

A level two reader, this paperback book is geared toward the developing reader with longer sentences and new vocabulary. More difficult words have phonetic pronunciation listed after the word appears in text.

Actual firehouse photography is used throughout with integrated colorful illustrations of Fly Guy and Buzz. The photos are labeled with text and call outs to educate young readers on various firehouse equipment and activities.

This story should be of interest to any young reader who is already a fan of Fly Guy and will also not disappoint those interested in firefighters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tedd, Arnold

Illustrator: Tedd, Arnold

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545631600

Price: 3.99

What if...?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Young Joe and his Mom are off to find the house where the big party is being held. They are off to a rough start however, as Joe has lost the invitation and doesn't know the house number. And, this is just the beginning, as Joe's fears and imagination grow, as they go from house to house trying to find the party. Joe's anxious "what ifs" are answered in the calming, reassuring voice of his Mom. The conversations between son and Mom are presented in a graphic novel-like layout with bubble text. The muted colors on these pages convey his sense of anxiety.

In stark contrast are the colorful illustrations of the houses they pass on their way to find the party. Strange, whimsical and at times, absurdly weird, these homes & their occupants convey Joe's absolute fears.

At long last, the pair come to the right house and as Joe enters the party, the tides are turned and now it is the mother's turn to worry.

In the abrupt ending, we have a happy, smiling Joe who had a wonderful time at the party and all ends well. This is the books weakest moment. While there had been a slow build to the finding of the "right" house, the book just ends without any more payoff than Joe having a good time.

Overall, however, the book is unusual and demands re-reading as the illustrations are full of tidbits that one may miss on the first read through. Also, a strong message of working through your fears.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674199

Price: 16.99

Little White Lies

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

Little White Lies by Katie Dale is about Louise "Lou", a university student, and Christian, who is working at a pub in Sheffield England. The first half of the book is about the two getting to know each other. All their interactions are colored by the fact that Lou is using an assumed name because there was a tragedy in her family and they were in the press and now she just wants to be "normal" while in school. What happened isn't explained, it is part of the "mystery" of the book. Christian is obviously hiding something too.

The story is told through Lou's point of view, so it is rather jarring when, half way through the book, she suddenly lets the reader know that she not only knows Christian's real identity, but that she moved to Sheffield with the sole purpose of harassing him.

As the second half of the book progresses Lou pretends to be helping Christian, or she is helping Christian, depending on the chapter. As more and more new information is revealed she waffles back and forth between thinking he is innocent of the crimes she thought he committed, and wanting to turn him into the police. Lou's constant waffling does not generate suspense. The big reveal at the end was painfully predictable.

The book is also full of British-isms that the average American will be unfamiliar with. Most of it can be understood by context, but there are some terms and phrases that can be a bit confusing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Dale, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978038574067

Price: 17.99

Strike: The Farm Workers' Fight for Their Rights

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This is a dynamic work of narrative non-fiction by Larry Dane Brimmer a passionate author, teacher and Civil Rights advocate. It tells the interconnected stories of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, the work of activist Cesar Chavez and the formation of the United Farm Workers of America. Brimmer's successful page layouts complement the text. They include full-page black and white photographs and artwork alongside text both in Spanish and English. This well-researched work includes FBI files, personal diaries, letters and newspaper articles. It will incite lively discussions of present day workers' rights, unions, the federal minimum wage, civil rights and immigration reform for grades 6 and up. Timeline, further informational sources, source notes, index and picture credits appended.

This book is recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brimmer, Larry Dane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek/Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789971

Price: 16.95

Princess of Thorns

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay is not a re-imagined fairytale so much as it is a story set in a fairytale world. It has influences, and references several tales, but it is a new story. Princess Aurora (no, not that one) and her brother Jor have been raised by fairies after their mother dies in the dungeons of the evil troll queen that is now ruling their land (and who, incidentally, is her stepmother-in-law). There is a troll prophecy that involves Jor and Aurora, so when Jor is held prisoner at the castle Aurora disguises herself as a boy warrior and sets out to raise an army to help free him.

Prince Niklaas is from a neighboring kingdom, and has been cursed by his father. To break the curse, and save himself, he needs to marry a princess in line to inherit a throne, so that he will no longer be his father's heir. His quest leads him to Aurora, whom he mistakes for her younger brother Jor. He promises to help her on her quest in exchange for, well, for being introduced to her. Aurora accepts, but tries to dissuade him from courting her "sister" along the way. The two become good friends, at least, until Aurora's secret is revealed.

The book is both an adventure and a romance, and it gets points for the lack of "insta-love". They fall in love with each other by getting to know each other, which is very refreshing to find in YA. The adventure might be a little slow moving for some, and there are some convenient changes of heart from characters throughout, most notably at the books climax. Overall this is a fun story, and the characters have actual growth as they progress. If you are looking for warrior princesses and an actual love story then this would be a book for you. Recommended for readers who enjoyed Stacey Jay's Of Beast and Beauty.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jay, Stacey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978038574322

Price: 17.99

Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Jarrow writes with an urgency about the early twentieth century Pellagra epidemic in the southern United States. The layout includes haunting black and white photographs of the victims as well as frightening newspaper headlines. This work will provoke discussions of heroic doctors and scientists and the parallels between Pellagra and the present day Ebola epidemic for grades 6 and up. Glossary, timeline, further informational sources, author's note, source notes, bibliography, index and picture credits appended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jarrow, Gail

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek/Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590787328

Price: 16.95

Plesiosaur Peril

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This entry in the Tales of Prehistoric Life series focuses on life in the sea approximately 165 million years ago. We are introduced to Cryptoclidus and Liopleurodon, both plesiosaurs, carnivorous reptiles that lived during the time of dinosaurs. In this telling, a young Cryptoclidus narrowly escapes becoming a meal of a larger, faster Liopleurodon.

As always with this series, the illustrations will capture the attention of children. Computer generated illustrations of pleisosaurs, ichthyosaurs, ammonites and belemnites of the Jurassic period are superimposed on underwater photographs of coral reefs and sponges. Streaming light adds authenticity to the art. Some children will find the realism scary, particularly the chase scenes.

The use of scientific terms will make this title useful for a classroom introduction to early reptiles or ancient creatures that lived at the same time as the more popular dinosaurs. Facts about Cryptoclidus and Liopleurodon are given in a one-page summary at the end. It would have been nice to have information on the other creatures mentioned in the story, such as the ichthyosaurs, ammonites and belemnites. Although factual, the story aspect makes this title better suited for picture book collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Loxton, Daniel

Illustrator: Loxton, Daniel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781554536337

Price: 16.95

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Adler cleverly depicts history, politics and the life of Theodore Roosevelt as a story of privilege and adventure. Colonel was his favorite title of all the titles held in his lifetime. The United States, however, had a different plan for Roosevelt. He was the youngest president at the time in 1901 and would be a popularly sought after political figure running again for President up until his death in 1918. Adler includes photographs, sketches and letters. History comes alive in this biography for grades 6 and up.

This work is recommended for the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429509

Price: 18.95

Ida M. Tarbell: The Woman Who Challenged Big Business and Won!

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This biography is the work of an award winning author, McCully, who shows a passion for her subject. Tarbell, born 1857, was an investigative journalist ahead of her time. It was Tarbell's greatest lifetime achievement to write articles challenging the corrupt business practices of her time. Her persuasive controversial topics would change public policies and decisions made at the highest levels of government by President Roosevelt. A terrific source for discussions on journalism, women's history and women's rights for grades 6 and up. Author's note, source notes, bibliography, photo credits and index appended.

This work is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547290928

Price: 18.99

Freedom Summer: The 1964 Struggle for Civil Rights In Mississippi

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Goldman's narrative account of the shocking events that took place during the Freedom Summer of 1964 reads like a suspenseful thriller. The layout is accented by black and white maps and photographs. The chapter headings are the dates that count down to the deaths of the student volunteers and the aftermath. Grades 6 and up will enjoy discussions on civil rights and the fifty year anniversary of this historical event. Further reading, timeline, photos of primary documents, source notes, bibliography, picture credits, and index appended. This work is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rubin, Susan Goldman

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429202

Price: 18.95

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This work of narrative nonfiction by award winning author, Sheinkin, presents the moving story of a group of young black sailors who stood up to the U.S. Navy. There was racial prejudice and strict segregation in the U.S. Navy in 1944 until an explosion rocked military history and the lives of these 50 men. Sheinkin skillfully outlines the historical events that led up to the explosion using military documents, black and white photographs, court documents and the personal accounts of those sailors alive today. This work will generate discussions of early Civil Rights heroes for grades 6 and up. Source notes, works cited, picture credits and index appended. This book is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sheinkin, Steve

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596437968

Price: 19.99

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Kuklin's thought provoking work of narrative nonfiction reveals first-hand accounts of transgender teens. The author interviewed youth from wide-ranging ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups. The participants chose whether or not to include their names and photographs. Their stories will encourage discussions of sexuality, gender identity, alienation, difference and compassion for grades 6 and up. Author's note, questions and answers from the Director of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, an introduction to Proud Theater, an LGBT organization, glossary and extensive resources appended. This book is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kuklin, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763656119

Price: 22.99

A Volcano Beneath the Snow: John Brown's War Against Slavery

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Award winning author Marrin brings to life the slave rebellions of the nineteenth century and the events that inevitably brought about the start of the American Civil War. John Brown was a leader who would not apologize for his violent acts to stand up against slavery. The layout is complemented by black and white photographs, sketches and primary documents. The text reads like newspaper columns. Grades 6 and up will enjoy the challenge of debating John Brown's character: leader, hero, liar or terrorist. Notes, further reading, image credits and index appended. This book is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Marrin, Albert

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780307981523

Price: 19.99

The Other Way Around

Reviewed by: Lauren Isele - Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

This coming-of-age novel is a remarkable debut for Maine author Kaufman. Sixteen year-old Andrew is running away and finds himself embarking on a journey of self-discovery with a quirky cast of characters. The spot-on witty dialog and rich characters make this a thought-provoking read for a high school audience to enjoy.

This book is recommended to the Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaufman, Sashi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolroda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467702621

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Dinosaur Kisses

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This 2014 first board book edition of the book originally published in 2013 is a stomp - chomp - whomping fun read and a great choice for a board book because it is not overly wordy. The illustrations will appeal to the youngest of audiences as well as to the readers. Laugh out loud with these baby dinosaurs as they learn how to kiss.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stein, David Ezra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673895

Price: 6.99

Goal!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Where there's a ball you will always find someone who wants to play soccer. This is a beautifully photographed book about the game that is played all over the world. Children of every nationality understand a game that can be played almost anywhere with anyone.

Sidebars from many countries include fun facts and soccer stats Wherever you are int the world when you play soccer, somewhere, someone else is also playing soccer.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Sean

Illustrator: Vilela, Caio

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791236

Price: 17.99

My Country 'Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of the Civil Rights

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townnsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Well written and informative, this picture book about a song we grew up singing has quite a history. This traces the history of the song back to England in the 1740's as "God Save the King" This follows the song and it's many verses through the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, dozens of new verses to celebrate the new country and new president, and in 1795 for women's rights. In 1831 Samuel Frances Smith wrote patriotic verses to an old German melody, not knowing it was shared with "God Save the King", it was first sung in a Boston church, titled "America". Abolitionists wrote protest verses during the Civil War and soldiers from both sides sang their own verses. In 1865 free black people sang new verses, also used by labor activists,women's rights activists, Native Americans and for civil rights and ends with being sung at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. Readers are then invited to "write a new verse for a cause you believe in." Includes source notes, bibliography, further resources. The many verses included are inspiration. Collier's illustrations, using watercolor and collage go well with text. For grades 4-6, useful for mentor texts, position writing, civil rights units, music and history.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Claire Rudolf

Illustrator: Collier, Bryan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805082265

Price: 17.99

Red Foxes

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townnsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

An introduction to red foxes for very young children. Illustrated with colorful photographs. Brief text includes only the barest basics of facts. If a child were to ask a question, the answer would have to be looked up elsewhere. Illustrations, while labeled, seem stock and too generic to be informative. On page 11, a beautiful photograph of three fox on a rock beside water with reflections in the water may be confusing to young children and unclear. Includes Table of Contents, Index, Glossary, Read more, Learn more Online, About the Author. Very little information in this brief book.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Strother , Ruth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781617729270

Price: 21.23

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This is based on a true story about an elephant seal in Christchurch, New Zealand, who swam up a river to a town to live. After a car almost hit her as she basked in the sun in the middle of a road, townspeople moved her to a colony of elephant seals, but she swam back up the the river to her chosen spot. She was moved again, further away, returned again, was then moved hundreds of miles away. It took three months, but she again returned. This time, because the people of the town loved to see Elizabeth,they put up a sign on the road where she liked to sleep that said "SLOW. ELEPHANT SEAL CROSSING". Included is a page of Some Facts about Southern Elephant Seals like Elizabeth,a photograph of the real Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas sleeping at the edge of the road, and two good websites for further information. Very well done, illustrations go well with the text - delightful and informational.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cox , Lynne

Illustrator: Floca, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375858888

Price: 17.99

Marine Scout Snipers in Action

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

I was skeptical when I picked up this book, thinking it inappropriate for juvenile readers, but was surprised to find it very well written and thought out. Sniper training schools were started in the 1940's during WWII. It is not just about sharp shooting and killing. It is about saving lives as well. These are some of the bravest and most respected people in our military. Sidebars included several noted snipers in history from WWII to Iran and Afghanistan.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rudolph, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978-1617728914

Price: 19.99

Hellhole

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This Faustian tale features a winning narrator, Max, who inadvertently summons a tracksuit wearing demon when he steals a tacky cat statue from the store where he works to give to his ailing mother. Dialogue-driven chapters are divided into two parts - Across and Down - a nod to Max's love of crossword puzzles. Max's geeky, anxious inner monologues and his often rambling social interactions are laugh out loud funny and readers will root for him as he struggles to find a home complete with hot tub for the demon - all part of a deal he strikes to try to win back his mother's health. While much of the novel is played for laughs, this still bears the hallmarks of a cautionary tale. Lore, a girl that Max asks for help due reveals that her own dabbling with evil forces resulted in tragedy and Max agonizes about his own sense of morality as he navigates the complicated waters of keeping the demon a secret while taking care of his very ill mother and still carrying on as a normal high school student. Hilarious quirky elements abound, such as the demon's obsession with junk food (In demanding that Max procure Hot Pockets for him at one point, he threatens, "Oh, and don't you DARE try to pull one of those Lean Pocket shitmuffins on me. I'LL KNOW."), and these work particularly well because Damico has taken the time to construct authentic and vulnerable characters. Despite the ending being a bit abrupt, this should appeal widely to teens in seventh grade and up who appreciate good, thought-provoking fantasy with plenty of witty situational comedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gina, Damico

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544307100

Price: 17.99

Basketball is Fun!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

An introduction to the sport of basketball for very young children. Illustrated with photographs, showing both girls and boys, the briefest basics are explained. Includes Table of Contents, Fun Facts, Glossary, Index, The book lists Go beyond the printed book - download free educational resources at www.lernersource.com The book is appropriate for exploring what the game of basketball is to preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780467711029

Price: 23.93

King Dork Approximately

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This sequel to 2006's King Dork is a similarly character-driven tale of high school life as it is endured by protagonist Tom Henderson, a self-professed loser loner. Newly emerging from an accident with a tuba that left him with a serious head wound at the end of the first novel, this second installment finds he and his alphabetically situated best friend Sam Hellerman split apart when, owing to the events in King Dork, their high school must close and the two must attend two different schools. Without the mystery that formed the core of King Dork, this offering knocks around quite a bit plot-wise, but Tom's snide, ironic, music and girl obsessed narration is wildly funny and his rejection of all things conventional around him will be embraced by teen readers who find themselves in similar outsider positions. Portman's original novel has a sizable cult following (at least among adults), possibly in part due to his having fronted seminal 90's punk band The Mr. T Experience, but it's not just his name that makes these books interesting. Though Tom has plenty of acerbic things to say about adults who revere The Catcher in The Rye, it's hard not to compare him to Holden Caulfield - he's a character whose intelligent and true insights exist despite - or maybe because of - his spectacularly contrarian nature. Fans of the first won't want to miss this, and readers will likely want to pick up the original King Dork before it if they haven't already read it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Portman, Frank

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385736183

Price: 17.99

Let's Get Cracking!

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Book #1 in the Kung Pow Chicken series.

Gordon and his younger brother Benny have super powers, the result of an accident while visiting Uncle Quack, a scientist, at work. When glowing cookies cause the feathers to blast off of all the other chickens, they set to work to uncover the culprit, bring her to justice, and with Uncle Quack's help, find a way to help the chickens re-grow their feathers.

Full color art alternates between one- and two-page spreads and some comic panels. Speech bubbles add to the comic book flavor. All characters are chickens, except Benny who is an egg. Gordon wears a superhero costume, complete with leotard, which provides humorous interludes as he struggles in and out of it and deals with leotard wedgies. Comments from Benny add humor and show that he is really the brains behind the operation. Puns galore are in the artwork and text. Readers new to chapter books will appreciate the clear font and minimal text on each page. A fun addition to the early chapter book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Marko, Cyndi

Illustrator: Marko, Cyndi

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches / Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545610612

Price: 4.99

In Real Life

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

This graphic novel is about a young girl Anda, that is an awesome gamer. She gets invited to play be part of an MMRPG (Massive Multiplayer Role Playing Game). Once in the game she befriends another women player and the 2 begin killing in-game gold farmers. Anda gets to know one of the in-game gold farmers and realizes that what she is doing is wrong and tries to help one of them.

This was an interesting read. The drawings are terrific and the basics of the story are good, but if you are not a gamer, there is not enough explanation of what in-game gold farmers are- these are players that earn in-game money that other players can purchase for real money. What the story line does get across is that the real people behind the gold farmers often live in poor conditions with little pay. Overall this is a good graphic novel that tries to open up the readers’ eyes to a part of gaming many people are unaware of. I would give this almost 4 out of 5 stars. For ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doctorow, Cory

Illustrator: Wang, Jen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596436589

Price: 17.99

Ultimate Fighting: The Brains and Brawn of Mixed Martial Arts

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Fascinating nonfiction chapter book about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) that began its popularity in the 1980's and has grown from a violent, no hands barred sport to an exciting and international world phenomenon. MMA is a type of contact sport that allows fighters with very different skill sets to square off. As the book states," Can you imagine boxing legend Muhammed Ali and martial arts master Bruce Lee battling against one another?" The book does a good job of covering the History of the MMA, 12 Classic MMA Fights, Greats of the MMA and Eight Memorable Moments. Full color expressive and action-packed photographs entice the reader to spend a few extra moments for close study.

Informative sidebars are included and this information thrown into the mix is interesting and definitive. A glossary, source notes, further reading, websites and an index are included. Young readers interested in this topic will fully enjoy this book. Perfect for reluctant readers of nonfiction. Recommend for both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467709347

Price: 14.99

Now That You're Here

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Danny is a 15 year old skater graffiti artist and a bit of a troublemaker. While being chased by the cops he is jolted into a parallel universe and discovers that his parents are dead and he is living in a foster home where the father is abusive to the children and his wife. His friends in the parallel universe are classmates who he had once bullied and his friends are no longer his friends. Eevee, an academic and strong female character is now a love interest as she works relentlessly to get him back to the universe he belongs to. Eevee's parents live next door to one another and do a great job of co-parenting Eevee. At first they are supportive of Eevee's relationship with Danny but when her grades begin to falter that changes. This is Nichols debut novel and the first book in a new series called Duplexity.

This YA novel is fact paced, partially because the chapters are short with Danny or Eevee taking turns at being the narrator of each chapter.

All of the teen characters in the book have unique and endearing qualities and as a result the reader really identifies with them. YA readers will enjoy this book. Recommend for purchase for high school.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nichols, Amy K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385753890

Price: 16.99

Rude Dude's Book of Food

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

A middle school history of some of the more important food stories and facts, like who invented chocolate, why are Americans so ga-ga over hamburgers, and from where, exactly, does the fortune cookie originate. The book is written in a conversational voice that is meant to "speak" to middle schoolers, and parts of it might. But Myers's tendency to digress and foreshadow information could be quite confusing to unsophisticated readers. I feel that this book is written for a reluctant-reader audience, but many reluctant readers will be confused and frustrated with Myers's jumpy style. The information presented is fascinating, and he is funny and quirky, so if you have the right reader, this book is worth a look. I appreciated his tips about eating healthily and taking care of oneself in each chapter. I think that it would be best in the hands of a teacher who can extrapolate the useful information and insert it into a bigger lesson. Myers includes step-by-step uses for each chapter, particularly as it relates to Common Core. Smiley's line drawings are cute and fit the playful tone of the book though I often wanted to skip looking at them in an effort to keep up with Myers's train of thought. I also found myself wondering, "where are the source books, resources used, further reading lists?" Myers encourages the reader to look up Marco Polo and other explorers, and while I appreciate that this could send a young reader into the library for some reference assistance, it would be nice to see from where he got his information. It's what I would require of my students. A non-essential purchase for a library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Myers, Tim J.

Illustrator: Smiley, Jess Smart

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Familius

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781939629210

Price: 12.95

A Letter for Leo

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Leo is the mail carrier in his little town and the one thing that he wants more than anything is to receive a letter himself. He rescues a bird whose flock has already gone south for the winter and the two form a family. Until it's time for Cheep to rejoin his flock and Leo goes back to his life as it was before. But because of his newfound friendship, he does get what he's always wanted, a letter. This is sweet story of friendship and simple gestures. The illustrations are lovely and fit the sweetness of the story. A great read-aloud. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ruzzier, Sergio

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544223608

Price: 16.99

In the Shadows

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

A stellar YA novel along the lines of Brian Selznik's "Hugo Cabret" where text and prose intermingle to bring the reader along for a ride. And what a ride it is. In this fascinating bookl, Kiersten White provides the written story while Jim Di Bartolo provides the gorgeous images, done in full-color. The reader is not sure how the two will reconcile, he only knows that he is experiencing something amazing. The book starts with a scene straight out of "Rosemary's Baby" with a room full of half-crazed, demonic, secret-society-type people who look as if they are plotting evil. This first illustrated episode ends with a 'bang' and then the written story starts in Maine at the turn of the century. Two wealthy young brothers have been sent to take some country air but later learn that they were probably sent out of harm's way. The brothers Charles and Thom meet the mysterious Arthur and the lovely Johnson sisters, Cora and Minnie, and they find out that the little town in Maine is not as sleepy as they first thought. As the reader is drawn into the mystery of the witch and the people who seem to be gathering for some nefarious deed, he/she is also catapulted through time due to the graphic portion of the book. At the end, the reader will HAVE to turn back to the beginning and go through all of the illustrated pages again, and then he or she will put down the book in satisfaction. An intense read into which upper middle grader readers through adults can sink their teeth; graphic novel lovers and readers of horror and fantasy will enjoy this book. I hope that there are further collaborations planned by White and Di Bartolo. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

White, Kiersten

Illustrator: Di Bartolo, Jim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545561440

Price: 21.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Recentering the Universe: the Radical Theories of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

A well-researched, well-written history of the early thinking about how the world worked and where Earth fit in to a larger universal picture. Miller covers the culture for those scientists and thinkers who dared to question the accepted wisdom, and sets the scene for how radical and forward-thinking Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton were. With a chapter on each that details the philosopher's/scientist's background, ideas, reception, demise (often due to his ideas), and impact, Miller captures what it was like working at a time when the Church had the last word and it was often not in agreement with these thinkers. Miller does a careful job presenting the facts with no hint of bias or judgment. He offers an Epilogue explaining the reversal by the Church (in 1979 and 2010!) of their condemnation of Newton and Copernicus. Miller offers a glossary, copious source notes, and a selected bibliography for those interested in further study. A solid middle grade history book great for reports, browsing, or teacher use.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Ron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780761358855

Price: 31.93

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Human Body

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Using bright colors and a tabbed format, the book breaks the human body down into the senses, reproduction, the heart, the brain, digestion, the skeleton, and human factory (excretion). These colors, digital illustrations, and facts are a feast for the senses and a stats-lovers dream. Peter Grundy is the Datablog expert for "The Guardian" so this book is fact and statistic-heavy. There is no depth at all and no mention of sources or further reading. This book could be of interest to both middle grade and high school level readers (as well as adults) and I could see it capturing the interest of a reader as early as 4th grade (with some giggling as there is a page on sperm speed, one on farting, etc.) especially if he or she has started a unit on the Human Body, but it's a browsing book only. More of a fun purchase if you need an updated book on the topic (though I hope that there are plans to update the book as there are definitely facts that will become dated or obsolete thereby relegating this to the book sale table within a few years).

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Grundy, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763671235

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Let's Celebrate Presidents' Day: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

Originally published in 1992, this is a 2014 revised edition. This is a well written, age appropriate book that is informative and well illustrated with photographs and illustrations. There is a one page introduction to Presidents' Day, then 12 pages on the life of George Washington, 14 pages on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Then 3 pages explaining that we honor all the presidents who have served our country as well as American voters who "try to choose good leaders, and by voting, they help to protect our country's freedom." (page 32) Articulate, clear language, beautiful illustrations. A good choice to update your collection. For grades 1-4.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

deRubertis, Barbara

Illustrator: Sperling, Thomas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: The Kane Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781575657264

Price: 25.26

Endangered and Extinct Birds (Animals in Danger)

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an introduction for K-3 that has an appealing format with age appropriate information, good photographs and illustrations that are labeled. I would have liked the definitions to be more complete, example, Endangered - a risk of dying out; could be expanded for young children to know it does not refer to one bird, but all, and there will never be another one. Included is section Helping Endangered Birds; What You Can Do; A Remarkable Recovery, the story of the bald eagle. Includes glossary, Further reading and Index.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd , Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467713306

Price: 26.60

Animal Actors

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an age appropriate introduction to animal actors for young children. How an animal acts is explained with short, easy to understand sentences. How animals have trainers that work with them and that the animals are trained, not acting, are explained well and use simple examples. Included are wranglers, who handle and control animals that cannot follow commands, such as snakes, are included. The photographs are of actual animal actors on set and training, that go well with the text and are labeled. Includes Table of Contents, Glossary,Index, Read more, Read more online, and, Meet the Author sections. Very well done. This one is worth the price.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clark , Katie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 97781617728976

Price: 21.32

Forbidden

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

I generally enjoy Little's books, and this one was no exception, but it could have used more editing. It feels overlong with descriptions that go on and on and much "dialogue" that serves to give background, but that feels stilted and unrealistic. The setting is ancient Mesopotamia and Jayden is on the verge of becoming a woman in her tribe. She is betrothed to the next tribal leader, a man who was a childhood friend but who has turned cruel and possessive in his rise to power within his clan. The story has such conventional plot devices, an almost-perfect mother who dies before she can fully shepherd Jayden to womanhood, a wild older sister, a distant father who is tied to tradition, and a new forbidden love who enters the story and sweeps the heroine off her feet and away from her family and her obligations. The story has decent pacing though Little has a tendency to stay with a scene for too long, and the characters are engaging. Not having enough knowledge about what would have been acceptable in ancient Mesopotamia, I can't verify the accuracy of the characters actions though Jayden does have a very modern feel. This book is the first in a planned trilogy and would be good in the hands of a strong reader who loves historical fiction, adventure and romance.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Little, Kimberley Griffiths

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062194978

Price: 17.99

Chik Chak Shabbat

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library , South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is a delightful story about Goldie Simcha, who lives in a large apartment building and every Friday she cooks cholent as a way of remembering her Grandmother. Every Friday, she helped her Grandmother get ready for Shabbat, always hurrying to be ready before the sun went down. She describes the preparation and family traditions, and how it was done as a family, together. Now, every Friday, she cooks, making the whole building smell delicious, then all the neighbors gather and eat together. The neighbors come from different ethnic backgrounds, all enjoy a meal together but can never agree what ingredient makes the cholent so delicious. Then, one Friday, everything is wrong, they sniffed, and "couldn't catch the faintest whiff." She was sick, so all the neighbors bring food to still share their meal. Illustrated with oil paint and collage, this is a warm story of an ethnically diverse neighborhood who come together to share a meal each week and are a caring community. Includes a recipe. The text is lyrical, goes well with the illustrations, just a wonderful story about diversity and community.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff , Mara

Illustrator: Brooker , Kyrsten

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655280

Price: 15.99

Gabriel Gets A Great Deal

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2015

Review

This nonfiction picture book features Gabe, a young boy about 8 years old who wants to win the school running race. His current shoes are too small, so he and his mom set out to find a deal on shoes he'll like.

They use internet searches, coupon shopping and thrift store shopping to find the best deal for Gabe. Simple math problems are presented to help the reader understand why certain shoes are over the budget Mom originally set.

Illustrations are flashy and fast with cartoon figures. This imagery adds to Gabe's intense desire for those fast shoes.

Back of the book provides glossary and a step by step guide to creating your own advertisement. An excellent addition to any elementary library. advertisement

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bullard, Lisa

Illustrator: Moran, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467707664

Price: 23.93

Birds

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This outstanding book features basic information about birds such as feathers, flying, colors, beaks senses and feet. Popping close up photographs reach out to young readers as does the large font. The illustrations of the birds are so enticing students will keep turning pages. The most outstanding informational page takes the reader through the step by step process of how birds take off, fly and land. The coordinating pictures are large and detailed, really giving the reader an understanding of how wing dynamics work. Large index and glossary at back of book set in brilliant tropical colors will continue to lure readers into a section of the book often ignored. Special code is given for an online digital book about birds.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon & Gordon-Harris, Penelope & Tory

Illustrator: , Photography credits given at end

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545667739

Price: 7.99

Tree Frog

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Rainforest Colored pictures capture the life of the tree frog where the writer takes the reader through the frog's life cycle and lables each frog carefully. Simple short sentrences are geared to the preschool, kindergarten attention span and there is no question that students will want to point at the pictures.

The format is set up with a picture on one page and large print on the other page. A smaller insert with the text also helps expand the meaning of the words. For example a large picture of a tree frog near a fly fills one page, while the text about eating appears on the other side. The small insert lables other insects tree frogs eat.

The author includes questions with answers in the back, along with a bibliography, index and online sites for learning more about tree frogs. Tree Frog is one of the books in the sereis: Treed Animal Life in the Trees.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Phillips, Dee

Illustrator: , Photographic Credits given in front

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781617729157

Price: 23.93

John Henry An American Legend

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

John Henry is the story of the legendary steel-driving railroad man "born with a hammer in his hand". Pitted against a steel drill to blast a tunnel through a mountain so that train tracks might be laid, John Henry is faster than the machine but his victory ends his life. This edition, in celebration of the book's 50th anniversary, is large and handsome. Both the Keats retelling of the story and his full-color illustrations can each be described as vibrant, vivid, colorful, dramatic and bold. That is because both text and drawings work in absolute harmony to tell the tale. The reading level is broad. It is a book appropriate for young listeners of about five years and up and for all other readers of any age. Those interested in knowing American and African American literary forms, ballads, tall tales, myths and legends and/or are interested in America's history, especially the opening of the west, will be rewarded. This edition celebrates both the legendary hero, John Henry and the real author illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats for their extraordinary accomplishments. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Keats, Ezra

Illustrator: the author, the author

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978055313073

Price: 17.99

Rocket's 100th Day

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

Rocket wants to collect 100 things for the 100th day of school. He finds all kinds of things to help reach that goal and even gets his friends to pitch in. This early reader has soft adorable pictures that children will love. It also throws in a bit of math at the end, which is a nice addition. The text is large and the words are appropriate for this level of a reader. Several of the words are repeated giving a new reader a chance to practice them several times. The Guided Reading Level of this book is F.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tad, Hill

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385390972

Price: 3.99

Ballerina Dreams

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an early reader biography of a ballerina, Michaela DePronce. Michaela was an orphan in Sierra Leone who dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. She gets that opportunity when an American, Elaine De, adopts her. Michaela's story is inspiring for anyone hoping to become a ballerina but it is also unique because she is one of only a few professional African American ballerinas. The book uses real photos and drawings of Michaela to illustrate her life. These are on the whole a wonderful way to get a feel for Michaela and her life. It would have been helpful if some of the illustrations had been labeled, especially for people unfamiliar with ballet. There are several ballet terms that might be difficult for a new reader but the pronunciation of those words is given in parenthesis right in the text, which is really helpful for new readers. Overall this is good biography that will appeal to readers interested in learning about a young person that was able to achieve her dream.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DePrince, Michaela

Illustrator: Morrison, Frank

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755153

Price: 3.99

Yes She Did! Sports

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an early reader biography of a ballerina, Michaela DePronce. Michaela was an orphan in Sierra Leone that dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. She gets that opportunity when an American, Elaine De, adopts her. Michaela’s story is inspiring for anyone hoping to become a ballerina but it is also unique because she is one of only a few professional African American ballerinas. The book uses real photos and drawings of Michaela to illustrate her life. These are on the whole a wonderful way to get a feel for Michaela and her life. It would have been helpful if some of the illustrations had been labeled, especially for people unfamiliar with ballet. There are several ballet terms that might be difficult for a new reader but the pronunciation of those words is given in parenthesis right in the text, which is really helpful for new readers. Overall this is good biography that will appeal to readers interested in learning about a young person that was able to achieve her dream.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rudow, Taylor

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scobre Educational

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781715708765

Price: 8.95

The Birdy Snatchers

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2015

Review

Book #3 in the Kung Pow Chicken series.

After being booed offstage from a quiz show, the nefarious Birdbrain is changing smart chickens into zombies in the hopes that he will appear smart by comparison. Before being zapped himself, Uncle Quack had made two Zom-B-Gone helmets that the two brothers, Gordon and Benny, aka Kung Pow Chicken and Egg Drop, wear as protection. Despite his sidekick role, it is Egg Drop who comes up with the plan to defeat Birdbrain, and it is new friend Annie Beakly, aka Beak Girl, who saves the day.

Unfortunately, Annie is kept to a stereotypical female role. Gordon tells her to go home where she will be safer (p. 30), to babysit the zombie-fied Uncle Quack (p. 44), and to hide when battling the zombies (p.65). When she catches the zombie zapper, she tosses it to Gordon rather than using it herself (p. 67).

All characters are chickens, except Benny who is an egg. Gordon wears a superhero costume when in the role of Kung Pow Chicken. Full color art alternates between 1 and 2 page spreads and some comic panels. Speech bubbles add to the comic book flavor. Comments from Benny/Egg Drop add humor and show that he is really the brains behind the operation. Puns are sprinkled throughout the text. Readers new to chapter books will appreciate the clear font and minimal text on each page. Questions testing reading comprehension are given as a "Prove your superhero know-how" quiz on the last page. Although others in the series are stronger titles, children will appreciate the continued humor and use of chicken-related puns.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Marko, Cyndi

Illustrator: Marko, Cyndi

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches / Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545610728

Price: 15.99

Anastasia Krupnik

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2015

Review

Reprint of the 1979 novel.

Ten year old Anastasia keeps lists in her green notebook of things she loves and hates. It changes over the course of time as she struggles with the changes that come with growing up. She doesn't like her teacher, the man at the drugstore intimidates her, her elderly grandmother doesn't remember her, and her parents announce that they are going to have a baby--her first sibling. She also experiences the highs and lows of her first crush.

Anastasia's feelings have a timeless quality. She is a realistic character with the mood swings and shifting allegiances of a typical 10 year old girl. Many children will recognize aspects of themselves in Anastasia.

A new cover modernizes and maintains the appeal of this 1979 title. By avoiding mention of specific cultural icons/signposts, the book remains relevant to a new generation of readers. An introduction by the author alerts readers to the fact that Anastasia lives in a time before computers and cell phones but the story stands even without these modern trappings. Most modern readers will not recognize the significance of Mr. Belden's small town drug store, so different from the chain stores of today. This may be more significant than the lack of computers in the home, but does not detract from the story in any way. If alerted to the copyright date, new readers might recognize similarities they share with generations that came before them.

First book in the Anastasia Krupnik series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lowry, Lois

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544336681

Price: 6.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Followers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

Still a relative newcomer at a boarding school Briana returns to campus early after winter break. Her exception is to get a good part in the spring theater production of Hamlet, but the new director offers her the position of play tweeter. Before the semester starts bodies begin to pile up around campus. This book is more a who-done-it mystery than thriller. A buddy romance is tossed in to complement the various student relationships. Some characters are strong and others seem to be behind the stage curtain. Tristan is by far the most interesting character while Mr. O’Dell is thinly veiled.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Anna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point Horror (Scholastic)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545511964

Price: 9.99

Leaving Eldorado

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 28, 2015

Review

Maude is a strong protagonist in a time when girls were only valuable as servants, wives or mothers. At the age of fourteen Maude decides to remain in Eldorado when her father leaves to fulfill his gold fever dreams. Through some tough situations Maude proves to be capable of taking care of herself while harboring a burning desire to leave that ghost town to seek a future as an artist.

This historical novel reveals the low expectation of young woman during the gold rush in the West. While other books on this period of time portray mostly men, the feminist attitude taken by the author makes this a complementary material for middle school history classrooms. Although the text could have been tighter this is an interesting read studded with female characters that possessed dreams for their future.

It is worth noting that the text has a copyright of 1993.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mazzie, Joann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780644336131

Price: 8.99

Jasper John Dooley NOT in Love

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

Jasper and Ori, young elementary school classmates and neighbors, are best friends. Isabel, another classmates, makes Jasper's life very complicated. While the boys like to play knights, the girls want to play babies. Isabel has decided she loves Jasper and is going to marry him. She does everything she can to be with him, including inviting him to her house for a play date. She has a trampoline which Jasper loves, but has to decide if the fun he has on the trampoline is worth spending time with Isabel. While the dialog seems right on for children of their age, their exploits are odd. They seem a bit young for such intense boy/girl interest. Several times, Isabel licks Jasper. In order to get Isabel to stop liking him, Jasper dumps jelly on her head. These things might make young readers laugh and keep them reading, but they are not very believable. Ample white space, multiple illustrations, and large font will appeal to young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adderson, Caroline

Illustrator: Clanton, Ben

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781554538034

Price: 15.95

Cinderella in the City

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 1, 2015

Review

This early reader is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. It takes place in a city setting but instead of a ball, Cinderella wants to win the Prince’s dance contest so she can go to the Royal Dance Academy and be his partner there. The story has a mean stepmother, selfish stepsisters, glass slippers and a fairy godmother. The nice thing about this retelling is that it is done in a way that the focus isn’t on how mean the sisters are but what Cinderella does to get to the contest. The ending offers a nice twist too- instead of marrying a prince; Cinderella goes to a dance academy. Readers will enjoy the modern parts of the story including the dresses and cell phones. The words are appropriate for a new reader but the story line is a bit more sophisticated than some early readers which will appeal to readers wanting a bit more to their story. The one thing that took away from the book was the first page, which shows a text from Cinderella’s stepmother telling Cinderella to get her a mocha. I am not sure that young readers will be familiar with ordering a mocha but even if they are, it just seemed out of place with the rest of the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meister, Cari

Illustrator: Waters, Erica-Jane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545565684

Price: 3.99

Planets

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 1, 2015

Review

This nonfiction early reader gives a nice overview of the planets. The text is large and is easy to read. The page layout is great for a new reader. The main text is simple but gives a few facts. There is more text about some of the planets in speech bubbles that are harder to read but you don’t have to read them to get lots of planet facts. The pages are covered with nice photos or drawings dealing with planets. There is a glossary at the back of the book with definitions of some of the terms that were used. This would be good for new readers looking to find out more about the planets or those that just like to read nonfiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tuchman, Gail

Illustrator: , Erica-Jane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97805455727705

Price: 3.99

Lizards

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 1, 2015

Review

Nic Bishop takes amazing animal photos and this early reader is no exception. Inside the book on each page is a wonderful close-up of a lizard. Nest to the picture are facts. The reading level of the text is not for a very new reader but better suited for someone that has already read a few beginning readers. At the end of the book Nic writes about his experience photographing the lizards for this book, which is funny and entertaining. The text is a bit above the readers the book is geared towards, but it is a nice touch to the book and gives readers a glimpse into how much work goes into photographing animals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bishop, Nic

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545605694

Price: 3.99

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

The Tooting family is stranded in 1966, having lost both Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Tiny Jack as well as the soccer World Cup. Raucous adventure ensues as they have to go to the moon to save Chitty. This book is fast paced with a lot going on throughout the story. At times, it becomes hard to follow, but readers will be breathless as they follow the preposterous adventures of the family and the car.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cottrell Boyce, Frank

Illustrator: Berger, Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763659837

Price: 15.99

Suspicion

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2015

Review

Suspicion is an interesting blending of genres that makes for a very compelling read. Fans of the Princess Diaries may particularly enjoy Suspicion. Imogen Rockford has spent her life growing up as an average student in America, knowing that she had distant family in England that she met when she was a child, but hadn't seen them since the death of her parents. That remote bit of ancestry comes into sudden relevance as her English kin pass on as well, leaving her unexpectedly with the hereditary title of Countess. Imogen is thrust into a new world as she learns the ins and outs of being nobility, of English history and culture. At the same time the mysterious deaths of her parents and cousins and others at her new manor home linger over everything, and even more is added as inexplicable and impossible things begin to happen around Imogen, as if her presence were somehow awakening things long dormant within the grounds. Spellbinding and mysterious, Suspicion is a well written tale that holds elements to captivate a broad range of readers, and will be hard to put down once you've begun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Monir, Alexandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press / Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743891

Price: 17.99

The Scavengers

Reviewed by: William Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2015

Review

While postapocalyptic books have grown to be quite common of late, none of them have the approach of The Scavengers by Michael Perry. This dystopian novel includes a good dash of humor that sets it apart from many of its peers and makes for a truly enjoyable read. Where most of the world's inhabitants have retreated into the safety of bubble-domed cities and are fed by genetically modified UrCorn that can heal almost anything, our protaganist is a girl who lives Outside with her family, hidden from the unpredictable hordes of chemical-swilling GreyDevils and making a living by mining the salvagable goods out of an old garbage dump. Her name is taken from an old car they've dug up near her home: Ford Falcon. When trouble predictably rears it's head, Ford Falcon teams up with a gibberish-speaking neighbor, his crazy attack rooster, her disabled younger brother and others to stand up to the bad guys and rescue her family and serve the greater good. The scavengers succeeds admirably in crafting an adventure that could make a fine longer read-aloud while still being interesting and meaningful to the one doing the reader. A children's story with lots of detail and depth. Well suited for either junior or young adult collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Perry, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062026163

Price: 16.99

Fleabrain Loves Franny

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 8, 2015

Review

Set in the early 1950’s this is a recent past/historical fiction novel. Fanny, who has contracted Polio, is suffering the physical, emotional and social effects of becoming disabled. Just when her existence is one of pain and boredom she encounters Fleabrain who just happens to live on her dog’s tail. The relationship of a girl and a flea is well crafted, admittedly influenced by Charlotte’s Web which just happens to be Franny’s favorite book. Characters are well developed and help direct the storyline.

Rocklin has captured the time, experience and atmosphere of the general public in 1952. The text reminded me of a boy who contracted Polio in my home town that summer. For young readers this book will be an eye opener in terms of medical fear and the treatment of those with disabilities.

Reviewer read a free proof edition.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rocklin, Joanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Amulet Books (Abrams)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781419710681

Price: 16.95

What Flowers Remember

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2015

Review

As summer approaches Delia joins her neighbor Old Red in his garden where he goes heirloom flowers. Throughout the year they tend the garden, harvest the seed and deepen their friendship. This is a thoughtful and touching story about a talented and spirited man who suffers from Alzheimer's

As Old Red declines Delia must face reality, deal with loss and move on. She is portrayed as an intuitive pre-teen in a pre-tech environment. The time period and setting lend themselves to the interpersonal relationships that exist within the text. Delia gets her answers from those around her, finding her strength in family, friends and church.

What flowers remember should be added to collections where Christian materials are desired.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wiersbitzky, Shannon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Namelos

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781608981670

Price: 9.95

Skateboard Party

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2015

Review

Skateboard enthusiast, Richard can't wait to go to his friend's birthday party to show off his fancy moves. At the same time Richard is not doing his homework project which is a paper on Howler Monkey Facts. And so his teacher sends a note home to his parents for a parent/teacher conference. The party is coming up and Richard knows that if he gives his mother the note from his teacher he will not be going to the party so he puts off giving it to her. Finally, after several days his parents get the note and Richard is grounded. But does discover that spending time learning about Howler Monkeys is really quite interesting. Lots of humor and very relateable to any middle grade boy and reluctant reader. Complete with a best friend who is a top student and a brother who is not always pleasant to live with. The pencil drawings are charming and paint a great character picture for the reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

English, Karen

Illustrator: Freeman, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544283060

Price: 14.99

Super Supper Throwdown

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2015

Review

Fizzy's Lunch Lab is a PBS Kids web series featuring funny stories that entertain and educate families about the importance of good nutrition, a balanced diet and physical activity(taken from book jacket) Professor Fizzy is all about healthy eating. Professor Fizzy and his nemesis Fast Food Freddy are constantly at odds. PF wants to help kids eat healthy and FFF has just the opposite thinking. Battle after battle over healthy recipes vs. not so healthy fast food are fought. This fun and informational book is full of facts about fats, kitchen safety tips, recipes, energy food facts and calcium. The illustrations are digitally created, cartoony, bright and fun. Additionally, each week on the Lunch Lab website there is a short animated video as well as a corresponding recipe. Perfect for family reading and use and recommended for health teachers at this grade level.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

PBS, PBS

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672799

Price: 14.99

Ever in Paradise

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2015

Review

Boarding school goes beyond academics for Charlotte when she rescues a new girl from herself. As students navigate through the typical teenage angst, depression, and dreams the new girl Julia seems to have all the answers but what she needs most is a friend. This is a tale of love, friendship and tragedy that reminds this reader of the Kennedy family in MA.

Philpot lavishes her characters with emotion and class. Even while they hold onto secrets we readers are drawn to and charmed by Julia’s entire family. Charlotte is the best friend we are longed for during our teens. Even in paradise is well written, contains a tight plot and is exceptional in every way.

This title belongs in all YA collections and would be well received by almost any teenage girl. It is hard to put this book down for any reason – it demands to be read in one sitting.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Philpot, Chelsey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062293695

Price: 17.99

The Junkyard Bot

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 12, 2015

Review

George Gearing has his own personal robot that is rather rickety and worn compared to the sleeker more modern robots his affluent friends have. George loves Jackbot and they are best friends. When Jackbot gets hit by a car George manages to fix him right up. It is quite a surprise when Jackbot goes missing. After all who would want a robot with dings and dents.He and his friend Anne Droid try to solve the mystery of what happened to him and of course want him back. Nice blend of normal everyday friendships and family relationships with technology and a touch of the sinister running through the story line and characters. Cool and clever names are Patricia Volt, Dr. Micron and George's last name is Gearing. Black pencil drawings of gears are sprinkled on the pages throughout the book along with action packed and illustrative pictures of the characters. Engaging and fun book. Great for kids interested in science fiction mysteries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Richards, C.J.

Illustrator: Fujita, Goro

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544339361

Price: 13.99

The Worst Witch to the Rescue

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 12, 2015

Review

Number 6 in this internationally known series featuring a sweet but bumbling little witch named Mildred. Mildred is really a very smart little witch but is not the favorite of the teachers or Ethel, the most popular witch in school. Mildred practices on whole summer to perfect a spell that enables animals to talk for a span of two days. Somehow Ethel gets wind of it and successfully steals it and presents this project as her "project" to Miss Hardbroom Einstein, Mlldred's new pet turtle is put in danger when he is kidnapped by Ethel, who can be rather spiteful and has a rather long jealous streak...great story for children to read that illustrates that one should be "as one is." Good friends and loving pets surround you when you are. Also a good book for a child who feels that everyone else is perfect....why aren't they? Large print and clear, action-packed pencil drawings throughout the book are engaging.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Jill

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780141383019

Price: 14.99

Lola and the Wild Chicken

Reviewed by: Christine Pakkala - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 13, 2015

Review

This is the third book in the Lola Zuckerman series. Lola is having a rough day. She usually sits on the bus or plays with Amanda at recess but Amanda always seems to be with her new friends. And she knows that when the class goes on a trip to Kookamut Farm she will be the last to pick who she can sit with because her last name ends in Z. To top it all off Lola's parents are away on business trips and Lola and her brother are staying with their grandmother and though she is loving and kind, she is a terrible cook. The drawings are done on paper with digital shading. The drawings of Lola and Lola, herself remind me a bit of Pippi Longstocking. Lots of short chapters and each will grab the interest of the reader as each is identifiable. Great book for a child to read because all of us have rough days.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pakkala, Christine

Illustrator: Hoppe, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyd's Mills Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978590789834

Price: 15.95

Why Are You Doing That

Reviewed by: Barbara J Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

Chepito is a young boy, evidently living somewhere in Central America. His day starts off with mother making him his breakfast of eggs and beans. Chepito wants to know why she is doing that. After breakfast, Chepito travels through his agricultural town, meeting people who are involved in growing or making food. He asks each one why they are doing that. The illustrations are quiet and sweet and give a strong sense of place in details such as the embroidery on mother's dress, carvings on the table, and banana trees. Combined with the gentle text, there is a sense of sweetness and calm. This would be a good choice for libraries building their multicultural sections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Amado, Elisa

Illustrator: Monroy, Manuel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781554985434

Price: 16.95

Saltater Crocodile

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 16, 2015

Review

This book has enough information to satisfy curious young readers seeking information about this animal. Presentation, including controlled vocabulary, page layout, and sentence structure keep the information presented accessible to new researchers. Text features include a table of contents, bold faced words, maps, captions,fact bubbles, a table of contents, and additional resources add nonfiction features taught as part of Common Core lessons making it a good choice. Overall, a good addition to your younger elementary nonfiction collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: , Various Photographers

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781617729232

Price: 18

Uncertain Glory

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 17, 2015

Review

Fourteen-year-old Joe Wood publishes the Wiscasset Herald in Wiscasset Maine in April 1861. He owes Mr. Shuttlesworth $65 for supplies from when he started, but has only saved $42.27 of it. Working with Charlie and nine-year-old African American Owen, he publishes extra issues as news of conflict at Ft. Sumter in South Carolina has townsfolk worrying if war is in the offing.

At the same time, 12-year-old spiritualist Nell Gramercy arrives in town offering to contact deceased family and friends in private and public sessions. Charlie is determined to uncover Nell's trick to fooling people, but Joe is more inclined to believe that she has the sight when he sees the change in his father after she transmits a message from his deceased brother.

Without a lot of action, this historical novel will appeal to readers interested in character development. Joe and Charlie are resourceful boys, carrying an adult load. Sales of papers at one and two cents a copy bring alive the financial differences between 1861 and today, making Joe's concern about raising the rest of the funds more realistic. Although Maine was a free state, racism rears its ugly head, humiliating young Owen and his father. The plot comfortably intertwines all of these issues with a small town perspective not often seen on the Civil War.

Today's readers will know the outcome of the Fort Sumter conflict, but will still feel the tension build as news of the war's outbreak unfolds. Discomfort as neighbor judges neighbor make "patriotism" more than just a slogan. Teachers will find various avenues of discussion.

An author note explains the truth of Joe Wood and Charlie Farrar. A map of Wiscasset included in the endpages includes locations referenced in the story. Some vernacular is accurate, for example locating Mr. Shuttleworth as "over to Bath." Other vernacular is inconsistent, for instance sometimes Joe uses the word "figgered" for "figured" but other characters use the correct word. Overall, an insightful addition to historical fiction shelves.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wait, Lea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781939017253

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Zombie Chasers: Zombies of the Caribbean

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 20, 2015

Review

In the sixth book of this series, Zombie Chasers, the group of friends must seek an antidote to cure the zombies and zombie sharks of the Caribbean.

Filled with humor and plenty of zombies, this chapter book will entice the most reluctant of readers. Ink drawings help illuminate the chapters helping readers stay engaged in the plot and envision the story. The format is set in large font, which is another feature to draw reluctant readers.

Zombie sharks, and zombies in the Caribbean; for zombie lovers, what could be more fun?

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kloepfer, John

Illustrator: DeGrand , David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062290243

Price: 16.99

Fall of Heroes

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Me - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 20, 2015

Review

Alex Knight and his friends have powers to help fight the evil Cloak Society. Unfortunately, in book three of this series, Alex's powers have been dissolved and the Cloak Society villains are posing as super hero fighters. Only Alex and his friends know the truth and must find a way to regain their powers and save the world.

For followers of Alex Knight, this third installment of the series The Cloak Society will not disappoint. The forces of evil are powerfully painted, and the tension between good and evil will keep readers turning the pages. Even more intriguing is the cover of the book, which may draw new readers into the series. A solid choice for upper elementary school and middle school readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kraatz, Jermey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 97800062095534

Price: 16.99

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 20, 2015

Review

This book has a 2014 Publication date and was a free uncorrected proof paperback.

In his Grandpa Al's garage workshop, child genius Frank Einstein tries to invent a robot that can learn on its own. After an accident brings wisecracking Klink and overly expressive Klank to life, they set about helping Frank perfect his Antimatter Motor until his enemy, T. Edison, steals the robots for his evil plan.

Readers will be amazed that they actually learn some science while reading this hilarious adventure. The plot and antics of Frank and his two robots will have readers in stitches. What else would you expect from expert story teller Jon Scieszka? The format is set up similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and will surely be a hit with young chapter book readers. A must for kids who ask, " What else do you have that's like Diary of a Wimpy Kid?"

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scieszka, Jon

Illustrator: Biggs, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Amulet

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 978419712180

Price: 13.95

Anastasia Again!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

Anastasia is twelve and has always lived with her family, Mom, Dad and little brother Sam, in an apartment in Cambridge. Now, suddenly, she is told that they are moving to the suburbs. She is absolutely horrified at this prospect and declares that she will be jumping out of the window as soon as she finishes her chocolate pudding. They live on the first floor so this is hardly worrisome, but this sets the tone for the rest of the story which is extremely amusing, heartwarming, and just down right entertaining. Of course, when they find a house with a tower with a special staircase leading to it and this becomes Anastasia's room, and new friends are made she realizes that things could be worse. Her parents are outstanding and her little brother is 'weird' and the family is altogether refreshing and enviable. This book in the series will be particularly apropos for a young person of about that age having to deal with moving away from the home they know, their worries about making friends and the like. The author manages to get inside the brain of this prepubescent girl masterfully and young readers will be glad that there are many more in this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lowry, Lois

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544336674

Price: 6.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Year of Chasing Dreams

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

This coming-of-age story is centered around two characters who are best friends, Ciana and Eden. They are living together in Tennessee on Ciana's family farm and all sorts of drama are taking place. Both of them are in love with young men who are far far away, either geographically or emotionally and find themselves having to deal with what their feelings truly are for these young men. Ciana has lost her beloved grandmother and inherited the family farm and is trying to keep it a going concern while a developer is attempting desperately to make her sell to him for a housing development and some people in her small town whom she has known all her life are suddenly against Ciana and terrorizing her at every turn. The story has many unexpected twists and deals with several big issues such as bipolar mental illness, cutting, deaths by suicide and cancer, alcoholism, loved ones in coma,twisters, and grief. The story winds up impressing upon its reader the things in life that are of the most importance and how strong each of us are when the going gets genuinely difficult and challenging. I found myself quite enthralled with this story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDaniel, Lurlene

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385741736

Price: 16.99

Lies in the Dust: A Tale of Remorse from the Salem Witch Trials

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

In 1706, Ann Putnam is an outcast in her community due to her role as a child in accusing innocent people of witchcraft. Even young children spurn her, warned to not let her look at them. She is haunted by memories, recognizing that it was her parents who were possessed by evil, seeking retribution for their own gain. Now, her parents are dead and she cares for her young siblings, who push her to tell them what haunts her so.

Flashbacks to 1692 give us details of some of the individuals charged by Ann, her parents and her friends. Actual testimony is incorporated into the telling.

Pen and ink illustrations are a treat of art within art. Children swinging from a tree foreshadow Ann's tale. A child lying under leaves foretells the crushing of Giles Cory. Paper dolls are cut and crushed as Ann tells of the deaths of so many. In a nod to Edgar Allen Poe, a raven watches from the window as Ann writes her letter to the Church asking for forgiveness.

An author note gives background on the Salem Witch Trials. Ann Putnam was the only one who acknowledged remorse and asked for forgiveness. Pair this with a reading of the Crucible to spark discussion about morality and responsibility. At what age does a child's accusation stand on its own? How susceptible is the testimony of a child to adult influence? Is that different today than in 1692 when children needed to convince an adult to speak for them in court? Recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crane, Jakob

Illustrator: Decker, Timothy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781939017338

Price: 14.95

Heroes for All Times

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

A well balanced introduction to six historical figures. Included are some well known: such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Florence Nightingale, and some who might be new to readers: Gandhi, John Muir and Susan B. Anthony. Important aspects of each individual's life are included despite the short length of each chapter. Images of Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House series offer additional information in lieu of text boxes. Photographs and black-and-white illustrations break up the text for early readers.

Some gaps mar the presentation. We are told that the North Star "points to the Big Dipper," yet the next sentence states "slaves used the Big Dipper to find the North Star" (p. 44). The accompanying illustration is inaccurate. An aside by Jack tells us that Harriet Tubman's first marriage "didn't last," but not why. Was one of them sold? Why was this deemed important enough to include? After telling us that her father withdrew her from school, we read that Susan B. Anthony "taught until Daniel asked her to help him with a farm..." (p.49). A comment by Jack provides the missing text. John Muir was the first to determine that Yosemite's granite valleys were carved by glaciers, yet this important discovery is glossed over as an "interest." The chapter on Martin Luther King Jr. uses the term "Black" to refer to African Americans.

Back matter offers tips for how to do research including the difference between fiction and nonfiction, conducting research at museums, and the importance of asking questions. There is nothing about evaluating websites. Suggested book titles, museum sites and websites encourage readers to continue learning about these individuals. An index, table of contents, and photo credits will appeal to teachers. Although report writers will need additional sources, browsers will find much to emulate here.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Stepping Stone / Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375870279

Price: 5.99

Cristiano Ronaldo

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2015

Review

In this series of books, Soccer Star, Torres writes about Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal.

The book begins with a chapter of major accomplishments and then launches into a more chronological view of his life, starting with his childhood. Beginning the book this way does capture the reader's attention and will propel the reader into the rest of his life. Well captioned, full page photographs highlight the player's skills and major moments in his career.

This series is sure to be a solid choice for soccer fans and fills a much needed gap in library sports sections. Shelve in Biography or 793.33 with soccer. A must have for a well rounded sports collection for late elementary school and early middle school readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Torres, John

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781622852222

Price: 13.95

Dinosaur Days

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 27, 2015

Review

Revised from the 1985 text. This brief introduction to dinosaurs will appeal to newly independent readers. Pronunciation guides follow most dinosaur names, assisting the reader in decoding. Dinophiles will recognize the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Ankylosaurus. Other dinosaurs may be new, such as Panphagia and Citipati.

In some cases, the use of easy words makes the text unclear. For instance, dinosaurs are described as being "small, big, or very, very big" (p.16). Argentinosaurus is described as being as big as a house, yet the accompanying illustration clearly shows the neck and tail extending beyond the pictured farmhouse. Climate change due to an asteroid strike is presented as a given for why dinosaurs mostly disappeared. Birds are described as living dinosaurs of today.

Full color illustrations new to this edition reflect current research. No tails are dragging, and dinosaur skin is mottled with varied colors. Herbivores are shown eating, while carnivores are shown in the chase, teeth bared, avoiding any goriness.

No table of contents, index, glossary or source notes will limit the usefulness in the classroom, yet dinophiles will enjoy being able to read the text and learn on their own. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Milton, Joyce

Illustrator: Tempesta, Franco

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385379236

Price: 3.99

Life Science Through Infographics

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2015

Review

The Superscience Infographics series provides a graphic-heavy, brief introduction to many current science topics. This particular edition introduces life science. The book covers all the basics: evolution, organisms, rocks and fossils, dna, the circle of life, extinction, and it touches on living green. These aren't infographics in the traditional sense, but they are colorful double page spreads with minimal text for ease of reading. The writing is informal so as to draw kids in. The book does contain a glossary in the end materials, but it is brief and definitely doesn't include all of the terms that need defining. Some definitions on the pages themselves would have been appreciated. The book also includes a table of contents, further reading, and an index. The book would not suffice for research, but provides a base knowledge for anyone interested in life sciences.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Higgins, Nadia

Illustrator: Waananen, Lisa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467712880

Price: 23.94

Edgy Fashion

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

Not only does this book contain photos of a cool clothing trend, there are many current stars highlighted in the text. A complete wardrobe is nicely represented from casual day wear to the little black dress, complete with accessories.

Black is the primary design color used in graphics and page design which is balanced by some pink-red and green text. Although the content is short on design information Edgy Fashion and other books in the What's Your Style series will appeal to middle school students. This is not an essential reference material and will find limited shelf space in public and school libraries. Unfortunately the cost is beyond the wallet of most teen readers who would love to own the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

St.John, Amanda

Illustrator: Kubley, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing C0

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467714686

Price: 30.60

Messenger of Fear

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2015

Review

"Messenger of Fear" is the first book in a series bearing the same name. Predominately a narrative of good vs. evil this book contains more horror than justice. Mara is an unwilling and somewhat non-compliant character who is suddenly dropped into a scary and confusing situation. She has become the apprentice to the Messenger who challenges wrong doers and exacts vengeance.

Grant has painted a bleak picture of humanity and yet readers may feel compelling to complete the book in one sitting. Readers of the "Gone Series" are sure to get hocked on the "Messenger of Fear Series". Some warning of the haunting and scary stories may be needed for middle school students.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grant, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062207401

Price: 17.99

On the Edge

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

When Maddie (a high school senior) takes a late night shortcut through a park, bad things are bound to happen. Her decision to get involved by calling the police to report a violent attack puts her in danger with a local street gang. This is a story about inner-city crime, human trafficking, violence, romance, and high school drama where relationships become the primary focus. Although Lobo’s identify is predictable the romance is honest and the story compelling.

High School students who prefer books about real life situations will welcome this title on library shelves. Librarians are warned, it is hard to ignore the drinking and violence contained within the pages. Yet, I applaud the author for this revealing read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

van Diepen, Allison

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062303448

Price: 17.99

A Very Marley Christmas

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2015

Review

Text and art copyright 2008. First paper-over-board edition, 2014.

Art is water color muted colors with a Dick and Jane feel.

Marley is his typical rambunctious self. He "jumps in to help in every way he could." He knocks over decorations. He helps Baby Louie paint pictures. He knocks over the tree and tears into his stocking. Lots of joyful puppy fun. The book is listed at the 4-8 year old range.

It's not part of a series, but it is part of the Bad Dog, Marley fame.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grogan, John

Illustrator: Cowdrey, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062113672

Price: -9.99

Everything I Need to Know About Love I Learned From a Little Golden Book

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2015

Review

This is a "grown-up" version of Little Golden Books. Some of the art work is from 1945. All of the pictures are from original Little Golden Books. Each page or set of pages tells you which Golden Book, who the author was, who the illustrator was, and the year it was published. The story is formatted the same way as the old stories. Some of the sentences are all on one page, and others are spaced over several pages. Examples: Love can be complicated (Beauty and the Beast 1959) or as easy as a summer breeze. (A Day on the Farm 1960). Dating can be so glamorous....(The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown 1949).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Muldrow, Diane

Illustrator: Wilkin, Eloise

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978055350875

Price: 9.99

Trash Mountain

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2015

Review

A small red squirrel longs for adventure and is driven by his desire to find hazelnuts. While exploring Nutley's life changes making him an orphan without a home. Nutley seeks shelter and food in the landfill where he befriends Naw the rat and Larie the seagull. This gentle story of friendship and co-operation will touch the hearts of students in grades 3-5. Several messages are shared concerning bullying and poor behavior choices. Nutley is the perfect little fellow who learns to stand up for himself and improves his personal situation.

The artwork is delightful; it completes the story while the map helps orient readers. Add this to public and intermediate school collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Mondoe, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (Lerner Publishing Group)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467712347

Price: 16.99

Graffes Can't Dance

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

When the jungle animals meet for the annual dance Gerald the giraffe is called names by others who exhibit better dance skills. Dejected Gerald wonders off meeting a cricket who offers good advice. Soon the not so clumsy giraffe is dancing to the sounds of nature.

Popular for fifteen years, this anniversary copy remains alluring. While the rhymes are good it truly is the artwork that makes this book a success. Parker-Rees uses an enchanted color pallet and seems to specialize in expressive faces.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Andreae, Giles

Illustrator: Parker-Rees, Guy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545804356

Price: 16.99

My Neverland Journal: A Book You Write All About You!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2015

Review

This title is a write-in journal for fans of The Never Girl series by Kiki Thorpe. The journal is divided into five sections: All about me, My friends, Fairies, Memories, and Hope and dreams. Each page provides a few sentences for writing prompts that tie-in with the various characters in the series. Some pages provide lines for completing the prompts while other pages are large blank spaces framed in purple that can be used to answer the prompts with drawings, photos and filling in dialogue bubbles. The pages are illustrated with Christy's signature illustrations in either black and white or purple wash. There are 2 pages of 50+ colorful stickers in the back. Teachers may use as supplemental ideas for writing, although there are no pages numbers for easy reference nor an index which is understandable since it is a journal. For libraries, this title is most useful as a reading incentive for fans of the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Depken, Kristen

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553496857

Price: 12.99

Jack and the Wild Life

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2015

Review

Jack and his distracted, irresponsible parents are back for another comical, fast-paced adventure in this second in the series. This time Jack is pulled into a get-rich-scheme by his parents that take them to Africa. Along the way, Jack must resort to a few survival techniques. Readers will enjoy the dark humor of Jack being the parent to his clueless and careless parents. The book's content is deceptively mature in both reference and vocabulary. For example, in downtown Nairobi, "Hawkers peddled cigarettes and gum. A man with sharp shins sat cross-legged next a wooden box overflowing with dried herbs". (p. 26) Immigration, parental instincts, and Tanzania elevate the text. Then there is the bull in "musth" which is defined for the reader as "a periodic condition resulting in highly aggressive behavior, thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations" (p. 40). One suggestion for future installments would be to identify the first chapter as a preface. New chapter book readers will be surprised to find that the first chapter is 2 pages of text with a full page illustration, but that subsequent chapters are 10-12 pages in length with illustrations. The layout provides chapter headings foreshadowing the action and Stevanovic's full-page stylized cartoon black & white illustrations provide detail to the text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Doan, Lisa

Illustrator: Stevanovic, Ivica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467710770

Price: 17.95

People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

Photos and pencil illustrations are used.

There are 36 chapters, plus an introduction and an index. This might be called a career book. It's set up so kids can meet different people from different jobs. Examples are chef, crafters, immigrant, CEO, engineer, cartoonist, a farmer, etc. The book gives tips on how to interview people. Each section has questions that they ask to person interviewed, or there is a web address you can go to for more detailed answers. Sometimes there is a glossary of terms example "environmental glossary" to help meet the environmentalist. There are fun facts listed also. I really liked the set up of this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rhatigan, Joe

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: An Imagine Book/ Charlesbridge Pub

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781623540043

Price: 14.95

Smasher: The World is Ending. Can One Boy Stop it?

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

Charlie is a boy who can feel the "hum" and control it. He gets taken from his time frame into the future by a robotically enhanced girl. She can smash atoms to travel through time. There is a diabolical villain who plans on controlling the world by combining DNA with technology to create a new future. There are some plot twists along the way... It's a fun book of adventure, time travel, and the hum (life forces).

Good book for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bly, Scott

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Blue Sky Press/ Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545141185

Price: 16.99

Calling the Shots

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

I think the lexile score would be for middle school, but content makes higher grade levels... "rated M for maturity, sexual content, and themes." Cherry/Charity lives with her grandmother. A "dream guy" from part of the series comes while she is sleeping to tell her about her gift. She can control people's thoughts. This way she can get what she wants, but she is just learning how. She wants her sister to come home from the war, so she can live with her. She wants her best friend to pay more attention to her. She want to stay at her friend Farah's a Muslim girl. Her parents are very strict, but they feed her, something her grandmother forgets. There is some racial conflicts. Cherry is biracial, her grandmother white, her best friend black. The other books in this series are: All You Are, Certain Signals, and No Regrets. I made up the price so I could submit, it was not on the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Karre, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek/ Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467735148

Price: 27.93

A Perfect Time for Pandas

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 29, 2015

Review

This title, book #48 in the Magic Tree House series, is the first one I've read in this series. And it is such a popular series that it sells itself and is worth adding to a library collection based on strength of author/series alone. But it must be reviewed. If I were a returning reader, I would enjoy this book because it wraps up a problem that seems to have started several books prior. The protagonists, Jack and Annie, a brother-and-sister team, figure out a riddle that procures them a fourth item and allows a beloved character to break free from a spell. As a new reader, I found that this book had enough back story and explanation, without getting too bogged down in it, for me to follow along. The story jumps right into the action with Jack and Annie entering the Magic Tree House and getting whisked to China in 2008. The two visit the Wolong Giant Panda Preserve Center (fulfilling a dream of Annie's, to get close to pandas) and end up helping during a horrible earthquake that shakes up the Center. The action moves the reader along in the story and there are some unlikely things (gaining access to the Center though no one under 18 is allowed without an adult; having the right amount of money to do everything they need to do; easily interacting with frightened wild animals), but kids will easily accept these things because they are necessary for Jack & Annie to succeed, and you want them to succeed. The story wraps up with a gentle lesson and Jack & Annie return home in time for school. I appreciate that Osborne champions ecological issues and bases the story on an actual event. She provides an author's note for additional information, and Osborne and her sister have teamed up to write non-fiction companion titles for each MTH book (for this book: Pandas and Other Endangered Species).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375867989

Price: 4.99

Jasmine and Maddie

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

Two eighth grade girls alternate first-person narration in this poignant work of realistic fiction that effectively juxtaposes the two seeming opposites. To self-conscious, disorganized Maddie, Jasmine seems to be everything she wants to be. Beautiful, tough and stylish, Jasmine sweeps into school as a new student and is immediately showered with attention by popular girls. Howewver, Jasmine's polished exterior conceals her desperate grief over her father's death and she's deeply ashamed about living in a trailer park in their new town. It's hard for her to understand Maddie's struggle of feeling lost and out-shined in her large, caring, wealthy family. Things eventually come to a head in a tangled situation that involves both girls lying and stealing - a scenario that rings true to the way that many teens externalize their difficult emotions, if making for somewhat complicated reading. A poetry project interjects Emily Dickinson's words into the story, which is a great touch and poetry written by both girls is heartfelt. The portrayal of the prickly, ever-present class awareness that Jasmine experiences is spot on as is the prejudice she faces because she's poor. This will appeal to established fans of realistic fiction in grades 6-8 who have appreciated titles like Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor, Tell Us We're Home by Marina Budhos and Bluefish by Pat Schmatz.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pakkala, Christine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620917398

Price: 16.95

Feeding Time at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

Emerging readers and readers love to visit the zoo making this a good addition to the "Step into Reading" series. This early science reader shows and tells children what their favorite zoo animals eat. Humans are shown preparing the food which the animals clearly enjoy consuming.

The large font type is set against a clear white background making it easy for young readers to decode. Feeding Time at the Zoo contains a simple text which provides understandable information. Although the photos are well sized a few appear in the shadows.

Add this to picture book non-fiction collections in libraries and day care centers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shahan, Sherry

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385371902

Price: 3.99

Wild Sea Creatures: Sharks, Whales, and Dolphins!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

Sea creatures make excellent book characters, this title in the "Step onto Reading" series does not disappoint. Early readers who are familiar with Wild Kratts on PBS will be fans especially if they love animals that swim in deep water. Although the text provides little pieces of information concerning ten wild sea creatures, the illustrations are not enhanced by the TV characters.

The font is large but hard to see when there is black print on dark backgrounds. The white print is a better choice. Consider adding this where early reader non-fictions titles are collected.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kratt, Martin and Chris

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553499018

Price: 3.99

Very Bad Things

Reviewed by: Megan Moynihan - Walker Memorial, Westbrook, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2015

Review

Katie thinks her boyfriend, Mark, is a dream-come-true. He's popular, sweet and a hockey star at Whitney Prep where they are both seniors looking forward to graduation. Katie practically has their future together planned out, when suddenly, a picture surfaces of Mark in a compromising position with another girl. Mark swears he is innocent, that the picture is not what it seems. But when the girl in the picture turns up dead, Mark finds himself the prime suspect in her murder. Katie doesn't know who to believe- Mark who swears to his innocence or her best friend Tessa who has hated Katie's relationship with Mark from the start and is convinced he is guilty of the crime. When Katie starts to dig into the mystery behind the death of the girl in the picture, dark secrets begin to surface that she never could have imagined, leading her to wonder about the people in her life she thought she knew. This book was fast-paced and a well-plotted page-turner. I enjoyed reading from the viewpoint of different characters but I did feel that Katie and Mark's characters fell a little flat. Being the two main characters, I would have liked to see more complexity. I especially would have liked to see Katie’s character have more of a backbone. When I read female protagonists who become so obsessed with the object of their affection that they abandon their friends and other interests in their life, it makes me question the message being sent to young female readers. Tessa, on the other hand, was a stronger character and seemed much more complex than Katie despite some of her obvious shortcomings. Overall, I think this book is a worthy purchase. It will appeal to readers who enjoy a well-plotted murder mystery with unexpected twists and turns or readers who enjoy prep school stories about friendships and relationships.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McBride, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385737975

Price: 17.99

Chomp of the Meat-Eating Vegetables

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2015

Review

Supersized aggressive vegetables make for amusing reading but it is their physical demeanor and facial expressions that borders on silly horror. As the fourth in The Notebook of Doom series this title can stand alone. Alexander, Nikki, and Rip notice that strange changes are happening at their school. Through observation and bravery the three friends make chili of the vile vegetables.

Early readers are sure to find this a book worth reading even if it is above their lexile number. Students in primary grades are probably on waiting list for this and other books in The Notebook of Doom series. Librarians might want to add a second copy where popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cummings, Troy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches (Scholastic)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545552998

Price: 4.99

Rita's Rhino

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2015

Review

This could be a story about any youngster who longs for a pet, especially for city dwellers. Poor Rita wants a pet for her very own but is offered only a flea and a tadpole. Who wouldn't set off alone to find a lonely animal in the city zoo? With subtle humor and neat illustrations Ross tells a story of longing and responsibility. The most telling illustrations show Rita smuggling her pet's poop out to the park. It is only after Rita's rhino is treated poorly that the situation is sorted out.

This title would make an excellent gift for a child who wants a pet especially if the family lives in a city environment. Public librarians will want to add this to their picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ross, Tony

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Anderson Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467763158

Price: 16.95

Once a Shepherd

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2015

Review

A wonderful and gentle portrayal of how war impacts families; Once a Shepherd tells a sad story with a ray of hope. The setting for such a story could have been in any country and at any time in history. The illustrations bring the emotional tale to life in a vivid manner and reveal the time period to be during the First World War. The rolling green fields and soft white sheep add to the beauty of Tom's homeland while the scorched brown fields express the horror of war.

Love is the theme contained in this picture book but parents and caregivers need to be aware of the battlefield illustrations. This is an excellent book for families to read together and for school guidance councilors.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Millard, Glenda

Illustrator: Lesnie, Phil

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674588

Price: 16.99

Neverwas - Book II of the Amber House Trilogy

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

The art work on the cover of this book draws the reader to this, Book 2 of the Amber House Trilogy. In Amber House, the first book, Sarah Parsons, changed the history so that the Nazi's conquered Europe and the American Confederation of States is segregated. In Book 2 Sarah and her family have moved to back to their ancestral home. Once there, Sarah begins to see confusing historical visions and then remembers incidents from the past though she never lived in that time period. Sarah discovers that her friend, Jackson also experiences the same types of visions but of a different world and together they decide to reset the universe and make things right.

This a story that is unique in its plot but can be confusing with the visions of the past weaving in and out of the story. Young officiandos of fantasy and historical fiction writing will find both this book engaging. A must-read of the first book in the series is called for.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545434188

Price: 17.99

Love Me

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

1930's Hollywood is alive but not always well in this second novel in the Starstruck Series. This series follows three teen girls who are all trying to make in in Hollywood. Filled with romance, adventure, alcohol and drugs this series takes you on a ride through the authentic Hollywood of 75 years ago. Along with the fictional characters in the book one meets up with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn, Joan Crawford and even Greta Garbo and more. A teen interested in old Hollywood would love this book and may even make a trip back to the library to pick up biographies on some of the famous actors and actresses of that time. For mature readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shukert, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385741101

Price: 17.99

Greetings from the Graveyard

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

Greetings from the Graveyard is the sixth book in the epistolary series, 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise. Readers will find humor in the fantasy story of Seymour, his adopted father Ignatius B. Grumply and Olive, the ghost that lives in their home. Author, Iggy Grumply, has his hands full when a woman from his past threatens to reveal embarrassing love letters unless he marries her or gives her money. Olive is busy with the greeting card company she has started. So, it’s no surprise that young Seymour is the only one suspicious of a mysterious couple who moves into town at the same time businesses and homes are robbed. Upper elementary readers will be amused by the characters, witty names, clever greeting cards and the entertaining story told through letters, text messages, and newspaper articles. Readers who have not read previous books in the series will still be able to follow the story in Greetings from the Graveyard. A good addition to a juvenile fiction collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Klise, Kate

Illustrator: Klise, M. Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544105676

Price: 15.99

I Love Dogs

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

As a little boy ventures through the park, he celebrates his love of all dogs as he encounters and admires each and every different sort of dog. Dogs of various sizes, breeds, colors, energy levels, and behaviors fill the pages, sure to delight readers of any age. The boy makes his way through the park and arrives at a pet store where he adopts a dog of his own. The bright illustrations captivate the reader's attention and can be poured over to discover each and every detail of the dogs, their owners, and the situations the boy stumbles upon. Younger readers will be able to identify the dogs without even reading the words. The illustrations are realistic enough to clearly convey the descriptions of the dogs while, at the same time, with an air of whimsy such as to not be taken too seriously. This would be great for storytime, a lap-sit, or to just read independently. Students could use this as a writing prompt to describe their favorite, most creative, or imaginative dog. This would also be good for sparking a discussion on pet adoption and finding the right dog for a family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stainton, Sue

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780061170577

Price: 14.99

Just So Stories: for Little Children, Volume II

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

This is the second volume of Kipling's timeless tales Wallace has taken on with beautifully detailed and imaginative illustrations. Written over a century ago, the stories of 'why things are the way they are' all around the world will delight new generations of readers for years to come. The short stories are perfect read-alouds and students could come up with their own illustrations to accompany the text. The illustrations were created with watercolors, pencil crayons, pastel pencil, and chalk and take on an ethereal or dream-like quality with delicate colors which open up the reader's imagination. These illustrations might give the stories a new lease on life and appeal to a wider audience, as the original volumes were illustrated in black and white. At the end of the book, after the six stories, the illustrator includes notes on each story and the illustrations he created. He explains the choices he made, makes connections within and between the stories, and helps readers further understand Kipling's writings and intentions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kipling, Rudyard

Illustrator: Wallace, Ian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Groundwood Books/ House of Anansi Press

Book Type: Picture Book Fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781554982134

Price: 19.95

The World According to Musk Ox

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

The third zany adventure of two unlikely companions. Musk Ox and Zebra travel the world exploring each continent, reveling in the notable characteristics of each location. After each stop, Musk Ox adds a new sticker to his trunk, reminding readers where he's been. As with the other books on the alphabet and counting, this one explains the concepts clearly but with great hilarity, sure to entertain readers young and old. In true form, Musk Ox annoys Zebra to no end, which is the basis of the book's humor. They banter back and forth, sometimes throwing insults, sometimes spewing facts, but always creating gales of laughter. This would be a great introduction to a study of the continents. Each continent has one clearly marked fact on an easily-identifiable "Hysterical Marker," along with other facts the two travelers point out, and the continent's location is identified on Zebra's globe.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cabatingan, Erin

Illustrator: Myers, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Neal Porter Books/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596437999

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Muddy Puddles

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

As the rain pours down, Peppa Pig and her brother George go to bed dreaming of the fun time they will have in the morning jumping in the muddy puddles. When they wake up, they find there was so much rain there are no puddles to be found and every hill has become an island. When Granny and Grandpa Pig motor along in their boat, Peppa and George hop aboard for an adventure. While Peppa is a television character, readers who aren't familiar with the show will enjoy the adventures of Peppa and her family and friends. The simple story line and bright, digitally-created cartoon-like illustrations make the book appealing to young readers, most of whom surely enjoy stomping in puddles themselves. A discussion could follow about rain, puddles, mud, floods, islands, or handling disappointments and adverse conditions. There are other adventures of Peppa Pig that have been published in both hardcover and paperback.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Astley, Neville

Illustrator: Baker, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment/ Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672263

Price: 4.99

Laughing at My Nightmare

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2015

Review

This is quite possibly one of the funniest books about a not-so-funny reality of which most readers have no personal concept. Shane Burcaw was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and spends his days in a wheelchair. He has an acerbic wit, great sense of adventure, and a very supportive family. He hasn't let his condition become a disability, but rather a motivation to help others through the blog he started and the nonprofit organization he founded. He graduated from college and has a great network of friends, most of whom have been accomplices in one zany stunt or another. His attitude towards life and his condition should be a lesson to us all, especially adolescents, who are often quick to judge and prejudiced against someone who is different or handicapped. Shane doesn't mince words and describes with great detail personal information readers would surely be curious of but afraid or embarrassed to ask about. The possibilities of rich discussions are endless, following the reading of this autobiography.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burcaw, Shane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720077

Price: 17.99

Ocean of Fire: The Burning of Columbia, 1865

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Based on one of the more controversial events of the Civil War, the fires that almost wiped out the City of Columbia were never pinned to an exact cause. Mostly written from the viewpoint and diaries of seventeen-year-old Emma LeConte, the author describes the violent and terrifying chaos that erupted when Columbia was burning. The fear and desperation that is felt by Emma and those that surrounded her, is well depicted.

This book is the second one written in the new series called the "Horrors of History" with the first being "City of the Dead" about the hurricane that devastated Galveston in the 1900s. T. Neill Anderson (author) is an American history buff and researcher with a knack for regaling the horrors of our nation's past in this new historical fiction series that many will find interesting and exciting. His writing style is geared for more middle school, but anyone who enjoys history and the horrors that go with it will enjoy this series.

This book would compliment any unit on the Civil War with diaries, journals and personal accounts that were found in researching the subject. The illustrations are well place within the story with excellent descriptive captions. Many of the illustrations are maps of where it was thought that the fires started and the directions they spread from eye-witness accounts; photos taken after the devastating fire and some are from articles in newspapers and magazines written in the aftermath. But the strangest of all, no one person or group has ever admitted to setting the fire or accepted the responsibilities -- was it the North or the South?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, T. Neill

Illustrator: Garratt, Richard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580895163

Price: 16.95

Red Zone Out of the Tunnel

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

I think the lexile score is more middle school, but content is mature. Brian is the son of a Trojan Football hero. He becomes one of the top six players. This means the coaches and Brian's dad think partying, drinking, and girls are just part of the privilege of being a top high school football player. The "tunnel of Love" is a chance to do some pole dancing and some photos were taken and shared. Brian can't live with his conscience and is willing to quit the team. But not before he thinks about black mailing the coach because anything the "boys" did was fine.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek / Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467721264

Price: 25.69

Water Fall

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Eureka, the main character in the second of Lauren Kate's "Teardrop" series, has the power with her tears to raise the Lost City of Atlantis. Unfortunately her tears all ready have flooded the word and one more drop would end it. She travels with her father, twin siblings, best-friend Cat and Ander, a Seedbearer, to find the answers that just might help her save the world and to love again. Definitely need the first book in the series to understand the background information for the second book.

In the story, not only does Eureka have magical powers with her tears, but she discovers that all the members of her traveling party have "quirks" which also give them special abilities. Anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance and tales about the legendary Lost City of Atlantis would enjoy reading this series. This was written for young adults but could be enjoyed by adults.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kate, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385742672

Price: 18.99

Mummies in the Morning

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Text book copyright 1993,2014. Illustration copyright 1993, 2014. Magic Tree house series has 28 books. There is a letter to her readers from the author. Table of contents has ten chapters. Illustrations are pen ink , and water colors.Annie and Jack are the main character. The magic tree house takes kids on adventures. This time it takes the kids back to ancient Egypt. With the help of a black cat, they learn about scrolls, mummies, and grave robbers. At the back of the book in a nonfictional section called Turn the page for mummy and pyramid facts from the Magic Tree House Tracker: Mummies and Pyramids. These facts are illustrated short one page facts on the Nile, Gods, building pyramids.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pope Osborne, Mary

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387583

Price: 14.99

The Book of Love

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

"The Book of Love" is the sequel to "The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers" where breaking the hearts of young men is a competition that comes with a price. Lucy was just recently inducted into the Sisterhood and hasn't regretted a moment until now. She questions whether her skills for breaking hearts is worth the heartbreak of Tristan, her best friend. With each breaking heart the girls in the sisterhood earn special powers that make it difficult to truly love another ever again. The story starts with the girls gearing up for the annual competition to win "The Book of Love", an ancient book containing centuries' worth of wisdom and maybe, only maybe, enough magic to help Lucy fix Tristan's heart. Broken hearts can be mended -- it's just a matter of time.

Though this could be read on its on accord, some information, especially on the Sisterhood, is needed from the first book of the series. "The Book of Love" was well written, with the plot predetemined by the previous book. Weingarten uses imagery quite well in describing broken hearts and the reasonings behind mending them and each character is well defined in what their roll in the story will be.

If the reader enjoys a good romance, heartbreak with some magic thrown, than they will enjoy "The Book of Love" and its prequel "The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers". Written for young adults, but adults might enjoy it too.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Weingarten, Lynn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780061926204

Price: 17.99

Starring Jules (Super-Secret Spy Girl)

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Jules is part of the Starring Jules series that grows in reading levels as she grows up. In this one, she has finished second grade and now she is going to Montreal to be in a movie , The Spy in the Attic. The table of contents is set up like a movie set: Take one: last lists, old-timey songs, and the last- day- of- school blues. Take Two: French-speaking Canada, boys names for girls, and other thing that are fishy. This continues through to take ten. Cute story of Jules summer with her dad as her penal. The story has good voice. I shared this quote from the book jacket with one of my more verbose six grade boys: "Practice being stealthy, which means sneaky (which means not telling everyone every single thing that's on my mine)." He thought is was hilarious.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ain, Beth

Illustrator: Keenan Higgins, Anne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Print

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545443562

Price: 14.99

Dolphin Dive

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Dolphin Dive is another book in the Discover More Readers series. This informational story on dolphins is targeted to young readers in 1st and 2nd grade. The reading level is indicated at Grade 2.

An strong book choice for a first research project, the text is clearly written and is complemented by beautiful 4-color photography. Much information is provided, but the format that wisely uses photography, charts and fact call-outs, helps make this book very user friendly.

Another nice feature is the "New Word" circle that appears throughout the text providing definitions and pronunciation of key words. A glossary, an index, and free digital download are also included. From quizzes to dolphin games, young readers will enjoy the additional activities provided in the download. An interesting book that will appeal to dolphin lovers and readers who are interested in the ocean world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Buckley, Jr., James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545636322

Price: 3.99

The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

An exuberantly playful, informative short biography about musician Sun Ra that celebrates his eccentricity ("Sun Ra always said that he came from Saturn. Now you and I know that this is silly. No one comes from Saturn. An yet. If he did come from Saturn, it would explain so much...") and presents his remarkable cross-genre contributions to music through this lens. Raschka moves through the facts of the musician's life rapidly, touching on his experience as a teen composer, conscientious objector during WWII, the formation of his band the Arkestra and includes some great bits of trivia - that Sun Ra rarely slept for more than a few hours at night but sometimes dozed during rehearsals, for instance.

Raschka's fluid, bold, bright illustrations fit beautifully into this fascinating biography, sometimes laid out 3 or 4 per page spread, but somehow never seeming cramped, and at times seamlessly include details, such as the names of all the musicians in the Arkestra, within them.

An endnote and list of selected recordings complete this picture book biography that provides an engaging and accessible introduction for young readers who are unfamiliar with his music.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Raschka, Chris

Illustrator: Raschka, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763658069

Price: 15.99

Above the Dreamless Dead: World War I Poetry and Comics

Reviewed by: Sybil Shiland - retired MSAD#6, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2015

Review

This book is a collection of poems many of them by soldier poets known as the 'Trench Poets' who chronicled World War I. The poems are divided into three sections - The Call to War, In the Trenches, and Aftermath. Each poem is interpreted and illustrated by a graphic artist. Although there are a few silly songs, for example, "I Don't Want to be a Soldier' that leaven the grim mood and serve as a relief to the horror of the front (as they must have for the soldiers who sang them) most of these pieces are deadly serious.

The illustrations, some extremely realistic, some more abstract, are chilling and convey the brutality of war for the soldiers and the civilians caught between armies. Animals fare no better, the terrified horse in Thomas Hardy's "I Looked up from my Writing" and the quaking mules in "Dead Man's Dump" are also casualties.

The last section features the poem "Repression of War Experience" by Siegfried Sassoon, a poemCBR that describes what was then known as shell shock and will be instantly recognized by modern readers as post traumatic stress disorder. This is a deeply affecting book and would be an excellent introduction to this group of poets but it is more important than that. "Above the Dreamless Dead" could describe the soldier's experience and the savagery of any war.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Duffy (ed.), Chris

Illustrator: various illustrators,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720657

Price: 24.99

A New Darkness

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Joseph Delaney's new series, Starblade Chronicles, is a continuation of the story of Tom Ward - the main character in The Last Apprentice (his previous series). The first book in the new series - A New Darkness - finds Tom working alone after his master has died, as the local Spook, ridding the area of evil creatures and ghosts. Fifteen year old Jenny appears and begins to harass Tom to take her on as his first apprentice. She claims to be the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter (an important fact in the mythology of this book), and when she exhibits talents that would be beneficial to a Spook, Tom agrees to train her. There is a new evil invading the County, soon Tom and Jenny find themselves on a dangerous journey with a witch named Grimalkin.

Fans of the first series of books will probably be very happy with this new venture into the life and times of Tom Ward. Those who have not read the earlier books will be able to follow the story without trouble, there are a lot of references to events and characters from the previous books, but it is all explained enough that this new book can be read as a standalone. This is the first of a planned trilogy and it ends with a horrendous cliffhanger, so be prepared. The book ends with what feels like a chapter break rather than a legitimate ending, and considering that there is still a large chunk of pages left after the climax - filled with a glossary of terms and "Grimalkin's notes" - the fact that it is indeed the end of the story comes as a bit of a shock.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Delaney, Joseph

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/ HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062334534

Price: 17.99

Perfectionists

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library , Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Five “perfect” girls with nothing in common. That is, nothing in common, except their mutual hatred of Nolan Hotchkiss. Nolan is rich, spoiled, handsome but overall not a very nice young man. In fact, the unkind Nolan Hotchkiss has treated all five girls horribly... A strong bond, based on their mutual hatred of Nolan, is formed and the five girls become friends of sorts. Together, they dream up a perfect ending for their arch enemy, the cruel Nolan. A "hypothetical murder" where he would get what he deserves for all the terrible things he did to each one of them.

A problem arises, however, when Nolan is actually killed. Killed in the manner that they had all imagined. How could this happen?... Now the girls find that they are prime suspects in his murder. Can they prove that they are innocent?

This fast paced thriller is from Sara Shepard, the author of the bestselling series, Pretty Little Liars. Told by the five girls, in alternating points of view, this story has a lot going on and at times, it is hard to keep the characters straight. A murder mystery that is not too dark, with enough twists and turns, it should keep readers entertained. With a very similar storyline to Pretty Little liars, fans of that series will not be disappointed. For readers who are looking for a one book read, they may find themselves disappointed in the cliffhanger ending which lends itself to at minimum a sequel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shepard, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062074690

Price: 17.99

Unraveled

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Unraveled, the third book in Gennifer Albin's Crewel World trilogy, is not as interesting as its predecessors. Fans of the first two books will be anxiously awaiting the conclusion, and the book does tie up most loose ends. Previously, seventeen year old Adelice had escaped the fabricated reality of Arras, and while hiding on earth discovered why Arras was first created. As this book begins, Adelice is being taken back to Arras by Cormac Patton, who is trying desperately to maintain control. The majority of the book centers around her attempts to find a way to work around him, and hopefully, save both worlds. Unfortunately, all the action happens at the tail end of the book, leaving the reader to slog through what one can only assume is meant to be intrigue. It takes more than half of the book for favorite characters to show up, and they are given very little to do. The ending is less than satisfying. The author hints at what has happened with the brothers (read love interests), but she never spells it out. The reader is forced to make assumptions (which may be confusing for some), and character's motivations are never explained. Book three is necessary to finish the story arc, but it is the weakest of the trilogy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Albin, Gennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/ Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374316433

Price: 17.99

Mystery of the Eagle's Nest

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

When Cooper and Packrat discover eagle parts in what they thought was their geocaching box, they know someone is up to nefarious deeds. Two men check into the campground that Cooper's family owns. They begin threatening the boys, then the eaglets nesting nearby. The boys decline adult help, and along with another friend, Roy, and teen camper Gavin, they attempt to keep the eagle parts hidden until they can give them to the warden, while also protecting the eaglets. Along the way, Cooper struggles with trust issues with both Roy and Gavin.

Life in a seasonal campground is accurately depicted. Told from Cooper's point of view, we see him cleaning bathrooms and entertaining children. The banter between the boys rings true. However, the adults are more stock characters. The two threatening men are oafish caricatures reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy but without the humor. The danger level seems high for either the boys or the birds to be harmed, yet the boys do a good job of hiding the tension from their parents. The only adult who seems to notice is revealed to have ulterior motives. Black and white illustrations appear to be pencil and are of average quality. The humans are cartoonish, the adult birds appear fierce while the eaglets are fluffy and cute.

Editing errors mar the quality. For instance, when describing the contents inside the box (p.10), first we are told there were "about 20 loose eagle feathers," and 5 paragraphs later, "Packrat held the eagle wing, carefully pulling it out, as if the eagle were in flight." Given the dimensions of the box, an eagle wing would not fit inside. The contents are listed again on p. 51, and no wing is mentioned. On page 118, Roy puts his flashlight under his face and the boys get into a shoving match. On page 121, Cooper recalls putting the flashlight under his own face.

Children willing to overlook these shortcomings will find a mystery that will inspire them to get outdoors. These are active boys who spend their days exploring the woods and canoeing on a lake. For some readers, it will be a first introduction to the sport of geocaching. For others, it will be a reminder to look up into trees for potential hatchlings.

Although second in the Cooper and Packrat series, enough back story is given for this tale to stand alone.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wight, Tamra

Illustrator: DiRocco, Carl

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781939017352

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2015

Review

Fans of Tarshis' fictionalized disaster stories will welcome her foray into nonfiction. We experience the Children's Blizzard of 1888, the sinking of the Titanic, the Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, the 2011 Japanese Tsunami and a 2012 tornado in Henryville Indiana. Each story is centered on a young survivor or survivors, helping readers to imagine themselves in the same shoes. The Henryville tornado story was inspired by fans who experienced it. Photos and additional facts related to each story are included.

In her attempt to simplify the text, some facts are lost. For instance, radioactive particles are said to remain dangerous for "decades," yet the quantity released in Fukishima will ensure dangerous levels for longer than that. A photo of the commemorative sign on p. 80 states that the Boston Molasses Flood reached a height of 40 feet, yet the text says it was 25 feet high (p.73). No explanation is given for the dichotomy.

No footnotes source the thoughts and deeds of survivors, yet a bibliography and additional readings are given for each chapter.

Although there is not enough information for reports, pique an interest in nonfiction with these tales of true survival. Recommend this title to fans of the fictionalized I Survived series and the Magic Tree House nonfiction books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tarshis, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545782241

Price: 12.99

Snow Like Ashes

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Sebago, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Miera, orphaned as an infant, is one of eight survivors who managed to escape when their Kingdom of Winter was conquered and their citizens enslaved. There is no monarch or magic and it is up to these eight survivors to restore their kingdom. Miera has been trained as a warrior. Her best friend is the future king. This fantasy is full of adventure, magic, and evil. There is also a love triangle. I found the story difficult to follow at times, but as the story progressed the momentum increased. There are several surprises as the ending races to a close. Fantasy fans will enjoy this unique story of Miera finding her purpose.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raasch, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062286925

Price: 17.99

Between Two Worlds

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Sebago, Sebago, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

As a child, Billy Bah, an Inuit girl from Greenland was taken to Washington, DC to care for Robert and Josephine Peary's toddler for a year. Billy Bah later became the seamstress for the famous explorer and helped outfit his men for their polar expeditions. This historical novel is loosely based on Eqariusaq, who was called "Billy Bah"? by the Peary's young daughter. It was interesting to see the world from sixteen year old Billy Bah's point of view. The everyday life and culture of the Inuit are well described. Because there are several instances of Billy Bah being traded to other men by her Inuit husband this book is better suited for older readers. There is a list of characters and map in the beginning of the book which are very helpful. At the end the historical note and photographs add a great deal to the story. There is also a glossary of Inukton words and chronology of real life events. I recommend this well researched book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kirkpatrick, Katherine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385740470

Price: 16.99

Empire of Shadows

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Mara travels to the Imperial City to put into practice the oath of protector that was bestowed upon her from the Order of Khatar. Her ancestry allows her to change into a tiger, but has not done so since she went on a killing spree to defend the death of her family by hunters. In her travels to the city, she runs into a caravan and Revathi, a noble girl in trouble. From there the story unfolds into a world divided with deadly courtiers, heroic traitors and deeply laid conspiracies. Similar story lines to Pullman's "Golden Compass" and Meyer's "Acadia Trilogy" series.

The plot was well defined and the characters developed quite well as the story progressed. The underlying theme would be friendship and atonement for one's sins. As a protector, Mara needs to find someone to guard over for the rest of their natural lives -- not for pay, but for duty. Citizens know of the Order of Khatar and understand the oath that she needs to follow. Secrets are well kept in this story and are broken as necessary to continue. Maybe well enough to create a sequel; only the author knows!

Anyone interested in fantasy would enjoy this book by Miriam Forster. It is a fun read and very enjoyable.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Forster, Miriam

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062121332

Price: 17.99

Are You Downloading Coyprighted Stuff? Stealing or Fair Use

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

2014 update of the 2005 title, "Downloading Copyrighted Stuff from the Internet: Stealing or Fair Use?" Copyright issues are discussed in the context of downloading music. Piracy, free speech and fair use are addressed. Although facts and statistics in the text are written in the present tense, supporting documentation reveal most sources to be 11 years old or older. Online file sharing is equated with "dubbing a cassette" (p.56), technology that will be unfamiliar to today's teens. Although readers are warned that they may be sharing information that they did not intend to share and there is mention of military use of peer-to-peer technology, there is no mention of the surveillance and privacy issues revealed by Edward Snowden. Indeed, there is no index listing for privacy, Snowden, National Security Agency or NSA. Amazon, Kindle and ereaders are also missing. Stock photos depict laptops, desktops and phones, but no tablets. Copyright issues are important for young researchers to understand. However, this is not the title to assist them. Not recommended.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Gordon, Sherri Mabry

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: poor

Publisher: Enslow

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766060500

Price: 33.27

Rites of Passage

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

What do you think is going to happen to Sam McKenna -- military brat -- in the first year of Denmark Military Academy? Anything and everything especially if you are Samantha and one of the first females to attend an all male academy. Dad is career military -- Colonel McKenna, Sam's brother, Jonathan is the Cadet Colonel at the academy and her brother Amos, hung himself at the very same academy. The only reason she is here is because of a dare from Amos and she couldn't let it go.

This is an outstanding story about females entering territories that were once male dominated and the perseverance that is needed to make it through to the end. The themes of inner strength, friendship, survival and military life are well blended in "Rites of Passage". The character development and plot are strong and well written. There are times that you hold your breath for Sam hoping that all will be well while she fights the mentality of those that feel that she should not to be there along with the secret society that is behind it all.

Anyone interested in females in the military, strength, survival, true friendship and a book that will keep you on the edge -- this is it! An outstanding job for author Joy N. Hensley on her debut novel!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hensley, Joy N.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062295194

Price: 17.99

The Moon Dragons

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

A traveler tells a king of dragons living on a faraway mountaintop. Like a spoiled child, the king wants them for himself, so sends out hunters, herdsmen and mountain men. When they return with only a goat, the petulant king sends word to the far corners of the kingdom. A small, unkempt girl hears the call and announces that she will go look. Despite ridicule, she is pure of heart and treasures the dance of the dragons beyond any roomful of gold.

Dreamlike acrylic illustrations draw children into the tale. We see light shining on Alina's face and earnestness in the eyes of the villagers. Crowd scenes of villagers intent on Alina evoke the self-consciousness some children feel in front of their peers, but Alina stands strong, eyes confident. She knows the importance of mystery. A fine selection for group or one-on-one sharing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sheldon, Dyan

Illustrator: Blythe, Gary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Andersen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467763141

Price: 16.95

Arcadia Falls

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

"Arcadia Falls" is the third in the "Arcadia Trilogy" by Kai Meyer. Should definitely read the first two for background history, but you can still understand somewhat of what is going on without them. Originally published in Germany and translated in 2011, it tells the tale of old family, organized crime, supernatural, shape-shifting and much more. An interesting twist on organized crime and ancient tales of metamorphosis and mythology.

Without knowing the complete background information of the story, it was still well written with great characters that intertwine deeper in to the plot. The imagery was very descriptive with a strong massage of survival of the fittest and love. A good combination of "The Godfather" and "The Island of Dr. Moreau". Written for upper middle school to adult, many will find this tale exciting.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Kai

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062006103

Price: 17.99

I am Cleopatra

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

One of the books in Scholastic's, I am Series, this book on Cleopatra will provide young readers with a wide range of information about her life and the world she lived in.

Opening with a brief introduction written from the perspective of Cleopatra, the point is made that she was one of the most dynamic figures the world has ever known. It is followed up with an interesting “People You Will Meet” section that includes brief descriptions and illustrations of 20 people who are from this time period in history.

The book then moves on to 20 short chapters that include B&W illustrations and photographs that appear throughout the text. The illustrations are very interesting and do a great job in clearly portraying the events and people in her life.

Next, are a couple 2-page spreads that include additional facts and "cool" facts. A glossary and bibliography are in the end pages.

Targeted to 3rd and 4th graders, this clearly written book will give young readers a glimpse into Cleopatra's fascinating world. A good choice for beginning research.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Norwich, Grace

Illustrator: Alba, Elisabeth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545587532

Price: 5.99

Animal Kingdom

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library , Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

A fun miscellany of facts about animals, loosely organized into random tabbed categories (Species, Senses, Record Breakers, Food and Drink, Family, Habitats, Killers, Man's Best Friend). Employing a conversational tone, the author provides quick, readable anecdotes about a variety of animal life, focusing for the most part on the odd and superlative. Bright, stylized graphics illustrate each page and despite their sometimes busy presentation, the type and images work well together in terms of organizing each page. Besides a note on the title page that the book was researched by Simon Rogers, there is no sourcing and no back matter, which will disqualify it for use in many academic settings, but it is an engaging and distinctively browsable fact book that will catch the eyes of many an older grade or middle schooler.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Blechman, Nicholas

Illustrator: Blechman, Nicholas

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763671228

Price: 17.99

The Nutcracker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Bertwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Written by the author in 1991, this is newly illustrated edition by Sheila Beckett. A nice introduction to the classic ballet as a magical Christmas story for young children. This story is just right for young children, shortened and simplified, but nicely done. The illustrations go well with the text and preschool princess fans will enjoy this. It is also short enough to be read often and a good introduction of the story to be read before going to the ballet.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Balducci, Rita

Illustrator: Beckett, Sheila

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Golden Book/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385369930

Price: 3.99

The Navy's Night Before Christmas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Written by Trish Holland and Christine Ford The classic Night Before Christmas retold with a humorous spin about the navy. Set on Christmas Eve on an aircraft carrier when a sailor standing watch reached his post and ..."what to my wandering eyes should appear. But a Seahawk that hovered. I gave the all clear." Well written with rhyming text that is all navy. It follows the original poem but everything is military. An enjoyable read for those in the military and those who appreciate our military. A well done Christmas tale with a modern spin. Great fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holland, Trish

Illustrator: Manders, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Golden Book/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978-0-385-36998-5

Price: 10.99

The Brave Servant; A Tale from China

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

This folk tale is retold by Suzanne I. Barchers is part of the Tales of Honors series that presents traditional folk tales, myths and legends from around the world (from back cover). This tale is written for young children, K-3, is age appropriate and easy to follow. The illustrations go well with the text, show the time, culture and place well. Includes Words to know, and What do you think? sections with four questions for classroom discussion. Also a paragraph about China, about the author, and about the illustrators.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barchers , Suzanne I.

Illustrator: Han Red, Yu-mei

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781937529734

Price: 26.60

The Last Days of Jesus: His Life and Times

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

A special Illustrated edition based on the 2014 book Killing Jesus. This is an illustrated version of the book that is written as a history book, rather than a religious or spiritual text. It explains the cast of characters, the family of Jesus, writers of the bible, patriarchs of the Jewish people, Roman rulers, temple priests and religious groups and others and much more. O'Reilly does a good job of setting and explaining time and place during the life of Jesus. The culture is well explained and is good background material for those reading or studying a bible or biblical times. The illustrations are very well done and really add to the text. The photographs and illustrations are well placed in the text, are identified and says where they are from on that page. This is good background to help readers to understand the life of Jesus. It completely leaves out religion as the purpose is historical facts. It does not explain why Jesus' age of death is listed at 36, rather than the accepted age of 33. Also the last words of Jesus are left out. Useful to learn about time and place in historical context of subject. Includes Note to Readers about Jesus being one of the most influential men who ever lived, Prologue, Glossary, Time Line of Jesus's Life, The Author Recommends, Bibliography and Index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

O'Reilly , Bill

Illustrator: Low, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098778

Price: 19.99

Evertrue

Reviewed by: Mariah Machado - Davis Memorial Library, Limington, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Evertrue, the third book in the Everneath trilogy by Brodi Ashton, picks up directly where the last book leaves off - just as Cole has left with the physical manifestation of Nikki's heart. Cole is an "Everliving", who tricked Nikki into going to the "Everneath" with him in book one, but her attachment to the love of her life - Jack - saved not only her, but Jack, from being trapped there. Nikki and Jack have upped their ante in this third installment, setting their sights on destroying the Everneath completely. The trilogy is a romantic, exciting, modern day re-imagining of the myths of Persephone and Hades, and Eurydice and Orpheus. It definitely needs to be read in chronological order, as each book builds on the last, finally coming to its climax in book three. The intricate world building, aching love story, and high stakes intrigue will ensnare readers. The series is well done, and each book is its own act of the story, never suffering from redundancy. The characters are a good blend, none so strong as to be un-relatable. Even Cole - the amoral, yet likable, immortal - will wiggle his way into the reader's heart. Fans of Meg Cabot's Abondon trilogy, and Kelly Creagh's Nevermore series will love the Everneath trilogy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ashton, Brodi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer+Bray/ HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062071194

Price: 17.99

Revenge on Superstition Mountain

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Revenge on Superstition Mountain, the final installment in the Superstition Mountain trilogy, brings closure to the Barker brothers’ search for gold. Middle grade readers will enjoy the adventurous story as Henry, Simon, Jack, and their friend Delilah encounter mountain lions, grave robbers, landslides, and a mysterious (and evil) librarian. When the children discover a clue left by their deceased Uncle Hank, they are hot on the trail of the buried treasure. Will they locate the treasure without upsetting the Apache Thunder God? This fast-paced mystery will keep readers guessing right up until the conclusion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Broach, Elise

Illustrator: Ivanov, Olga and Aleksey

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company/ Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805089097

Price: 16.99

Free to Fall

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Although slow to grab the reader, this dystopian story which is a bit of Divergent combined with Harry Potter and a hint of rebellion to come finally pulled me in. To further grab the reader of Percy Jackson series, there is the allusion to Greek mythology and groupings. Our heroine, Rory, is in the group of Hepta, or Seven, making her the smartest and one of the chosen ones at her new school Theden. (The Den?) At first, things seem perfect, there is Lux which like a personal assistant gives recommendations about clothes, music, and life. Everyone uses Lux, it makes things so much simpler. No need to question, to fail, or to think. Lux makes pesky decision-making choices for you. But, of course, we must have a plot, so we start to wonder What If -- if you never have to fall or fail? There must be something lurking behind the perfection. Naturally there is a love interest who is just as smart as Rory, but who does not attend Theden.

Initially, Free to Fall was difficult to pick up, but then, once immersed in this new world of a school where students are being taught to make decisions based upon the IQ-Worthiness of others, the book begged to be read. There is excellent tension between the side of LUx and never falling and the love interest of North (True North!) and thinking for oneself. Great YA read. Just enough love interest to keep readers interested on several levels. Plot somewhat like Divergent. Characters grapple with moral and ethical issues and with growing up. Recommended for grade 7-12. School or Public library. There are things that blow up, tension, and escape with only seconds to spare!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062199805

Price: 17.99

Tyler Makes a Birthday Cake

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Young Tyler wants to celebrate the birthday of his dog, Tofu, with a cake. When he arrives at the bakery, the baker invites him to help with a cake and even takes him on an adventure to gather the ingredients. After they create the cake, the baker learns the cake is intended for Tofu so he warns Tyler the cake would be unhealthy for a dog but makes him a canine-friendly one instead, which he shares with all of his doggie friends at a fun party. At the end of the book, recipes for a 'human' cake and a 'canine' cake are included, along with interesting facts about the ingredients. The bright and lively illustrations are simple but full of movement, personality, and fun. The author has created a book that makes baking enjoyable, educational, and accessible for young readers. Kids will want to make the cakes after reading the story, maybe even to celebrate a favorite pooch's birthday. Additional books by this author/illustrator team include Tyler and Tofu cooking pancakes and spaghetti.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Florence, Tyler

Illustrator: Frazier, Craig

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062047601

Price: 17.99

Families Around the World

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Families Around the World offers a basic overview of different cultures from the point of view of children from different countries. The first page points out that families are diverse. Some families have many children, one child, or adopted children, and some children have two moms or two dads. Each two-page spread introduces readers to a child from a different country ranging from Brazil to Mongolia and the Netherlands. Kid-friendly illustrations accompany the first-person narrative text that describes the foods, religion, recreation activities, and other aspects of daily life. Back matter includes activities for teachers and parents to share with children and a glossary of words from the countries represented. Although the book doesn’t provide a detailed description of life in each country, it offers a springboard for very young readers with limited knowledge of world cultures.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruurs, Margriet

Illustrator: Gordon, Jessica Rae

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781894786577

Price: 18.95

Littleland Around the World

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

The animal friends from Littleland pack up for a trip around the world. The critters visit a wide variety of countries and experience the diverse cultures at each stop. They sample food, speak other languages, travel in different ways, and see new animals. The setting for each country offers a fairly good representation of what one would find in terms of geography, climate, industry, buildings, clothing, and activities. For instance, in India, the friends visit the Taj Mahal, ride an elaborately decorated elephant, watch a snake charmer playing a flute, meet women dressed in saris, see colorful food for sale, cruise in an open taxi, and listen to a sitar. They key objects are highlighted along the bottom of each two-page spread in a "can you see...?" format. The bright, digitally created illustrations in this large picture book will catch the eye of even the youngest readers. This would be a great introduction to a study on countries, geography, or culture. The end pages show a world map and the stops along the journey. This is the third book about the cute and cuddly friends from Littleland.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Billet, Marion

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/ Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763675790

Price: 14.99

Show Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Cousins Sophia Grace and Rosie are never without their tiaras, tutus, and a song at the ready. When they discover their school is holding a talent show, they can't contain their excitement. They plan to perform a song that won't just put themselves in the spotlight but many of their classmates who might not otherwise have chosen to perform on their own. The message of inclusion and boosting someone else's self-confidence is sweet without being overly didactic. The spunk of the little girls, who have appeared together on the Ellen DeGeneres show, oozes from the pages and one can practically hear the rustle of their matching ruffly tutus. The illustrator has effectively captured the likeness of each girl. The glittery cover showing the two girls performing with microphones will surely draw readers in, even those who are unfamiliar with the girls' fame. A second book about the two young Brits features a tea party, another popular topic for young girls.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grace, Willa

Illustrator: McNicholas, Shelagh

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books/ Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545631358

Price: 17.99

Return to Planet Tad

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

This book takes the form of a blog/diary over the course of one year in the life of Tad as he traverses the end of middle school (8th grade) and the start of high school (9th grade). Readers won't care that it's not quite believable that Tad would actually publicly share all his thoughts through a blog because it's such a fun read with plenty of laugh out loud vignettes. This is the sequel to Planet Tad but readers won't need to start with the first book (but if they like this one, they'll certainly seek the earlier book). Tad is a regular feature in Mad Magazine and the book is full of illustrations not unlike the magazine. Fans of Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid books will enjoy Tad.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carvell, Tim

Illustrator: Holgate, Doug

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062266255

Price: 12.99

Sekret: An Empty Mind is a Safe Mind

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the space race between Russia and the US, Sekret is a fast-paced historical thriller with a paranormal storyline. Yulia is living a hardscrabble existence – she's in hiding with her mother and possibly autistic brother and spends her days bartering for goods at the black market. She is captured by the KGB and taken to a remote mansion to be trained to spy for Russia with a small group of teens, all with various psychic abilities. Yulia can read thoughts by touching people and "read" lingering memories on objects. Others can see the future, some can view things remotely, and "scrubbers" can erase memories in others. Yulia is a reluctant participant but the KGB has taken her mother and brother so she feels she has no choice. History buffs will enjoy the mentions of Yuri Gagarin, the Beatles, Khrushchev, and JFK. As with many YA novels, there's even time for a little romance and I predict a sequel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Lindsay

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596438927

Price: 17.99

Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from a Little Golden Book

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

While many children might recognize some of the illustrations in this book, and the gist of the message is suitable for all ages, the appropriate audience is actually middle-aged women (as captured perfectly on the front cover) who are in need of a little refocusing when it comes to the Christmas holiday season. While there are not any obviously adult-only behaviors shown in the illustrations from the dozens of classic Golden Books, the general air is one geared towards grown-ups. The book focuses on the overly-commercialized, frenzied nature of the holidays; the cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping, dealing with crazy kids, stressing out, gaining weight, sickness, forgetting the true meaning of Christmas- antics many of us succumb to. The selected illustrations perfectly capture the intended messages and are a little like a trip down memory lane. Some of them might even be unfamiliar to all but a handful of readers as they were published as far back as the 1940s. Portions of this book could be used with children, and serve as a springboard to young readers to seek out and read classic holiday Golden books. The back cover includes a tag line "Little Golden Books: not just for children anymore!" It is confusing why this book is being marketed as a kids book (the link on the back cover is randomhouse.com/kids) when it is very clearly not intended for kids.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Muldrow, Diane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Golden Books/ Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497359

Price: 9.99

Once Upon a Mastadon: All About Prehistoric Mammals

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

There are a lot of facts packed into this short adventure with the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and Dick and his sister, Sally. They travel through time and around the world learning about all sorts of creatures from the Ice Age. Scientific practices used to study and identify these ancient animals are also included, along with a glossary, index, scientific names, pronunciation guides, and a list of resources for more information. In typical Dr. Seuss rhymes, the Cat shares interesting tidbits of information about the ancient mammals, starting with a description of what is a mammal. He also talks about early humans and what life was like for them and their interactions with the animals. Dick and Sally gape wide-eyed throughout the entire adventure, assuredly soaking in the myriad facts the Cat disseminates. Young readers would enjoy learning solid content in this fun manner, either on their own or during a read-aloud. The purpose of the books in this series is to deliver good information in an entertaining manner, showing that learning can be fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Worth, Bonnie

Illustrator: Ruiz, Aristides and Joe Mathieu

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375870750

Price: 9.99

What if You Had Animal Hair?

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Readers will surely have a lot of fun imagining what one's hair would be like as porcupine quills, polar bear fur, or giant pangolin scales, among other animals profiled in this humorous work of nonfiction. Scholastic also published a book about animal teeth in this same format. On each two-page spread, a kid is shown 'wearing' the fur of one of the many animals described. Why the animal has that type of hair is explained, along with other facts about the animal. The result of a human having that type of hair is also discussed. There is enough information on each animal for a student to start researching the animal, through a highly engaging manner. The cartoon-like illustrations are realistic enough to make the concept easy to understand. Photographs of the real animals are also included to clearly show the types of hair. Students could also think of their own favorite animal and what it would be like to have that animal's hair. Also included at the back of the book is information on how hair grows and how to take care of hair.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: McWilliam, Howard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545630856

Price: 3.99

And Two Boys Booed

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

A young boy prepares for his class talent show. He practices his song over and over and is ready to perform in front of his classmates. When the big day arrives, he feels ready, but as his turn gets closer and closer, his confidence wanes until, as he stands to go, he becomes flustered and can't do it. After several failed attempts, he finally belts out his song and receives two boos from boys who were fooling around the whole time. This really doesn't bother him because everyone else in the class is standing up applauding. His silly antics are shown through fun flaps throughout the book. Sometimes the flaps reveal surprises and sometimes funny things. This would make for a great read-aloud and serve as a good lesson for overcoming stage fright, being confident in the face of adversity, believing in ones' self, and supporting classmates who struggle. Young readers would also enjoy looking at this on their own, taking in the simple story by themselves. The uncluttered illustrations show the boy and his classmates, without a lot of extraneous details, allowing the focus to remain on the boy and his troubles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Viorst, Judith

Illustrator: Blackall, Sophie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/ Farrar Strasu Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374303020

Price: 16.99

Super Red Riding Hood

Reviewed by: Dorothy Hall-Riddle - N/A, Cumberland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Ruby's favorite color is red; her boots are red, her lunch box is red, and the cloak her granny made her is red. When she puts the cloak on she becomes Super Red Riding Hood, a great super hero. When her mother encourages her to go into the woods to pick raspberries, Ruby reminds herself to be brave, like a super hero. It is here that she encounters the wolf, whose stomach is growling so much Ruby thinks he wants to eat her but it's really the raspberries he's after. The illustrations, rendered in Photoshop, superbly capture the wide variety of emotions in the story from Ruby's zest for life and her confidence as a super hero, her fear of the mysterious sound, the wolf's extreme lust for the raspberries, and the joy the two share after realizing they both have a common love of the juicy fruit. This would be a good book to start conversations about misconceptions, confidence, alternate versions of classic tales, and sharing. Having the background knowledge of the relationship between the wolf and Little Red Riding Hood makes the story work, even though there's no mention of going to Grand Ma's. Readers could take this or other tales and create variations as a writing exercise.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davila, Claudia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380201

Price: 16.95

Jinx's Magic

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Thirteen year-old Jinx, apprentice to the wizard Simon, hones his magic skills and learns he has powers as a Listener in Jinx’s Magic, the sequel to Jinx. Jinx travels to nearby kingdoms, enters the university to gain access to books of magic, and faces the evil Bonemaster in an attempt to save the Urwald, the trees, and Simon. Author, Sage Blackwood, has built a rich, fantasy world with wizards, werewolves, and elves. Sophisticated middle grade readers will enjoy the complex plot and many characters. Readers are left hanging at the end of the story as Jinx learns in the final chapter that he has access to a portal that will lead him to anywhere in the Urwald. Jinx’s Fire, the third book in the trilogy, picks up where the story left off. One minor quibble: the rich language and fantasy world was weakened by use of modern slang (ex: sucks, wow, and like).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Blackwood, Sage

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062129932

Price: 16.99

China: Land of the Emperor's Great Wall

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2015

Review

Osborne manages to pack a lot of history and fascinating facts in this non-fiction companion to one of her Magic Treehouse books (#14,Day of the Dragon King). Starting with an overview of the geography, thought, and organizations of dynasties and concluding with daily life in China today, this book is hard to put down. Elementary students can use it for reports or to gain further knowledge about not only the ancient Chinese world in which Annie and Jack find themselves in the fiction book, but also about the legacy of the Chinese throughout history and the world. An easy purchase for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Molinari, Carlo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385386357

Price: 5.99

Rocky Zang in the Amazing Mr. Magic

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2015

Review

Another in the Judy Moody & Friends series, this book is perfect for emergent readers. Rocky is practicing his magic tricks and Judy, aka Stella the Spectacular, agrees to be his assistant. To Rocky's dismay, Judy is Un-spectacular as an assistant. However, she is fantastic as a friend, which is the conclusion that Rocky finally realizes. With colorful illustrations based on the original Peter Reynolds drawings in Megan McDonald's Judy Moody books, these books are sure to please your K-2 crowd searching for a step up from the easy readers. Judy and friends are engaging, silly, and fun to read about. An easy buy for any library serving a younger audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763670283

Price: 4.99

Serpent's Curse

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Within the pages of The Serpent’s Curse the search for relics continues with the addition of a kidnapping. Several youngsters of unknown age are traveling around the world on an adventure that defies the imagination. Employing history, geography and some fantasy Abbott has created a world where the young are as intelligent and brave as adults. There are however some occasions when the dialog does not enhance the story.

This is a Copernicus Legacy series title, one that depends on the previous book to be fully appreciated.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Abbott, Tony

Illustrator: Perkins, Bill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books (Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062194466

Price: 16.99

Love & Other Theories

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 22, 2015

Review

A contemporary romance, Love & Other Theories is about a group of high school girls who have created a set of theories on love that they use to keep from getting hurt by boys. The story is told from the perspective of Aubrey, the main character. The theories state that they should never get emotionally involved and to always detach and be less available. They think that by not being clingy and wanting things from the boys, the boys will like them better and they won't get emotionally hurt. Aubrey is still recovering from her last dalliance with Trip, who ditched her when he went to college, when a new boy shows up at school. Nathan is cute and seems to pinpoint Aubrey right away. Aubrey uses the theories on him, and they are together from that very first meeting. Aubrey is so happy and thinks the theories work so well…until Nathan starts to detach and spend time instead with her best friend, Shelby. Aubrey is left questioning the theories and the entirety of her friendships and relationships. The story takes place over the span of a year, their senior year of high school. Aubrey has a great character arch and shows real growth throughout the book. The same can't be said for most of the other characters. There is sex in this book, though it doesn't go into great detail. The book focuses on teen relationships, both romantic and friendly, and has a bittersweet tone. Recommend to fans of Sarah Dessen, Katie McGarry, and Gayle Forman.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bass, Alexis

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062275325

Price: 17.99

My Near-Death Adventures (99%True!)

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This humorous, historical fiction story takes place in Michigan at a logging camp in 1895. 11-year-old Stan is telling the story. He gets in trouble because he can’t keep his thoughts to himself no matter what the topic. He is obsessed with being the man of the house and is hoping to find his father, anywhere, he just wants to find him. Old photos from his scrapbook (with his thoughts written on the photos) are on almost every page. I did find it hard sometimes to know when Stan was thinking out loud or talking out loud, but I think that was part of the author’s plan because it seemed like something Stan’s character would do. This book would be great for historical fiction fans that like a story with a bug dose of humor thrown in.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DeCamp, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385390446

Price: 16.99

Welcome to the Neighborwood

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

From the start, this book has your interest. When you read the title you think "Welcome to the Neighborhood" but then you double check what your brain thought the title was and realize it actually is "Welcome to the Neighborwood"?. And that is what this beautiful, informative pop-up book does; it introduces readers to a few animals that live in the woods. Each page has a different animal, which includes a pop-up display of the animal, and its home as well as a few brief facts about the animal.

The pop-up will catch the young reader's eye and entice them to read about the animal. The information is very accessible for a young person and the text is easy to understand. For example each animal's size is compared to something a young child would be familiar with so they could get a better picture of the size of an animal. This is a wonderful book but the pop-ups make the book delicate so it might not be well for a library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sheehy, Shawn

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665944

Price: 29.99

Echo

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This amazing story starts out in a forest where a young boy is reading a story about 3 princesses that were left in the forest with a witch. The witch casts a spell and the only way to break it is for them to save someone's life. Then it jumps to the real lives of 3 children. Each has a story that is full of promise and sadness. The various lives are really different but they have something in common; they love music and play a harmonica that seems to have magic in it. Magic that all began way back in the forest with the witch and the princesses.

This is an amazing story. It starts in what you think is going to be a total fantasy and then switches to realistic fiction. Each of the children's stories is beautiful and will draw you in to their life. The issues they deal with and have to take on are so real. You get so wrapped up in each story that you don’t want them to end. This is a wonderful story that just may make you cry but will make you feel good as well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Munoz Ryan, Pam

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press/ Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780439874021

Price: 19.99

The Island of Dr. Libris

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This story is about a young boy that is spending the summer near a lake with his mom. Little does he know that he is part of an experiment to see if his imagination can bring book characters to life. When he realizes this, he and a friend have amazing adventures with the characters that come to life on an island in the lake. The adventures were fun and a cool idea, but it never really grabbed me. Also I thought that the parent problem was real but the solution was not which took away from the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grabenstein, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385388443

Price: 16.99

Blackbird Fly

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2015

Review

This is about Filipino girl Apple that is in 8th grade and gets put on the “dog log” list (a list of ugly girls at the middle school) and losses her 2 best friends because of it. This forces her to find other friends and take up the guitar, which she learns to play in a matter of weeks (it turns out she is a prodigy). But she has to hide her guitar playing from her mom that has forbidden it.

I liked parts of this book, but one thing that really bothered me was the fact that the boys that were making the dog log list and barking noises never got caught (the teachers had to have heard them) or reprimanded.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062238610

Price: 16.99

Geek Girl

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

Geek girl is a story about a 15-year girl named Harriet that is a geek- well she thinks she’s a geek and so do some of her classmates. One girl in particular makes Harriet’s life miserable.

So, when she gets offered the chance to be a model, something she never thought she’d do in a million years, she decides to go for it because maybe, just maybe, she can get rid of her geek image.

This story is told through Harriet’s eyes. She is funny and makes some of the worst decisions you can possibly imagine-you just won’t believe it. I loved that her dad is a bit of an airhead and her step mom is the grounded one. This book will appeal to readers that like stories about fashion, modeling and/or friendship

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smale, Holly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062333575

Price: 17.99

Mars Evacuees

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

This is a sci-fi adventure that takes place on Earth in the future when humans and aliens are fighting each other over the Earth. Humans are losing the battle so they send a group of children to Mars to keep them safe. But it turns out that sending a bunch of kids to Mars might not be the safest thing to do.

The four main characters are children that are sent to Mars. Alice and her 2 friends Josephine and Carl, and Carl’s little brother Noel, are very different from each other (loved Alice’s outlook on things), which makes for interesting friendships. Their time on Mars is filled with surprises and many of them are not good. This is a sci-fi action packed book with aliens, battles and lots of humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDougall, Sophia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062293992

Price: 16.99

Masterminds

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This story is about a group of kids that live in a town where everything is perfect until one of them figures out something is up, and it isn’t a good thing either. What makes this even creepier and kind of scary is that the parents know something is up but they are in of it.

This is a really good thriller/sci-fi. It is told from the point of view of different children in the town. Each sees things around them a bit differently. When they find out what is going on in their sweet little town called “Serenity” I was totally surprised, just like they were. This is a super fast paced dystopian/sci-fi thriller.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062299963

Price: 16.99

More about Paddington

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

First published in 1958, the classic tale tells of Paddington's arrival at Paddington Station in London and his adoption by the Brown family. This book picks up where the first one leaves off, telling the story of the bubbly but bumbling, ever polite young bear always trying to help his family. The illustrations add a great deal to the story. While totally improbable, the story is fun and will make young readers laugh. With a movie based on the books just out in January, there should be interest in this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michael

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062312204

Price: 9.99

Pokie Pop Plays Hide-and-Seek

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Pookie Pop, a cat, and the other anthropomorphous animals in this chunky board book play the familiar game of hide and seek. Young children will quickly catch on and chime in with "found you" as each tab is pulled. Tabs are thick and rounded rather than squared off, so should hold up better than thinner square tabs. Some animals are familiar, while some are not quite so familiar, so children will learn vocabulary as well as enjoy a cute little story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Listed, None

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Noisy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676001

Price: 7.99

Hide-and-Seek Pout-Pout Fish

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Pout Pout Fish is playing hide and seek under the ocean and asks young readers to help him. There is a tab on each page that makes the reader think that animal will be on the page somewhere. In most cases, the animal is one of those that Pout Pout Fish is seeking. However, that is not always the case. Some of the animals he finds are not named, such as the octopus who is just "Mr. Eight" and some sort of spidery creature who has no name at all. One tab and "discovery" is a clam shown with a prominent pearl inside, something that does not happen very often. The flaps are fairly flimsy so will most likely tear easily. This book will not stand up to many toddler readings. There are better board book and lift the flap books out there.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Square Fish

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250060112

Price: 7.99

Hide And Seek Harry: On The Farm

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Hiding a hippo is not an easy task but Harry wants to play hide and seek. This silly board book has large clear pictures of Harry in a farm environment surrounded by animals and equipment. Preschool children will easily recognize the digital art work as depicted. Colors are authentic and there is good use of white space. Although rhyming is not consistent the text does work.

Preschool children who are familiar with Old McDonald will giggle at the hippo amongst farm critters. Add this to child care centers and public libraries where farm animals are loved.

Unfortunately the cover if this Hide And Seek Harry series board book is already warped.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harrison, Kenny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673703

Price: 6.99

Hide And Seek Harry: At The Playground

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

A playground is the setting for this Hide and Seek Harry series title. There are not many places for a hippo to hide on a suburban playground but Harry is up for the task. He tries to disappear under a seesaw, crawls into a tunnel, and collapses on a slide. In each two page digital illustration Harry is easy to detect but his attempts to hide are very amusing.

Young listeners will find this entertaining. Older toddlers who notice the squirrel will follow his antics with delight. The colors used make the play equipment stand out against the crisp white sky where the font is bold and clear. Add this to board books collections and gift a copy at baby showers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harrison, Kenny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673475

Price: 6.99

Where is Curious George? Around the Town. A Look-and-Find Book.

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

This look-and-find offering fits all the criteria to suit its targeted audience. Curious George is the character that the readers seek in these busy, colorful, brilliant pages. The text is rhyming and lends itself to a read-aloud application. Each spread follows George through a busy day; he visits a playground, a fire station, an ice cream shop, a zoo, and eventually arrives home. There are other objects and creatures to look for on each two-page spread. The items are bright and big so even the youngest readers will not become frustrated but will find great joy in locating them. The pages are extremely sturdy and will stand the test of time and innumerable readings. This is definitely a choice to consider for shelves of all kinds.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Platt, Cynthia

Illustrator: Paprocki, Greg

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544380721

Price: 9.99

Astrid the Fly

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

Astrid the fly lives behind the sofa with her Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Ally, 7 cousins, 3 second cousins and 43 brothers and sisters. She has lots of adventures exploring in the house, swimming in the dishwater, watching what's cooking through the 'warm window,' walking in any foodstuffs she can find, and hanging around on the ceiling. However, she is warned about the flyswatter and the vacuum cleaner, referred to as the big bang and the horrible inhaling machine respectively. One of these was probably the fate of Uncle Abe. Yikes! One day she finds herself enclosed in a very dark and frigid place and, luckily but barely, escapes with her life. The illustrations are amusing employing lots of black and white and subtle colors. In the end, one comes away almost (read, almost) thinking twice about using that flyswatter. This is adorable and worthy of consideration for shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jonsson, Maria

Illustrator: Jonsson, Maria

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823432004

Price: 16.95

When You Were Born

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

This book is just plain adorable. It celebrates births of babies of all sorts, from elephants and bears, seals and owls, and so on up to humans. The text is rhyming, spare, and poetic. The illustrations are simple yet sumptuous and the message rings clear and true. Children will come away knowing that, on the day they were born, Mom and Dad rejoiced and felt blessed beyond words. This is a wonderful addition to picture book collections, books about the wonder of birth, and books meant simply to show every child how special and welcomed they were, how precious and unique. Give it a look and you will agree that this is one to strongly consider adding to ones shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674052

Price: 12.99

Everything

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

This is a beautiful story that celebrates a mother's love for her baby, in this case the mother and baby are koalas. In simple rhyming text, Mom tries to convey to her baby which parts of the baby she loves the best. Of course, that question is not easily answered as Mom loves everything about her baby; her kisses, her cuddles, her antics, her hugs and laughs and her precious little face. The illustrations complement the text perfectly employing lots of shiny colors along with yellows, greens, and blues. Consider this one for your shelves. It's just precious.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763671280

Price: 12.99

The Big Blue Thing on the Hill

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

Forest residences are not pleased to find a big blue thing (a VW bus) on the top of their hill. In fairy tale fashion the wolves and bears make a racket that goes unheard by the mysterious inhabitants of the big blue thing; the pigs try to push it; and the fox attempt to bury it on Howling Hill. In keeping with forest tradition it is Wisest Old Owl who comes up with a solution employing all the insects.

The text is full of animal sounds, the art work is lavish and the attention to detail all combines to make this a great summer read. "The Big Blue Thing on the Hill" should be combined with "A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee" by Chris Van Dusen for a summer themed story program. Camping families will want to share this one around the campfire.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zommer, Yuval

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674038

Price: 16.99

Families

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 28, 2015

Review

Families do indeed come in all sizes, they may have members representing several generations and they can be diverse or similar. The emphasis of this book is that members of a family love and care for each other. Traditional families are complimented by same sex parents, multiracial family members, and extended families.

Rotner's photos are excellent; her depiction of family life is inclusive, happy and accepting. The large print text is great for early readers who will want to peruse these pages over and over as they sound out the words. This book needs to be on every public library shelf and should have an honored place on families' coffee tables.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Sheila

Illustrator: Rotner, Shelley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday house

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823430536

Price: 17.95

How Do Dinosaurs Stay SAFE?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Jane Yolen's dinosaur series continues with this new addition. Safety issues at home and out and about are discussed, including jumping on the bed, running on the stairs, wearing a bike helmet, taking water on a hike, and crossing the street. Caregivers expressions show great concern, while the dinosaurs appear worried or even scared. The contrast in the dinosaurs' huge size and the things surrounding them makes for humoruous illustrations. The dinosaur on the bike is particularly funny. Important safety concerns every child should know are addressed here, but in a fun and funny way that can make for great conversations with young children as they learn to negotiate the world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780439241045

Price: 16.99

Puss in Boots

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Jane Yolen's dinosaur series continues with this new addition. Safety issues at home and out and about are discussed, including jumping on the bed, running on the stairs, wearing a bike helmet, taking water on a hike, and crossing the street. Caregivers expressions show great concern, while the dinosaurs appear worried or even scared. The contrast in the dinosaurs' huge size and the things surrounding them makes for humoruous illustrations. The dinosaur on the bike is particularly funny. Important safety concerns every child should know are addressed here, but in a fun and funny way that can make for great conversations with young children as they learn to negotiate the world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Perrault, Charles

Illustrator: Teague, Sam-hyeon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780439241045

Price: 16.99

The Bus is For Us

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 29, 2015

Review

In all seasons, and many environments this bus tale needs to be shared with toddlers. Transportation is a winning theme for little one, this book will not disappoint. While riding a bike, a car, a train, children exclaim their love of the bus. More imaginative rides are pictured in the lovely two page spreads that will peak the interest of readers.

The illustrations fit the text and improve on its somewhat slow rhymes. Tyler has found a way to highlight most of the twelve children pictured on the cover; little ones are bound to enjoy finding each child during their special type of ride. While the double decker bus is a popular mode of transportation in London it is only seen in major US tourist cities. This however will not lessen the positive experience of those reading "The Bus IS For Us".

A fun read that will not sit long on library shelves.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Tyler, Gillian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669836

Price: 16.99

Arctic Thaw: Climate Change and the Global Race for Energy Resources

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

As the ice continues to melt in the arctic the political climate is heating up. McPherson's research demonstrates that climate change is indeed taking place in the Arctic regions. This slim book goes beyond the usual arguments exposing the political arguments between countries who claim rights to waterways and natural resources. From legal rights to traversing the waterways to the installation of bases in the Arctic this book looks at the major players who want to profit as the ice melts. It also considers the future of the indigenous population and wildlife who reside in the Arctic.

The author has used current sources, mostly from publications and websites. She goes beyond science discussing what motivations Greenpeace to protest and considers the future of the indigenous population. The book is well researched and formatted for the use of middle grade students. Title pages have an attractive green-gray ice illustration that enhances the text. Color photos complement the factual content and the end pages provide additional information.

Add this to middle school learning centers and to public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McPherson, Stephanie Sammartino

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty First Century Books (Lerner)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467720434

Price: 31.00

I Remember You

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2015

Review

Lucas remembers their first kiss, he knows things about the future and he is falling in love. Juliet is confused and scared by Lucas' memories but she is also falling in love. Their future seemed sealed but the truth is harder to share with supporting characters and a hockey accident nearly undoes a beautiful love story. This is a sweet, gentle and very real love story with a blend of not possible and just maybe storyline.

Juliet and Lucas are well defined characters; readers will watch their relationship grow while getting acquainted with family and friends of the couple. What is refreshing is that the author places the characters in a time that predates most of our technology. The mixture of typical high school activities and political/military issues gives "I Remember You" some real substance.

Read this book to see if young love can survive in spite of cultural and social world views. Add to public library young adult collections and place on high school media center shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cathleen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978038575455

Price: 17.99

Whose Tools?

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2015

Review

Sturdy board book pages fold out to engage children in a guessing game featuring tools used in the building of a house. Children are introduced to various building professionals, from mason to roofer, electrician, plumber and painter.

The repeated refrain of "Whose tools are those?/Do you know?" is paired with a rhyming clue that references the tools illustrated and named on the opposing page. Fold out the tool page to discover the answer.

Full color illustrations show anthropomorphized tools with faces and legs added. Racially diverse people include both men and women. This is no guide on how the tools are used; some tools are depicted as merely hanging from a pocket on the answer page. Although the roofer states she "nails shingles in straight rows," the accompanying illustration shows zigzag and triangle patterns. Although the rows are technically straight, the illustration may cause confusion in literal-minded youngsters.

Simple text may encourage new readers to give this a try. Even the flaps on this book will stand up to repeated readings. With a variety of professions available, one can hope that this is the first in a series. Recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Buzzeo, Toni

Illustrator: Datz, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed / Abrams

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781419714313

Price: 9.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Question of Miracles

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2015

Review

Sixth-grader Iris and her parents have moved from California to Oregon and she is not happy with the change: sunshine to constant rain, home with all the mod cons to old farmhouse, friends and a school she knows to a school where she knows no one and knows not how everything works. The worst thing of all, though, is that Iris's very best friend Sarah has died and she cannot accept that Sarah and her spirit could just suddenly be snuffed out for eternity. The reader is left wondering about the circumstances of Sarah's death until well into the story. When Iris finally makes a new friend and finds out that his birth may actually be considered a medical miracle and sainthood is in the offing for a deceased pope to whom nuns had prayed for his survival, she wonders why Sarah didn't receive a miracle. She also hears strange noises in the closet under the stairs of the farmhouse and thinks that perhaps Sarah's soul and spirit are there. This book delves into Catholicism, psychic ability, an unusual but successful family dynamic, the card game Magic, and all sorts of attempts to contact the dead. This is a good choice for a a middle-school aged child dealing with a death and the questions raised around life after death.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Elana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544334649

Price: 16.99

Alex as Well

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2015

Review

This book deals with a fourteen-year old who is struggling with his/her (hs) identity in a big way. Little does he/she(hs) know that hs was born with both female and male anatomy. There is a small penis involved, which hs refers to as a noodle, and ovaries. Hs has been on medication for hs entire life to turn hs toward boyhood, as this was determined the best route by doctors and specialists involved. However, hs now has decided not to take the medication and wants to be female. This is a fascinating and rare topic for a book targeting middle school to high school age readers. Her parents handle it poorly, to say the least and Alex, a nice gender neutral name, has an ongoing two-sided inner dialogue and struggles with understanding whether or not hs is a lesbian, while also having male anatomical reactions to girls h/s finds attractive. This is a good story for young adolescents dealing with identity issues and for anyone who wants to better understand issues of this type, hopefully leading to more open-mindedness and sympathy around the topic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brugman, Alyssa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627790147

Price: 16.99

Bella the Bunny

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2015

Review

Bella the fairy bunny has a job in Misty Wood as do all the other creatures that live there. Her's is to open flower buds. When she finds a ladybug hiding in one of the flowers, she has her work cut out for her. Lexi the Ladybug has only one spot and is afraid all the other insects will laugh at her at Misty Wood Insect Sports Day. In this lovely story, Bella helps Lexi to hunt for more spots, to no avail. Through a series of events, Lexi realizes that she is fine just the way that she is. Young readers enamored by Daisy Meadows series featuring fairies and lots of sparkles will find new delight in Fairy Animals of Misty Wood.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Small, Lily

Illustrator: Small, Lily

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791427

Price: 5.99

Where Triplets Go, Trouble Follows

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2015

Review

Daisy, Lily, and Violet Divine are triplets but they are not identical in any way. They are all a bit different looking and they enjoy and are talented in different ways. This chapter book is full of adventure and challenges for each of the girls and the redeeming quality of the story is that the family, which includes the girls, their parents and grandparents, all pull together to help one another one and stand beside one another through thick and thin. A new family member changes the dynamic of the group in some negative, but mostly positive ways. Young girls, especially, will enjoy this story and, of course, twins and triples will get a big kick out of it. Sporadic black, gray and white illustrations complement the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poploff, Michelle

Illustrator: Jamieson, Victoria

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432899

Price: 16.95

Chloe the Kitten

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2015

Review

Chloe the Kitten lives in a magical place called Misty Wood. She is a Cobweb Kitten and her job is to sprinkle cobwebs with dewdrops to make them shimmer and shine. All the animals in Misty Wood have jobs that help keep their home forest beautiful and all sport fairy wings. One day Chloe loses her basket in which she carries her dewdrops and adventure ensues. She makes a decision to help a little lost mouse find her way home, risking danger with little thought of herself. This story teaches about helping others and the value of friendship. This series will appeal to lovers of all things fairy and all things sparkly. Devotees of Daisy Meadows' offerings will find this series delightful.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Small, Lily

Illustrator: Small, Lily

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791410

Price: 5.99

First Snow

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2015

Review

Pedro comes to visit his cousins and encounters his first snow, which he keeps telling everyone he doesn’t like. The drawings are terrific. The chubby animals and their cute faces are hard not to like. The story does a good job of talking about not liking something you don’t know about. good

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCarty, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062189967

Price: 16.99

Monty's Magnificent Mane

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This story is about a lion that loves it’s beautiful mane. But that love almost gets the lion and his friends in a lot of trouble. The illustrations are colorful and match the lion’s attitude about his mane. They also do a great job of letting a young reader see how scary the crocodile is without being too scary. This would be a good book for children that like a bit of a scare from the unexpected in their books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Neill, Gemma

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763675936

Price: 15.99

How to Surprise a Dad

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2015

Review

This cute book is all about two children finding ways to surprise their dad. This book would be wonderful read aloud before Father’s Day. It gives children all kinds of ideas for ways to do something special for a dad. Some of the things can be made, (all are simple and just right for a child), and others are things a child can do. The nicest part about it is that while the tips and ideas are there, the story itself is fun and the illustrations make it funny, too.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reagan, Jean

Illustrator: Wildish, Lee

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553498363

Price: 16.99

Bears and a Birthday

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

4 little bears make a cake and wrap up a gift for big bear’s birthday. They do this with lots of love even if the cake and gift aren’t perfect. This is a very sweet story with gentle, colorful drawings. Young children will enjoy the rhymes that let them in on the birthday surprises for the big bear.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763671525

Price: 15.99

Aqualicious

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

Pinkalicious finds a real mini mermaid on the beach. She has fun playing with her the mini mermaid and then finds a way to take her back to the place where she will be safe. Great drawings through out the book. The story itself was good and Pinkalicious fans will enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kann, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062330161

Price: 17.99

Happy Spring, Chirp!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This is a sweet toddler book about a young chick that is trying to bring a birthday present to its aunt. The drawings in this book are adorable. The text is simple but tells the story well. Young children will enjoy the foldout and pop-up pages through out the story. The ending is just right for a young person- it looks like something will happen to the present but it turns out just right.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Iriyama, Satoshi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544361508

Price: 8.99

Good Night, Knight

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This story is about a knight and horse searching for golden cookies. The text repeats it self through out this Guided Reading Level F early reader which is very helpful for a new reader. The drawings are silly and match the tone of the book. The story line was good, but there are others in the I Like to Read series that are better. Still, if you are looking for an early reader with knights in it this might be one to look at.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Betsy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823432066

Price: 14.95

The Cowboy

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

In this early reader, a little girl’s dog is being swept away by a wave but is saved by a young cowboy. Young readers will enjoy this fun Guided Reading Level F book. The cowboy is a good character that will appeal to boys and girls. Even though the text is simple the story has a lot going on that the pictures help bring to life. This would be a nice addition to anyone’s early reader collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Muller, Hildegard

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823432028

Price: 14.95

Look out, Mouse!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This fun early reader is about a mouse and the animals that start chasing him on the farm. The drawings are fun and lively in this Guided Reading Level E early reader. The text is simple and repeats itself through out the book so it makes it a nice read for a beginning reader. Another plus is that the story is funny. With an early reader this can be tough, but this book does the job. The book itself is very sturdy and will be able to passed on to many readers so it would be a great book for a classroom or a library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bjorkman, Steve

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823429530

Price: 14.95

3, 2, 1, Go!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This cute story is about 2 older friends playing school. When a younger girl wants to join them she is told she is too young to play but she finds away to join them and prove that she is smart enough to play. The illustrations are great in this book for new readers. They go well with the text and give clues to the words being used. Words were repeated to make it easier for a new reader. The book also includes a Guided reading Level rating (it is a G) to help teachers and/or new readers determine if it is at the right level. All in all this is a very nice early reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823432882

Price: 14.95

Dogs are People, Too

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2015

Review

This graphic novel, is all about dogs. And it is super funny. Now some are funnier than others, but most will at least have you cracking a smile if not out right laugh. A cool thing about this book is that the author puts in little short stories about the dogs he has had and has in his life, some cool famous dogs in history and a few random dog facts. It is easy to read and will be a hit with readers of all abilities.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Coverly, Dave

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627790420

Price: 12.99

20 Big Trucks

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2015

Review

This board book is about 20 different trucks that get stuck in a traffic jam on the street. No one seems to know what to do- except for a young boy on a bicycle. This is a fun book with rhyming text and great pictures. Young readers will not only enjoy the variety of trucks packed into this short story, but the way the young boy solves the traffic jam problem instead of the adults. Another great part of the book is the young bike rider counts the number of trucks as they get stuck in the traffic jam, which is a nice way to add in a bit of math. It also comes in Spanish so the set could be used for teaching purposes.The only weakness with the book is that this is a board book, which looks like it should be for a toddler, however the story might be too long for a 2 year old to sit through, even if it is about some pretty cool trucks.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lee, Makrk

Illustrator: Cyrus, Kurt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676506

Price: 7.99

Vivian Apple at the End of the World

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

Seventeen year old Vivian Apple is sure that the Rapture will blow over without incident, and that everything will go back to normal once everyone comes back to their senses, including her parents. Set in a modern America where a religion headed by Beaton Frick, called the Church of America, capitalizes on its Believers in every sense of the word, ("SPRING into the eternal kingdom in this sweet pale gold romper! Only $145 on the Church of America website!"), Vivian is an adamant non-Believer. However, after returning home after the night of the Rapture and finding her parents missing along with thousands of others, Vivian begins to wonder if Frick's prophesies might be true. When a rumor reaches her of a secret compound in California where Frick and his Believers may be hiding, she sets off with her best friend Harp and new ally Peter in a desperate search for truth across America. Packed with satire, irreverent humor, and thorough character development, Coyle's novel offers a unique end-of-the-world scenario that draws parallels between Vivian’s America and our own. An open-ended conclusion to the book leaves room for this epic road trip to continue in further books. Recommended for libraries with an audience for apocalyptic scenarios and strong female characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Coyle, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544340114

Price: 17.99

Falling Up Special Edition

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

Labelled "special edition", this edition of A Falling Up contains twelve new poems and drawings "the family of Shel Silverstein is pleased to share" from the Silverstein Archives. The twelve poems are in a final section and the eight member picking committee receive a "thank you all" signed by the poet that suggests he had agreed to additional poems and drawings of his to be published in the future. Like the posthumous collection of Silverstein's 2011 Everything On It, the twelve additional verses in this 2015 edition of Falling Up are entertaining and worthy of being included even if not by the poet's own choosing. Established fans are certain to welcome them. Recommended for all ages of about five years and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Silverstein, Shel

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,all ages,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062321336

Price: 19.99

There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2015

Review

Re-issue of the 2012 title introducing Ted Williams. The text remains the same, although this newer edition lists chapter headings. We meet Williams as a child, learn of his stardom on the baseball diamond and his two tours of military duty. The addition of a table of contents and index will please schools following Common Core standards. An author note, bibliography and statistics page completes the package.

With its easy text and clear font, this title is attractive to new readers. The compact size will appeal to those who don't want to be seen carrying a "baby book," as picture books are mistakenly perceived. However, the smaller format means that details have been cropped from the edges of some of the illustrations.

Some minor quibbles are noted. Williams won the American League Triple Crown twice, but readers never learn what the award signifies. Although the text states that his batting average of .388 in 1957 was "one of his finest seasons," the statistics page shows three seasons with a higher batting average. It is unclear why the 1957 season was singled out for notice. His time in the military is mentioned, but there is no source for the claim that he decided to crash his plane rather than bail out and risk broken legs.

Tavares has a knack for bringing baseball figures to life with clear prose and warm illustrations. His watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations range from 2-page spreads to spot illustrations that clearly depict Williams' determination and elation during the game. Libraries that don't own the earlier edition will want to add this one. Libraries shelving the larger edition with picture books might consider adding this to the biography section to reach additional readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763676551

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Maine Coon's Haiku and Other Poems for Cat Lovers

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memoial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

Comic and charming moments highlight the lives of twenty cat breeds. Illustrated digitally with appealing double page spreads throughout, this collection of poems concludes with interesting brief facts about each cat breed appended. While the breed of the cat is the title of each poem, there is neither page numbers nor an index making it necessary to thumb through the pages to find a particular selection. The poet and author of two other haiku collections, Michael Rosen has lifelong experience with animals. He arranges the cat verses in this book into two categories: outside cats and inside cats. With its attractive title, this may be a book that appeals to cat lovers, especially Maine ones, haiku fanciers, creative writing classes, and to reading aloud to primary school classes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,all ages,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763664923

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Out and About: A First Book of Poems

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

This is the first U.S. edition of a book first published in Great Britain in 1988. The collection is arranged into the four seasons of the year and it highlights what small children may find in each season when they are out and about. The pen and ink drawings are unmistakably Shirley Hughes. In an author's note Hughes says that for her, words and pictures go together. They do so here harmoniously and create a delightful first book of poems for three to five year olds. Recommended and what a great gift book it makes too!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763676445

Price: 16.99

Playing a Part

Reviewed by: Krisitn Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This is the first American publishing of this book which was originally written in Russia as "Shutovskoi Kolpak" and translated by Marian Schwartz. It is about a young man, Grishka, who has grown up in the very closed world of Russian puppet theater. His world seems to be falling apart with his best friend needing a very serious operation and finances that are threatening the theater forcing people to leave. The worst part of it all is his friend Sam, who is homosexual, is leaving and Grishka can't bear the thought of this.

Unfortunately, something got lost in the translation between Russian and English. The story drags on about whether or not Grishka is homosexual or not and in the end the reader still not quite sure. It does deal with the homophobia situations that are found in the States, but leaves the reader still questioning what is really going on. The author does do a nice job in describing what puppet theater life is really like and the descriptions enable a good visual while reading.

Recommended reading level would be upper middle school to high school. The book does deal with homosexuality and could be used to compare how homosexuality is dealt with in another country.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Wilke, Daria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545726078

Price: 18.99

Little Peach

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Though "Little Peach" is fiction, it is closely based on stories shared with the author by teen runaways that turn to prostitution. Michelle Boynton is raised in Philadelphia by a loving, caring grandfather and a drug addict mother. In her teens, her grandfather passes away and her mother's boyfriend tries to abuse her. The solution according to her mother is that she has to go. The reason -- she is too much competition for the boyfriend and her mother is not willing to share.

MIchelle, aka Little Peach, is brought into the world of drugs and prostitution as the only way to survive. She becomes a member of a family with Kat, Baby (12 years old) and Devon as their "Daddy". Devon promises them a better life and the more money they earn the faster they can start their new lives. Of course, the reader knows that this not the case and after being abuse, the possible death of Kat (never really stated, but understood), Michelle gets the help that is needed.

Very well written and extremely sad that this is the case for most runaways. The author notes at the end of the story gives information on teen runaways and prostitution. She asks a very vital question -- how can this be happening in a country as wealthily as ours? This book could be used a really good discussion with the question posed as the lead-in. Designed more for high school readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kern, Peggy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062266958

Price: 17.99

I Don't Want to be a Frog

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This lively Frog Father with Frog Son conversation runs through all the animals that the young frog wishes to be. As the young frog hopefully announces each possibility, cat, rabbit, owl, pig, the Father Frog patiently and practically points out the reasons these choices just won't work. The colorful uncluttered illustrations allow the story to be told using conversation bubbles without confusing the flow or getting bogged down. This humorous story's message,"You can't fight nature. We are what we are." is a light, fun conversation starter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petty, Dev

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday books for young readers/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375973345

Price: 16.99

In Mary's Garden

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This picture book biography introduces young readers to Wisconsin Folk artist, Mary Nohl. As a young schoolgirl in the 1920s, Mary wasn't interested in traditional girl's classes. She explored woodworking and enjoyed construction, drawing and creating. The details of Mary noel's life are absent from this book, but the reader gets a good understanding of the techniques and materials she uses to create her sculptures. Her drive to create and the joy she got from living with her art shines through. The pastel watercolor and digital illustrations will inspire young readers to collect and create their own artwork from found objects. Author's note fills in some details of Ms. Nohl's art and the tenuous state of her sculpture garden today. Inspiring.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kugler, Tina & Carson

Illustrator: Kugler, Tina & Carson

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544272200

Price: 16.99

The Girl with the Glass Bird

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This Girl's Boarding School mystery is the first in this author's Knight's Haddon series. Main character, Edith Wilson(Edie), jumps at the chance to be enrolled in a posh boarding school in order to escape her uncaring Aunt and cruel cousins. Her boarding school enrollment comes with a catch. Russian Prince Stolonov, who is paying her tuition, charges Edie with befriending his daughter, Anastasia, and finding out why her possessions keep disappearing and her mental state is being questioned. The book is full of shifting friendships, unreliable adults and family mystery. Readers will struggle with keeping track of all the secondary characters. The adults are addressed by their last names or nicknames by the students but when talking to or about each other first names are used. This practice and inadequate character development cause some confusion. The complicated plot line will hold reader's interest and the happy ending is satisfying yet open for a sequel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kerr, Esme

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545699846

Price: 16.99

Half a Man

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This brief compelling story deals with the aftermath of war and its effect on the returning warrior and their loved ones. Told by a disfigured soldier's Grandson, this concise, poignant story reveals both his fear and curiosity about his Grandfather as a person and his lifelong post war struggle. The illustrations are artistic, tonal screen prints that help tell the story and add to the atmosphere. This is a valuable volume to add to literature about engaging with disfigured or disabled individuals. a good choice for older reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Morpurgo, Michael

Illustrator: O'Callaghan, Gemma

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677473

Price: 16.99

When Lunch Fights Back, Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

The items on the lunch menu in this engaging middle grade non-fiction book include fish, reptiles, birds, invertebrates and plants. Each chapter opens with dramatic predator/prey interactions presented with compelling text and riveting photographs. This is followed by a section titled, "The Science Behind the Story" that describes each prey item's unique defense mechanism. Clear engaging text will hold the reader's interest as firmly as the impressive photographs and microscopic images used to illustrate each chapter. Even the photograph captions are well written and provide additional fascinating facts. The backmatter provides ample resource options for further exploration. This is an excellent choice for both non-fiction lovers who read cover to cover or for browsers interested in collecting amazing facts.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Rebecca L

Illustrator: , various photographs

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Hillbrook Press/ Lerner Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467721097

Price: 24.00

A Snowy Owl Story

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Though I don't think you're ever too young to learn about nature and animals, I disagree with the publishers' choice of making this a board book versus a picture book. The illustrations are bold and bright and are sure to capture even the youngest reader's attention and the text is brief and easy to read. I would like the option of a picture book so as not to deter new readers from picking this up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Melissa

Illustrator: Fitch, Jada

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939017482

Price: 10.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator,Maine setting

Gus Explores His World

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Such a great book in such a little package! Gus is a little gosling who likes to be by himself. He is perfectly contented watching the things around him. One day Gus watches as a mother turtle lays her eggs. Gus quietly sits on the eggs and watches until three small heads peek out at him. Gus is a small yellow gosling who likes to be by himself. Most of the time. Charming in every way. I can't wait to share this with my two year old grandson.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunrea, Olivier

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547867618

Price: 9.99

Gemma & Gus Big Sister, Little Brother

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Like all siblings, Gus & Gemma have their share of squabbles. Little brother Gus wants to do everything big sister Gemma does until she tells him to stop. Then Gus takes his own lead and Gemma follows him until they both decide it can be more fun to explore together. These two cute goslings are quite the pair. The watercolor illustrations and simple text will make this a favorite read along.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunrea, Olivier

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547868516

Price: 9.99

Uh-Oh!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This picture book a delightful story of two rolly polly toddlers at play on the beach. When mishaps occur "uh-oh" they find ways to make the best of them. I really liked this book for it's playful illustrations and would definitely recommend for collections. ("Uh-oh!" Question? Does two word text actually count as author credit?)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crum, Shutta

Illustrator: Barton, Patrice

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385752688

Price: 16.99

Liars, Inc.

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Full of twists and turns, mystery fans will love Liars, Inc. Max spends his time with his girlfriend Parvati, and his best friend, Preston. Bored with school and life, they decide to start a business lying for other kids by calling in fake sicknesses and forging documents. Business is booming when Preston asks Max to cover for him. The next day, Preston is missing and the FBI thinks Max is responsible. The author takes us through a number of twists and turns as Max tries to figure out what really happened. Just when you think you’ve figured out who is responsible and what happened to Preston, author Paula Stokes throws another wrench in the works. Max never does figure it all out, until it comes to a dramatic climax where life and death are on the line. Aside from the mystery, this book will have you thinking about how well you really know people and who you can trust.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stokes, Paula

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062323286

Price: 17.99

A List of Things That Didn't Kill Me

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, 207 Main St., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This memoir by debut author Schmidt recounts his experiences growing up with an emotionally and physically abusive father who moved him whose rejection of mainstream ideals did not extend to acknowledging his cultural power as an adult and his son’s inherent vulnerability as his child. Moved from home to home frequently, Schmidt vividly recollects his father’s arrest during a drug raid when he was 3, which lands him in his religious grandparents’ home for a turn. After he rejoins his father, he struggles as an elementary and middle schooler to find friends and find people with whom he's comfortable. After his father comes out as gay, Schmidt is provided with support at home by one of his live-in boyfriends, but things unravel rapidly when the AIDS crisis of the early 1980's hits and his father becomes HIV positive. Often agonizing, this employs a matter-of-fact, at times almost sardonic tone, as it describes distressing abuse in which a kid truly functions as an adult out of necessity. Troubling, moving and unflinchingly honest, this memoir will be best appreciated by older teens and adults who are fans of the work of Augusten Burroughs and the like.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schmidt, Jason

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374380137

Price: 18.99

Vanishing Girls

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

After 17 year old Nick seriously injures her younger sister in a car accident for which she’s responsible, she struggles to come to terms with the changes in their relationship and with the way it has affected their family life – already strained by their parents’ ugly divorce. Older sister Nick has always been the responsible one, while Dara has been the impulsive, wild child – routinely experimenting with drugs and alcohol and teasing her sister for not having yet had sex with her boyfriend of several months – so part of the discord is due to the unfamiliarity Nick has with having wronged her sister, who has avoided her religiously since the accident. Alternating narration between the two sisters and interspersing flashbacks with the present-day chapters makes for an interesting if complicated read that requires attentive focus and another separate plot-line about a 9 year old girl’s disappearance weaves its way throughout. The dark, moody atmosphere suits the subject matter well and Oliver’s dreamy, vivid writing is evocative. However, seasoned readers will spot the big twist at play in this suspense novel early on, leaving them in the position waiting for the other shoe to drop for the duration.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oliver, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062224101

Price: 18.99

Cemetery Boys

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

Horror tropes abound in this story involving a small town's folklore about horrific bird monsters that periodically demand sacrifices to appease them. After his mother is institutionalized following a descent into mental illness, Stephen and his father are forced due to financial straits to move back to his father's hometown of Spencer, Michigan, where they move in with his awful, mean-spirited grandmother. They are barely in town for a day when Stephen begins to sense that all is not right in the insular, unwelcoming town. People speak of Spencer going through "a bad time" and Stephen soon meets Devin, whose gang of friends seems to know plenty about both the bad time and what they think will be the remedy. They court Stephen to be one of them, enticing him to the cemetery at night (which they call "The Playground") to drink and engage in various hijinks. Meanwhile, Stephen is busy falling hard for Devin's sister, Cara. Featuring writing that is often clunky and predictable scares, this will nevertheless appeal to fans of Brewer's Slayer Chronicles series.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Brewer, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062307880

Price: 17.99

The Sculptor

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

A down-on-his-luck sculptor makes a deal with death. In exchange for a lasting name, "the other David Smith" has 200 days to live. The next day, he discovers he no longer needs tools to create the sculptures he envisions. Using his hands, he can make granite splash like mud, and he gets giddy with the excitement of creating fantastical images.

Despair remains close, as he continues to face rejection from galleries, loses his home, and spends time on the streets. Glimmers of hope return when he meets Meg, and she takes him in, both physically and emotionally. Eventually, he takes his art to the streets, creating larger-than-life guerrilla sculptures using buildings and sidewalk concrete.

Monochromatic illustrations in shades of blue, black and white illuminate this tale that is part love story, part commentary on the integrity and competitiveness of the art world. Hope and despair are juxtaposed next to each other, at times in neighboring panels. Lovemaking scenes and intimate bathroom scenes reserve this title for older readers.

McCloud is known for his books, Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics and Making Comics. Here, we see the master at work. Sensitive readers and those struggling to find their way in life will relate well with David. Artists and readers familiar with McCloud's ground-breaking nonfiction will welcome his return to graphic novel fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCloud, Scott

Illustrator: McCloud, Scott

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596435735

Price: 29.99

Read Between the Lines

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

2015 YA novel that follows different teens throughout one day as they navigate the challenging, angst-filled world of being an adolescent. The cover drew me in (as I think it will do for many teens) as it speaks to that old expression, "read between the lines" and then you hold up three fingers with the offensive middle finger in the middle. The book uses the middle finger and all of its implications in different, sometimes unexpected, ways in each story, so that is the unifier. As I finished the book, I found myself wanting more, more stories from the students and the adults found on the pages of Knowles's book. This book perfectly captures the heartbreak and confusion of being a teenager, and it forces the reader to look more deeply into the stereotypes seemingly presented on the page. It is well-written and so engaging that you can't put it down. Recommend this book to readers of Gae Polisner, Sarah Dessen, Gayle Forman, or John Green. With the topic of flipping someone the finger, and for many sexual references, it is definitely meant for 10th grade and up, and is a fantastic addition for any YA collection. It would also be a good YA book group or class discussion book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Knowles, Jo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763663872

Price: 16.99

The Distance Between Lost and Found

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

New author Kathryn Holmes takes a fresh look at teen relationships where bullying has impacted the life of victims and their friends. Hallie is persuaded to attend a church sponsored summer camp program knowing the young man who is responsible for her fall from popularity may continue his rumors. While hiking three members of the group (including Hallie) become separated from the group and get lost for five days.

This is a story about survival; surviving the emotional mind field of the teen years; the ability to survive bullying; as well as survival in the woods without proper food, shelter or preparation. Readers will feel the pain both physical and emotional of the three lost teens and will celebrate their growth and ability to survive. This story does have a religious backstory but does not preach any doctrine.

Purchase this where "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" or "Hatchet" are popular. An excellent addition to a Christian collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holmes, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062317261

Price: 17.99

Paper Things

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

2015, An engaging and well-written middle-grade novel that tells an unusual story, that of a girl who is rendered homeless when she and her 19-year-old brother try to make it on their own after the death of their mother. Ari and Gage live with a guardian and family friend, who is doing her best to care for them, but Gage bristles at the guardian's rules and tries to fend for himself; his sister, 11-year-old Ari is ripped from her mostly-comfortable life so that the two can "stick together" the way that their dying mama wished. The only thing that connects Ari to her past life is her folder of "paper things" which she has cut out of catalogues for many years, creating a kind of paper doll house populated with "people" who bring her comfort. The book is by Maine author Jacobson and if you know Portland well, the story moves around the city to many familiar landmarks and venues. There is even a mention of a student in Ari's class, Catherine McAuley, which is the name of an all-girl high school in Portland. This familiar setting heightened my enjoyment as I could picture just how far Ari and Gage had to go some mornings after sleeping on a couch, or in a storage unit, to get to school and work. There are so many familiar themes in the book, trying to fit in, bullying, family ties, but the struggle of the main character to deal with these common middle school issues while trying to keep a clean shirt tucked into her backpack and to eat breakfast each day added a layer to the book that really made it stand out. A must-read for teachers and young readers who need to be reminded that not all students deal with the same level of problems and the front that they present may not always tell the whole story. Recommend for Cream and for all MG collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jacobson, Jennifer Richard

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763663230

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Boy and the Book

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

2015: a mostly wordless picture book in which a little boy abuses his book which, in turn, trembles at the thought of being used by the boy again. The book's friends attempt to hide him and even rescue him from the little boy when he is caught by the over-enthusiastic book "lover". But when the book sees how sad the boy is upon losing access to his beloved book, it jumps down to be borrowed by the boy. The boy has now learned to read and seems to grasp the message and is shown gently reading the book in bed. A nice picture book that captures that "A-ha!" moment when a child gets how lovely and valuable a book is. Recommended for library lessons with young learners and readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Slater, David Michael

Illustrator: Kolar, Bob

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978158089562

Price: 16.95

Finding Spring

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

Maurice, the bear cub, is sure that spring is coming and that he can find it if he looks in the right place. Mama tries to convince him that he will find it after his nap, but he is too eager to look, so he slips out after she falls asleep. He checks with the other forest creatures, but they are too busy getting ready for winter, the season that is actually on its way. Maurice finally finds a snowflake and is sure this is a sign of spring (only in Maine, perhaps?). He takes a pile of "spring" home to his cave so that he can show Mama when she wakes up. After a long nap (hibernation), Little Bear wakes up and shows off his spring prize only to find that it is gone. He rushes outside to find the true spring has arrived. A sweet story, great for a spring mix-up story time theme. Berger's fantastic collages will make young readers pause and could be used as a stepping-off point for brainstorming creative uses for old paper. The text is simple and young readers will recognize, and get swept up in, Maurice's enthusiasm. A solid addition to any library collection looking for a good "seasons" book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Berger, Carin

Illustrator: Berger, Carin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062250193

Price: 17.99

Henry Aaron's Dream

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2015

Review

A 2015 reissue of the 2010 picture book, this biography is served well by this format for emergent readers.Tavares's illustrations are stunning, capturing Aaron's expressions with great clarity, and the story is well-told. The very first page took my breath away. Tavares focuses on Aaron's ambition to play major league baseball and his struggles to get there. The difficulty Aaron faced cannot be overstated, but since this book is for younger readers, Tavares mentions it without going into great detail, which gives it a slightly glossed over feeling. His author's note about the challenges faced by black players during this time period is welcome and necessary. The message of never giving up on your dream will resonate with young readers and the factual retelling, along with all of the wonderful detail in the illustrations make this an easy purchase for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676537

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Heather Has Two Mommies

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

A 2015 update to a classic story about a little girl and her lesbian parents. The book was originally self-published in 1989 by Newman, who saw a dearth of books representing non-traditional families, and then reissued for its 10th anniversary with black and white drawings. This new edition has bright, colorful illustrations from the deft hand of Cornell. Whether a collection is choosing to update a classic, or is acquiring this book for the first time, this should be a winner for many children. Though Heather has two mothers, the book felt as much about a little one about to tackle the big concept of leaving the comfort and safely of her home for the first time to start school as it did about a little girl with an out-of-the-ordinary family. In fact, the teacher suggests that all of the children draw their families and no two families are the same. The message that "the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other" is the clearest, and most important, of all. This book would be comforting to a child growing up in a home with two same-sex parents, because all children want to be seen in the books that they read, but any child can enjoy it and I would recommend it for any collection with young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Leslea

Illustrator: Cornell, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763666316

Price: 16.99

Peppa Pig and the Treasure Hunt

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

This book is based on the TV series Peppa Pig, created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker, to whom I attributed the authorship of this book though an author is not actually given. If you have an audience for this type of book, it will sell itself. If you don't and you come across it and have no idea it's a show and are wondering if this book is cute on its own merit, not really. The drawings are simplistic, the concept of a treasure hunt is not new, nor does this book add much to the world of children's literature. Peppa and her brother George go to visit their grandparents, who have created a treasure hunt for them; this is a sweet idea. The dialogue is basic as is the word choice. Gender roles are pretty firmly set as George gets to wear the pirate hat and discovers a worm that he calls treasure (Peppa disagrees). There are some mild attempts at humor (the worm, and when Papa Pig tries to read the map upside down), and these moments made a few kids in story time smile. When the young pigs do find the treasure, Papa does the digging for them, and the jackpot turns out to be gold coins that they seem to eat with abandon. It's the type of story that plays well with an audience that is content to sit in front of a television and be gently entertained without thought or vigor.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Astley, Neville

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763677039

Price: 12.99

Frogs

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

This non-fiction, level-2 reader packs a lot of information into its 30 pages. The language and vocabulary would be a challenge for struggling readers, but it doesn't "dumb-down" the information about frogs. The photographs are stunning; you actually feel that the frogs might leap off the page. There is an index of photos, which is great as is the personal story and connection of Bishop to his subject (he actually raised some frogs so that he could photograph them). If you have students working on a report, or readers interested in amphibians, this is a great choice for a low cost.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bishop, Nic

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545605700

Price: 3.99

Sally Ride

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

There is a disclaimer at the beginning of the book that explains that though this book "was written to sound like Sally Ride is speaking to the reader, these are not her actual statements". I'm sure that this biography was written in first person because that is the way that students are asked to present biographical information, but as a reader, this was off-putting. When reading a biography, actual photographs are preferable and the use of illustrations to show Ride's face in every picture until her space shuttle mission in 1984, when she was 33-years-old, left me wondering if there were no photographs available or if they couldn't get permission to use them. It leant the book a cartoonish air. The actual photographs used were strangely generic, i.e. a photo of a street in Los Angeles, of Dodgers Stadium, of Stanford University, and then of the front page of the newspaper depicting the Challenger tragedy in 1986 in which Christa McCauliffe's sister cries in agony as she watches her sister blow up! The other quibble was that the last page mentions Ride's foundation and then switches to "I died of pancreatic cancer." It was jarring to have her tell us that about herself. EIther the timeline should be included at the beginning of the book so that the reader knows this is coming, or the voice should have changed at the end to offer a conclusion about Ride's death and her impact on the world. I felt as if I had been kicked in the stomach with this off-hand mention in Ride's "voice". Biographies for gr 1-3 are always needed, and this one is not bad in terms of information, but it could have been so much better.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, AnnMarie

Illustrator: Kelley, Gerald

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545609838

Price: 3.99

Genuine Sweet

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2015

Review

A nice gentle read. While reading the book you feel as if you are just sitting around and talking with this young girl.

Genuine is a wish-fetcher, fourth generation. She shares with you how she learned to whistle down the stars' light and how she shares the power of the stars with others (magical biscuits), also her frustration of not being able to help her own family. She tells you about her life in her very small, southern town, her friends and her family. But life is not all wish-fetching. She lost her Mom at an early age, Dad is an alcoholic and out of work, and Gram dies. But even with all of that happening in her life, the story is very positive and an extremely good read.

BRsmld316

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Harkey, Faith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544283664

Price: 16.99

The Spider Ring

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2015

Review

Maria's grandmother has always been a bit 'out there.' Her past is a mystery and her obsession with spiders is a bit worrisome. She even has a ring shaped like a spider with a hidden compartment. However, when Grandma Esme dies after making some cryptic remarks such as, "The spiders have returned" and "People with gifts like ours must always choose between doing what is right and what is easy. You must promise me that you will do what is right," Maria gradually learns about Grandma's past and what powers she has inherited when she inherits from Grandma through the spider ring and that her newfound power can lead to big trouble. Young readers enamored of all things 'special powers' will enjoy this book, but anyone with any level of arachnophobia should stay away.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harwell, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545682909

Price: 16.99

Flowers Are Calling

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2015

Review

This is a lovely book fashioned like a picture book but it is truly a juvenile non-fiction offering which will also appeal to adults. In rhyming fashion, the synchronicity between insects and flowers is explored. Readers will learn that flowers are adapted, some even using sound, to entice the insects it requires to pollinate and help flowers to continue flourishing. Insects and flowers are dependent upon one another. There are fascinating facts throughout this book. The font is quite small, more suited to adult readers than juveniles. However, the most outstanding thing about this book are the pictures, which are absolutely stunning and depict flowers and insects in such a fashion as one expects to hear the sounds of the insects and smell the scents of the flowers. This would be perfect for a young student needing to do a report on flowers, insects and/or pollination and the like.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Rita

Illustrator: Pak, Kenard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544340121

Price: 16.99

Red: A Crayon's Story

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2015

Review

This is a story about a blue crayon living in a red crayon's wrapper. He has a struggle to fit in with all the other crayons. "He was red, but he wasn't very good at it"... His teacher, mother, grandparents, and friends all had some advise to give him. Then he found his place in the world when he gave up being red and started to draw blue things.

The illustrations are crayon drawings.

The book is great for older students to learn symbolism.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hall, Michael

Illustrator: Hall, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Green willow Books Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062252074

Price: 17.99

The Year of the Three Sisters

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2015

Review

Illustrations are pencil drawing. The story is part of a series, but you can jump in and read this without feeling lost. Anna Wang (12) has come back from China, and she has made a great friend in Fan. Fan is an older girl who dropped out of school to work at the hotel Anna stayed at to help support her family. Anna and Fan now write to each other. Andee is an only child, her parents are rich, and she and Anna decide they should bring Fan to Cincinnati as a foreign exchange student. Andee's parents pay for everything, and Fan gets to go to high school. The story is great for teaching about different cultures, Fan is a migrant within her own country. It also teaches how important communication is.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cheng, Andrea

Illustrator: Barton, Patrice

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Pub

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544344273

Price: 16.99

Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2015

Review

Illustrations are pencil. Smashie and her best friend Dontel are in third grade. On the day they have a sub, someone glue's things to people without their knowing about it, the classroom pet, Patches, is stolen, and a pin is taken from the classroom next door. Smashie and her friend become detectives to determine who done it.

The vocabulary in the book is wonderful. (I had to look up balaclava helmet!) More examples are; " Ensconced in the cushions in the reading area"... and " Room 11 is a team... one member has violated that trust..."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffin, N.

Illustrator: Hindley, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763661458

Price: 15.99

The Last Time We Say Goodbye

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2015

Review

Grief is a terrible thing and this book handles grief in a way that anyone who has lost a loved one can relate to. Lex's life is split into before and after; before her younger brother Tyler committed suicide and after. Her father has left the family for a woman half is age, Mom has been waiting for him to come to his senses and return, and Tyler has begged his father to come back when the horrific happens. Lex is a senior in high school in their small Nebraska town, handling first love and overwhelming guilt, now, that she missed a chance to save her brother. Her mother is pretty much having a nervous breakdown and Lex feels she must take care of her. She is holding everything in and it is taking its toll on her sanity and her private life. I highly recommend this book for young adult readers and adults alike as it speaks to myriad questions about life and death, guilt and grief about suicide in particular, and the fact that Lex matures by the end of this tale is uplifting and commendable. What more can I say? Read it.

CREAM OF THE CROP POSSIBILITY.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hand, Cynthia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062318473

Price: 17.99

Families, Families, Families!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2015

Review

This picture book employs rhyming text to celebrate all the different kinds of non-traditional families that one can imagine. There are families with two dads, one mom, lots of siblings, families with one child, children living with grandparents or aunts, a family with step-siblings, with married parents and unmarried parents, and so forth. This book will make children realize that whatever their family might look like, as longs as there is love there, it constitutes a family. The illustrations are amusing, featuring all sorts of animals and sea creatures shown in picture frames inferring that these are family photographs. The text is humorous and will have the little ones giggling. This is a good choice for any bookshelf seeking an option about diversity, acceptance and inclusiveness.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lang, Suzanne

Illustrator: Lang, Max

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random Housse

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553499384

Price: 16.99

Mission: New Baby

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2015

Review

A top-secret mission is underway. Little ones preparing for new siblings will be asked if they wish to undertake this secret-agent course in order to be able to train the newest recruit. A robot follows along while the older brother or sister learns what his or her tasks will be when the new baby arrives. In a very humorous fashion, the older sibling will come to realize how vitally important he is and how invaluable he will be in helping the new arrival to learn the ropes; how to play games, how to crack codes, how to crawl, and even how to sneak cookies from the cookie jar. The illustrations are busy, colorful and complement the text perfectly. This is definitely a book to consider for the bookshelves of all little ones, especially those preparing for a new member of the family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hood, Susan

Illustrator: Lundquist, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385376723

Price: 16.99

Grace

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2015

Review

Grace dreams of being a dancer, but she does not live up to her name. The other little dancers advise her to give up. She is sad. She decides to draw a picture to cheer herself up and that seems to work. She actually ends up making set designs for the dances. The only thing about this story that seems unsatisfactory to me is the ending, which feels way too abrupt. That said, the illustrations are busy and complementary to the text and any little dancers or those interested in drawing will find this appealing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Parkinson, Kate

Illustrator: Parkinson, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432073

Price: 14.95

How to Catch a Mouse

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2015

Review

Clemmie is a cat who believes that she is great at catching mice. She has studied up on the techniques needed to accomplish just such a feat. She believes that because she has never actually seen a live mouse, it must be because she is so scary that no mouse would dare infest her home. We soon see, however, that there is a mouse quite near to Clemmie at every turn and Clemmie is simply not seeing her. The mouse dons hilarious disguises that include sock hats, big eyes and glasses a la Groucho Marx, and a fake tail that looks like a tutu. The illustrations are done in soft palettes and there is lots of white space. The text is quite small so this might be best as a read-aloud. The expressive illustrations and text jibe with one another. This is altogether a pleasant, amusing read and should be seriously considered for one's shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Leathers, Philippa

Illustrator: Leathers, Philippa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763669126

Price: 15.99

Before The Bell

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 26, 2015

Review

Gabby, Lainey, Kate and Mia visit Pixie Hollow as often as possible. It is a magic fairyland that they access through the back of Gabby's closet. Of course, children are the only ones that can see fairies, though some adults that still believe can see them, too. Gabby is going to her first day of school, and, inadvertently, Spinner, a story-talent fairy, hitches a ride in her backpack hoping to witness a storytime. Of course, havoc ensues, wings are bent, Spinner is fairy-napped and Gabby's friends must come to the rescue. Young readers who like Daisy Meadows' series will find this series enchanting.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thorpe, Kiki

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736433044

Price: 5.99

The Rookie Blue Jay

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

This is book 10 in the Ballpark Mystery series. this series started in 2014 and ever since then they have been a huge hit with the kids in my library. the combination of baseball and light mystery really seems to have hit the spot with my 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls.The two main characters are Mike and his cousin Kate. They get to travel around to different ballfields because Kate's mom is a sports reporter and she takes the kids to all the games she is covering. How much fun would that be??!!! At each ballpark the kids come upon some kind of mystery that they end up sleuthing out. this series is a fun read with lots of intrigue.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, David

Illustrator: Meyers, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Stepping Stone/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385378758

Price: 4.99

Can You Say it, Too? Quack! Quack!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

This is a board book for the very youngest child. There are five beautiful page spreads which will teach children what sounds different insects and little creatures make. The illustrations are spot-on, bright, colorful and appealing. There are big, sturdy flaps that little fingers can work at flipping. This said, this option might not be good for libraries as it might not stand up well to industrious little fingers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastian

Illustrator: Braun, Sebastian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675899

Price: 8.99

My Food, Your Food

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

Manuel learns that the students in his class come from other cultural backgrounds through the special stories they tell one another about their families and the food they share. A charming book filled with bright and cheerfully bold illustrations. Countries include Mexico, Italy, India, Norway and Jewish food. Food unites people and this book celebrates that. At the end of the book is a easy-to-make salsa recipe, a glossary and index. Also included is a bibliography of books and websites for further reference. One is a series of books that include clothes, family, home, languages and religion. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bullard, Lisa

Illustrator: Schneider, Christine M.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: MillBrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467749039

Price: 10.00

BIG Tractor

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library , Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 29, 2015

Review

At first glimpse this book promises to captivate any child who loves work vehicles especially bulldozers, dump trucks etc. Highlighted in this book is a BIG tractor. The illustrations present the BIG tractor as a powerful and capable machine that gets the hard work done on a farm. Each illustration takes the reader through the everyday work the farmer and tractor must do together and the rest they take at end of day and at the end of the season. A must purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clement, Nathan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781620917909

Price: 16.95

Cutie Pie Looks For The Easter Bunny

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public LibraryN, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

This Tiny Tab book does all it is meant to do. Little ones will love sliding the sturdy tabs up, down, or sideways to reveal different animals and critters that have triumphed in finding Easter eggs in hidden places. Can the tiny reader find Easter eggs before the book ends? The illustrations are very colorful and the tabs are extremely sturdy, so this tab offering will withstand lots of love and use. I recommend this choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ho, Jannie

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675998

Price: 7.99

Sleeping Beauty and Other Princess Mix-Ups

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library , Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

A book that will appeal to children who love fairy tales. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Snow White swap places in this entertaining book. It is a fun adventure for each, at first, until they discover that perhaps the grass is not always greener on the other side. The digital illustrations are bright, colorful and the characters engaging and relatable. Children will enjoy revisiting the original story of each fairy tale story upon reading this creative version. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clarkson, Stephanie

Illustrator: Barrager, Brigette

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Brooks

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545565646

Price: 17.99

So Cozy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

Dog is headed for his comfy, cozy bed and wants to take a nap. However, lots of other animals start appearing who think that the bed looks mighty cozy, too, and they all pile on in. Dog is not pleased. Along comes one last little creature wishing to join in with the cozy bunch, but this addition is certainly not welcomed at all and havoc ensues. Will Dog ever get his cozy bed back to himself? The illustrations are soothing, colorful and restful and the text font is very big, perfect for a read aloud selection for the PreK set. I recommend this choice for picture book shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Korda, Lerryn

Illustrator: Korda, Lerryn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673734

Price: 15.99

Ruff Ruffman's 44 Favorite Science Activities

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

Ruff Ruffman from PBS Kids is back with more educational and fun science activities. The book begins with a Table of Contents divided into cleverly entitled sections which include: AB-RUFF-CA-DUB-Ruff, In the Doghouse, Who Let the Dog Out etc.

Lab Rules, brainstorming ideas, the Scientific Method, and note taking tips are introduced at the very beginning of the book. Each of the 44 science activities have challenge points which indicate the level of difficulty of each activity. An index by subject is at the end of the book. And a list of materials needed and where to go to purchase them, after looking around the house for them first. Fetch is pictured throughout the book in an encouraging and light hearted poses to cheer the young scientist on.

After checking out this book at the library children and parents will want to rush to the store to pick up a copy. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruffman, Ruff

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674328

Price: 12.99

Groundhog Day

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

It's February 2nd and therefore it is Groundhog's Day and Phil will be wakened from his sleep and brought out into the light of day to predict whether or not there will be 6 more weeks of winter. Will he see his shadow? It is a cloudy, gray day but when a photographer takes a picture and Phil sees his shadow, then what will that mean? The illustrations are expressive and Phil is especially adorable. The text is in a big font making it spot-on for Level 1 readers at whom this book is aimed. Beginner readers' shelves everywhere could benefit from this addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Betsy

Illustrator: Lewin, Betsy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545799683

Price: 3.99

Key Discoveries in Life Science

Reviewed by: sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

Informational title that explores the fascinating topic of life science. This title begins with the history of life science or biology and each chapter is introduced with a timeline. This is very helpful in structuring understanding of each section of the book which includes: Cells, Pangens to Genomes, Evolution and Ecology. Source notes, a glossary, bibliography, further information and a comprehensive index are complete and well-done. There are photographs and biographical sketches throughout which will hold the interest of the reader. Recommended for reluctant science students or as a introductory research title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuchora-Walske, Chrisitine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467757867

Price: 30.65

When the Wind Blows

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

The wind powers many things from kites to the blades of turbines that power trains to supplying entire cities with electricity. This book is written with great care and accuracy with pleasing watercolor paintings that range from simple and elegant to intricate. The rhythmic, rhyming text will truly appeal to children and be an enjoyable read-a-loud to a class.

From beautiful

When the wind blows Balloons escape Beach balls roll Clouds change shape

To sensible

When the wind blows Factories hum Harbors light up Smart cars run

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clark, Stacy

Illustrator: Sneed, Brad

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823430697

Price: 16.95

Amazing Plant Powers: How Plants Fly, Fight, Hide, Hunt, & Change the World

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

Are plants superheroes? Though the theme of the book may grab the attention of a child I found the multiple pictures, illustrations spread haphazardly on the pages along with the confusing colors and sizes of letters rather overwhelming. The information was just lost! No table of contents, index or glossary was included.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Leedy, Loreen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823422562

Price: 17.95

Ares: Bringer of War

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2015

Review

Another fantastic entry in O'Connor's Olympians series. This graphic novel begins with a comparison between Ares and Athena, another deity of war. Whereas Ares is the blood-thirsty, vengeful, rage-filled side of war, lusting for death and destruction. Athena is the goddess of strategy and reason in the heat of battle. O'Connor uses the story of "The Iliad" to highlight the story of Ares because the war between the Greeks and the Trojans was emotional and cruel and devastating; Ares was in his element as the demi-gods and mortals decimated one another. But Ares also had a son involved in the conflict, as did other gods, and Ares mourned the loss of his child, unlike any other gods. The illustrations are incredible and though not explicitly gory, they are intense and violent. This GN has none of the seductions of former books in the Olympians series. I would prefer to put it in the hands of high school students, but the reality is, thanks to the Percy Jackson books, many younger students are fascinated with the Greek gods and gravitate toward this series. O'Connor only slightly softens the stories, so sensitive students might not appreciate the titles, this one, in particular with its dark and war-like focus, but they are readable, exceptionally well-researched and explained (thanks to Author Notes in the back), and are a fantastic addition to any GN collection. I would like to note that the binding is not great, so the books don't hold up to the high circulation of their appeal. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, George

Illustrator: O'Connor, George

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: folklore,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720138

Price: 9.99

Babymouse: Bad Babysitter

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2015

Review

With shots of pink in an otherwise black & white world, Babymouse graphic novels are beloved reading materials for grade 1-4 readers. If you have the first 18 Babymouse books, you will definitely want to add this one. If you have no Babymouse books, you can add them as you can as they do stand alone pretty well. The text is spare and written in all capital print letters; this helps emerging readers who tend to stumble with lowercase letters, yet it is not distracting for older readers. Babymouse has a rich imagination and the inserted scenes where the pictures illustrate some outlandish situations are hilarious, i.e. her homework-eating, make-her-late-for-class locker, or zombies showing up at the front door as she is babysitting. Babymouse tries so hard but she finds herself a bit out of her depth as she starts her babysitting career (all to earn that "Sooper Scooter"). In the end, Babymouse does figure out how to get the job done, making a real difference in one little owl's life. AND she earns enough to buy that scooter, which she loves all the more because she earned it herself. There is a great message and lots of zany Babymouse fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer L.

Illustrator: Holm, Matthew

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780307931627

Price: 6.99

Jack: The True Story of Jack & the Beanstalk

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2015

Review

A retelling of the "Jack and the Beanstalk" story that does a wonderful job with world-building. Jack's world is mightily disrupted when giants come down and destroy his farm and village, and steal his father. He is determined to enter the Giant Land and find his Papa. Using the classic trade of Milky White the cow for a handful of beans, Jack gets his wish. He feels that he is living up to his destiny and his name, as he was named for his great, seven-times-removed, grandfather, Jack, who was a renowned giant-slayer. Using his wits and his courage, Jack and his delightful sister Annabella do solve the "giant problem" bringing harmony to both the human and giant worlds. Just enough action; plucky characters; and an almost-realistic feel to the plot make this a fantastic read-aloud for 4th-6th graders, and will not disappoint any middle-grade reader into whose hands you place it.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shurtliff, Liesl

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755795

Price: 16.99

Tuck Everlasting

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2015

Review

The 40th-anniversary edition of this classic and mesmerizing story by Natalie Babbitt. The cover is lovely, with the bottom half of a girl in older clothing holding a toad. The story still holds up today as Babbitt writes in spare prose with just enough action to keep the reader turning the pages. Does Winnie keep the Tucks' secret? Does she drink from the spring? In 139 pages, Babbitt whisks the reader along for a ride down a magical path with the most winsome people and I think that stronger middle-grade readers, readers not looking for screen-play-type books, will continue to delight in this story. Since the language is a bit old-fashioned, and since Babbitt doesn't "dumb" down her language, and due to one troubling scene in which a character has to make a difficult, split-second decision, I would not give this book to struggling readers. This edition includes an interview with the author at the end along with excerpts from her other works, "The Search for Delicious," Kneeknock Rise," Goody Hall," "The Devil's Storybooks," and "The Eyes of the Amaryllis". These are useful if your reader is intrigued by Babbitt's writing and wants to know more. This edition also includes a foreword by author Gregory Maguire. I love that he starts it by inviting the reader to read the book BEFORE reading the foreword and then returning and reading his words. That is just what I did and was all the more pleased with the story (though I don't see why they couldn't have him write a new afterword...). He explains how significant this story is to him and how it bears reading and re-reading; that the reader will always find meaning in the words contained in this story. I agree. I am sure that most library collections have a copy of this book, but if it's worn out, I recommend replacing it with attractive edition. If it puts the story into more hands, it is worth it.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Babbitt, Natalie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301675

Price: 19.99

Scary Snakes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

If this book, a Scholastic Level 2 Reader in the Icky Sticky series, fell into your hands, you could put it in your library for those readers interested in all things snake, deadly animal, gross, and creepy. This slim Early Reader has a lot of facts, but the layout is almost cartoonish with thought bubbles coming from most of the snakes, jokes, and places for stickers on each page. A book with stickers is a tough thing to add to a library because if a reader decides to use them to cover information, the book may have to be discarded. The fact that the pictures are photographs is a plus, and the photographs are gorgeous. I would purchase this for one child with an interest in snakes, but not for a library collection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Laaren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545806497

Price: 4.99

The Little Butterfly

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2015

Review

A Step Into Reading book from Random House in its Science series. This book takes the reader through the steps from egg to butterfly (and back). Using one photograph per page and clear, simple language, the author walks the reader through each stage of the butterfly's life cycle. Since many schools have monarch butterfly caterpillars, this book would be useful in the classroom to explain all of the steps the children will witness. But the book would also be useful to a young reader interested in the life cycle of a butterfly. If you have a collection of life cycle books, or need books specifically on the life cycle of the butterfly,or if you need NF Early Readers on any subject, I would recommend this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shahan, Sherry

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385371896

Price: 3.99

Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2015

Review

This book was first published in 2014 in Great Britain by Orion Children's Books. It was published for the first time in the US by Candlewick in 2015. This is not part of a series, but it could be the start of one. Ms. Kessler is the author of the Emily Windsnap books.

Jessica believes that she is just a normal girl until one day in geography class as her mind starts to drift, she discovers that she is turning invisible. Her best friend, Izzy, watches it happen. The story has good voice right from the beginning,"It was during a Friday afternoon double geography class that I first discovered I had superhuman powers." She and Izzy become detectives to find out why. It seems it has something to do with her birth and the other two kids who were born on the same day. One is a friend, Tom, and one is the most popular girl in class, Heather. There is a "mad" scientist, a crazy "aunt", an evil scientist, and another boy who seems not connected at all. Each person gets a different supper power. The kids find out how everything works, and escapes the evil one, but no grownups know about the superpowers...

Reminds me of Harry Potter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kessler, Liz

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763670603

Price: 15.99

The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2015

Review

This series (along with the Vanishing Golden Frogs and Vanishing Honeybees) is establishing itself as "must-buys" for any elementary school library or any public library with a children's science collection - though even adults would find this of interest. With large, clear text and fantastic photographs, Sandra Markle introduces another compelling scientific mystery that young readers will not be able to put down. The set-up regarding the mysterious deaths of thousands of little brown bats was so well done; I had to know why they were dying! The reader is propelled along with the scientists as they race against time to find out what is causing the deaths. It was fascinating to read how they persisted in their research until they truly understood the cause and then to read that there could be hope. Includes an informative "Author's Note" and ways to find out more about little brown bats and ways to help the cause. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467714631

Price: 29.27

Insects

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2015

Review

If you're looking for books on a specific topic, a Magic School Bus is not a bad purchase. Be warned though that this title in this series is not a "field trip" story; this book is purely factual, with a different insect on each page. The book does carry on the MSB distinct style of "Frizz Facts" and short essays by Ms. Frizzle's students, but it is not a story. There are pop-up bubbles offering supplemental information about the topic, and the book uses photographs to illustrate each insect mentioned leaving the cartoonish drawings for the characters from the show. Due to all of the side bars and pop-up facts, these books are exhausting read-alouds, better for K-3 research reports. The book covers a broad variety of insects, beetles, butterflies, crickets, bugs, ants, bees, flies, praying mantis, cockroaches, and dragonflies. There is a wealth of information to start a report or to delight an insect-loving reader; young researchers will have to look elsewhere for books with deeper coverage. I appreciated the last pages which discussed the types of careers that often encounter insects. There is a glossary of terms, but no bibliography or "further research" feature. If you have many of the other titles in this series, you should add this, but it's not an essential purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: Bracken, Carolyn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545685870

Price: 6.99

Egg: Nature's Perfect Package

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2015

Review

I can't help picking up a Steve Jenkins/Robin Page animal-themed book, and this informative, well-drawn book didn't disappoint. My hesitation is use. It is not a picture book, and it's not specific enough, nor does it have quite the depth, to be used by a student writing a report. It would also be a tough read-aloud with all of the short facts on each page. It might best be used with K-3rd grade readers when introducing the life cycle of a chicken along with a chick incubator in a classroom. It's an interesting, visually appealing book that sorts through many of the types of egg-layers, egg-carriers, and egg-eaters, but I would have to consider it a non-essential purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Page, Robin

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547959092

Price: 16.99

Chasing Freedom

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2015

Review

This book imagines a lengthy conversation between Harriet Tubman, architect of the Underground Railroad, and Susan B. Anthony, abolitionist and suffragette. Grimes trades off every other page with Tubman's story and Anthony's story, and because she chose to tell the story in first-person narrative, the conversations are stilted. It is hard to fall into a story when a character mentions a speech that she gave and then gives a few lines; it just doesn't seem like something a person would do in normal conversation. But if the reader can suspend disbelief and read this for its historical merit and its illumination of the views of two incredibly powerful and influential woman of the late-1800s, it's an interesting book. It seems like it would have been better as a two-women play (the author mentions in an afterword that she originally wrote something like that and then based this book on those dialogues - it might have been helpful to have that note before the book as I could see students/readers getting confused about when this meeting happened and whether or not these quotes were real). As it stands, this book is a work of historical fiction though many of the quotes are taken directly from journals and letters. The acrylic and oil illustrations by Michelle Wood are inspired by designs found in American patchwork quilts and African motif patterns. The rich color palette is pleasing and the style perfectly fits the time-period depicted, looking like old wood cuts and reflecting many of the iconography of the 19th century. A few of the images (page 18 "Speech Speech") are jarring but, on the whole, they capture the essence of the time. With copious biographical and historic notes at the end of the story, this book would be a wonderful jumping-off point to teach young readers about the movements and events of the late 1800s and many of the passionate people who helped bring about an end to slavery in the United States. I was sad to learn that neither Tubman nor Anthony lived to see their other dearest cause, that of women's voting rights, come to pass though both helped lay the groundwork to see that it did.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grimes, Nikki

Illustrator: Wood, Michelle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780439793384

Price: 18.99

The Prey

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

If you are a fan the "5th Wave", "Hunger Games" and the "Maze Runner" than you would enjoy this book. "The Prey" seems to pull ideas from all three and blend them well into a very action packed and easy to read and follow book. The reader is lead into stories of torture, survival, perseverance and in the end the ultimate friendships. The plot is well developed and the reader learns a lot along the way of the characters as the plot thickens. Geared more for grades 7 and up. This is the first in a trilogy.

All survivors are separated into various settlement camps in the Republic of True America where martial law has been instituted. The LTs or Less Thans is the camp that is the home to teenage boys. These LTs are lead to believe that they are being groomed to be Lieutenants when really they are boys that are feared by society because they have abnormalities, like dark skin or birth defects such as a limp. Several boys from this camp manage to escape. In their escape, the boys help girls from another settlement that experiments with twins, similar to ones done during the Holocaust, escape and from there on it is a for fight their lives.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Isbell, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062216014

Price: 17.99

Burning Nation

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the series "Divided We Fall", definitely need to read the first book for background history of the start of the New Civil War between the states. Geared more for high schools students -- descriptive battle scenes and some language. A book that would be good for the war story and government resistances fanatics. Interesting take on some of the issues that are being dealt with today in our on society with governmental control.

Teenager Danny Wright and the his friends in the Idaho militia fight to protect their rights as United State citizens as the State of Idaho becomes a war zone. Danny somehow started a new civil war in the first book and "Burning Nation" is the continuation of the story. The fight is far being over and Danny and company team with other Idaho rebels attempt to reclaim their freedoms. A National Id Card is issued where citizens have to sign and pledge their allegiance to the US if not they are detained, rationing of food and utilities is widespread, government road blocks that forbid the entrance into Idaho, for any reason, are becoming more common place.

As several other states break away in support of Idaho, and become independent countries of their own, the President of the United States enforces "to kill" orders for any dissident that is caught. On the run is not easy for Danny and the rebels but they find away to survive with the help of outside forces and Danny's reputation as a hero. They make a difference and soon things start looking up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reddy, Trent

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545548731

Price: 17.99

Meet the Dullards

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2015

Review

A children's book that recognizes how much humor children understand is a wonderful thing. Pennypacker's deadpan delivery of the most boring family in the world is well-executed. She uses just the right examples to show how shocking the world can be (books! chunky applesauce! wallpaper! exclamation points!!). Even the names of the family members are fantastic: Blanda, Borely, and Little Dud. And Salmieri's watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil drawings add great detail. It's a fun read-aloud as the audience notices the small things that the children do when left to their own devices. And it uses an extreme point-of-view to show that children should be allowed to explore and experiment. Even the youngest readers get this. A fun addition to any picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pennypacker, Sara

Illustrator: Salmieri, Daniel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062198563

Price: 17.99

Things I'll Never Say: Stories About Our Secret Selves

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Editor Ann Angel has brought together 15 young authors to write about their perspectives on secrets. The short stories written by Chris Lynch, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ellen Wittlinger, Zoe Marriott and others write about whether secrets make you stronger or weaker; alter your world when discovered; and whether or not you are willing to share your inner most secrets at all. This would be a 14 and up level book due to some of the topics discussed. Another fine example of the writings from some of our favorite authors!

Each short story is well developed and the different types of secrets revealed in each make the reader think of things that they too have keep secret and what the consequences would be if ever revealed. You feel for the characters in the stories and sympathize with them when their secrets have come to light. These are common secrets and share the same type of stigmatism and/or shame that would be expected to accompany the secret.

This book could be an outstanding group discussion book on "What If's" -- you were a hoarder or you knew someone that was, on drugs, committed a crime, etc.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

(editor) Angel, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673079

Price: 16.99

Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Originally published in 1887, "A Study in Scarlet" introduces us to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Homes and Dr. Watson. This unabridged edition is reimaged with illustrations by Gris Grimly in his gothic style sketches and colored plates throughout the novel. Each illustrations aptly compliments the character or scene descriptions given.

A classic tale with a name that has become synonymous with the art of deduction. This tale starts with Dr. Watson making the acquaintance with Sherlock Holmes, subsequently leading to the two to share an apartment and eventually working together becoming one of literature's most famous detective duos. Thoroughly enjoyed -- again!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan

Illustrator: Grimly, Gris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062293756

Price: 17.99

Hold Tight Don't Let Go: A Novel of Haiti

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

January 2010, the day the earthquake Haiti was the day that changed Magda's life -- the only life she had known. Magda lost her home and her mother that day and the events that followed only seemed to get worse. Living in a tent city with her uncle and cousin, Nadine, was like living in hell -- barely enough to eat and to sleep with only a tarp roof over her head. Then her cousin's father, who lives in Miami, was able to get a visa for Nadine leaving Magda alone and feeling unwanted. All she wants to do is make enough money to go to school and to get out of Haiti.

Laura Rose Wagner has done an excellent job in portraying the life of the poor in Haiti after the earthquake; it is a "vivid love letter to a torn country, and a tribute to the connections that are destroyed by disaster and the connections that are formed in disaster's wake." At the end of the book is a brief history of Haiti which explains how Haiti has become the poor country that the world knows. A must read!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wagner, Laura Rose

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Amulet Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781419712043

Price: 17.95

Computer Engineer Ruchi Sanghvi

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Computer Engineer Ruchi Sanghvi (part of the STEM Trailblazer Bios series) fills a void in juvenile biographies: books about women in the field of computer science. This short biography follows Sanghvi’s path from a child in India to college student at Carnegie Mellon to becoming the first female engineer at Facebook. Readers will be interested to learn that Sanghvi created the Newsfeed and Facebook Connect and went on create her own start-up despite pressures from her parents to return to India for an arranged marriage. The text is accessible for middle grade readers, and photos compliment the information. This is a book that readers may pick up for pleasure reading based on the topic or it could be used for research projects. Sanghvi is a strong role model, and her story may inspire girls to pursue a career in computer science.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Waxman, Laura Hamilton

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467757942

Price: 26.00

The Death of the Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Poet, Paul B. Janeczko, provides readers with a history of poetry through the ages in the anthology The Death of the Hat. In the introduction, Janeczko explains that he researched poems from different time periods and selected the poems about objects. Well-known poems by Eloise Greenfield, William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, Billy Collins and more are accompanied by whimsical, watercolor illustrations by Chris Raschka. The poems are arranged chronologically, and the time period is noted at the top of the page. Don’t be fooled by the picture book format; it’s not a book aimed at very young readers. Many poems selected for The Death of the Hat are deep, complex and use rich language that older readers (grades 4-12) will appreciate and savor. A recommended purchase for library and classroom poetry collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Janeczko, Paul B.

Illustrator: Raschka, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763669638

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Terrorist: Gavrilo Princip, The Assassin Who Ignited World War I

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This graphic novel is the fictional account of the life of the Serbian terrorist, Gavrilo Princip, who assassinated the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, igniting World War I. Dark and riveting, it fills in the gaps in the historical records and imagines in insightful detail the events that led a simple country boy to become history's most significant terrorist.

The graphics are outstanding and really led support to the text as it is displayed on the page. Rehr also uses various quotes from the court transcripts and from other dignities of that time throughout the novel reinforcing the text and conversations within the story. Easy to read and follow, history buffs will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rehr, Henrik

Illustrator: Rehr, Henrik

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467772792

Price: 33.32

Moonpenny Island

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Moonpenny Island is a coming of age story about eleven year-old Flor. Flor's life in the tight-knit community of Moonpenny Island seems like it is out of control. Her mother has left the island to stay with relatives indefinitely, her best friend Sylvie is now attending school on the mainland, and her teenage sister is sneaking around at night. As Flor’s personal life feels like it is beginning to unravel, she must continue with her homework for demanding teacher, Mrs. DeFoe, and help her father take care of her young brother. Middle grade readers will relate to Flor and her school and family dilemmas in this realistic fiction story told in the present tense. The characters are well-developed, and Springstubb’s language is beautiful- both descriptive and lyrical. Life lessons from Anne of Avonlea parallel the lessons the characters learn in story. The story's conclusion will satisfy readers without being too contrived or unbelievable.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062112934

Price: 16.99

Mythology of the American Indians

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This is a book with long lost tales passed down thru time by various Indian tribes from the southwest to the northeast. Many are very fascinating stories that you have to wonder "could this be true"? I think the kids will enjoy the tales, though they would be much more enticing if the book was illustrated. I really appreciate the questions at the end - they are really helpful to use with a book group as a discussion starter. I also liked that each section contained and expert commentary.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Wolfson, Evelyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780766061620

Price: 20.95

Nelly Nitpick Kid Food Critic

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

In this funny romp thru a Lunch Lab we see how Professor Fizzy takes the challenge of changing Nelly Nitpicks mind about what making better food choices for her meals would look like. Thru fun illustrations that compare good food to bad food Nelly begins to understand the difference and how eating the healthy foods is the better choice. I especially like the recipes that are in the second half of the book, they are so appealing that kids are sure to want to try them out!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

PBS, PBS

Illustrator: PBS, PBS

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672805

Price: 14.99

The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

A well-researched, engaging picture book biography about veterinarian Harry Colebourn, whose story begins when he buys a black bear cub that would later inspire A.A. Milne's classic "Winnie-the-Pooh" stories off a train platform while on route to a military training camp in Quebec. Using simple but effective phrasing ("Winnie was a good sailor. Harry wasn't."), Walker recounts the journey of Colebourn and his bear, who he named "Winnipeg" for his company's hometown and eventually shortened to "Winnie," to England and their separation at the height of World War I, when Colebourn was moved to the battle front in France and found a home for Winnie at the London Zoo. It was at the zoo that the fateful encounter between Winnie and Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne's son, took place. Detailed, lovely watercolors in a muted color palette move with the story and set a gentle, almost sweet tone, which suits the text well. Walker, whose previous stellar non-fiction includes "Written in Bone" and "Blizzards of Glass" includes an informative author's note and a short bibliography, including website and video references. Young children who are fans of Winnie-the-Pooh will find this fascinating and it would work well paired with Milne's stories in a classroom setting.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Sally

Illustrator: Voss, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805097153

Price: 17.99

Super Hockey Infographics

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This book is full of all kinds of graphs, charts and diagrams of hockey facts. It has an index at the start to let the reader know what categories the facts fall into and a glossary at the back to define words used. The one word it never clearly defines is infographics, which is a bit of a bummer because having that definition at the start would help readers know why the book uses all the visuals it does. And most of the visuals are great. The graphs and drawings of the hockey facts make it easy for readers of all levels to see and understand them. Another nice feature is that the text pointed out some of the drawbacks to hockey not just its pluses. This would be a great book for readers that struggle with a lot of text but still want to know facts about the sport of hockey.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Jeff

Illustrator: Kulihin, Vic

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467752343

Price: 15

The Black Reckoning

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

The third and final book in the Books of Beginning series, The Black Reckoning brings us a significantly darker chapter in the lives of the Wibberly siblings. Each child has been the star of one of the books, and this one features Emma, the youngest, who is left to deal with the book of death and saving the world from the evil Dire Magnus. This world features multitudes of magical creatures, including wizards, witches, elves, trolls, and giants. Fans of Harry Potter and those looking to move up from the Spiderwick Chronicles would be a good fit for this series. Featuring themes of empowerment for children, and chalk full of problem solving skills, this series is great for children searching for their own independence. In each character's novel, they experience a huge character arc, and Emma is no different. She goes from someone who needs others to take care of her to not only taking care of herself, but taking risks with her life to protect everyone else. The one downfall to this book is that the author does not include hardly any back story, so if you haven't recently read the others, some of the details won’t make sense, and the whole plot relies heavily on what has previously happened. Other than that, the writing flows quickly and includes a good mix of narration and speech. Recommended for grades 5 & up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stephens, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375868726

Price: 17.99

Tim Howard

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This is a very accessible book for young readers. It takes a look at American soccer goalie Tim Howard from his childhood days to his life now as one of the best goalies in the world. It also talks about the fact that Howard has Tourette syndrome but that this has not stopped him from becoming a world-class athlete. There are lots of photos that capture Howard’s goal keeping abilities and a listing of websites to go to for more information on Tim Howard.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fishman, Jon M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467757461

Price: 15

What Waits in the Woods

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

From the very first page this book grabs you. A true teen horror, thriller. 16 year old city girl Callie Velasquez agrees to go on a camping trip with some popular kids from her new school. Callie is not the outdoors type and seems to sense from the very beginning that this trip is going to be like none other and not in a good way.

Suspicion turns to fright turns to horror by the end of the book. An edge of your seat story and stay up all night read that will appeal to teens and adults alike. Unusual but possible classroom read. Highly recommend. Cream.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Kieran

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545691116

Price: 17.99

Animal Faces

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

The photos in this book are amazing. As soon as you open it you want to read about those animals in the photos. Each page has a heading in large print that gives the reader an idea of what is being talked about on the page. Surrounding the main idea are photos and explanations of animals demonstrating the topic. The variety of animals is wonderful and gives a young reader the chance to see and read about a wide variety of animals in just one book. The one flaw is that the pit viper does not have its body parts labeled but other than that, this was a terrific non-fiction book for young readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545791212

Price: 7.99

Alive and Kicking Book III

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Americans Hank and Theo are brothers who are serving their country during WWII. Hank joins the Navy and as close as these brothers are Theo joins the Air Force.

In Book III of this series, the family gets word that Hank is missing in action (MIA). Hank and Theo's parents believe that Hank is lost forever, to them. Theo is sure that Hank is alive and begins to keep a daily diary that equates to writing to his brother.

This is a gritty series with lots of action filled with battles and air fights. It will grab and hold the attention of readers interested in military history and camaraderie. The writing is excellent combining the harshness of war and the longing and love of family. Book Number 3 can stand alone but it would be best to read the whole series to get the full story and effect. Fiction books about a period of history if well-done can lead the reader to non-fiction reading of the period. This book would do that. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lynch, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545523011

Price: 18.99

I'm a Fire Breather: Meet a Dragon

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This book tells readers all about dragons, and a dragon is telling the story. The dragon has a bit of an attitude and tells about all the awful things dragons do with a touch of humor thrown in. But, readers should be aware that the humor is often about eating humans. There is also a bit about dragons in different cultures. This book will appeal to young readers wanting a short non-fiction book about dragons.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Knudsen, Shannon

Illustrator: Kurilla, Renee

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780761391906

Price: 15

Learn to Draw Sea Creatures

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Learn to Draw Sea Creatures is so much more than a drawing book. This colorful foray into the world of underwater dwellers features full page photos, fun facts, details and mini trivia quizzes. The drawing instructions for more than 25 ocean animals is just icing on this undersea cake. Learn to Draw Sea Creatures will be a great classroom addition as it will appeal to a wide audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cuddy, Robbin

Illustrator: Cuddy, Robbin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781939581549

Price: 33.27

Nnewts

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

The graphic novel is about a group of Nnewts that are attacked by a group of reptiles called Lizzark (and yes, the Nnwets are very much like newts and the Lizzarks are like lizards). One of the Nnewts, Herk, escapes the attack because he is thought to be weak. But as it turns out, he might be the strongest Nnewt of all. There is a lot of action in this graphic novel plus some really cool drawings. Much of the book focuses on fight scenes and the Lizzarks attacking the Nnewts or just attacking Herk. For readers wanting to find out more about Herk, this is volume 1 with more to follow.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

TenNapel, Doug

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545676465

Price: 10.99

The Orphan Queen

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Wilhelmina has not been a princess for 10 years in this fantasy book about the orphaned noble children of Aecor. Aecor had been conquered by the Indigo Kingdom and Wil and a noble band of children have been hiding away in the capital, Skyvale. Wilhelmina has the ability to perform magic, something she has kept hidden but once she connects with Black Knife, a sort of Robin Hood, they work together to take back Wilhelmina's birth rite. This is a story about war and love with a nod to the environment and a young girl's need to take back what is hers.

A strong female heroine is always a welcome read and good characters working together to right a wrong are engaging and what a reader enjoys cheering on. This book is first in a new series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Jodi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062317384

Price: 17.99

Twisted Fate

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Twisted Fate by Norah Olson is twisted indeed! Sisters Allyson and Sydney don't have much in common except maybe their interest in the new boy next door. Sydney is the 'bad' girl who dresses in all black, takes drugs, and has casual sex but also has the GPA and talent to go far. Allyson is the 'good' girl who bakes treats, listens to her parents, does average in school, and is questioning whether she will get accepted to her college of choice. The boy next door has a secret but maybe Allyson and Sydney do too. This is dark tale with a twist ending the reader will see coming a mile away but will enjoy it when it comes nonetheless. Twisted is a disturbing book that explores themes of identity, social media, and privacy. You won't want to put it down.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Norah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062272041

Price: 17.99

What are Graphic Novels?

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

What Are Graphic Novels? by Emma Carlson Berne reads like a 5th grader's book report. It gives information in factual monotone without much voice. It's part of a series called Name that text type! The graphic novel examples used to illustrate information are not ones with which the readers will relate to or even recognize. How someone could take such a cool art form and turn it into such a boring read is a mystery to me. It could be used in a classroom as part of an English lesson along with the other titles in the series. Despite it's lackluster delivery it does give the young reader information on the elements that comprise a graphic novel.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Berne, Emma Carlson

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Learner Publications Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467736664

Price: 26.60

Tell Me What to Dream About

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

A sweet picture book that taps into the age-old question, "what should I dream about?" A younger sister asks this of her older sister because if she doesn't have things to think about, she won't fall asleep. The older sister does an admirable job coming up with wonderful, fantastical, but not too crazy, things to dream about. Of course, the younger sister has a problem with each scenario, forcing the older sister to try again (the scenes that the younger sister finds too scary are pretty mild). At last, quite tired and unable to think of any other suitable dreams, the older sister suggests they dream about making waffles together in the morning. This does the trick and both girls drift off. The artwork is reminiscent of 1940s or 1950s with one particularly fun spread set in a treehouse town where beehives and bouffants dominate. The story is gentle and lovingly rendered and the concluding waffle solution caused a sigh of happiness from my young audience. A nice read-aloud, an attractive cover, and a familiar theme make this book a nice purchase for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Giselle

Illustrator: Potter, Giselle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385374231

Price: 17.99

Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Fred is an adventurous, ambitious toddler who has a lot of things on his to-do list BEFORE he goes to sleep. Each page presents a scenario in which animals of all species fall asleep (even the monster variety), but not Fred. The rhyme is good though there a few things that might need to be explained like "forty winks" and "prone" and what a Sasquatch is, but they fit the story (though I'm not sure that I agree that poetry books are boring!). The details in each sleep scenario are fantastic: adding something from the sleep scenario prior in every one, a tattoo on a pig's butt, a sheep accountant, a sleep mask on a jelly fish, ants in bunk beds, and on and on. In fact, I wanted the book to continue and was actually a little sad when Fred finally did fall asleep. This is a delightful book and the ending is funny enough to forgive poor Fred for drifting off. I hope that Fred does get to eat 300 cookies one day. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schneider, Josh

Illustrator: Schneider, Josh

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544339248

Price: 16.99

Octopuses!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This is a very informative book about octopuses for young readers. There are nice illustrations throughout, but it would be better if there were a few more labels on the illustrations. The book is only 32 pages in length, but is packed with lots of octopus information. A fun feature of the book is the find the octopuses part. In this section the artist has drawn the ocean floor and several octopuses are hidden in the area. It is a great way to illustrate just how well camouflaged an octopus can be. This would be a nice choice for young readers wanting to know more about octopuses.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pringle, Laurence

Illustrator: Henderson, Meryl

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/ Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781590789785

Price: 16.95

Mr. Happy & Miss Grimm

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

First published in Germany in 2013 as Herr Gluck & Frau Ungluck, this book was translated into English and published in America in 2015. Mr. Happy moves next door to Miss Grimm and begins planting gardens. His cheerful nature and even cheerier plants begin taking over Miss Grimm's life. She is not happy at first, but then all of the beauty creeps into her life, her attitude changes into one of Bliss. It's a bit flimsy that she would change so much just because some plants grew in her yard, and she isn't really given the choice to live with Mr. Happy (his sunflowers grow so big that they push the two houses together), but children accept that such things can happen, and the ending is satisfyingly happy. A book like this does better with a little guidance from an adult. Beauty and nature can make people happy and sharing your world with someone is usually better than going it alone. The illustrations are the most delightful part of this book; the collages bring Mr. Happy's garden to life with their colorful layers. And the ladybug motif is well utilized as it spreads throughout the book. This book could be used with pre-K and kindergarteners to talk about friendship and what makes people happy, but it is not an essential purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schneider, Antonie

Illustrator: Strasser, Susanne

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823431984

Price: 16.95

Chernobyl's Wild Kingdom - Life in the Dead Zone

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

All the plants, animals, trees, mosses, mushrooms- all are radioactive. It is a kingdom of radio active living things. In April of 1986, a planned test on the cooling system at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine went terribly wrong. To compound the disaster, the people who lived and worked for and around the area were not told of the explosion that released 400 times more radioactivity than the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. It was the worst nuclear disaster the world had ever experienced. After the fire was put out(it took 10 days) and the residents were evacuated, a fence was put up and no one was allowed into the "Dead Zone." Scientists assumed that nothing would ever grow, reproduce, live in this space. But things did grow, and live, and reproduce and Rebecca Johnson explains why and how. The photographs support the text and give the reader a clear vision of what various groups of scientists have been studying these past 20 years. From the first explosion, the reader gets a taste of the mismanagement of the situation - people were not evacuated for 2 days, firemen sent in to put the fire out had no protective gear, and people started dying within weeks. Scientists from various countries have been studying the plant and animal life and have found that overall the populations have been thriving. But are they? What do the insides of the birds, voles, fish show that their outsides don't? This slim volume is gives various opinions of what has happened and why. The data these scientists have gathered and continue to gather is invaluable to the more recent disaster at Fukushima, Japan. It is a fascinating account of one of the greatest disasters in recent history. It is a CREAM book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty FirstCentury Bks/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-14677-1154-8

Price: 31.14

Arf! Arf!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This board book has flaps hiding animals you would find at the beach. The pictures are brightly colored, the flaps are sturdy and easy to use which is important for toddlers. On top of that, young children will love opening the flap and joining the reader in making the sound of the animal hidden behind the flap. This will be a popular book as a read-a-loud for toddlers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastien

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678944

Price: 8.99

Sweep Up the Sun

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Helen Frost's poem is a one of encouraging the reader to soar, take wing, trust explore, travel far, to be with friends or alone. Simple in text but rich in what it encourages the reader to do. Now add Rick Lieder's unbelievable photos of birds in flight and you have the perfect combination of language and art, of science and beauty. Not only are text and photos beautiful poetry, the writer and photographer have given the reader a photo and description of each of the birds featured in the book. This is a CREAM book and should be found in every library!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: Lieder, Rick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-0-7636-6904-1

Price: 15.99

Big Game: The Hunt is On

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This story takes place in Finland. It starts out with a young 12-year-old boy named Oskari that is spending the night in a forest by himself with just a bow, knife and fire kit. His goal is to hunt and kill an animal before the next morning to prove he is no longer a boy but a man. But instead the president of the United States’ plane crashes into the forest and he has to rescue him. And not just from the forest, there are people trying to kill the president.

This story is non-stop action. Oskari doesn’t start out as being the kind of character that you think could rescue someone. But when he is in dangerous situations his hunter background kicks in and he does some amazing things. Some of the things he does were kind of hard to believe- like he scene with the freezer and the helicopter, but it is still a fun fast read. Older readers that like books about survival and adventure will enjoy this.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545766357

Price: 6.99

Star Rise

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Second Book in the Horses of the Dawn series continues with the stories of the first horses in the New World. Thrown into the sea because of their weight the horses beat all odds by making it to land and taking their place as wild and free. Led by Estrella they are soon fleeing from the United States Army who wants to turn them into work horses.

Into the herd comes a lame boy who has been left in the wilderness with his dying grandmother. After she passes he joins with the wary and distrustful horses because he has the gift of communicating with animals. Before long he is accepted because somehow the horses realize he cannot survive without them.

A gritty story of animal life and predator death. An appealing book for a lover of animals, nature and the outdoors and story of how Haru and the horses together battle through hardship and danger.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lasky, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545397179

Price: 16.99

Exposing Torture: Centuries of Cruelty

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This slim, informative volume offers a solid overview of historical and current uses of torture in a variety of societies, examples of specific torture techniques, and chronicles the philosophical underpinnings of the unified social movement that condemns it, eventually explaining how the Geneva Convention came to be. Also provided are examples of arguments for and against the continued use of torture -- or its euphemism "enhanced interrogation" -- in the context of counter-terrorism. Finally a short section at the end lays out some ideas for readers to consider in forming their own critical view on the subject. Marcovitz employs a matter-of-fact tone in discussing this grim subject and doesn't shy away from including accounts of torture occurring in both developing and developed countries, including the United States. Photos and images are interspersed throughout and while some are certainly troubling -- an image of a hooded prisoner at Abu Ghraib, a spiked chair used to torture Medieval prisoners -- none depict graphic violence. Extensive back matter, including a glossary, lengthy bibliography, list of source notes and an index make this an excellent resource for upper middle and high school students.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Marcovitz, Hal

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: 21st Century/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467750493

Price: 34.65

Last Man: The Stranger

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2015

Review

This graphic novel is about a young boy named Adrian that is training in martial arts. He wants to compete in the annual Games that are this contest where teams of two fight each other in a ring and the winner of the match moves onto fight another team until an ultimate winner is picked. The problem for Adrian is that he is that he doesn’t have a partner to compete. But just as he is ready to give up a stranger shows up and offers to be his partner. Now Adrian can compete, that doesn’t mean he’ll win, but at least he can try.

This fun graphic novel is from France. It looks a lot like the manga novels from Japan but it reads from-left to right- not right to left. The drawings are great and the fight scenes are good but not over done. It ends on a cliffhanger BUT book 2 is out this summer and 3 in October. If you like action graphic novels with a bit of humor, you will like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Balak, -

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: :01 First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626720466

Price: 9.99

Little Bird Takes a Bath

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

Little bird lives in the city. He likes to greet the day with a song and end the day with a song. What he doesn't like is thunder and rain. the only good thing about rain is the puddles it makes and the puddles make a bathing spot for little bird. Our little bird takes the reader over rooftops seeking the perfect puddle for a bath. Once found, his bath is continually interrupted and his puddle smaller and smaller. Russo's story of a bird, a rainstorm and a bath will capture the interest of the youngest reader and her illustrations are big, soft and inviting. This book is a keeper!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Russo, Marisabina

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385370141

Price: 16.99

The House That's Your Home

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

What makes a house a home? This is the question that Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jane Dyer answer in there beautifully crafted book. With Dyer's signature soft, sweet, quiet illustrations and Lloyd -Jones almost poetic text, readers are comforted by what goes into a home- its family, pets, belongings, a yard with trees and grass, and gardens. They go bigger- its the sun, moon, Milky Way and you keep all this in your heart so that home is always with you. It is a book that gives our youngest readers security and comfort. Text and illustrations make this a CREAM choice.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd-Jones, Sally

Illustrator: Dyer, Jane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade/Random Hse

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780375858840

Price: 17.99

Out of Boneville, Tribute Edition

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

This special edition of Bone: Out of Boneville has all the same features as the original colored edition but with some extra features. There is a rat creature poem at the end of the story written by Jeff Smith and drawings from the other Bone volumes. In addition there are several drawings by other well known graphic novel artists depicting characters from the Bone series. This new copy is terrific and the bonus features just might make it worth getting a new copy of Bone.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Jeff

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545800709

Price: 14.99

Stick and Stone

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2015

Review

This charming picture book will delight both children and adults. Its use of playful rhyming minimal text and beautiful full page illustrations make it a pleasure to read aloud. Stick and Stone is an engaging story of friendship between a stick and a stone. This book could be read by its expressive pictures alone but then we would miss the clever puns. It would be useful to present topics such as friendship, bullying, compassion.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ferry, Beth

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544032569

Price: 16.99

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2015

Review

Though this picture book is fiction, it is based on the real figure of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, the first female drummer in Cuba. Told in verse, the story follows the "drum dream girl" and her dreams of playing the drums. Told by everyone that drums are only for boys, she continues to dream and practice. Her father eventually allows a drum teacher to evaluate her ability and, stunned, the teacher recognizes her talent. Off she goes!

The lyrical style of the free verse is lovely and adds to the feeling of the rhythm of the drums. Though the tale is clearly a "girl power" book, the story remains calm. There are no revolutions here; instead, the drum dream girl succeeds because of the interest and understanding of a few key people in her life.

The book contains an historical note briefly telling the real story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who became such a famous drummer that she ended up playing for FDR's birthday ("enthusiastically cheered" on by Eleanor Roosevelt -- one feminist to another!).

In addition, it should be noted that the drum dream girl is Chinese-African-Cuban.

Lopez's gorgeous, colorful illustrations are perfect for the book. The illustrations seamlessly meld reality and dream sequences. Nodding to the Chinese-African-Cuban heritage of the heroine, Lopez shows her watching and dreaming at both Carnival and Chinese New Year.

In a lovely, final illustration Lopez slips in an image that I hope readers notice. As the author writes "...and both girls and boys should feel free to dream," Lopez illustrates a boy sitting on a cloud with a sketch pad and pencil, watching and drawing (the reader assumes)the drum dream girl play her drums while people dance. In addition, the Man in the Moon peers over the boy's shoulder at his drawing.

This book is important in so many ways. In addition to simply being a wonderful book, it highlights: mixed heritage and various cultures (dominated by Cuban culture), girl power, perseverance, music, poetry, and art.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Lopez, Rafael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction,historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544102293

Price: 16.99

Fun and Festive Summer Crafts

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2015

Review

This is a craft book with photos to help with directions. The book starts with a table of contents, next a it has a legend page that describes a Hawaiian tale of how summer came to be. Then their is a science description of how the Earth's rotation around the sun creates the seasons. There are eight projects watermelon magnet, hand fan, bug mask, bug cage, stamped pennant , fish rod puppet, tie-dyed T-shirt, and a permanent sand castle. The sand castle is made out of cardboard boxes, white glue, and sand! There is also an index, and an internet address page.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGee, Randel

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Elementary/ Enslow Publishers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780766043190

Price: -18.95

Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2015

Review

The illustrations are water color and ink details. As you can imagine from the title there are kittens hiding everywhere within the pictures.

The story is about Crumb the most frightened kitten of all. He only hides under the bed, but Miss Hazeltine praises him for his being brave of the dark. People bring her cats from all over, and cats find their way there on their own. Some are afraid of birds, mice, pouncing, and scary noises. Miss H. gives them lessons in how to overcome their fears. One night she goes out to get more milk and she gets hurt and doesn't come home. But Crumb knows where she has gone and leads the cats to save her.

Story has good vocabulary, uses alliteration, and does a nice job of teaching how to overcome shyness and fears.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Alicia

Illustrator: Sif, Birgitta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385753340

Price: 16.99

Charmed

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 14, 2015

Review

An enjoyable sequel about teen witch Indigo Blackwood, whose best friend, Paige, was abducted by The Priory (evil sorcerers pitted against The Family, the organization of witches and warlocks of which Indigo is a new member) at the end of the first novel, HEXED (2014). Beginning just days after those events, Indigo is hard at work practicing her new found magical skills under the tutelage of warlock Bishop, her boyfriend, so that she might embark on a rescue mission to save her friend. When she discovers that Paige is being held in a parallel universe - a sort of apocalyptic Los Angeles called Los Demonios, she vows to save her. Fans of paranormal romance will find plenty to like in Indigo and Bishop's sometimes steamy relationship, though its predictability, including repetitive descriptions of his cliched bad boy appearance, may feel stale to some. A romantic sub-plot involving Indigo's attraction to a new guy she meets feels underdeveloped. The novel's pace picks up when Indigo travels to Los Demonios; these action-packed sections will draw readers in and the full-scale battle taking place at the conclusion is frantic, unpredictable and Indigo's tough first-person narration is full of witty one-liners. Charmed is not a stand-alone - readers will definitely want to have read the first, but for teens looking for stories similar to Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series or Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey novels, this and its prequel should offer real appeal.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krys, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743396

Price: 17.99

Eden West

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2015

Review

Since he was five years old, Jacob has lived inside Nodd, a patch of land in Montana where members of the Grace Church await the coming of the prophet Zerachiel and their ascent to heaven. Jacob's faith is shaken when he meets two teens from the World, Tobias and Lynna. Tobias arrives with his mother and sister, seeking to become Grace themselves. However, the transition is not easy for Tobias, who questions and fights the Truth by which the Grace live by. Jacob meets Lynna during one of his patrols of Nodd's fence, and becomes helplessly and shamefully attracted to her. Outside forces in the form of politicians also invade Nodd to question the safety and legitimacy of the Grace's cult. In the face of so much turmoil, Jacob is forced to examine his faith and himself.

Hautman's novel provides a thorough character study of the protagonist, but teens may fail to be hooked by his internal struggles. The pace of the book is slow and contemplative, and may leave readers wishing for more decisive action. A polygamous cult leader with a fixation on teenage wives who possesses absolute power who begins to crumble, the monotonous lifestyle of the cult, and the temptations of the world outside are familiar world-building devices. However, Hautman gracefully delves into an exploration of belief and church communities, leaving room for readers to make their own conclusions about the cult while examining their own faiths. A grim, introspective, and uplifting novel for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hautman, Pete

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674182

Price: 17.99

Bone Gap

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2015

Review

Roza is a beautiful but damaged young woman who turns up one day hiding in a barn on a farm where two young brothers, Sean and Finnl reside. Roza is a damaged young woman who has been kidnapped by a strange man and Finn, who witnessed the abduction has a disorder where he does not recognize faces so everyone looks average and ordinary. As a result he is unable to identify the kidnapper and the kidnapper appears regularly to taunt Finn because somehow he knows about the disorder and feels safe from detection. The book contains sex, horror, and is quite sad in places. There is hope and determination by the "good" characters in the book to persevere and continue looking for a happy life. Highly recommend for older teens.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ruby, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062317605

Price: 17.99

The Fearless

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2015

Review

A dystopian thriller filled with quasi-zombies who are called The Fearless. Unlike Zombies they are intelligent and cunning but like Zombies, their aim is to infect others. The Fearless originated due to the injection of a serum that turns soldiers into a super race however the serum has backfired, thus, The Fearless. In this novel the Apocalypse has finally come. Cass, her mother and brother, Jori, flee to Hope Island with other survivors. The Island has harsh and specific rules but only as a way to protect the unafflicted. When Jori is kidnapped, Cass must venture into The Fearless territory to save him and put herself in incredible danger. Violence and gore.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pass, Emma

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385744478

Price: 17.99

The Kidney Hypothetical or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 19, 2015

Review

Higgs Bison Bing has a perfect high school career and appears to have it all. He is handsome, academically successful, and admired by all or so he thinks and has been dating the most beautiful girl in school until the day that she asks him if he would be willing to donate a kidney if she needed one and he declines. Over the next week after denying his girlfriend a kidney the whole school turns against him. That is not the only problem he has. Higgs's dad is a successful dentist who is cheating on his mom, his mother is severely depressed and his younger sister really needs him. The family is also preeling from the death a few years before of Higgs' highly revered brother Jeffrey who died while driving drunk. Along the way, Higgs realizes that he in not the most special person in the world. At the final school assembly as the valedictorian of the class, Higgs gives a speech and says "Don't spend all your time trying to be someone you're not, because in the end you've got to live with yourself, and you might not like who you meet."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yeek, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545230940

Price: 17.99

Like A River: A Civil War Novel

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 20, 2015

Review

A historical novel set in the last year of the Civil War. The story of two teenagers who enlist in the Northern Army and who both have secrets. Leander from Ohio is too young to be a soldier, but he enlists in an effort to prove to his family that he is a man; and Paul from West Virginia is really a girl, Polly, but enlists with her father so that they can stay together since they have no other family. The story starts with Leander as narrator. During his first skirmish, he ends up in a Southern hospital; Polly is there caring for her father, who is very ill. The descriptions of the medical conditions are vivid; one can almost smell the stench of human waste, disease, and despair in the room where Leander heals from his careless accident. Leander and Paul feel a connection and both come to care for one another. Leander accidentally discovers Polly’s secret, but before he can talk to her about it, she is gone. Leander is sent home and the story shifts to Polly’s perspective. Polly continues to guard her secret, but she is captured by Rebs and taken to Andersonville Prison (modeled on Fort Sumter), and fears that she will be exposed. Due to some careful maneuvering, strong survival skills, and the help of another soldier, she does keep it. The soldier turns out to be a character from Leander’s world, a fact known only to the reader. This is a little convenient, but Wiechman deftly introduces him and slowly reveals his identity so that it is a satisfying reveal to the reader. When Polly is finally released from Andersonville after over 200 agonizing days in which the reader is thoroughly educated about what it would have been like to be a POW during the Civil War, she makes her way to Ohio. She tries to travel aboard the ill-fated Sultana steamboat and narrowly escapes with her life. There is a happy ending, which is nice in a middle grade novel, and which was welcome after so much tragedy and hardship in the story. Wiechman clearly did her research before writing this novel, and the reader will learn much about the conditions experienced during the Civil War. The characters are likeable and relatable even as they experience hardships that our students today can’t imagine; Wiechman does not sugarcoat the suffering. The theme of change is wonderfully illustrated through the use of water (several rivers, a spring in the prison). There is an excellent Author’s Note in which she provides real photographs from the Civil War and additional information about the places and events mentioned in the book. An admirable first-effort by Wiechman. She will be an author to watch and I highly recommend this book for grades 6-9 though older students would appreciate it too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wiechman, Kathy CAnnon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629792095

Price: 17.95

Hippos Are Huge!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 20, 2015

Review

Bigger than life book about Hippos. Though the deadliest animal in Africa, hippos are also quite charming and like any other creature they go through the cycle of life and this book avidly considers that. The illustration on the cover of the book is sure to grab anyone's attention especially a small child's, since it is big, bold and a little scary! The larger text contains a story time element while the smaller text states the facts. This would be a book to use for a read-aloud to a young child and at the same time has some facts that can be utilized for a beginner research paper. Action words are highlighted and can be easily acted out by a child and repeated for fun. Splat! Keep Out! Honk! Snort! Words kids like! Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

London, Jonathan

Illustrator: Trueman, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665920

Price: 16.99

Crinkle, Crackle, Crack It's Spring!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 20, 2015

Review

It is a winter's night and a little boy awakes or does he and hears some loud noises, "rap, bap, tap, crunch, scrunch and crinkle, crackle and crack." He creeps to the door and sees a friendly bear beckoning him to come along! Hand in hand they travel through the forest and meet other forest creatures along the way. Though the illustrations are enough to chill anyone to the bone yet somehow you can't help but feel warmth and chumminess. Finally, the little boy and his new little forest friends reach the end of their trek and are greeted with a splendiferous flurry of flowers, birds and other spring time nuances. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bauer, Marion Dane

Illustrator: Shelley, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Holiday House Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429523

Price: 16.95

Tiny Wish

Reviewed by: jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2015

Review

Husband and wife team collaborate using their daughter as the protagonist in the Wish series.

The photos are stunning, pictures of Anja in the mountains. Per has worked for National Geographic, The New York Times magazine, and Audubon. He grew up in a small town mountain home in Al, Norway.

Mom is the author of the Anja family fairy tales.

This story is about playing hide and seek with her cousins. Her favorite goat keeps giving her hiding place away because he won't hide he just follows her. Anja wishes she was small and she becomes so tiny that she can ride on birds. She can ride on the fetlock of the cousin's horse. Anja takes a pinecone jump through the air over a log with a snail. Animals help her throughout the story. At the end of the story there is a small twist...

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Evert, Lori

Illustrator: Breiehagen, Per

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385379229

Price: 17.99

Bedtime Math: The Truth Comes Out

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2015

Review

Illustrations are acrylic and simple. This is book three in the Bedtime Math series. Laura has a MBA in astrophysics from Princeton and a MBA from Wharton School of Business. Are you wondering how a children's math book can be for four different age levels? The set up of the book has a short one page fact story. EX; Ice Cream for all- even astronauts, marshmallows for the soul, stick in the mud(sicle), the tall keep getting taller... 40 in all. The next page has questions for WEE ONES...preschool, LITTLE KIDS...grades K-3, BIG KIDS....grades 4-6, and BONUS... grades 7-9. EX: WEE ONE: "If you have 6 cans of Kutal and use 1 as Play-Doh, how many cans are left?", LITTLE KIDS: "If you take your cans of Kutal (wall paper cleaner later became Play-Doh) and dye one orange, then one lime green, then one electric blue, then one hot pink, then one orange to start over, what colors do you dye the next 3 cans?", BIG KIDS: "If a can of blue Play-Doh can make either 4 blue giraffes or 16 blue frogs, how many animals can you make if you use 1/2 the can for giraffes and for frogs?", BONUS: "If you make a giant giraffe as tall as a house, and you need 128 cans of blue Play-Doh for the body plus 1/8 as many orange cans for the spots, how many cans do you need?" Answers are located upside down at the bottom of the page and there is a chart at the end of the book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Overdeck, Laura

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/ Macmillan

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250047755

Price: 15.99

Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2015

Review

The black & white line drawings of this sweet graphic novel seem basic when you start reading, but Watson's story of familial obligation, cooking experiments, and ill-fated love wins you over so completely that no fancy drawings or flashy colors are necessary. And since most of the characters are undead (mummies, ghouls, zombies, a vampire), they would probably be black and white anyway. Princess Decomposia spends her days unofficially running the castle while her grumpy, hyperchondriacal father lies in bed avoiding all royal tasks. Princess Dee hardly has time to eat, let alone deal with all matters of the underworld. When her cook quits, she has to skip lunch and interview replacement candidates. Count Spatula wins her over with his baking and gets the job, and eventually, with his natural sweetness, Dee's heart. The cantankerous king disapproves, the couple take a holiday aboveground and mayhem ensues. Dee's quick thinking saves the day, though, and she is able to confront her duty-shirking father. The story lightly deals with issues of class, gender inequity, and duty, and shows that when a mistake is made, ownership should be taken and an apology issued. And that it is okay to stand up for oneself. Oh, and love wins, even between a lowly pastry vampire and a noble type-A ghoul. An easy one to recommend for middle and high school GN collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Andi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721494

Price: 14.99

Over the Hills and Far Away

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2015

Review

This book is amazing. There are so many nursery rhyme books in print and the question has to be asked, "why one more?" This book answers that question: "Diversity!" Over the Hills contains a wealth of rhymes from many, many traditions and cultures and these rhymes have been paired with illuminating, thought-provoking, beautiful illustrations from over 70 artists working today. There are rhymes from Britain and America, as well as rhymes from African American, Chinese American, and Native American traditions, and the Caribbean and Jamaica, and the First people of Australia and New Zealand. Hammill does her research and compiles an interesting array of rhymes and she does it in the name of love; love for nursery rhymes and language. And her arrangement is lovely - the page with all of the "Little Miss Muffets" is wonderful as is the pairing of the rain rhymes; and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" & the "Duke of York"; the page with "Rock-a-Bye-Baby" rhymes, all so carefully thought out. The illustrations can be pored over as most truly enhance the reading experience. Do make sure to read the pages out loud before using the book as a read-aloud because in many cases Hammill keeps the regional spelling of the land of origin. This is a lovely book to sit and read with a child because then the illustrations can be discussed, the language can be figured out together, and any cursive fonts can be discerned. Highly recommend this for any library with a nursery rhymes/folklore collection or any collection that explores the intersection of art and language.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hammill, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677299

Price: 21.99

Fishfishfish

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2015

Review

A wordless graphic novel that can be read across the panels or down the page. In the top panel, there is the small solo fish who has broken from his school; the middle panel shows the predator, who fancies himself a big fish, until he meets bigger; and the bottom panel is the school who stick together to find safety. A simple story in which the threat of being eaten is real, but luckily never realized. The color palette is tropical, befitting the story. The ending is satisfying as the grumpy predator is denied his lunch. A cute book that could be used in conjunction with a creative writing assignment about point of view, or to support a science lesson about the food chain.Also the non-reader will learn the physical aspect of directional scanning, something important to a dyslexic child. A non-essential purchase, but with its attractive cover and vibrant colors throughout, one that young readers will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nordling, Lee

Illustrator: Bosch, Meritxell

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Three Story Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467745758

Price: 25.26

What's Great about Maine

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2015

Review

This is basically about tourist attractions around Maine. The photographs are beautiful, and the places mentioned are worthwhile, but from a school librarian's perspective, it's not a really useful title (or series). Since each write-up in this book is very short, offering snippets rather than depth, readers will need to either have access to the Internet or other books to continue their research. A couple of bugaboos: there is a map in the front and at the end and both show Portsmouth in Maine(!), and the primary photograph of Portland is of the Portland Head Light, which while it has Portland in its name, is actually in Cape Elizabeth. There are other, better, states books and this doesn't add much to the field.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Wang, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467738552

Price: 26.65

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

My Bike

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2015

Review

Like Barton's other books "My Car" and "My Bus", this title focuses on one element that is quite familiar to children, a bike. Tom rides his bike to work, and with simple, clear sentences, Barton follows Tom on his route. Barton knows what appeals to children, so Tom passes cars and trucks. And monkeys. And acrobats. There are many little clues where Tom is going, but the final destination is the circus, where Tom's work is revealed: he is a clown. Barton's Photoshop drawings are two-dimensional and his people are simplistic, but the colors are bright and there are many small details that will delight the reader: a circus truck on the road, a cat in the audience, a clown nose for the ride home. A great read-aloud and a wonderful addition to any picture book collection. A small critique: the binding is weak for a book like this that will have high circulation.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Byron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062336996

Price: 16.99

Midnight: A True Story of Loyalty in World War I

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2015

Review

Sad, true and beautiful story set during WWI in Australia. A horse named Midnight is on the battlefield bravely carrying his soldier, Lieutenant Guy Haydon. Lieutenant Haydon and Midnight have been together since Midnight was a foal and so the bond began. Now it is October 31, 1917 and two Australian Light Horse Regiments are taking part in one of the last great cavalry charges in history. The reader is especially taken with the many horses and men, both with stoic faces and set determination. They know what they must do. Go into battle and stay to the very end, when they are alone on the battlefield, injured yet together. "Coal black. Star ablaze. Moonlight in her eyes. Sweeping illustrations bright yet dark at the same time grace the pages of the book. Pictures of Guy and Midnight are in the back of the book with a map and information on The Charge on Beer Sheba. Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwood, Mark

Illustrator: Lessac, Frane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674663

Price: 16.99

Fun in the Sun

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2015

Review

A pudgy, pug-like looking bunny decides it's a great day to go to the beach and he is bringing his pet goldfish along. He and his friends including silly man with an equally silly hat, a too-tall dog head out on a rollicking bus to the beach. Along the way he meets lots of new friends including an octopus who immediately jumps into the goldfish bowl with his new friend. They all splish and splash, float like boats, fly kites and run faster than the wind until the day is done and they all hop the bus back home in the orangey and pink twilight. The illustrations are in watercolor ink, the hues intense and the characters comical and flamboyant. The print is clear and just the right size for reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Catrow, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429455

Price: 16.95

I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2015

Review

The cover of the book immediately grabs your attention and shows a very friendly, very oversized fly making an appearance in a classroom of kids who seem to be in both awe and in shock. Dialogue bubbles and cartoon pictures fill the book as this very engaging fly tells his story. Instead of wanting to swat the fly away the children are entranced with the fly and the story of what his life is like. Sometimes the fly talks directly to the children and then expands on the discussion in short paragraphs throughout. He explains that flies bring a lot of good to the world. It is refreshingly reassuring when he says that flies do not throw up on everything, just solid foods. Reading this book is a sure fire way for anyone to learn about flies and maybe even think they aren't all that bad. The print is bold and easy to read. There is a glossary, bibliography and list of expert contributors in the back of the book. Highly Recommend

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heos, Bridget

Illustrator: Plecas, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805094695

Price: 17.99

Beastkeeper

Reviewed by: Kelley Blue - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 23, 2015

Review

Beastkeeper is a modern fairy tale that is both timeless and entirely new. Sarah is a young teen who's lived her life on the move, never settling in one place long enough to make a single friend. Her mother says they are running away from the cold, but the mood the author casts tells us she is running from something deeper, something that is casting a shadow over her parents' ability to live and love. When her mother abruptly leaves Sarah and her father, so begins a spiral into despair and ever stranger behavior (raw meat sandwich, anyone?). It is decided that Sarah will go to live with grandparents she barely knew she had, in a sagging castle full of so many curses it's hard to keep them all straight. There are true poetic moments in this tale and the author sets an alluring atmosphere. The execution of the plot is a bit meandering for such a short novel, and the characters seem slightly incomplete. There was just something off the entire read, and that kept me from being fully engaged. These aspects aside, this reviewer encourages readers to hang on until the end, where the writing turns a corner. It isn't quite happy, but seems just right. Recommended for those who will always love fairy tales and the darker elements of them.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hellisen, Cat

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805099805

Price: 16.99

Sweet

Reviewed by: Kelley Blue - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 23, 2015

Review

Emmy Laybourne, author of the popular Monument 14 trilogy, delivers a seemingly stand-alone horror fest in the form of Sweet. Laurel is a reluctant passenger on the biggest celebrity cruise event since the last shiny object to catch our attention. She's tagging along with her BFF Viv on the Cruise to Lose, where those wealthy enough to pay the ticket price are guaranteed to drop several sizes thanks to the new miracle diet sweetener "Solu". The cruise is one big commercial for Solu's pending release to the general public, and the hype is all glitter and glitz. But something about Solu feels off to Laurel, and her anxiety only increases as the sweetener begins to have strange effects on the other passengers. Enter cruise MC and former child star Tom Forelli, who shares Laurel's concerns as the people around him go to greater and greater lengths to get just one more dose of Solu. Will these two star-crossed lovers be the only voice of reason, and do they stand a chance?

Laybourne builds tension expertly through the first 3 quarters of the book, and when the terror comes, it made me want to cover my eyes (I had to finish the book in the daylight). Gruesome details are used to chilling effect. The ending arrives like a punch line, and leaves us wondering whether or not we'll see a sequel.

Sweet is a "fun" page turner (depending on your definition of fun), but the book's criticism of our collective obsession with reality television, celebrities, quick fixes, and miracle cures is thought provoking. How different characters view and treat their bodies would generate a relevant and important discussion among teen readers.

A cruise ship is the perfect place for things to go terribly wrong. This is the second YA book I've read that will forever keep me off any and all cruise ships (the first being Matt de la Peña's "The Living"). DO NOT READ if you plan on sailing the high seas with 500 strangers any time soon. DO READ if you're looking for a thrilling summer diversion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Laybourne, Emmy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends / Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250055197

Price: 17.99

AH!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 23, 2015

Review

The word "Ah" can mean lots of things and in this cute and brightly illustrated book with a sweetly and simply drawn cute rabbit the reader discovers some of those things. As rabbit takes a jaunt through a summer's day singing a sweet little tune....along comes a spider, literally and spends the day bothering the bunny and scaring it...until bunny meets another bunny and they fall in love. Until.... the bothersome spider falls in love with another spider and scares both the bunnies away. A simple little tale that will keep a little one engaged with the word, "Ah." Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Collet, Geraldine

Illustrator: Billon Spagnol, Estelle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823431991

Price: 16.95

Infandous

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

17-year-old Sephora is attending summer school for mathematics as she prepares for senior year. Her mother is drop-dead gorgeous, a former model, and a single parent. They share an extremely tight bond. Dad was never on the scene and Sephora is the reason that her Mom was disowned by her family, lost her modeling career and lives in comparative poverty in Venice Beach. Mom is not a typical mother, believes in sex for fun and is not what one would consider a good role model for a young girl. Sephora turns junk into sometimes violent art, enjoys surfing, and compares her life with fairytales more Grimm than Disneyesque. Intermittent chapters of fairytales relate to Sephora and her mother's relationship. She has a disturbing sexual secret which provides an unexpected twist toward the end of the story. This book is definitely for older young adult readers as it speaks of rape, drugs, and drinking and reveals stark harsh truths that some might find distressing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Elana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: carolrhoda

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467738491

Price: 18.99

Home Tweet Home

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

10 cave swallows in one small nest just isn't working out, so the biggest siblings, Pippi and Burt, decide to take off and look for better, roomier accommodations. They see various places that look appealing, but upon further investigation they find that a turtle's back is too hard, a cat moves too fast, and an alligator's spine is too pointy and uncomfortable and on and on to other creatures. Why they don't search for more reasonable places like a treetop or such, I do not know. In any case, in the end they decide home tweet home is not so bad after all and happily return to the familial nest. The siblings all have amusing names but the illustrations are the best part of this offering. The birds appear daubed with various dollops of color, the animals are all colorful and expressive and the illustrator employs lots of white space. This will appeal to children with lots of siblings who sometimes wish they were an only child!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dicmas, Courtney

Illustrator: Dicmas, Courtney

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385385350

Price: 16.99

Feral Pride

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

This final installment in the FERAL NIGHTS trilogy wraps up its tale of shape shifters, demons and angels. Set in the same Austin, Texas alternate universe introduced in Leitich Smith's TANTALIZE series, werecats Kayla and Yoshi and werepossum/lion hybrid Clyde are some of the various paranormal beings that exist alongside humans, viewed by many people as being an underclass that should be shunned or cured. Beginning where the events of FERAL CURSE left off, the three plus Clyde's girlfriend Aimee are all on the run following a video being made public of Kayla in the process of shifting. Additionally, a creature claiming to be a weresnake has abducted the state's governor, creating an even more hostile environment for the shifters. This is an engaging and quickly-paced adventure, blending nuanced themes about prejudice with a biting, often sarcastic humor that will appeal to teen readers. Though the plotting feels over complicated at times and the alternation of the narrative voice contributes to this dizzying effect, those who've enjoyed the earlier novels in this series will be a natural audience for its conclusion and they won't be disappointed. Overall, an intelligent, steamy, witty finale that will appeal to those who like authors such as Kristin Cashore and Libba Bray.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Cynthia Leitich

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763659110

Price: 17.99

Cat & Bunny

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 14, 2015

Review

Gentle, muted pencil and watercolor illustrations are the star of this picture book about friendship, jealousy and inclusion that tidily resolves the conflict between Cat and Bunny in its final pages. Using short, simple sentences paired with each drawing, children in an array of animal suits encroach on the best friendship of Cat and Bunny (also children wearing the costumes of, well, a cat and a bunny) - or at least Cat thinks they do. Having always only played together ("Just us!" said Cat), Cat is quite dismayed when one day others ask to join in the game. Bunny answers, "Yes, of course!" and eventually Cat runs away, feeling left out. Only when a real cat appears and the two start a new game does Cat receive the opportunity for magnanimity, allowing others to join in. When Bunny asks to play and Cat says yes, the story comes full circle. Clearly, there's a message here and though it doesn't feel overly didactic, there never seems any real question that Cat will come round. The whimsical element of all the children in their sweet costumes and the quiet, restrained, lovely illustrations will appeal to young children in the mood for a quiet one-on-one read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lundquist, Mary

Illustrator: Lundquist, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzar & Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062287809

Price: 17.99

Winnie & Waldorf

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

Winnie and her dog Waldorf are the very best of friends. They do everything together. Waldorf is extremely well behaved. Sister Sara's room, which is strictly out-of-bounds to all, is just too tempting to Winnie so she and Waldorf go into Sara's room to play. Who is getting whom into trouble, you wonder. Judging by the expression on Winnie's face when entering Sara's room, it is Winnie leading Waldorf astray. When Waldorf damages Sara's special violin on the day of her highly anticipated concert, there are thoughts of replacing Waldorf with a cat. Yikes! Somehow, Winnie and Waldorf have to figure out how to put things to rights. The illustrations are very appealing, soft, busy and complement the text wonderfully. This is a good choice for little ones with siblings and/or pets. Give it look see.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hites, Kati

Illustrator: Hites, Kati

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Haarper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062311610

Price: 17.99

Room For Bear

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

When Bear wakes up from hibernation and is looking for a place to live, he visits five ducks and he just never leaves. However, living conditions are not optimal as Bear is huge and the ducks and, well, ducks. They make a decision and all set out in search of an ideal home. The places that are just right for Bear are not at all right for the duck family and the choices the duck family find perfect are just not right for Bear. So, they go back to the duck abode and Bear decides to leave for good. They all miss one another and a compromise must be made. Will a solution be found? The illustrations, done in pencil and watercolor, are spot on and children will be amused by all the fun things that Bear and the ducks enjoy: listening to music through headphones, Bear floating on his back with a little duck with floaties on his arms riding on his belly, and reading group time when hankies are needed as they are reading Eat, Quack, Love. Children in unusual families will relate to the compromises Bear and the ducks make in order to keep the family together and happy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gavin, Ciara

Illustrator: Gavin, Ciara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385754736

Price: 16.99

Shutter

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2015

Review

Like any good modern ghost buster (now known as a tetrachromat), Micheline takes her job seriously. When she gets her young team into a situation they cannot control there are dire physical and psychological ramifications. As the last of the Van Helsing family it is her obligation to rid San Francisco of the undead by employing her skills with cameras to capture and eliminate the spiritual undead.

Each member of the team is trained and has special skills but is the team ready to go beyond a normal ghost hunt? Modern and futuristic technology developed by Oliver adds interest to this captivating read. Jude has a sensitive touch, his ability to see how others will die adds to the supernatural thriller component of the storyline. Ryder is strong and intelligent with a weakness for Micheline, adding the sexual tension. Micheline is a character who will be loved by female and male horror/supernatural readers.

Add this book to middle school media centers and purchase for public libraries. Many readers will be waiting for a sequel

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alameda, Countney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250044679

Price: 17.99

Seven Second Delay

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 26, 2015

Review

What would you do if you were being chased by a sinister organization and only had a seven second lead on your pursuers? Mila is on the run from a futuristic English government agency that has placed a phone with a live video feed into her head. Considered a terrorist Mila is racing to save her life while her every action is monitored 7 seconds later.

This is a science fiction set in the near future, making it all the more frightening. In addition to a few editorial errors that should have been caught the plot is not fully developed. "Seven Second Delay" should have had a little more editing. What this book does is make readers think about how their own privacy is being eroded and consider the implications of the total loss of privacy. Readers who love futuristic technology, thrilling action and lost causes will appreciate this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Easton, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432097

Price: 16.95

How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 25, 2015

Review

How to pee with style is the question answered by author/doctor Spector who has recently potty trained his own son. This youngster loves to play dress-up and uses his many costumes while learning to use the potty. As a fire fighter putting out the fire, or an astronaut blasting off he is prepared.

This is a new and different approach to potty training, the book will make the intended audience laugh and might make potty training less stressful for the entire family. Some will take issue of the encouragement to pee outside and others may be offended by the somewhat sexist attitude toward sitting on the toilet. As a youth librarian I can attest that there are not enough books on this subject and would encourage adding it to public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Spector, Todd

Illustrator: Chung, Arree

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097733

Price: 12.99

Market Maze

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2015

Review

In this book of adventure the kids need to look for items. Each page has a different theme, and based on that theme the child has to look for items that listed on the page that are related to the theme. As the child follows 8 trucks through the various mazes the kids will find surprises along the way. My grandchildren loved this book - each time thru it they found new things!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Munroe, Roxie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430925

Price: 16.95

Growing Up Pedro

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2015

Review

What can I say - Matt Tavares does it again! In this latest book of wonderful verse and beautiful illustrations we are told the story of Pedro and Ramon Martinez growing up in the Dominican Republic and how they both got to play for the Redsox. We get to see what it took for Pedro to become the great success he has, winning the World Series in 2004, 3 Cy Young Awards and recently he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame! This is a story of baseball greatness, brotherly love and team work.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668242

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Red Queen

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 29, 2015

Review

This fantasy debut provides an action-packed adventure with lush descriptions of setting in an alternate world. The suspense builds at the right pace. Narrated by Mare, who is a Red and living the standard deprived and powerless life of a Red, readers are quickly plunged into the alternate world where Silvers, who do not bleed red, but have specific powers, lord over the Reds with power, intimidation and violence. When Mare accidentally puts her sister's life in danger, she receives some unexpected help from a royal Silver that changes the politics in their world and exposes powers that Mare did not know she possessed. This fantasy has action, violence, romance and betrayal, everything needed for a juicy read. Give to fans of "the Hunger Games", "the Selection" and "The Lunar Chronicles" series. Secret Pokemon fans will love this, too. Readers will anxiously wait for the sequel.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310637

Price: 17.99

The Disappearance of Emily H.

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

Raine is entering the 8th grade and, once again, she is at a new school. She finds, as usual, a really mean girl at her school who loves to trod on anyone not part of her adoring clique. Raine discovers that she and her Mom are renting a house recently the home of a girl her own age named Emily Huvar who disappeared a few months before they moved in. Some assume she is dead. Everyone but Raine's Mom is unaware that Raine has an amazing talent she got from your grandmother...she can grab sparkles from people or objects and, usually, see a memory attached to the sparkle. Raine sets out to find out what happened to Emily H. and to make the mean girl pay for her actions toward Emily H. and Raine's only new friend, Shirlee. This story incorporates Raine's unusual talent, the ubiquitous mean girl of middle schools everywhere, and social media to solve a mystery and give mean girls their due. This is a nice change from vampires, werewolves, myriad teenage talents galore and dystopian societies. Consider this for tween collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Summy, Barrie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385739436

Price: 16.99

Prairie Fire

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the dragon fantasy series by Johnston. Siobhan McQuid, bard of dragon slayer Owen, deals with her burned hands, her time in the Oil Watch service, the traditions of the past, and the fierce fire of the deadly Chinook dragon. Her innate talent of following her inner musical voice, that paired her with Owen in high school in the first book, slowly emerges to help her during this time when her future identity is conflicted. Johnston uses a modern day setting of Canada, in a world that has dragons, to discuss environmental issues, challenge readers to discern the power of the media/social media and illustrate the many facets of military service. Readers may want to read The Story of Owen for a deeper understanding of the loyalty between Siobhan and Owen. Reading the first book will explain some of the unspoken decisions Siobhan makes and the nature of dragon slayers in this alternate world. Fans will need the tissue box at one point, so be ready. Teen looking for dry humor and a story without vampires, sex or addictions will enjoy this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnston, E. K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda LAB/Carolrhoda Books/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467739092

Price: 18.99

Fairest

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

Meyer presents fans of the Lunar Chronicles a small novel, maybe a novella, as they patiently wait for WINTER to be published. The book is appropriately titled FAIREST. The slim plot fleshes out Queen Levana's obsession with power and her dependency on the skill of glamourizing to hide her appearance. Readers will not become sympathetic to the Levana's life by seeing her decisions and power plays she makes in her teen years. Readers will want to start reading the series with CINDER instead of this slim volume, due to the lack of foundation to the larger story arch of the Lunar Chronicles. Unfortunately, as a fan of the Lunar Chronicles, this reviewer felt this offering was weak in development and lacking the plot tension that made CINDER so intriguing. Although Levana's decisions borders on horror with the dependency and manipulation that goes on, time passage happens without any reader engagement. This may not be a necessary read to enjoy the next installment in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Marissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250060556

Price: 17.99

Maisy's Tractor

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is a sturdy board book that is perfect for little hands and short attention spans. Each spread features Cousin's signature brightly colored illustrations in a folk art style. Maisy is the main character in this story featuring all the ways that Maisy uses her tractor on the farm. She plows the field to get ready to plant seeds, brings hay to the barn for the cows, brings full milk pails to the farm house and must drive around finding the missing fourth lamb. The text states not only the specific action that Maisy is doing, but also provides the added sounds of the tractor "Chug, chug", the cow "moo", the lambs "Baa!" Cousin has provided an interactive, yet clearly singular focused story line about the farm.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673055

Price: 5.99

Maisy's Plane

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is a sturdy board book that is perfect for little hands and short attention spans. Each spread features Cousin's signature brightly colored gouache illustrations in a folk art style. The regular group of characters all appear, although only Tallulah and Eddie are named. The text consists of one sentence per page, written in black Lucy Cousins font. Maisy flies her plane to a special party and along the way gives a greeting to Tallulah who is in a hot air balloon. Maisy does a loop-the-loop and unrolls a banner from the back of the plane stating "Happy Birthday, Eddie!" An airplane, motorcycle, car and hot air balloon are presented, although there does not seem to be an added dimension to the story compared to "Maisy's Tractor" in the same board book series which provides more interaction with setting. This board book is useful for introducing modes of transportation.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673048

Price: 5.99

A Cold Legacy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 1, 2015

Review

This is the third book in Madman's Daughter series. Shepard makes Victor Frankenstein's creative obsession with life/death boundaries the focal point of this storyline as Juliet finds unsafe refuge in the family von Stein's ancestral manor on the moors. A working laboratory, secret passages, human experimentation and consequences of immorality mingle with the dark romance. Juliet must grapple with the lines of right and wrong when faced with killing to preserve life in a different form. Can she allow herself to commit to someone when her own evil past is secret? To fully appreciate the intertwined relationships, the nonhuman characteristics of some, and the gruesome science behind the dark motives that fuel the action, readers will want to read the previous books first. Historical and romance fiction fans will enjoy the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062128089

Price: 17.99

The Nitty-Gritty Gardening Book: Fun Projects for all Seasons

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2015

Review

The title and cover of this gardening book organized seasonally will catch a reader's eye and encourage them to take a look at the seasonally organized and fun gardening projects contained within the pages. The directions are clear and beautifully presented with earthy photographs including children and charming drawings. Many of the activities in the book can be accomplished by planting in containers set on a porch, a patio or in a window. Newspaper plant pots, growing potatoes, making compost and setting up a birdbath are some of the projects included. Particularly reassuring and enjoyable is that "yes, indeed, there is something for everyone in this books and you can do it." There is a glossary, gardening resources and a comprehensive index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cornell, Kari

Illustrator: Larson, Jennifer S.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467726474

Price: 14.94

Queen of The Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2015

Review

In 1900, young Lizzie Murphy was a natural at baseball and fought to become the first female to play on a major league level. When still quite young, she had to fight many obstacles to get on a semi-pro team, among them the assumption that girls simply could not play baseball, that they were not physically able to 'keep up with the boys' and the manager's hesitation to pay her as the other players were paid. He assumed she would quit and would not wish to make baseball her job. Additionally, her mother feared that playing baseball would preclude her from ever getting married. Well, Lizzie would not take no for an answer and ended up playing professional baseball for seventeen years and she also got married. This will make a good choice for children in their first years of elementary school who are searching for a biography for a report. This is a simple telling of Murphy's struggles to do what she loved and to be recognized for her athletic talent no matter that she was a woman. The illustrations are true to the era in which this story transpired and complement the text well. An author's note at the end of the book offers further interesting information about Lizzie and a picture of her in her baseball uniform.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300074

Price: 17.99

Pat-a-Cake Baby

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2015

Review

Initially, the sparkly cover of this book drew me in. The illustrations are also quite good. The big drawback to this title is that the text reads extremely poorly. It does not lend itself to a smooth readaloud experience, is jumpy and nonsensical in the extreme. Cookie baby, Jelly baby, Candy baby? This simply does not appeal. Do not waste your time.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Dunbar, Joyce

Illustrator: Dunbar, Polly

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675776

Price: 15.99

Feet Go to Sleep

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Perfectly charming seaside story full of whimsy and fun. Tossing beach balls, running through the waves, playing games and eating the foods of summer, Fiona is taking full advantage of a perfect summer day.

Like any young child's day, Fiona's has indeed been very active but night has come and it is time for Fiona to go to sleep. Fiona's mother uses the same ritual to get Fiona calm and settled at bedtime. Touching on each part of Fiona's day, her mom touches on each corresponding body part.

"Arms, go to sleep." "Arms were for catching the beach ball. And throwing it, too"

A picture insert shows Fiona lying in her bed with her pet fox with her arms out on top of the covers. On the corresponding page is Fiona playing beach ball catch with her friends.

The illustrations are large, colorful, warm and cheery. A must read and a great book to lull any young child to sleep and remind them of the lovely and pleasant day now past.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bottner, Barbara

Illustrator: Smith, Maggie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449813256

Price: 16.99

Just Itzy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2015

Review

Itzy the spider is getting ready for his first day of spindergarten. He is very excited except for one thing: his nickname. Everyone calls him Itzy Bitzy and he absolutely hates this demeaning sobriquet. He also wants to be able to catch his own lunch instead of bringing a lunch box, so he purposely leaves what his mother packed for him behind, determined to prove that he should not be referred to as Itzy Bitzy anymore, for all to see that he is now a big spider. His teacher tells the students to find a good place to build a web and to 'keep your eye on the fly.' Of course, things do not go well; he is thwarted at every turn. Firstly, someone sitting on a tuffet scares away a yummy looking fly, then an old woman swallows a fly, then he has problems with a waterspout. Follow the theme here? The illustrations employ pastels, ink, and pencil to lovely and amusing effect. This makes a good readaloud, though the font could be somewhat bigger and more colorful.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krumwiede, Lana

Illustrator: Pizzoli, Greg

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763658113

Price: 15.99

Supertruck

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Colorful and appealing in its appearance this storybook will thrill its truck loving audience. The quiet story line is about an unassuming garbage truck that returns to the truck depot on a snowy night and comes out a superhero. As the snow starts to fall it lays a blanket over the city burying all the other city trucks in despair. Much like Clark Kent, our hero approaches the depot wearing glasses. He sheds the eye wear emerging with a big smile and a plow attached to his front fender. Circling the city Supertruck cleans up the snow and returns the roads to normal. By morning the garbage truck is back at work picking up trash having trades his plow for his glasses.

This is a cute book that certainly will delight young readers over and over again. The illustrations add to the simple story giving each truck an attitude. It is obvious that Supertruck accepts the challenge ahead as he rolls out of the depot with sparking eyes on a lovely blue two page spread. Add this to Pre-school – grade 2 classrooms and to public library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Stephen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book (Roaring Brook Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596438217

Price: 12.99

The Penderwicks in Spring

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

This is the fourth installment about the Penderwicks. Spring stereotypically brings life changes and transformation and that is the case for Batty (Elizabeth) Penderwick. Being the fourth child in a blended family of six children, she is mourning the loss of her beloved hound and inspired to help the tight family finances by starting a neighborhood dog walking business with humorous results. When neighbor Nick, whom she adores, comes home on leave and her older sisters start having boyfriend problems, Batty's understanding of her place in the family is shattered and the darkness she feels inside brings friends and family to a halt until misconceptions are corrected. Birdsall has deftly infused the themes of blended family issues, death of pets and parent, and family finances into a lighthearted read that boosts reader's vocabulary. Fans of the series will be somewhat disappointed with the peripheral appearances of the older sisters in the story, but it is understandable since they are growing up. Frankland's illustrations appear on the book jacket and at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Birdsall, Jeanne

Illustrator: Frankland, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375870774

Price: 16.99

The Trap

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

Henry and Helen are twins. Henry is best friends with Alan, but Alan's brother is the town bully. He likes beating people up including Henry. Carl is missing and Alan wants his friends to help find his brother. They go to Carl's camp in the woods and find a book that is called the Subtle Travel and the Subtle Self. Henry learns how to leave his body behind while his subtle self travels around at night. His sister's best friend Nicki also gets involved in trying to find Carl. There is a government force that tries to control subtle travel. The kids get caught up with a bad guy and a ghost...

One of the things I found interesting was how the author used science fiction within the story to teach about racism, such as the Jews and Hitler, the Japanese "taking jobs from Americans", and the Russian spies. When Henry read about how aliens should be conquered, it was really to teach kids that disliking an entire group of "people" was the right thing to do.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arntson, Steven

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547824086

Price: 16.99

I Am The Wolf...And Here I Come

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

This was first published in 2014 in New Zealand. It's published in 2015 as a board book in 2015. The art work is very simple paintings with 3 to 5 colors per page. The wolf has to get dressed before he can come after you.On each page he puts on one more piece of clothing. He starts with his underpants...and finishes with his hat...then coat. It's a fun read and good for teaching organization in writing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Guettier, Benedicte

Illustrator: Guettier, Benedicte

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Gecko Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781877579424

Price: 9.58

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

From the moment fourteen-year-old Adam meets Robyn in their support group for teens with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he knows she's the one for him. They grow closer as they and their peers in the group playfully don superhero personas (he becomes "Batman" to Robyn's "Robin"), visit Adam's church looking for spiritual support and begin to learn more about each person's specific issues. However, for Adam, his secrets include his mother's hoarding and a series of anonymous, hateful letters she's been receiving - both hugely stress-producing and things his mom has forbidden him to talk about. This poignant debut novel is both an honest and nuanced portrayal of a young person's struggle with OCD and a warmly real first love story. Adam is a likable narrator and his interactions with his wise and supportive therapist and his family, particularly with his adoring younger half-brother, are sweetly funny. His internal monologues, often punctuated with compulsive prime number counting and bitterly self-deprecating thoughts, are palpable in their anxiety. Fans of other realistic fiction like The Fault In Our Stars, Say What You Will, and Eleanor and Park will fall easily for these characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Toten, Teresa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553507867

Price: 17.99

Rivals in the City

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

The clever fourth and final novel in Lee's series The AGENCY, about Mary Quinn, a young British woman in the Victorian era who in the first installment is rescued from the the gallows by two women who run a boarding school for young women that is the cloak for a covert organization of female spies. As RIVALS IN THE CITY opens, Mary and her love interest, James Easton, have newly opened a detective agency of their own and are engaged to be married. All of this must be put on hold, however, when a villain from their past emerges again as a threat and they sever ties in an effort to keep one another safe. Readers of the others in this series will find plenty to like here - Mary is a smart, strong character whose vulnerabilities are part of her strength and she continues to examine the nuances of her ethnic identity in this volume (she discovered earlier in the series that her father was Chinese). The romance between she and James, somewhat lessened in this final volume due to their purposeful avoidance of one another, is still filled with witty banter and an ever deepening respect for one another that keeps it fresh. Though the mystery's pacing loses steam in places, this conclusion should satisfy readers of the series, a must-read for fans of Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart mysteries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lee, Y.S.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763659141

Price: 16.99

Peep and Ducky

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Like the previous Peep and Ducky board books this is a title that has just the right toddler feel. The story is simple yet familiar to little ones who meet friends and family in the park. Martin's text describes the actions of the bird and duck while Walker's illustrations focus on the energy and humor for the target audience. Parents and care givers may not appreciate the mud action but it is certain to be the favorite page for youngsters.

Bright and cheerful while not being over powering the color palate for this book is perfect. Librarians and day care providers will want to add it to their board book collections. Parents and relatives of newborns will find Peep and Ducky books make excellent baby gifts.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, David

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672430

Price: 6.99

Max's Math

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Entertaining and educational with a dash of pizzazz, Max is back. Three brothers set off in search of problems, the mathematical kind. While searching for Shapeville they retrieve a stay number before being confronted with a tangle of shapes appearing like rubble. Fast to see the pattern Max and his brothers offer concrete suggestions that help to restore the town square. Following a hysterical encounter involving matching socks the brothers follow a march to Count Town. Brain power and agility are employed by the brothers who save the liftoff.

Shapes and numbers have never been so fun, even in other concept books. Bank’s story is creative and silly but it is Kulikov's illustrations that make this such a winner. The creative addition of numbers to all areas of the environment and the playful use of combined shapes give this book staying power. Public libraries and schools should add this to their concept collections. Adults with math loving youngsters will want to add this to their holiday gift giving list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Kate

Illustrator: Kulikov, Boris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Frances Foster Books (Farrar Straus Giroux)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374348755

Price: 17.99

An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2015

Review

The illustrations are acrylic on canvas, and you can see the cloth lines behind the well done illustrations.

The short poems are written as a question. "Does a tower of giraffes way up high spy a raft of otters floating by? (Format for all is four lines.) The word choice uses wonderful figurative language. "When a murder of crows leaves barely a trace is a sleuth of bears hot on the case?" " Does a string of ponies that"s knitted and tied stop a drove of sheep to ask for a ride?'' The illustration for the last quote shows ponies tied together with string watching a double decker bus full of sheep, so the pages include puns, homophones, and alliteration. "Should a crash of rhinos stay off the street and a shiver of sharks turn up the heat?"

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Betsy

Illustrator: , Jago

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press / ThLerner Pub. Group

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467714648

Price: 19.99

10 True Tales Surviving Sharks and other Dangerous Creatures

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2015

Review

This is part of a 10 true tales series. This paperback book has 10 short stories with a table of contents. Each story is about how a child from 10 to high school age survives different animal attacks from around the world and different placed within the US including a moose attack in Maine. Each story gives some information on why the animal usually attacks: cold snowy winter, not much food animal is hungry, land/ habitat is taken from them, protecting their young, and it may just be their nature to hunt. The animals include great white shark, elephants, bear, snake, wolf, alligator, bull, monkeys, moose, and cougar. The book also includes some safety tips on how to survive an attack, a few laws to protect people and wild animals (it's against the law to feed wolves in Alaska, and moose in Maine), and it also includes some definitions that may be unknown to the reader. I think this could be a good oral quick read/ story time/ waiting for a late bus...kind of activity.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zullo, Allan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic/ the Wordsellers inc

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545818384

Price: 5.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

No Such Person

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

As another quiet summer begins on the Connecticut River, Lander and her younger sister Miranda witness a near drowning. The storyline progresses quickly into a love story that tosses accomplished Lander into the arms of Jason, an unknown young man. Their attraction is immediate but Lander's family is concerned, especially Miranda. As the relationship develops the reader learns more about the Allerdon sisters, their family and neighbors. Not only is a mystery, this book is a coming of age story for both sisters. They each have valuable insights into their situations and work on solution. It is however the previous hidden strength within Miranda that turns the tide on this river front story. Most of the supporting characters are male who greatly range in age, each helps to anchor the story. Cooney has written a thrilling mystery full of personal introspection and emotion. Readers get to know how both Lander and Miranda think yet enough information is held back to allow for plot twist and turns. Several characters in this book could have, would have or might have been guilty of any numbers of sins but only one is a killer.

No Such Person is a candidate for Cream of the Crop and needs to be shelved where all teens have access.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cooney, Caroline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385742917

Price: 17.99

You Nest Here With Me

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Yolen and Stemple share the nesting habits of many birds in this delightful science picture book. As a mother is tucking her child into bed she speaks of various birds and their nesting environments. Be they Grackles in the high fir trees or Plover on the sandy shore they all return to their nest to sleep. Sweet does lovely and lively drawings that make this soothing story jump off the page. The detail and somewhat stylized accents draw the reader into each illustration. Color is effectively used and the print is very legible. The last two pages include an author's note and illustrated factual information on 14 species.

Parents searching a gentle bedtime story should be introduced to this title. Librarians have probably already made this addition to their collections. The combination of excellent writing, outstanding illustrations and supporting information make this a Cream of the Crop book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen and Heidi Stemple, Jane

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (Highlights)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789230

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Amelia Bedelia Cleans Up

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2015

Review

Illustrations are gouache and black pencil. Amelia wants to go on an adventure with her friends. They take to their bikes and find an empty lot that has a huge tree just perfect for a club house. It also has lots of stray cats, only the cats really aren't strays. The lot goes up for sale and many different people want it for different purposes. The girls want to buy the lot they helped to clean up and even if they all work for a whole year they still won't have enough money.

The end of the book has two pages called, "Two Ways to Sat It". This is a figurative language section with quotes and pictures used from the story and what the quote really means. Example: It's an eyesore" written over picture, and "It's really ugly" written underneath.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Green willow Books / Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062334015

Price: 15.99

Azalea Unschooled

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2015

Review

Illustrations are simple line drawings. Azalea moves to Portland, Maine when her dad buys a tour bus. The family has moved so many time Azalea can't remember all of them. She's 11 and her older sister Zenith is 13. The teenager's emotions and facial expressions are what help to make this story very strong in characterization. This move is different from the others because Azalea makes a best friend Gabby. Gabby is an unschooler which is different from a homeschooler. Homeschoolers have a parent who is overseeing their learning, unschoolers are free to explore the world as they wish. Azalea's mom want to stay because she has become life coach and has her own clients. Zenith really likes Portland and is afraid they will just move again, so she tries to expedite the process ... The people in the story are very believable... they fight, they make mistakes, the love, and they learn.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kleinman, Liza

Illustrator: Gideon, Brook

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939017581

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Lucky Strike

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Nate Harlow, the target of bullying, has had back luck for as long as he can remember. His parents were killed in an accident when he was younger, and nothing ever seems to work out for him. Nate's luck changes on his eleventh birthday. While miniature golfing with his best friend, Genesis, Nate is struck by lightning. Soon everything he touches turns to gold, figuratively speaking. His grandfather wins a brand new pickup truck, his friend's father wins a boat race when Nate is onboard, and he becomes friends with the cool kids. Bobbie Pyron effectively weaves in themes of luck, fate, religion and faith. Middle grade readers will find Nate an endearing character in this fast-paced, magical realism story. As the story concludes, readers will see what’s really important in life: friends and family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pyron, Bobbie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/ Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545592178

Price: 16.99

Honey

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Spunky, ten year-old Melody lives with her father in the small town of Royal, Indiana. She doesn’t remember her mother who passed away when Melody was a baby. When Melody overhears her father refer to someone as “Honey” during a phone call, she is suspicious. Is her father dating a woman in town? Melody and her best friend, Nick, investigate. Their first stop is Bee-Hive, a new hair salon run by the exuberant Bee-Bee Churchill and her dog, Mo. Melody soon learns that nothing is as it appears when she jumps to conclusions and makes a mess of the situation. Honey has a simple plot line, yet there is depth in the characters and subtleties that readers going through family change will appreciate. Middle grade fans of Pie by Sarah Weeks will also enjoy this realistic fiction story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Weeks, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545465571

Price: 16.99

A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

A Fine Dessert spans four centuries and two countries as four families make blackberry fool using fresh ingredients. The dessert is a labor of love that involves smashing and straining berries and whipping cream by hand. Blackall uses ink, watercolor and blackberry juice to create the delicate, detailed illustrations. Although the story depicts a mother and daughter who are slaves in South Carolina, the author does not delve into the harsh and complicated topic of slavery. Instead, Jenkins ends with a multicultural group of family and friends in the present day and the message of how food connects us. A recipe for blackberry fool is included in the back matter for readers who wish to try to dessert at home.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Blackall, Sophie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/ Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978037586320

Price: 17.99

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Reviewed by: Kelley Blue - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Sixteen year old Simon Spier knows that he's gay, he just hasn't felt the need to tell anyone yet. His only confidant is his anonymous email pen pal, Blue. His exchanges with Blue are becoming so preoccupying that the very careful and private Simon risks using a public computer at his school library one day and then forgets to sign out of his email. It just so happens that the next person to use the computer is a classmate who is desperate to get a date with Simon's magnetic best friend Abby. He's so desperate that he reluctantly blackmails Simon, threatening to release screenshots of his emails with Blue if Simon doesn't get him a shot with Abby. When Simon doesn't exactly follow through, he's outed on the school's Tumblr. What follows is the story of how Simon's coming-out impacts not just his relationship with Blue, but with each of his friends and family members. Author Becky Albertalli is a clinical psychologist experienced working with teenagers, and thus her characters feel like completely real and authentic teens. The dialog is spot-on, including the emails between Simon and Blue, which intersperse the action. This is a device that's been used before, but it's very well done here, showing the arc of their relationship, the longing, tensions, and misunderstandings. Though completely current, there is something timeless about the way that Simon experiences high school and first love. This book was a delight from start to finish, and is highly recommended for those that enjoy contemporary teen fiction with wit and heart. I would only fault it for being a little too precious at times, especially towards the end, but this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. A recommended purchase for general teen fiction and LGBTQ collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Albertalli, Becky

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062348678

Price: 17.99

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. the Uranium Unicorns from Uranus

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Reprint of the 2005 title. There are some text changes and new full color artwork by Dan Santat.

In this offering, the nefarious Uncle Unicorn hypnotizes the Mighty Robot into falling in love with a Ladybot. With Mighty Robot out of the way, Uncle Unicorn can destroy planet Earth. It takes Ricky's wits, his cousin Lucy's tears and her "Jurassic Jackrabbits" to foil the evil plan.

Full color illustrations on each page will appeal to today's visual kids. Most pages consist of an illustration with text. There are 5 "flip-o-rama" features, which require the reader to flip one page back and forth quickly to create the illusion of animation during some of the action scenes. In the final scenes, a wordless graphic novel layout takes the place of the illustrated text in the original. Although the Ladybot morphs and changes as in the original, added scenes depicting Fudgie and Cupcake's thoughts about cookies interrupts the action. Later, Lucy asks about the cookies, which is a distraction that does not add to the story. Concluding art lessons teaching how to draw the major characters are missing in this edition.

Readers new to chapter books will enjoy the action, the visual aspects and the interactive pages. Teachers will appreciate the frequent alliteration hidden in the humor. For example: "The big, bad beasties banded together and blasted the Robot's behind." Libraries will want to update their collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545630153

Price: 5.99

The Sign of the Cat

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

The main character in this story, Duncan, can talk with cats. Because he can talk to cats, he can find out all sorts of things. People talk in front of cats all the time without giving it a second thought. For Duncan, this proves to be a huge asset when he and a young white kitten gets tricked into sailing away from his home on a ship. Between the 2 of them they figure out what the crew on the ship are up to and why he was kidnapped.

This is a fun, action packed adventure. The cats definitely add a bit of humor to the story. The tiger is funny and seemed quite a bit different from what you would expect a tiger to be. I would have given this book 5 stars, but thought some of the kitten capturing scenes were a bit gruesome for the rest of the book. Still this is a really good book that fantasy fans will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jonell, Lynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805096835

Price: 16.99

We are all Made of Molecules

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about two teenagers, Stewart and Ashley, that each has only one parent. Now their parents have fallen in love with each other so they are all going to live together. Stewart (kind of a nerd) is excited but Ashley (super popular) is not. Stewart does find a way to get Ashley to at least talk to him, but the reason behind that might be bad for both of them.

The mean girl scene and Ashley in particular, is intense in this book. Ashley is not a likable character but what she does to people around her and doesn’t do, was believable, even if it was ugly to read about. Stewart also seemed a bit too perfect throughout the book. There are several issues that are dealt with in the book- bullying, homophobia and date violence are just a few. Overall this was a good book. I would give it 4 out 4 stars

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Susin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553496864

Price: 16.99

Fort

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Two boys, Augie and Wyatt, build a fort only to have 2 bullies take it over. But Wyatt and Augie come up with a plan to chase the bullies away and stop them from bullying other people as well as themselves. The fort building process, the friendship between Augie and Wyatt and the way they dealt with the bullies was great. The one piece that seemed out of place in a book meant for 8-11 year was Wyatt’s obsession with Augie’s great-aunt’s breasts. That kind of behavior would be better suited to a 12+ age group. Having said that, it is a very minor part in an otherwise very good adventure story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DeFelice, Cynthia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374324278

Price: 16.99

Unusual Chickens for the Poultry Farmer

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about a young girl, Sophia, that moves to her great uncle’s farm after he dies. On the farm she finds her great uncles’ chickens and they have super powers. Now it is up to Sophia to raise them and keep them safe.

Sophia is telling this story and it is filled with letters she writes to people (and their responses) about what is going on with the chickens. The letters are honest and really give the reader a feel for Sophia and what she is thinking, including her frustration with not being able to find out more about those super power chickens. That is one part of the book that I felt was missing…why or how did those chickens get their super powers? The black and white drawings are really fun and add quite a bit to the story. On the whole, this is a funny and heartwarming epistolary novel with just a touch of fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Kelly

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755528

Price: 16.99

Flirty Dancing

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about Bea, a 9th grader that is kind of shy. But when her PE teacher announces there will be a dance competition and the winners get to be on TV, Bea decides to go for it- she loves to dance and what’s even cooler is that her partner is a really cute boy in her school. Unfortunately, the school’s queen bee has a crush on that same boy.

This is a light fun romance. There is some mean girl stuff but lots of humor too. Bea is a fun character that grows through out the novel until she actually learns to stand up for herself. But she isn’t the only fun character. Her little sister Emma almost steals the show at times. She is super funny and does crazy 3-year-old that will make you laugh out loud- especially if you know a 3-year-old. If you like romantic comedies with some great dancing thrown in, you will like this summer beach read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McLachlan, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250061485

Price: 16.99

The Flow of Water

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

As a science picture book this will serve classrooms with early readers. Cloud formation, precipitation and patterns of water flow are discussed in the text and illustrated. The font size was chosen for the audience reading pleasure and the book is colorful. Several illustrations however are stilted, especially the trees. One two page spread depicting streams merging into rivers is confusing.

Children are naturally curious about weather; this book will answer some basic questions and foster continued discussion. The cost will limit the purchase of this book in libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Yu, Da-jeong

Illustrator: Jeong, Mi-ye

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Bib & Small (Lerner Distributed)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781925186239

Price: 26.65

Everybody Says Shalom

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Everybody Says Shalom" is a non-fiction picture book which introduces children to Israel via the word "shalom." The text explains that "shalom" means hello, good-bye, and peace. A visiting family uses the word as they travel around Israel.

The book is a very basic introduction to Israel. While there is not a table of contents or index, pages in the back do provide extra information about each of the destinations the traveling family visits. However, the book does fall victim to one of my greatest pet peeves: no pronunciation guide is given.

Some of the text is a little vague, even for this basic book. After introducing the word "shalom," the next few pages of text say "When in Israel...everybody says shalom! Going out...or coming home. Right to left and left to right. In the morning...late at night." "Right to left and left to right" is illustrated by two children writing "shalom" in the sand on a beach: one in English and one in Hebrew. While adults might figure this out, it would need to be explained to children.

The reading level is appropriate for ages preschool through 3rd grade. The rhyming text is basic enough for very young children, while older kids can discuss the locations and specific destinations.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and fit the text quite well. While the illustrations are not detailed, neither is the text, so they fit well together. In addition, there is a little gecko hidden in each layout. It's fun to search for the gecko, and it's not necessarily easy!

Books about Israel for this age group are quite rare. While many picture book characters live in or visit other cities or countries throughout the world, Israel is not common. I believe this book will fill a need in children's travel/country collections, and, luckily, the book is well done. While the book is too simple for a country report or study, it is a wonderful introduction to the country.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kimmelman, Leslie

Illustrator: Shipman, Talitha

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385383363

Price: 17.99

Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

This picture book biography of Wangari Maathai is an excellent source of information and a beautiful book.

Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her multifaceted work replanting trees in Kenya, working tirelessly for democracy in Kenya, promoting peace among tribes, and protecting forests and wildlife.

Compared to "Wangari's Trees of Peace" by Jeanette Winter, "Wangari Maathai" is much more in-depth. Wangari's entire life is explored, from her early childhood to her work in the Kenyan government.

Beyond the primary biography, the book is chock full of relevant extras. There is not a table of contents (it's a picture book, after all), but there are: - photographs of Wangari Maathai - a timeline of her life (and other events that affected her life) - a climate map of Kenya - a description of life in Kenya today - a brief summary of the state of forests and animals in Kenya today - direct quotes from Maathai's autobiography and Nobel speech - a bibliography - websites for further information

This is truly a well-written, thorough, yet accessible book. Originally published in French in 2012, it was translated into English this year (2015).

The illustrations are very unique and fit both the story and the text beautifully.

The text is clear, though not appropriate for children younger than kindergarten, and is probably more appropriate for grades 2 and 3.

Children will be drawn to this book because of the eye-catching illustrations, but will stay for the fascinating story of Wangari Maathai.

Teachers can use this book in many ways. Despite it being a picture book, the extras at the back provide a wealth of information for a report or biography assignment. It can also be used as an example of positive African people. Elementary school studies of Africa often focus on the poor and desperate state of many countries in Africa, and this book shows a different side. In addition, Wangari Maathai herself is an example of a powerful woman. The book can be well used for Women's Hisoty Month.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Prevot, Franck

Illustrator: Fronty, Aurelia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580896269

Price: 17.95

Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Granddaddy's Turn" is the story of a young boy who accompanies his African-American grandfather to vote for the first time.

The writing is simple, yet poignant. I will admit that I actually cried during the last third of the book. The grandfather is given an unfair literacy test and denied the right to vote that day. Years later, after the grandfather has passed away, the boy becomes old enough to vote and remembers his granddaddy's experience on voting day long ago.

While the book is fiction, the story is all too true of many African-American voters in the southeast during the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, the author provides a brief note about voting rights during the Civil Rights Movement, and how long it took for a federal act to put an end to unfair testing.

As usual with James E. Ransome's watercolor illustrations, these incredibly detailed paintings support the text beautifully. In true picture book style, the illustrations provide much of the story and feeling that the words cannot.

While there have been a fair number of picture books published about the Civil Rights Movement, I have not encountered one specifically about voting rights. Luckily, this story is accurate and realistic, and would be an excellent addition to any collection.

While most parents wouldn't pick this book up to take home, it is a gentle introduction to voting rights for grades K-3. The concept of fair and unfair, very prevalent in that age group, will have students outraged in the very best way.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bandy, Michael

Illustrator: Ransome, James

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665937

Price: 16.99

Have You Seen My Monster?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

This engaging story will keep little readers glued to the pages with an interactive jaunt to the fair where a friendly monster is waiting to be found.

A follow up to Steve Light's, Have you seen my dragon, this story follows a similar format with a subtle educational component. The detailed B&W illustrations are complemented with occasional flashes of brilliant colors that highlight the the twenty shapes that appear throughout the book.

While trying to find the monster, amidst the trappings of a small town fair, the reader will come across a variety of shapes – from a simple square to more complex shapes such as a quatrefoil. The light text which includes plenty of questions for the young reader to answer, will be sure to keep readers engaged.

The end papers are also highly entertaining with a map of the fairgrounds. Included in this detailed illustration, are arrows to follow to make your way around the various activities of the fair. A nice addition to the story.

Overall, a fun read with plenty of details that can be re-discovered upon multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Light, Steve

Illustrator: Light, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763675134

Price: 16.99

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Emmanuel's Dream" is the true story of a boy born with only one strong leg. His mother tells him he can do anything, and after a frustrating life of a disabled person in Ghana, he rides a bike across the entire country. He continues to advocate for the rights of disabled persons.

The writing clearly explains that Emmanuel has a disability and describes his difficulties in life. But at no point does the author pity Emmanuel. This is not a sob story. However, children will clearly understand that a boy overcame a true hardship in a country that was not understanding.

At the back of the book, the author includes a note briefly outlining Yeboah's life after the end of the book; primarily, his work on behalf of disabled persons in Ghana.

The illustrations are mixed media and quite stark. They do not provide much of a sense of place. However, the illustrations do put the focus on Emmanuel, and perhaps that was the illustrator's intent. Still, I would have liked to see the country of Ghana emphasized a bit more. The illustrations do complement the text. Some of the text, without visual cues, might have been hard for children to envision.

I think this book will be enjoyed by parents/caregivers, children and teachers alike. At it's most general, it's the wonderful story of a likable protagonist overcoming obstacles. However, it's also a wonderful book when talking about or teaching about disabilities, particularly because there is no sentimentality in the book. Finally, it would be an excellent book to share when learning about Africa. While it highlights that Ghana was behind both socially and governmentally in terms of supporting the rights of disabled persons, it also shows the power of one person to institute change.

This would be a lovely book to pair with "Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees" by Franck Prevot.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Laurie Ann

Illustrator: Qualls, Sean

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449817445

Price: 17.99

Naptime with Theo & Beau

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Naptime with Theo & Beau" is simply a joyous book. Beau is a toddler, and Theo is an adopted dog. In this story, photographs of Beau and Theo napping accompany short sentences. Almost all of the photographs are double spreads, and the text has been written to highlight the photos, rather than the other way around. An example: "Sleeping on our backs." is accompanied by a photo of the two sleeping on their backs.

Though I can't know for sure, I suspect the photos are not posed. The puppy and Beau seem to be genuinely asleep, and Beau is wearing different clothes every time.

Do not miss the end papers! Both front and back are photo collages of Beau and Theo sleeping. In addition, if you remove the dust jacket, the inside is a poster of the two sound asleep!

The author (mother) includes a note in the back of the book explaining how the family chose Theo at the animal shelter.

This book will appeal to appeal to children ages 1-5 years and their families. In addition, the photographs are so large, and the text so simple, that it is definitely a winner for toddler and/or preschool story times. Because it's non-fiction, it's one of the hard-to-find story time books that can support the Common Core.

Whether you love dogs, toddlers, naptime, or just cute books, "Naptime for Theo & Beau" is for you.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shyba, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250059062

Price: 10.61

In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

An informational picture book about a Germany family and their immigration to the United States. The story begins back in Germany, where harsh economic conditions prompt the family to leave all that is familiar and move to the United States. The straight-forward, narrative text, complemented with folksy, colored illustration, details their travels and subsequent life in the United States.

The family encounters many hardships along the way, but the opportunity provided by the Homestead Act in the United States, keeps them on track. The importance of family and traditions, balanced with moving forward and embracing change is an integral part of the story.

The later part of the book, features a current day family living in the same house as their early family members. Interested in learning more about their ancestors, they travel to Germany. An old family photo that originally was on the walls in the original German cottage makes it way back to America, ending up over their fireplace in Nebraska.

This book will be of particular interest to those with a German heritage but would also be informative for any projects on immigration.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raidt, Gerda

Illustrator: Holtei, Christa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580896306

Price: 17.95

Boo!

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Leslie Patricelli has provided us with another funny book featuring her baby-with-a-curl-on-his-head character. This one revolves around Halloween.

In a twist, however, this book has much more text that her other board books (such as "Yummy YUCKY" and "Toot") and, in fact, has a plot. The illustrations are also a bit more busy and detailed than readers may be used to (there are fun elements for the grown-ups, too, such as the stems of the jack-o'-lanterns mirroring the baby's curl).

However, as expected, the book is fun! The baby has adventures while choosing a pumpkin (in his signature diaper), choosing a costume, and trick-or-treating. The book also continues with some of the concepts Patricelli's other board books include: pumpkins are "too small," "too BIG," and "Just right." A number of jack-o'-lantern faces and emotions are shown before baby chooses.

In a nod to a baby's or toddler's Halloween reality, the baby character is scared by the bigger kids' costumes while trick-or-treating in the dark. Thank goodness Daddy is there!

In short, this is another wonderful Leslie Patricelli board book, but readers who are used to one or two words per page will be surprised.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patricelli, Leslie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763663209

Price: 6.99

Spots in a Box

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Being different and wanting to fit in, is a theme that is addressed in this imaginative and funny book featuring none other than a guinea fowl....A "spotless" guinea fowl to boot....

When our main character has had enough of lacking the beautiful white spots of his fellow fowl, he takes matters in his own claws and sends out an urgent letter requesting spots....

The crazy wide-range of spots that arrive are sure to delight. From foil spots, die-cut spots, sneezy spots, even the unusual connect-the-dot spots that arrive are all not quite right however. That is, until the last pages, when sparking over the top spots arrive that are "spot-on" and help put a smile on the main character's beak.

The Seuss-like, jaunty, rhyming text is well placed on the pages, leaving plenty of white space to showcase the lively, detailed watercolor illustrations.

A feel good story about the importance of personal choice and having the ability to know when the "right" thing comes along. Excellent!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, Helen

Illustrator: Ward, Helen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763675974

Price: 16.99

Diary of a Waitress: The Not-So-Glamorous Life of a Harvey Girl

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

After finding out that her family does not have enough money to send both her and her older bother to college, seventeen year-old Kitty takes a job as Harvey Girl even though she is a year too young for the position. As a Harvey Girl, Kitty is trained to provide excellent service as a waitress in the Harvey restaurants, a chain of dining establishments that served railway customers from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. After a month of training, Kitty is selected to go on and serve at a Harvey House in Belen, New Mexico. With aspirations to become a writer, Kitty begins selling her writing to the local newspaper and chronicles her time as a Harvey Girl through her journal. Readers who enjoyed the Dear America and Royal Diaries series, but are ready to move on to other fiction, will also enjoy Meyer's latest novel. Other readers may quickly lose interest, as the plot is slow and Kitty's descriptions are very involved. Period photographs accompanied by Kitty's diary entries provide a sense of time and place for the reader, and paint a vivid picture of the late 1920's. A good addition to collections where historical fiction is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620916520

Price: 17.95

Goodnight Already!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Duck is simply full of energy, while his next door neighbor Bear just wants to go to sleep. Duck's brightly colored pages featuring yellows and reds are juxtaposed against Bear's dark, blue toned ones, creating interesting contrast between simple and effective illustrations. Duck pesters Bear, asking him to do a variety of activities including playing cards and making smoothies. After a series of suggestions, Bear refuses and the titular phrase "goodnight already" is voiced by one of the characters. This scenario repeats three times, and finally ends with Bear wide-awake in his kitchen making cookies, while Duck has drifted off to sleep while reading a book. Emotive character expressions, silly costumes, and the repetitive nature of the text lends itself well to read alouds, but the simplistic plot does not encourage rereads. A fun addition to school and public library storytimes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062286208

Price: 17.99

Orion and the Dark

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Yarlett showcases her mixed-media artwork in this tale about a boy named Orion and a fear-conquering adventure with a creature named Dark. Orion is scared of almost everything, but is especially scared of the dark. One night, he exasperatedly yells at the dark to go away, and is shocked when a benign creature named Dark descends into his bedroom to lead him on an adventure to face his fears. Graph paper, watercolor, and digital collage create images that require close inspection as they are packed with extra information, such as all of the methods that Orion uses to combat his fear of the dark. In these spreads the text becomes hard to find, which disrupts the flow of the story. Other spreads are simplistic, with some featuring a paper arm cut-out that serves as Dark's arm, which shakes Orion's hand and embraces him at different points in the story. An overall charming book with some production flaws make this title best suited for lap-reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yarlett, Emma

Illustrator: Yarlett, Emma

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675950

Price: 16.99

The Other Side of the Wall

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

This is the first American edition of a graphic novel first published in Germany by Schwartz. This aptly-named autobiographical story tells of Schwartz's birth and first years in East Germany before his family was finally allowed to emigrate to the other side of the Wall. Their desire to leave the DDR (German Democratic Republic) brought great hardship for his parents as they were continually questioned by the East German secret police, fired from their jobs, and shunned by their families (particularly Schwartz's paternal grandparents who whole-heartedly supported the doctrines of the East German government). In clear, mostly four-paneled pages of black and white drawings, Schwartz tells of his parents' struggles and their eventual escape to the West. Readers won't get too much of the about the actual doctrines of the DDR, but a glossary and timeline at the end of the book might inspire them to find out more. The graphic novel format is an accessible way for readers to glean insight into what was a tense and frightening time for many Germans. The only criticism of the book was that it ended a bit abruptly, but it did deliver its promise to get Schwartz to the "other side of the wall". Recommend for schools teaching modern European history, and for public library collections looking to add non-superhero-type GNs in the vein of Marjane Satrapi and Zeina Abirached.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schwartz, Simon

Illustrator: Schwartz, Simon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467760287

Price: 9.99

Click

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Using just onomatopoetic words, Ebbeler's wonderful picture book follows a bird lamp as it solves all of the problems of the noisy nighttime thereby allowing his little human a peaceful night's sleep. Ebberler perfectly captures the sounds of the dripping faucet, the sneezing broom, the fluttering curtains, and then to take it one step further, one double-page spread with 12 squares of daytime noises before it's time to "click" off the light again. A gorgeous color palette and full-page spreads with fantastic details like a monkey-shaped scrub brush and a grumpy backpack, this book can be pored over by young readers, shared at story time, or used in a poetry unit. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ebbeler, Jeffrey

Illustrator: Ebbeler, Jeffrey

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823432950

Price: 16.95

Bilby: Secrets of an Australian Marsupial

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

This picture book is an introduction to the bilby, an Australian marsupial. The book has two parts: the first is story-like and follows a baby bilby from birth to adulthood. The second provides additional facts supporting the actions of the baby bilby and its mother. Each two-page spread includes the "story" part of the book and the factual paragraphs. However, they are differentiated only by typeface -- there are no sidebars, separate boxes, or even different text colors to highlight the information. At times, I almost missed the difference. For an informational book, the language is quite flowery: "In the moonlight, Bilby canters -- tail aloft like a banner -- across the spiny grass..." It's lovely, but detracts slightly from the information.

Strangely, a three-paragraph introduction to the bilby is on the front right endpaper; not as decoration, but what would normally be the first page of text.

While the mixed-media illustrations would be lovely as pure art, they are not appropriate for this book. I have a bias for photographs when it comes to science books (including animals). However, if an author chooses to use illustrations, they should be clear and detailed, like Gail Gibbons' work. These illustrations are hazy and unclear, and do not even support the text. For example, the mother has a "crested tail with its horny spur at the tip." I didn't know bilbies had horny spurs on their tails and desperately wanted to see one, but the accompanying illustration did not show one. It was very frustrating.

There are not a lot of informational books about the bilby for young children, but I still do not recommend adding this book to your collection in either a public or school library. If a student needs information about the bilby, I would recommend a book on Australia with a page about the bilby, or a book about marsupials, over this picture book.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Wignell, Edel

Illustrator: Jackson, mark

Illustration Quality: poor

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763667597

Price: 16.99

Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Hoot Owl flies through the night looking for his next meal donning one disguise after another in an attempt to convince that meal to come to him. He is unsuccessful until he meets a pizza that succumbs to his genius, that is, it doesn't move and so he eats it. This is an appealing, colorful book, and the silliness of Hoot's disguise attempts is fun, but I felt that this was just an okay book. My young audience loved Hoot's fluffy lamb disguise, but it seemed strange to me that an owl would want to eat a lamb. And the cadence of the words wasn't great for a read-aloud. It is reminiscent of the book "Shh! We Have a Plan" but it makes less sense with more words.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Sean

Illustrator: Jullien, Jean

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763675783

Price: 15.99

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #32: Sharks and Other Predators: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #53: Shadow of the Shark

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker books are fantastic companions to the MTH books. This book accompanies book #53, "Shadow of the Shark," but it also stands alone as a non-fiction book about sharks and other predators. The book starts with a description of predators of all kinds, from birds who prey on worms to apex predators like sharks and wolves. There are chapters specifically about sharks, big cats and the dog family, as well as a chapter about keeping the balance in nature. Osborne explains that predators are scary, but the more you learn about something scary, the less scary it is. Predators are necessary for the food chain and keep the whole world healthy. The book includes black and white photographs showing these predators, and has many, many fascinating facts that will keep kids reading whether for a school report or out of interest. If you are looking to bolster your non-fiction collection, these companion books are a solid choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Molinari, Carlo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385386418

Price: 5.99

Last of the Sandwalkers

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

A graphic novel about bugs on a quest, this book could not be any better. With the right mix of good and evil, snark and sentiment, humor and sincerity, this graphic novel is fantastic. It begins with a guide to identifying beetles as it introduces the cast of characters in the story. There are journal entries from the protagonist Lucy as the quest begins with a research expedition as the cast sets off on a mission to determine if there is life outside of their city New Coleopolis. The book is as good as any human explorer's travelogue as Lucy struggles to assign meaning to the things experienced on this mission. And the mission goes wrong, of course or there wouldn't be a continuation of the story and more chances to find meaning, and the heroes desperately try to return home. Along the way, they discover things about each other, themselves, and the greater world outside of their sheltered little home. The villain, Professor Owen, is evil indeed as he attempts to keep his fellow New Coleopolites in the dark about life outside of their city, reminiscent of the Emperor trying to control the resistance by those pesky Jedis. And the copious endnotes are fascinating to read chapter by chapter or at the very end as the reader realizes that he has learned quite a bit about the insect world by the end of this tale of adventure and discovery. Highly recommend for any collection with GNs and for consideration on the 2015 Cream of the Crop list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hosler, Jay

Illustrator: Hosler, Jay

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781626720244

Price: 16.99

Playlist for the Dead

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Perks of Being a Wallflower" (Stephen Chbosky) meets "Thirteen Reasons Why" (Jay Asher) in this YA novel about a young man struggling to cope with his best friend's suicide. Sam believes that he is mostly responsible for Hayden's pill overdose and as he listens to the playlist left for him by his friend, he is convinced that he will never completely understand why Hayden did it. But with the help of a mysterious girl who knows more than she lets on, Sam does piece together the events leading up to Hayden's suicide and some of the triggers that might have caused it above and beyond their relationship and fight on the night of Hayden's death. This is a compelling read and Falkoff pulls the reader onward page by page dropping hints and connecting the dots as it rushes to the climactic conclusion of "who was Hayden?" and "what happened to him in the days before his death?" and "who is dispensing revenge on all of those who ever hurt Hayden?" A solid coming-of-age book that will find an audience in upper middle and high school, especially with John Green and Sarah Dessen fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Falkoff, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310507

Price: 17.99

Macbeth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Macbeth is the original “Game of Thrones” and this adaptation with its sumptuous illustrations with an earthy color palette and just the right amount of red engages the reader almost as much as Martin’s compelling fantasy series. In an author note, Hinds explains that he used much of Shakespeare's text unchanged though he did have to cut words in an effort to keep the length manageable and to keep the flow of the story clear. Shakespeare in graphic novel format can be a helpful tool to those struggling with the original text. The use of speech bubbles and drawn characters can aid in understanding in a unique and engaging way. With text cut into panels and in proper conversational order, the story of the doomed king is given fresh life. There are many rich visuals incorporated by Hinds (from symbols to shadows) thereby challenging the reader to truly "read" the pictures. A historical note and notes on the text round out this fantastic graphic adaptation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hinds, Gareth

Illustrator: Hinds, Gareth

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763669430

Price: 21.99

Joyride

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Carly is a hard working high school student who is trying to stay in the background since her parents were deported. She and her brother are saving to have her parents smuggled over the border. Arden comes from a wealthy family but is suffering emotionally since the death of his sister and alienation from his father. This story develops using humor and realism as it reveals the motivation of various characters. Readers will be enchanted by the love story, and horrified by the sheriff’s involvement in human trafficking.

The character development is the winning feature of this book. Carly is a strong young woman who knows how to stand up for herself while Arden is enough of a man to let her define their relationship. Bad Cops and immigrations issues make this more than just another love story. The family backgrounds are intrinsic to the plot and the ending leaves room for a sequel. Add this to YA collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Anna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250039613

Price: 17.99

Yes She Did! Medicine

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This non-fiction easy chapter book looks at some famous women in medicine through out history. It includes photos and highlighted facts about these women to increase reader interest. A weakness of the book is the photographs (or lack of them). Some of the pictures or photos of the women being discussed are not at the start of the article. Readers have to turn a page or two to see the actual photo. And in one case, there is no picture of the women being discussed at all. For young readers this would be disappointing. The book does do a nice job of depicting women in a variety of areas of medicine. Especially in areas that are not as well known.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCreary, Jordan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scobre Educational

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781615709311

Price: 15

Tractor Mac: You're a Winner

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is a fun picture book starring Tractor Mac. In this story Tractor Mac wants to win the tractor pull at the fair. But he has tough competition and he might not win. On the inside of the cover and on the backside of the cover are diagrams of a tractor and a carousel. Both have their parts highlighted. You don’t have to look at them to enjoy the story but for tractor fans this is a must. The story itself is a sweet look at doing your best and being happy with that, even if that means you don’t come in first. The illustrations are colorful and add character to the story. You really feel like you are at the fair. Young readers will be routing for Tractor Mac to win the tractor pull at the fair, but even if he doesn’t, there is a way he can find to still be happy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374301040

Price: 8.99

Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

A physics lesson starts while a boy is brushing his teach which are explained as wedges. Two children accompanied by a playful cat and adult seem to be on a play date where each encounter is a learning opportunity. The slide is a prime example of an inclined plane, a seesaw is a lever using a solid bar and pivots while the wheel and axle allow a tricycle to move without causing friction. Gears are toothed wheels which move the Ferris wheel.

The illustrations depict and amplify each simple machine adding fun to the text. Children will be familiar with the park/playground equipment. The book would have been enhanced by subject headings or better transitions to each simple machine. Lower level science teachers will want to add this to their classroom collection and public libraries should add this to the shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David A.

Illustrator: Raff, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823433094

Price: 17.95

Tractor Mac: Parade's Best

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Tractor Mac is back again and this time he is in a parade. He wants to win for best float but can he if he has to pull the flower float? This time the inside and back covers have a labeled tractor and jeep (with an auger!) drawing. Even if you don’t want to read all of the labels, it is still fun to look up close at both vehicles. In this story, Tractor Mac doesn’t want to pull the float that has flowers and ribbons on it but he changes his mind when he realizes that it’s the right thing to do (and he has fun dong it). The drawings in this one are great, especially the parade. Children will enjoy seeing all the floats and the people and animals on them, even if they are not tractor fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374301064

Price: 15

Ninja Bunny

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This picture book is about a bunny that has rules for being a ninja. The first is to do it alone, but that might not always be the best way. The drawings in this picture book are adorable. The rules also are just what a little reader would expect from a ninja. But this ninja bunny is going to have some trouble with the rules and the way that it bumbles through these rules will have young readers smiling if not laughing out loud. The message at the end about working together with your friends is a nice message to end the book on as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Jennifer Gray

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385754934

Price: 16.99

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

This book has received much critical success and is a Stonewall Honor Book from the American Library Association. The praise is well-deserved as the book captures many real-life stories from transgender teens who are just trying to find their place in the world. Each story stands alone, so readers can read the entire book or pick and choose a story. For those who agreed, there are photographs, often of the teens from their childhoods and as older teens after they determined with which gender they identify more closely. This is an engaging and honest book and should be in every library so that teens who are questioning and feeling that they don't have a story out there can find it and know that they are NOT alone.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kuklin, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673680

Price: 12.99

Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2015

Review

When Clark the Shark gets whacked in the mouth while playing reef soccer, he has to make his first trip to the dentist. He has a wobbly tooth that needs attention. Clark the Shark doesn't even know what a dentist is and when he finds out he is frightened. How will it go? Will it hurt? Are dentists really scary and mean as Billy-Ray Ray tells him? Children who are trepidatious about visiting the dentist will be soothed by this adorable story with its amusing and expressive illustrations. Amazing shark tooth facts are included at the end of the book. Consider adding this one to your beginner reader collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Bruce

Illustrator: Francis, Guy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062279088

Price: 16.99

Damage Done

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 20, 2015

Review

A twisted contemporary thriller that will stun readers with its dramatic conclusion, "Damage Done" is fast-paced and captivating. Julia Vann is the sole survivor of a high school massacre, where her brother Ryan shot eleven students in the band room. After killing the students, Ryan turned the gun on himself in attempted suicide, but was instead left in a coma. As the sole survivor, yet unable to recall the event itself due to traumatic amnesia, Julia and her family are plagued by reporters, police, and an angry community. The Vann family moves and tries to begin again under assumed names, Julia becoming Lucy Black. After settling in to her new life, Lucy makes friends and sparks a new romance, but her dreams of leaving the past behind are shattered when Ryan's old psychologist starts following her. The action quickly escalates, and soon Julia is forced to face her past or suffer dangerous consequences. Fans of E. Lockheart's "We Were Liars" will be equally captivated by this book, as the twists and turns are slowly revealed in a similar manner. The jacket description does not do this title justice, nor give a very clear summary of what this book is actually about. As a protagonist, Julia may not always be likable, but this only contributes to the book's thrilling conclusion. At times graphic and mature, "Damage Done" is best suited for older high school readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, mystery, and suspense.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Panitch, Amanda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553507492

Price: 17.99

Another Kind of Hurricane

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 12, 2015

Review

An unlikely meeting and friendship springs from horrible events in Louisiana and a mountain in Vermont. Zavion experiences the loss of his home and community when Hurricane Katrina hits the coast of New Orleans. Meanwhile Henry, another pre-teen boy loses his best friend to a tragic accident on Mount Mansfield. Circumstances coincide that brings both boys into the heart of New Orleans, one to deliver clothing and one to repay a store owner for borrowed food.

The story line seems a long shot but it is believable when seen through the eyes of two tragic boys. The depth of pain is evident in most of the characters; no one appears to be untouched. A marble adds a sprinkle of magic into the story as it intertwines citizens of two distant states. It is this magic item that holds the sad story and characters together. The deep felt sorrow may overwhelm some readers but the raw feelings lead to new friendships making this a good read. Social Studied teachers will want this in their 4th – 6th grade classrooms and librarians should add to the collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Tamara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Schwartz Wade (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553511932

Price: 16.99

What's Your Favorite Animal?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 24, 2015

Review

Carle brings readers a delightful board book edition that toddlers will devour. The fourteen various authors / illustrators reveal their personal favorite animal using a variety of art techniques. From household pets, and barn yard animals, to wild beast each animal dominates its two page spread. While the cow stands idle and the leopard leaps off the page it is the snake that offers humor.

This edition is sure to find its way into most home collections and belongs in all public library board book collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carle, Eric

Illustrator: , Several

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627793032

Price: 8.99

Finding Audrey

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Kinsella, best known for the Shopaholic series, takes her charming & quirky British characters and brings them to YA. At the beginning of this book, we meet Audrey, who has gone through some kind of trauma, and is currently out of school and in treatment. She can't stand human contact, even just eye contact, and so stays indoors and wears big dark glasses all day, every day. Only when she meets her brother's friend Linus does she start to come out from her shell. The book really focuses on mental health issues and could be very good as an easy way to introduce conversation or start education about mental health issues. It really shines a light on mental health in a realistic way. And by the end of the book we've seen Audrey show real strength, courage, and self-reliance. We see how hard it is for her to overcome those issues. Talking directly to the reader, Audrey is an authentic teen voice, and all of the characters are charming. Audrey never reveals exactly what happened to her, and while that can be frustrating for some, it's an interesting choice and puts the emphasis on Audrey's condition and recovery instead of the issues that got her there.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kinsella, Sophie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553536515

Price: 18.99

The Wicked Will Rise

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

The second installment in Paige's Wizard of Oz remake, The Wicked Will Rise tells us Amy's continuing story travelling through a broken Oz and trying to figure out both what her destiny is and who to trust. This book focuses more on Amy and her relationships with Ozma, Pete, and Nox, instead of with the older witches and Dorothy. The book ends with a big change and then a cliffhanger. This book was slightly better than the first, because it introduced us to more of the original characters instead of approximations of Baum's characters. We also see more of this version of Oz, including the magnificent place where the flying monkeys live. A must purchase for libraries where Dorothy Must Die was popular; otherwise an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paige, Danielle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062280701

Price: 17.99

Rosie Goes to Preschool

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This is a cute book about Rosie, a toddler who attends preschool. Rosie explains the routine of preschool to the reader who might be new to the experience. The book is large (11.5 x 12 in.) and the illustrations are simple and bright. The children and teachers are multi-racial. Every few pages has a small circle with a Rosie tip inside such as - "Make sure to say Goodbye to your teacher" which introduces the reader to the social expectations of the experience. It would be a good book to read to a toddler who may be about to enter preschool or who already attends. I read the book to my 4 and 7 year old grandchildren and they were engaged in the story and told me how things were the same or different at the preschool they had attended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Katz, Karen

Illustrator: Katz, Karen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz& Wade/ Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385379175

Price: 16.99

Woodpecker Wham!

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, f, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Steve Jenkins' illustrations make this a visually stunning book. The text is 4 lines of rhyming words that correspond to the woodpecker doing some activity during the year. I found the text to be clever, but not easy to read aloud, almost choppy at times. I had to read some twice to get the pronunciations right to rhyme. The best part of this book besides the illustrations is the 6-page addendum where you can see the pictures and names of 6 woodpeckers and learn about their behaviors and habitats. I included grades 4-6 as audience because this addendum would provide facts for an elementary school aged child who is writing a report about woodpeckers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sayre, April Pulley

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805088427

Price: 17.99

Welcome Home, Bear

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Choose Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This is the story of a bear who wakes up one morning in the forest and decides to look for a new place to live. He travels all over the world to different habitats and visits an orangutan, an octopus, a goat, a bird, a camel, a polar bear, a mole, and some hippos before returning back to the forest where he was meant to be. The illustrations are beautiful, but I found the ones with the mole underground and goat on the cliff to be confusing to me as they were more abstract.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Na, Il Sung

Illustrator: Na, Il Sung

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385753753

Price: 16.99

The End of the Rainbow

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book would appeal to a preschooler as it is a simple story with easy to follow illustrations. A child sees a rainbow and wonders what is at the end. The child travels with her cat and meets a rabbit, a bird, a turtle, and a horse who come with her. The group never finds the end of the rainbow, but makes new friends with each other. The artwork was created with pen and ink and watercolor. It goes very well with the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donnelly, Liza

Illustrator: Donnelly, Liza

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823432912

Price: 14.95

Little Red Henry

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This is the story of a youngest child Henry, whose family has doted on him since birth. One day Henry decides he wants to do things for himself, such as brush his teeth, pick out his clothes, and make his own play date. His parents and siblings feel they have no purpose anymore until Henry asks them what they would like to do. They all find there are many things they would like to do such as painting, typing, dancing and they all seem to adjust. Henry finds that he still needs to have his family tuck him into bed at night and they all oblige. This is a very cute book and the illustrations go very well with the text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Urban, Linda

Illustrator: Valentine, Madeline

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763661762

Price: 16.99

Loula and Mister the Monster

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Loula is a little girl who has a dog named Mister. She overhears her mother talking on the phone and is worried that her mother wants to get rid of Mister. So she decides to give Mister some manners classes, of course with disastrous effects. In the end Loula finds out that her mother only wanted to get rid of a plant in the house. The illustrations are done in ink and watercolor and convey all the action that happens when a dog does what dogs do !

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Villeneuve, Anne

Illustrator: Villeneuve, Anne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids can press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383264

Price: 16.95

Tallulah's Tap Shoes

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

The other Tallulah books are about ballet. This time Tallulah is going to dance camp and she has to take a tap dancing class. At first Tallulah does not like tap dancing because the teacher keeps correcting her and she feels she is the worst student in the class. She meets a girl named Kacie who is good at tap dancing but feels she is the worst student in ballet class. The girls eventually become friends and decide they will try their best learning both styles of dance. The illustrations in watercolor and watercolor mixed with gouache complement the story very well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Singer, Marilyn

Illustrator: Boiger, Alexandra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion books/ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544236875

Price: 16.99

Malcolm Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

"Malcolm Under the Stars" is a sequel to an earlier title published this year. As a new classroom pet Malcolm is finding his way while developing relationships with students (nutters), teachers (lankies), and the other classroom pets. This adventure story has a slow start when the lights go out in the old school auditorium. The storyline is straight forward; the School Board wants to close the aging school but the pets and students want it saved.

Several interactions between the outside animals and inside critters are amusing but only a few human characters are as clearly depicted. The illustrations by Lies enhance the text, giving life various animals. Intermediate grade media centers may want to add this to their collection especially if they have the first Malcolm title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Beck, W.H.

Illustrator: Lies, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544392670

Price: 16.99

Bad Kitty Makes Comics... and You Can Too!

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2015

Review

Strange Kitty takes us through a humorous instruction manual for creating comics. All the elements are here, story panels, word balloons, facial expressions, sound effects. The format, with its mix of text and comic panels, provide clear examples of the elements described and will be familiar to Bad Kitty fans. The clear, large font will appeal to young readers. Astute readers will recognize nods to the Cat in the Hat and Garfield.

Although useful as a writing prompt in the classroom, librarians should be forewarned that the book includes practice pages. A disclaimer at the beginning asks readers not to draw in the book if it was borrowed from a library, and encourages borrowers to make copies of the practice pages. The paperback binding and practice pages make this title most suitable for purchase rather than lending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Square Fish / Neal Porter

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439795

Price: 12.99

The Queen of Bright and Shiny things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Sage has been expertly convincing the world and herself that she can live in the facade she has created for the last 3 years. Leaving post-it notes on random people's lockers when they seem down has been her calling card and has earned her the name, princess post-it. Sage keeps her bad girl past hidden to all, even readers, while branching out with new friends, spear heading the green club and riding her bike everywhere in the small town because of her unexplained fear of cars. Her facade is challenged the day that new bad boy Shane, unkempt, guitar player, holder of dark secrets and oh, so cute arrives in geometry class. Leaving him a post-it on his locker begins the unraveling of her purposeful world.

The focus of the story is on character development and the various situations that cause secrets to be revealed. A positive vibe filters throughout the story line and the harsh life situations that have created Sage's protective facade actually becomes anti-climactic when revealed. There is reference to some underage drinking and sex, but nothing graphic, they are just part of the list of situations that happen during Sage's senior year. The book jacket design complements the story perfectly. One small quibble is that the girl on the jacket is a brunette and Sage is a blond. Romance fans will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Aguirre, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250047502

Price: 17.99

Tiny Pretty Things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Give this soap opera/drama to fans of "Pretty Little Liars". Enter the cut throat ballet world through the eyes of Bette, Gigi and June who are all vying for the lead role in Giselle at the American Ballet Academy school. Chariapotra & Clayton plunge readers into the dangerously competitive world of ballet with all the pressures of body image, looks and daily pain. Bette has to live up to her sisters past success and she takes pills to cope. African American Gigi is the new girl on the scene from California who lands the lead role of Gisselle, but hides that she has a heart defect which would take her out of the school. June, due to the pressures of her Korean mother and her unresolved abandonment issues about her, yet-to-be-identified father, purges every meal and lives with the fear of being suspended due to being underweight. Add to the mix the constant infidelity of boyfriends, backstabbing friendships and hidden secrets and you have a quick moving, intense building drama. The one flaw is the lack of clearly defined treachery in the end. This reviewer was unsure which character was responsible for certain career ending pranks.

Although this is clearly a bad girl drama/soap opera plot, there were patches of standout writing concerning anorexia, what motivates dancers and the details of going on pointe, preparing shoes, stretching with a partner and other dance related issues.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Charaipotra, Sona

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062342393

Price: 17.99

Mechanica

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Nicolette, having lost both parents, has become the servant to her stepmother and two step-sisters. All the standard fairy tale tropes apply. Yes, she is required to make their clothes. Yes, she does all the household chores and yes, there are ashes involved, but that is where the similarity ends. In her world, the King has sanctioned a ban on anything related to the Faerie and their magic. During her short life, Mechanica's mother created household helpers in the shape of insects, butterflies and Jules, a horse, that were made from blown glass and mechanical parts but were alive with a touch of fey magic. Outlawed in their country, Mechanica must work in her mother's workshop in secret to try and understand the power of the magic. When the palace announces an Exhibition and a ball, Mechanica makes plans to create something that will support her ability to break away from the holds of her stepmother. Cornwell's setting is clearly realized and is rejuvenated by the details of the workshop and Mechanica's motivations and actions. This is a complete package, setting the scene of a Cinderella story line with a steampunk vein, the book jacket matches the various elements of the story and will draw in movie fans with its slightly Tim Burton-ish design. This intertwining of the dark forbidden magic with the truthfulness and loyalty of friendship provides fans of fairy tale spin offs a refreshing look at Cinderella.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cornwell, Betsy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547927718

Price: 17.99

Con Academy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 3, 2015

Review

Will Shea has conned his way into Connaughton Academy, one of the top 5 five private schools in the nation. So he is in, can he stay in is the question. Andrea, con artist in her own right, sniffs out Will's precarious background and a wager is made between the two of them for the rights to stay. The mark is the acting-out son of the academy's richest benefactor. Schreiber's dialogue provides readers the layout of the con's premise and the situations within the private school setting quickly change from one minute to the next, keeping it interesting. Will's family members, seasoned con-artists themselves make an appearance, sometimes helpful, sometimes not. Fans of movies such as "Focus" with Will Smith and "Ocean's Eleven" series will enjoy the set up and action. Nice to see a book that will appeal to teen boys, but also a wider audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schreiber, Joe

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544320208

Price: 17.99

If I Were You

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about 2 friends, Katie and Melody, secretly wishing to be each other. When the two of them are on the beach bus and drive through a tunnel, they both say their wishes and the next thing they know they have switched places. But as time goes on, both learn things about each other and themselves and realize that maybe being themselves is not so bad after all. This story looks at a feeling that a lot of people have- they wish they were someone else. It does a pretty good job about looking at the life of each friend and it’s pluses and minuses. I did think that the one friend Melody was a bit too nice in everything she did and that got a bit annoying. I also thought that Katie was a bit extreme in the rude department. For 2 such different personalities it seemed unlikely that they would have been friends in the first place. Fans of books about trading places will probably like this but it won’t be a favorite.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Margolis, Leslie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374300685

Price: 15.99

Nuts in Space

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This looks like a picture book but it really is more of a graphic novel. It is the story of a space craft that has animal crew that are trying to get their special cargo, the Lost Nuts of Legend safely home. Unfortunately they have run out of food and are kind of lost. The trick is going to be getting home before someone eats all the nuts. This is really silly graphic novel. Children will enjoy the pictures and all the funny remarks the animals make as well as the creatures they meet. Adults will also enjoy them and get some of the jokes that the children might miss. This is a really fun book but be prepared, it is very silly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dolan, Elys

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676094

Price: 17.99

Aaron is Cool

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This early chapter book has been adapted from P.D. Eastman's book Everything Happens to Aaron in the Winter. Aaron, the alligator, is funny and the drawings are great. He has several experiences dealing with winter throughout the book. The word choice is appropriate and matches the pictures well. Unfortunately there are no chapters or stopping point between the short adventures so one adventure runs into the next. Because of this a young reader might find this early reader confusing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eastman, P.D.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553512373

Price: 3.99

The Shy Little Kitten

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is a very sweet early reader about a shy kitten that wanders off and needs to find its mother. The story, although simple, still makes sense and the young reader will really feel like they are reading a story with a beginning, middle and an end. Words are repeated on several pages which is helpful and the drawings illustrate many of the items the story talks about. The drawings themselves are cute and will appeal to young children. This book would be a nice addition to an early reader collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Depken, Kristen

Illustrator: DiCicco, Sue

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497632

Price: 3.99

Poppy the Pirate Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Poppy is a Dalmatian and is part of setting up a pirate ship, losing some treasure and a tortoise, and then finding everything. The plot sounds simple and it is, but it is also lovely. Young readers will feel for Poppy when she gets a sore eye and has to wear a dog cone. They will also cheer for her when she helps rescue the lost tortoise and missing necklace. The drawings are perfect and add to the story. Young readers that like a fun, sweet story will thoroughly enjoy this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kessler, Liz

Illustrator: Phillips, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674977

Price: 14.99

Sport-O-Rama

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This book takes a quick look at the basics of 23 different sports. And these looks are more like a little snap shot. The author points out things like what a player would wear, the equipment they use, and the field that the sport is played on. All of the illustrations are drawn by hand. They are simple- think clothed stick figure-, colorful and for the most part labeled clearly. The style is almost a cross between a picture book and a graphic novel. This would be a great book to introduce a preschooler to a variety of sports but it would also work well for a struggling reader that likes to read about a variety of sports.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tardif, Benoit

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: kids can press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771383271

Price: 17.95

Pop-Up Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2015

Review

This is a charming dinosaur book for young children! While outwardly plain and very simple, it gives an interesting fact about each dinosaur from a to z, and there is, indeed, a dinosaur for each letter. Each white page has three colored flaps with an upper and lower case letter. The flaps are opened to reveal the pop-up dinosaur and a fact about it. Young dinosaur lovers will love it! The facts make it appropriate for older children as well. The last page has black silhouettes of all the dinosaurs with man in bright yellow right in the middle to give size comparisons. It will give children and adults pause to see the comparisons! There is also a short glossary and a list of the eras in which dinosaurs lived. It is a lap sitting/discussion book that cannot be circulated because the illustrations are very delicate, but still should be considered for purchase to share with your young dinosaur loving patrons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crowther, Robert

Illustrator: Crowther, Robert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672966

Price: 17.99

Spy Guy: The Not So Secret Agent

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

Spy Guy wants to be a good sneak but it is going to take some work. Fortunately, Spy Guy has a friend he calls Chief who is also his Dad. Chief proceeds to show him the ropes through instructive little rhymes.

"If you seek to sneak try not to speak."

"Great sneakers need good sneakers."

"If you want to be stealthy you must be healthy."

Chief poses a challenge to Spy Guy that he must successfully sneak up on Chief to be considered a successful spy and finally despite burps and sneezes and slurping etc. and sheer exhaustion he manages to succeed with help from a sneaky little spider.

"The secret to spying is to never stop trying." Mission Accomplished.

Filled with large, bold and charming illustrations this would be a great book to share with a large group and would work well for an interactive read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Young, Jessica

Illustrator: Santoso, Charles

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544208599

Price: 16.99

Tommy: The Gun That Changed America

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

Karen Blumenthal has again written a book that is fascinating and informative. "Tommy: The Gun That Changed America" is filled with facts, depictions of the times (1920s to present) and how this gun literally changed America's gun/violence atmosphere.

The book is well laid out, within the scope of coverage, easy to follow, well organized with the presence of TOC, index and bibliographies. The historical figures are realistically portrayed and is accurate in the information covered. There are photographs, maps, copies of notices from that time that complement the text quite well.

Anyone interested in history of arms, the Thompson submachine gun and guns laws in the United States would find this book extremely interesting. "Tommy..." would be helpful in research on the Prohibition Era, some of the first and current guns laws in this country, gangsters and the evolution of automatic weapons into society.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blumenthal, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626720847

Price: 19.99

The Whale in My Swimming Pool

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

A whale in a swimming pool is quite a vision in this supersized, modernistic and brightly illustrated children's book. Upon finding a giant whale in his swimming pool which leaves no room for him, the little boy tries everything he can think of to get the whale out. He tries a game of fetch, baiting a fish hook with a tasty fish treat, playing a game of tag and even resorts to a crane to lift the whale out of the pool to no avail.

Making the best of the situation, the little boy, discovers how fun it is to slide down the whale and ride atop the water spewing out of the whale's blow hole. After a rather frustrating afternoon, he is called in for a nap to discover a huge bear holding "his" teddy bear, asleep on the bed. Peering through the window with a smile is the whale...finally out of the pool.

"Oh, great. He snores!"

This book would work well with a large group as the illustrations are very large and colourful. Simple large black lettering would also work well for a child learning to read.

Joyce Wan is also the author of several board books, including Your Are My Cupcake and My Lucky Little Dragon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wan, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374300371

Price: 17.99

Ask Me

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

The cover of this book grabs the reader's attention immediately because of the brilliance of the autumnal shades of orange and red that dominate done in pencil.

Father and daughter are out for a neighbourhood walk, energetic with lively conversation brimming with questions that they ask one another as the walk progresses. There is so much to talk about and so much to share in dialog that is poetic and rhythmic. A feel for the closeness of the father-daughter bond and the patient listening for understanding is charming and cheerful.

I like bugs. Insects? No, bugs. I like butterflies. And lighting bugs. Fireflies? No. lightening bugs.

This would make a great father/daughter read or during story time where children can share questions and memories. Once it is put on display for the fall, it will be continually checked out.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Waber, Bernard

Illustrator: Lee, Suzy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547733944

Price: 16.99

Hitler's Last Days: The Death of the Nazi Regime and the World's Most Notorious Dictator

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

Bill O'Reilly has written several books on historical figures from Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln and now Adolph Hitler. This book follows along the same path as his previous books with plenty of documentation and illustrations to support his work. "Hitler's Last Days" is very informative and is easy to follow due the way Bill O'Reilly has depicted Adolf Hitler and his regime in the final days of World War II.

The presence of a TOC, bibliographies, source listing, timelines and author recommendations make this book a great resource for anyone who is interested World War II, the Allied forces, various battles that were staged near the end of WWII and of course the subject matter -- Adolph Hitler.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Reilly, Bill

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627793964

Price: 19.99

FDR and the American Crisis

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2015

Review

Great resource for students, teachers and librarians on Franklin D. Roosevelt, his presidencies, the events leading up to and after the great depression. Well written with well defined sources and illustrations that support the text. Anyone who is a history buff would find this fascinating with an easy to follow layout.

Information is accurate with well defined source listing, table of contents, author notes, recommended reading and index.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Marrin, Albert

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385753593

Price: 24.99

The New Small Person

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2015

Review

Elmore Green started off life as an only child. He loved it! However, things changed when a small person--also referred to as "it"-- came along. Elmore did NOT like having to change the channel on his TV, share his toys and jelly beans and put up with this small person always following him around and even eventually sharing his bedroom. Things change when Elmore has a very scary dream and is comforted by he small person. It became fun to laugh together and to understand each other. There is lots to see in the colorful illustrations which are mostly done on pages with lots of white space. Children are drawn almost bigger than life with brown skin, and large expressive eyes, while the adults are only seen from the waist or shoulders down. Clearly this book is meant to be seen from the child's point of view. It will be a good one to had to a child dealing with a new sibling.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Child, Lauren

Illustrator: Child, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678104

Price: 17.99

Won Ton and Chopstick, A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This Cat vs. Puppy tale told in Haiku is the second book by this author/illustrator team featuring Won Ton the cat. In this volume, the family, particularly Won Ton's boy, adopts an adorable puppy which results in Won Ton's daily routine being shattered. The usual dog vs. cat conflicts are explored in short bursts of creative senryu poems. Most of the poems wouldn't stand alone, but together they form a satisfying story of change, adjustment and friendship. The quality of the artwork is superb and integral to the story, providing meaning to many of the poems. The illustrations also give the characters personality and enhances the emotion of the story.This would be useful for families welcoming a new baby or pet, or in a classroom as part of a poetry lesson.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, Lee

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099874

Price: 17.99

Yard Sale

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

Yard Sale is a melancholy story about a family moving from a comfortable neighborhood house to a small city apartment. The child, Callie, is understandably bothered by the yard sale that has strangers examining and driving off with most of their possessions. This talented author/ illustrator team have collaborated to tackle the hard topic of a family dealing with a financial downturn and a change in living circumstances. The text is ambiguous about the reason for the family's move but it clearly portrays the child's emotions and the parent's supportive response. The warm, muted illustrations capture the sad tone but also the strong bond of the family. The book leaves the reader with the message that it is the people in the family and their bond that matter, not the things they had to get rid of. An admirable sentiment and a useful book. The book is targeted for readers 3-7 yrs old, but could be useful for an older audience or as a writing prompt. I'm recommending this one for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Castillo, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665425

Price: 15.99

Whale Trails, Before and Now

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This whale watching story is told by a young girl who is her father's first mate on his excursion boat, the Cuffee. Each event in the present day pleasure cruise, from passing out pamphlets at the start of the trip to cleaning the boat at its dusk return, is compared to a distant past's whaling voyage with the whales hunted as a valuable commodity. Each page shows a current day, colorful dock or boat scene with its description of the day's journey. The corresponding, facing page is done in sepia tones, evoking the past, and describes some similar aspect of life in the 1800's and the whaling industry. This makes the story easy to follow and enjoyable for present day readers to compare and contrast current and past harbor town lifestyles. Back matter includes a note about the Whaling Industry and the conservation status of whales. Also a glossary and further reading suggestions are included. This will hold interest for a variety of readers and the direct present/past illustrations will encourage multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/ Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805096422

Price: 17.99

Game Time Mallory

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This is the 23rd book in this young reader series featuring fourth grader Mallory McDonald and her friends. As with the other titles, Mallory encounters a problem or personal challenge and overcomes it with the support of her friends and the help of some kind, wise adults. Malory and her friends are likable individuals that the author has written with authentic actions and emotions. The plot in this one revolves around Mallory joining a basketball team and struggling with nerves. The story moves along at a good pace and the resolution is believable and satisfying. This is a good series for 7-10 yr olds who enjoy spending time with the same characters for multiple volumes. The illustrator of this volume, #23, started drawing these characters in volume #10 of the series and does a nice job enhancing the story and moving it along with good, economical sketches.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: Kalis, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books/ Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467709231

Price: 15.99

Special Delivery

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This whimsical picture book is a delight from the cover illustration and the publisher's page to the resolution page and beyond. Sadie's mission is to deliver an elephant to her Great-Aunt Josephine,"who lives almost completely alone". Planes, trains and ice cream trucks are some of the methods used to transport the cooperative elephant. When Sadie, the elephant and three mice who appear in every scene arrive at Great'Aunt Josephine's house the reader discovers the special relationship this Great Aunt and niece share. The colorful, scribbly illustrations capture the fast moving pace of the journey, but contain wonderful details to be discovered with multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439313

Price: 17.99

Where's the Pair? A Spotting Book

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This activity picture book provides the reader with a clue in poetry to help spot the two identical individuals from within the wallpaper like illustrations. Similar to the author's' previous book, "The Odd One Out", but slightly harder. Very appealing collage type illustrations of animal groups often with the unusual group name included in the rhyme. For instance, a sloth of bears, a romp of otters, a scurry of squirrels and more. This book is best shared with small groups or for one on one reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677725

Price: 14.99

School Days Around the World

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2015

Review

Children will learn about some interesting facts about schools in thirteen countries when they pick up this title. In each two page spread a child may speak about his/her school environment, classroom setup, course work, arts, traditions and transportation. The illustrations enhance the text by addition visual information including uniforms, food consumed, physical appearance of the facility, and play opportunities of the school. Homeschooling and boarding schools are included adding dimension to the types of education children may encounter.

Although introductory information is provided on each school there is more learning opportunities in the back pages. This book offers a starting place for classroom discussion and individual children may want to know more about specific countries. Add this to primary school media centers.

School Days Around the World is a good addition to the Around the World series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruurs, Margriet

Illustrator: Feagan, Alice

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380478

Price: 18.95

The Tortoise and the Hare

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

Sure the tortoise wins the race and we all know the boastful rabbit falls asleep yet this updated version of Aesop's fable adds a new twist. Not only does rabbit graciously accept that he lost the race but he becomes a better four legged animal. Ritchie’s rendition may be the first experience that many children will have with this classic title. Teachers and parents are likely to be pleased by the kinder and gentler ending while art teachers and young readers are going to love the illustrations. The colors used, various font sizes, peek through windows and ornate flaps all combine to make this a bright fun read.

Add this to public library collections and to primary school media centers. Librarians will want to share this with art teachers at all levels.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ritchie, Alison

Illustrator: Noj, Nahta

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676018

Price: 15.99

Empire of Night

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

As the middle book of a trilogy Empire of Night is definitely not a stand-alone title. The author does provide some background threads that illuminate the sisters Moria and Ashyn. As the Seeker and Keeper of a now lost village the girls start a dangerous journey to find the lost children of their home. They are lead by Prince Tryus and accompanied by several warriors. Romance, sword fights, fantasy creatures, and betrayal are all central themes of the text.

Much of the interpersonal relationships are dependent on the previous book but the romance scenes speak for themselves. At times the battles seem just a little too real; the level of violence may upset some readers. Armstrong is comfortable with fantasy and truly has created some very scary situations; the fiend dogs may appear in readers' dreams.

Add this to YA collections that have other works by the author. Librarians will want to have Sea of Shadows on their shelves as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Armstrong, Kelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062071279

Price: 17.99

Scissors and Needle

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

This concept book offers young readers the opportunity to help solve the little witch's problem. Interest in the story line is immediate when the author starts with a question. The problem is solved with a pair of scissors used to cut paper (or fabric) and a needle needed to sew the cut shapes together.

This introduction to shapes is done creatively employing whimsical illustrations. Each page is full of action, making a second read necessary to see all the detail. There are burst of color throughout making this an appealing title. The price however is way too high for most librarians to select it for their collections. Quilters and art teachers may be interested in Scissors and Needle.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Yeong-ah

Illustrator: Pope Twins,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781925186321

Price: 26.65

A Pig Called Heather

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

Heather the pig lives on a Scottish farm. Due to the recent death of her mother, Isla, the farmer's daughter turns to Heather for comfort. While Heather does not speak, she understands what Isla says and indicates her understanding with gestures. When a fire forces Isla's father to sell the farm, they move to London. Through a series of comic events, Heather manages to get to London and find Isla, setting off more comical events in their attempt to keep Heather from being caught by the pest control man. While the whole story is rather preposterous, children will be charmed by the kind characters in the story. There are a couple of villains who are charmingly outsmarted through a series of unlikely twists and narrow escapes, leaving young readers cheering. Overall, a pleasant read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oulton, Harry

Illustrator: , None

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432905

Price: 16.95

Song of Delphine

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

Delphine is a small orphaned servant girl who works in the palace of Queen Theodora. Sad and lonely, she sings at night to keep her spirits up and ease her loneliness. When the queen's young niece comes to live at the palace, Delphine hopes to make a friend but Princess Beatrice is mean and cruel. Delphine's nightly song, along with her tears draws the attention of some kindly giraffes who come to her window and invite her to see the savanna where they live. They deliver her back to the palace after the journey but mistakenly set her on the open window of Beatrice. Delphine recognizes thesame sadness in Beatrice as she is experiencing and sings a song to her to cheer her. the princess calls the guards to take her away. When the queen calls for her she fears the worst, but the queen asks her to sing and pronounces her the "Queen's Singer." As the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait" and Delphine is rewarded for her kindness. Princess Beatrice asks her to forgive all the mean things she has done they are friends. Beatrice and Delphine experience the same loneliness and sadness, but it is how they cope with their experiences that define who they are and how they cope. The illustrations are soft and simple and convey the message of the text. It is a beautiful book in both text and illustration.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kraegel, Kenneth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763670016

Price: 15.99

A Matter of Heart

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about a swimmer named Abby that has a chance to go to the Olympic trials but right before them, finds out she has a heart condition called HCM that could kill her if she keeps racing. But Abby doesn’t care; she is going to compete no matter what the cost. The romance in this story was the weak part, but Abby’s reaction to having the condition- she denies it and is willing to risk her life to compete- was really interesting. It was a good look at the reaction an athlete might have to a condition that stops them from reaching their goal and what they are willing to sacrifice to reach that goal. It makes you wonder how many competitive athletes have reacted the same way under the similar circumstances.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dominy, Amy Fellner

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385744430

Price: 17.99

Seeds of Freedom

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

As the space capital of the USA Huntsville, Alabama in the 1960's was a profitable southern town with an educated white population. This historic picture book takes a close look at the plight of the African American population due to segregation and how Huntsville citizens responded to change. The tradition of separate lifestyles within the community was explained using the phrase "just the way it is". When the African American residences began a campaign of non-violent demonstrations the seeds of freedom were more easily sewn than in other southern towns. Each planned acts of civil disobedience; sit-in, protest march, retail boycott,and a balloon release exposed the social wrongs and helped to nurture the seeds. This is a powerful and little known story about the civil rights movement in the USA. The text is informative, well researched and interesting. Many of Lewis' illustrations reveal emotions through physical stance and facial expressions. All the components of a good picture book and nonfiction material are seen within these pages. This book provides a good picture of the American South during the time of segregation and may be useful in upper level classrooms. Suggested for purchase in both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bass, Hester

Illustrator: Lewis, E.B.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669195

Price: 16.99

There, There

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

When Hansie Bear gets hurt it is his father who repeatedly comes to the rescue with a hug while exclaiming there, there. Such a sweet father/son storyline where Hansie Bear takes the opportunity to turn the tables offering his Dad a hug while exclaiming there, there. Although the pictures are stimulating and the light colors are attractive this does not work as well in board book form as in the original picture book. Babies and toddlers are better served with lots of white space and large less complicated illustrations. Many of the artistic details and the small animals will be missed by readers. Libraries are better served with the picture book format of this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McBratney, Sam

Illustrator: Bates, Ivan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675653

Price: 7.99

The Dinosaur Disaster

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

A funny graphic novel that has a little bit of everything!

A classroom of students, made up of various monsters, are off to an exciting first day of school. Their enthusiastic and unusual teacher leads them on a adventure that includes looking for the school pet -- that happens to be a dinosaur. The students set off to explore a new exhibit on dinosaurs while also looking for the absent pet. The students learn plenty of interesting facts about dinosaurs while at the same time they are trying to avoid the dinosaurs that have come to life. A special treat for kids who love dinosaurs and graphic novels! An entertaining, funny, and at times just plain silly book, that also provides informational text on dinosaurs.

Kids will be learning and not even know it! Back page provides information on internet site where additional dinosaur facts, links, projects and games are available.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McElligott, Matthew

Illustrator: McElligott, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553523744

Price: 17.99

League of Beastly Dreadfuls

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

Anastasia, a relatively normal 11 year old is kidnapped from school by two very odd older women who claim to be her long lost great aunts. Told that her parents have died, she is taken to their home- a great Victorian house in the middle of nowhere, that wwas once an insane asylum. The reader is right there with Anastasia as she begins her new life. It is a strange one, filled with questions, locked doors, strange people and odd behavior. She meets a boy whose head is encased in a bird cage, and another who can turn into a shadow. Did I mention there is also guard poodles? Questions abound- who are these aunts and what do they want with Anastasia, who are these boys and why are they here, and after staying a while- the big question- how do they escape? Holly Grant has taken bits of crazy and strung them together to create this series for those readers who are looking for a fun, wacky story that keeps getting stranger page by page. Who knows what is in store for Anastasia in future books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

grant, Holly

Illustrator: Portillo, Josie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385370073

Price: 16.99

I Will Never Get a Star on Mrs. Benson's Blackboard

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

She tries and tries again, but Rose is convinced she is never going to get a star on the teacher's blackboard. Certainly not for neatness, organization or coordination. And to top it off, her spelling, math skills and even reading ability are not that great.

While working on a classroom project, Rose ends up covered in paint. She is at her lowest point when the entire classroom is laughing at her. Or is she? Rather than crying, she starts laughing along with her classmates. Moments later, her teacher looks at the extra large thank you card she created and recognizes her as a true artist. A wonderful ending follows when the teacher calls her to the board at the end of the day and asks her to draw her own star next to her name. An inspiring book for any artistic soul who may not always fit into the mainstream. The illustrations, done in a mix of ink, gouache and digital collage are crisp, colorful and do a fantastic job of showcasing young Rose's quest for the stars.

A "star" worthy addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mann, Jennifer

Illustrator: Mann, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665142

Price: 16.99

Marilyn's Monsters

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

The children in Marilyn's class are slowly attaining their own monster. The monsters find their child in their own time. that's just the way it works, you wait for your monster to find you. But what do you do when , like Marilyn, you are the only one without a monster? Marilyn waits patiently , looking calm, well groomed and friendly. when no monster comes, she doesn't look calm and friendly and she is getting impatient until she decides to go look for her monster- even though that is not the way it works. Our readers suffer with Marilyn as she waits for her monster to find her and cheer when she decides to seek out her monster even though it is not the way it is done! Matt Phelan's illustrations make the text complete. They are soft, whimsical and convey the emotions and tone of the story. The monsters are the kind you would want to have in your life. Text and picture work together to give the reader a complete package.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Knudsen, Michelle

Illustrator: Phelan, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763660116

Price: 15.99

A Violin for Elva

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

A sweet story of a young girl's wish for a violin that is finally met when she grows old. As a young girl, Elva hears beautiful music one day. From that moment, on she knows she MUST have a violin. Unfortunately, her parents are not in agreement with her. Undeterred, Elva instead uses her imagination to "play" the violin every day throughout her childhood. In adulthood, she is still interested in the violin but is too busy to pursue. In her old age, Elva has an empty feeling and feels badly about not being able to play the violin. Fortunately, she realizes that it is never to late to try something new and satisfies her dream of playing the violin. It takes determination and pluck for her to do so and although her playing may not be perfect, she is satisfied with her music making. The soft watercolor illustrations complement the gentle text in this gentle story. An enjoyable read for children ages 4 to 8.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ray, Mary Lyn

Illustrator: Tusa, Tricia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780152254834

Price: 16.99

A Rock Can Be

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

In the simplest of rhyming text(words rhyme) Ms. Salas reminds the reader of what rocks are, a grain of sand, a dinosaur bone, a home for sea birds a star. while the text is sparse the words run off the tongue and are fun to say and talk about. The illustrations convey in bright, full page detail the meaning of what a rock can be. The text and the bold illustrations give our youngest readers a lesson in rhyming, geology and creativity and lots to talk about when looking at a stone! The author has included a glossary of terms, and an explanation of each illustration which adds to its appeal. Pair this with Peggy Christian's If You Find a Rock in which readers will explore the rock with different criteria- a wishing rock, a climbing rock or a resting rock. this is a beautiful book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Salas, Laura Purdie

Illustrator: Dabija, Violeta

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467721103

Price: 17.99

John Green: Star Author, Vlogbrother, and Nerdfighter

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Braun has created a very basic biography of author and Internet sensation John Green. The book begins with Green's pre The Fault in Our Stars being published, establishing his popularity. Then it moves onto a more chronological order of his life, including his childhood struggles, his first forays into writing, his marriage, and finally into Vlogbrothers, Nerdfighters, and Don't Forget to be Awesome (DFTBA). Anyone familiar with John Green will likely already know this information, but it's a decent primer for those who are unfamiliar with him. The information shared is a bit strange for such a short book and the pictures included seem like a crutch to fill more space. Pictures of the author himself and his books are to be expected, but they also include pictures of authors he happens to like and random shots of a city that he happened to live in. The information seems a bit incomplete, as well. At one point it mentions that he had published 5 books prior to TFIOS, but nowhere in the book does it mention the 5th one. Back matter includes important dates, source notes, a selected bibliography, further reading, and an index. However, some of the references in the source notes and bibliography are far from academic, and would not be considered valid sources by some teachers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Eric

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467772440

Price: 8.95

A Poem in Your Pocket

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

Poetry is so easy when our children are young with Mother Goose and the lyrics to songs, we enjoy poetry and so do they. As our children get older, for some reason, poetry gets hard, not fun, and we shy away from it, both reading it and listening to it. Margaret McNamara has taken some of the mystery out of poetry with this story about a girl who loves to learn and eager to write lots of poems for the poet who is coming to her class on Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day. Elinor and her class are gently instructed on the different types of poetry, haiku, concrete, acrostic, metaphors and similes, those that rhyme and those that don't. One of the things Elinor's teacher keeps reminding them is that "poetry is a messy business." As the day of the visit approaches, Elinor has nothing written because everything she has written is not perfect. this story gives lots of information of the types, the structure and the purpose of poetry wrapped in a simple story of "letting go of perfect." Classic Brian Karas illustrations add to the appeal of this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McNamara, Margaret

Illustrator: Karas, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz&Wade/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780307979476

Price: 16.99

Such a Little Mouse

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

A little mouse leaves his hole and sets out to explore the wide world. An exploration of the seasons, the mouse observes many changes in this world throughout the year. A mixture of realism and fantasy, this sweet little story will keep readers engaged. Endearing illustrations include little details such as the three twitchy whiskers on the mouse to the inset panel of the little mouse with a block of snow on his head. While the landscapes in the book are realistically depicted throughout the seasons, the mouse's little home in the ground is pure fantasy -- including an oven mitt bed, tea light lamp and building block table.

A gentle read that will keep young readers interested in following the industrious little mouse on his year long adventure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schertle, Alice

Illustrator: Yue, Stephanie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545649292

Price: 16.99

Dinosaurs from Head to Tail

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Using a question and answer format, this picture book takes young reader on a dinosaur adventure. The colorful close-ups of distinctive dinosaur parts provides meaningful clues as to the dinosaur's identity. The artwork using textured paper collage combined with original photographs creates images that are playful yet provide realistic details so that the dinosaurs can be properly identified.

This picture book informs and educates young readers who will be wanting to make their own paper creations of the dinosaurs in the book. Eight dinosaurs are featured in this book and another six are also briefly covered at the end. The text is interesting with questions such as which dinosaur sported claws as long as a baseball bat. The pronunciations of the dinosaurs is also a nice feature.

A solid addition to any library that is looking to keep young dinosaur lovers happy!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stacey, Roderick

Illustrator: Moriya, Kwanchai

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380447

Price: 16.95

Made You Up

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Recommending this debut novel for cream. The lobsters have always talked to Alex, from the time she was seven. Now that she is starting in a new high school, she is keeping her paranoid schizophrenic diagnosis a secret, as well as her meds., therapist and various hallucinations that seem real. Alex's blurred lines between real and hallucination are ever present while she tries to experience normal high school situations. Zappia's treatment of presenting short and long chapters, Alex's snarky voice, personal moments where Alex is questioning the Magic 8 ball and quick pacing provides readers with an undiscriminating acceptance of her reality in all its confusion. She is such an unreliable narrator that readers will not be sure which situations and characters are real until they are revealed as such. Parents are flawed; authority figures have secrets; hospitalization is required, and a romance develops from rocky beginnings. This book will inspire students interested in psychology to explore what individuals with paranoid schizophrenia experience, especially since people generally experience their first episodes during their teen years, not younger like Alex. Besides the mental health issues, themes of friendships, loyalty, seeking help from abuse and acceptance of differences appear. The bookjacket and end pages will help this fly off the shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zappia, Francesca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062290106

Price: 17.99

The Tea Party in the Woods

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Recommending this picture book for cream. This Japanese import, will win the heart of dreamers, forest dwellers and fairy tale lovers alike. It has snowed the night before and Kikko's father is going Grandma's house to help clear the walk. After he leaves, Kikko realizes that he forgot the box of pie waiting for her. Kikko goes out to catch up with him, but trips and falls. The box is squished. After recovering, she must catch up and she glimpses his hat and coat at a distance. When she arrives at a home she doesn't recognize, she looks in the window and sees that she was following a bear. When a kind voice, a lamb dressed in a coat and handbag, asks her "Are you here for the tea party?", she has to go inside and see. She is welcomed by animals in party clothes, served tea and given various pieces of different pies to make up for the ruined one. They lead her to Grandma's house in parade fashion through the woods. The standout part of this Little Red Riding Hood inspired story is Miyakoshi's warm and inviting charcoal, pencil and color ink illustrations. Each item, from Kikko's plaid leggings to the bear's three piece suit, is detailed with texture although the pallet is layers of grey and black with only a few specific colors, such as the little girl's yellow hair, her red skirt, red mittens and brass instruments. The emotions that the animals and humans are feeling emanate off the page. There is varying perspectives used to illustration different parts of the story that add another layer of meaning to the story. For example, when Kikko falls, the view is from the ground up which enhances the "ouch" she must be feeling. When the rabbit bends down to see the ruined pie, the small mice collecting the sugar cubes look so small because they are as tall as the pie box. This story will be useful for story times that feature fairy tales, winter, diversity and sharing. Readers will pore over the pictures because of all the tiny details.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustrator: Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381079

Price: 16.95

Barn Swallows

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Barn Swallows is an amazing book that delivers its information by using full page vibrant color photos. Engaging minimal text ensures facts are easily digestible by young readers. It’s perfect for a unit on migration, birds, nature, or geography. Barn Swallows is supplemented with a facts page and a glossary of terms. This book is part of a series titled, In Winter, Where Do They Go?

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sawyer, J. Clark

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627243148

Price: 23.93

Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

Pete the ultimate hip cat lays some groovy advice on his fans. Inspirational quotes from famous people such as Thomas Edison and Oscar Wilde adorn one page; with Pete interpreting these quotes in his own cool style on the facing page. Use of primary colors and lots of white space allow the words of advice to be the star while Pete is an enthusiastic backup. Grownups and children alike will love reading this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, Kimberly

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062351357

Price: 12.99

Whose Truck?

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

The follow-up to "Whose Tools?", Buzzeo and Datz have created a nice board book. Each truck presented has a catchy rhyme and is asked using road signs to capture the words. The pictures of the trucks are accurate and detailed with many labeled parts. The people working with the trucks have a mix of skin tones and gender with women being well-represented. The pull out pages could be problematic for libraries as they might rip upon repeated use. The variety of trucks is refreshing; while there are common and familiar trucks like a fire truck and an ambulance, there are other, lesser-mentioned trucks like a lineworkers' truck and a broadcaster's truck. The idea that trucks don't just exist, but that people use them to do useful work is a great message though some of the unusual types of trucks might stump children upon a first read-through. There is a twist at the end when the trucks are actually those of a child who is playing with a friend. This is a solid choice for a library with little ones interested in vehicles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Buzzeo, Toni

Illustrator: Datz, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781419716126

Price: 9.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Get Out of My Bath

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

This is an interactive picture book. Ellie the elephant, with rubber ducky in tow, is ready for her bath and with the help of the reader who is called upon to "tilt the book to the left and see what happens next..." she is having fun in the bath. When the reader "tilts the book to the right" oh, no, a crocodile is in the bath. Ellie is not happy and the reader is instructed to say "Get out, Crocodile!" It doesn't work, and a flamingo, a tiger, and a mouse in a floaty ring join the ruckus in the bath. Ellie shouts "Get out of my bath" and then sucks all the water up. When the animals leave, she releases the water and finishes. The readers are then asked if their bath time is next. The digital rendered illustrations present the animals across the two page spread with the bottom half representing the green-blue bathwater, complete with bubbles, in a plastic type surface that adds a slippery texture to that part of the illustration. When the reader is directed by the text to tilt the book, the bathwater line on the next spread appears to have shifted to that side of the tub. The animals show some expression of happy, surprise, and disappointment. Although simple in its story line, the book will be demanded for multiple readings to test out the bath water, if you will, yell at the animals and tell the older reader what will be coming next. Story times will want it for programs about water, activities of daily living, rubber duckies or feelings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680060

Price: 15.99

The Sin Eater's Daughter

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Twylla is slated to be the next sin eater when fate steps in and she is given the chance to escape her dreary life of poverty and duty to live in the castle with the royal family. She moves to the palace with the expectation that when she grows up, she will marry the prince and become the next queen of Tregellan. All is not as it seems at the castle as Twylla is used by the queen to execute traitors. Twylla has to choose between duty, love, faith, riches, and power. The pace of the book is slow. I wish there had been more character building and less world building. It had so much potential but fell a bit flat. An older teen who likes fantasy may enjoy this book but it didn't stand out as an exceptional work.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Salisbury, Melinda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545810623

Price: 17.99

Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary

Reviewed by: Karen Silverman - Scarborough High School/Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

Centered on the life of Mary "Typhoid Mary" Mallon, who carried the typhoid bacterium while never sick herself, this fascinating account of a medical mystery and the development of public health programs in the US is a tour de force. Meticulously researched with extensive source notes and bibliography, this book will give students great fodder for further research and discussion. Mary Mallon was basically imprisoned for much of her life by the New York City Department of Health while other "healthy carriers" caused more outbreaks and deaths than Mary did. Extensively details the outbreak in Ithaca, NY, George Soper's role as outbreak researcher and public sanitation reformer, and Josephine Baker's role as a public health doctor and expert in improving the health of children. It is a bit chilling to realize that even today, people are still suffering from typhoid. A very important reminder to always wash your hands! Second in a planned trilogy on deadly diseases.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jarrow, Gail

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek (Highlights)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781620915974

Price: 16.95

Dragons at Crumbling Castle and Other Tales

Reviewed by: Karen Silverman - Scarborough High School/Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

This collection of never published stories from Terry Pratchett is great fun. The stories featuring dragons, kings, carpet people, and even Santa Claus are as silly as you might expect from Sir Terry and feel charming and youthful. Pratchett was young and working as a junior reporter when he wrote these stories. A wonderful introduction to the worlds of Terry Pratchett with hints of the greatness to come. The delightful illustrations greatly enhance the stories -- several reviews have likened illustrator Mark Beech to Roald Dahl's illustrator Quentin Blake.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pratchett, Terry

Illustrator: Beech, Mark

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544466593

Price: 16.99

Tacky and the Haunted Igloo

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

The comical and beloved Tacky is back to save the day, or the night, of the Halloween party. As the other penguins had planned in their staff meeting, while Tacky sampled the Swedish fish, batcicles and awful waffles pronouncing them "beak-smacking good", they each pick a costume based on what they are scared of. The evening of the party finds everyone having a good time and Tacky late as usual. When a group of ghosts come to the door and are revealed to be the hunters from the first Tacky book, Tacky appears dressed as the big hunter which scares the hunters away, again! Munsinger's signature penguin expressions, costumes and details around the igloo will have readers laughing. The illustrations work with the text for great comic timing. Fans of Tacky will love this holiday themed icy land adventure. Those familiar with the first Tacky book will enjoy the connection of the hunters and the rhyme they sing. Halloween collections need a little Tacky!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544339941

Price: 16.99

Denton Little's Death Date

Reviewed by: Karen Silverman - Scarborough High School/Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

Denton Little lives in a world where everyone (well, almost everyone) knows the day they will die from a young age thanks to the field of "AstroThanatoGenetics." Denton manages to pack a lot in during his last day -- waking up hung over not remembering his first sexual encounter, fighting and making up with his girlfriend, learning his best friend's mother has a secret, and almost being run over by a yellow car that keeps appearing out of nowhere. He is the main event at his own funeral and even attends his senior prom. This is a funny, fast-paced romp and at the risk of spoiling things, a sequel is possibly scheduled for spring 2016 (publication delayed according to Titlewave).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rubin, Lance

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553496963

Price: 17.99

Even When You Lie To Me

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Charlie enters her senior year of high school as withdrawn and awkward as each previous year. She lives to some degree through her best friend who is both popular and pretty. Charlie's mother does not connect with her making home life as uncomfortable as school. So is Charlie a victim of her relationships or could she somewhat control her environment? Alcott has offered flawed characters who could be any of us; people who are capable of making bad choices. She takes readers into a high school where a student falls for her teacher leading to an inappropriate relationship. There is heat and passion as well as betrayal, disappointment and love within these pages.

Romance readers will enjoy this title making it a possible purchase for high school media centers and YA collections within public libraries. Librarians beware; there are those who may protest the student/teacher sexual tension

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alcott, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391160

Price: 17.99

The Way to Stay in Destiny

Reviewed by: Karen Silverman - Scarborough High School/Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

This is a sweet coming-of-age story of Theo (named for Thelonious Monk) whose life takes an abrupt turn when his grandparents can no longer take care of him. His estranged-from-the-family uncle shows up and whisks sixth-grader Theo from the family farm in Kentucky and takes him to Destiny, Florida. In Destiny, Theo learns more about his family, begins piano lessons despite his uncle's edict not to play, makes a new friend, and explores the history of Destiny, including a possible connection to Hank Aaron. Theo is such an earnest, sweet character, that he even manages to break through a bit to his Uncle by the end. With snippets of historical context thrown in, this book could lead to some excellent discussions of the Vietnam War and treatment of returning soldiers, race relations, and family issues.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scattergood, Augusta

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545538244

Price: 16.99

Mike's Place: A True Story of Love, Blues, and Terror in Tel Aviv

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

This graphic novel tells the story of an independent filmmaker who goes to Israel to tell one story and ends up stumbling across another. Jack Baxter finds Mike's Place, a blue's bar where people gather to forget the troubled religious and political tension between Israel and Palestine. Set in 2003 just as governments were negotiating a Peace Plan, much to the consternation of Islamic militant groups. Two suicide bombers walked up to Mike's Place, in their eyes the symbol of a wanton, frivolous lifestyle, and effected disaster. The build up of the story is brilliantly rendered and the tension well-constructed. Black and white drawings are sharp and clear. A well-told story for graphic novel fans, and a fantastic tool for Modern Middle East courses.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Baxter, Jack

Illustrator: Shadmi, Koren

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596438576

Price: 22.99

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Crazy Critter Race

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

I had no trouble following the action of this graphic novel despite never having read another in the series. With its all-cap typeface and simple dialogue, this book is good for elementary readers. The color palette is black & white with accents in yellow and gray and is appealing and clear. The book offers humor, cute animals, a race, and a slight-mystery; all elements that propel the story. Ace and Bub are beavers and they enter a contest that sounds too good to be true (it is) sponsored by Crazy Critter. The winner of the race to plant seeds all over the surrounding islands gets a free houseboat, and Ace and Bub could really use a new, sturdier house. The duo is doing well when they discover that the seeds are not growing healthy trees, but invasive choke vines, which would force all of the animals off the land and into a newly-purchased houseboat (sold by none other than Crazy Critter). They race, instead, to alert the other contestants and finally save the day with their beaver choppers. This is a cute story with adorable characters and an ending that promises more adventures for these snarky beavers. Recommend for public and school libraries with elementary graphic novel sections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eaton, Maxwell

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754699

Price: 6.99

The Glorkian Warrior Eats Adventure Pie

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

As an adult, even one who loves graphic novels, science fiction, and silliness, I have a hard time loving the Glorkian Warrior books. They do have their appeal: to reluctant readers, to those readers with a video game sensibility, to young readers who are drawn in by the bright illustrations and low-brow humor.

In this second book in the series, the Glorkian warrior is fighting a space snake when his nemesis comes by and interrupts him, thereby causing the snake to escape. Meanwhile, the warrior's backpack loses its charge, and his baby alien decides to suck his brain causing him to head home to recharge and figure out a new course of action for vanquishing that space snake.

The language is very simplistic, which is helpful to those reluctant readers, but the grammar is colloquial and not always correct. Gonk is supposed to be a child-alien and, as such, his grammar is terrible. This could be charming, but instead it falls flat. If the appeal is to a non-reader, why not slip in some proper grammar - it could be done without losing the feeling of the story. There is an over-use of name calling, the word "stupid" and "idiot", and mentions of "tootering" when an alien fights off a foe with his flatulence. This is a popular series and has its appeal, but it is the high fructose corn syrup of the genre and I would like to demand more for my readers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kochalka, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720213

Price: 12.99

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

This book is a title in a collection of books that illuminate global issues and encourage children to be global citizens and effect change in the world. This is the story of one donated bike and all of the people who benefit from its use. The book is fiction, but it has a "true story" feel to it which can help children relate to the idea of donating something that they no longer use or need to benefit someone else.

It's a great read-aloud to an older elementary group. There is a lot of text on each page, but there is also a one-sentence summary on each page that encapsulates the action on that page.

The story brings to life the power of something as simple as a bicycle. The pictures are lovely with details such as a map when the bike travels across the world, and the patters on the clothing of the women in the African village in which the bike ends up on the first leg of its journey. The end of the book includes photographs of people using a bicycle to sell wares and offers ways for kids to help as well as additional information about Burkina Faso, the location in which most of the story takes place. There is also a note for parents/teachers about ways to use the story to help children effect change.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Isabella, Jude

Illustrator: Shin, Simone

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380232

Price: 18.95

Chantarelle

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2015

Review

In order to review this book, I read book 1, "The Fog of Forgetting." I am glad that I did as this book does not stand alone; Morgan does recount enough for those who might be forgetful. Book 2 finds our heroes back at home with no memory of the Isle of Ayda. Fortunately for the Aydans, Chase does remember his promise and he brings Captain Nate back through the fog. Knox and Evelyn find a secret tunnel with the help of an ancient being, Chantarelle. He was a useful creature and I understand why the book was named after him, but I think that it could have had a better, more predictive or exciting, title. Book 1 was a little forced and had a lot of fantasy "conventions." Book 2 really hits its stride, with solid storytelling and intriguing action. The connections made between the fighting and sacrificing happening in Ayda and the broader world today were insightful and appreciated. Good fantasy builds a world that allegorically captures and comments on the real world outside the readers' door and Morgan does this well. Her characters grapple with large questions about existence, family, and sacrifice. She is a masterful world-builder and she brings Ayda to life for the reader. I look forward to Book 3 and the conclusion of the trilogy. The cover could be better as it hints as a middle grade book when the book could have a MUCH broader appeal. Recommend to 6th through 12th grade readers of fantasy, or to adults who enjoy a gppd fantasy trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morgan, G.A.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939017635

Price: 18.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Seeds Of Friendship

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Having immigrated to a large city Adam misses his green homeland. Everything is new and different in this new community yet Adam finds his happy place in a school garden. Not only does he find a way to add color to his surroundings but he makes friends while gardening.

When this book is read aloud it will bring smiles to a classroom. The gentle tone of the text and the friendly faces revealed in the illustrations combine in a successful package. Foreman has included children and adults of different colors and abilities making the book inclusive beyond the immigration theme.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Foreman, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678340

Price: 16.99

Outer Space: Bedtime Race

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

The combined efforts of author and illustrator produced a slightly different bedtime story in Outer Space Bedtime Race. Children are bound to learn about the solar system as they follow two boys who navigate their way around the planets observing the various bedtime rituals. The story line emphasizes that "The aliens need sleep like you" and proceeds to show life forms from all the planets. Poor Pluto is included every though "it’s not a planet after all". Aliens are not all alike; the illustrator treats readers to a variety of silly yet adorable creatures who are striking against the dark background.

A wonderful combination of factual information and silly illustrations make this a winning bedtime story. Every public library needs a copy and primary school art teachers will want their own edition.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Rob

Illustrator: Won, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385386470

Price: 16.99

The Big Orange Book of Beginner Books

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

There is nothing new here, just a sold collection of Seuss stories with their usual eye toward vocabulary building, entertainment, and silliness. But the books stand the test of time and will delight children, either as read-alouds or for exercises in independent reading as they might choose to bring it home and tackle the book on their own. A collection like this could be unwieldy for a little reader, but older readers, those in first and second grade, will like the accomplishment of reading many books. The titles: *Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now?: At 25 pages, this is the shortest story in the book; it's matter-of-fact ending has been making children laugh for years and will continue to do so. *The Shape of Me: Not Seuss's strongest story, but nice for allowing children to identify shapes of objects and match them with their words. *In a People House: Great vocab builder; full-color illustrations help with the identification of each object *Hooper Humperdink...? NOT HIM!: This one was new to me. An A-to-Z of names featuring fantastic illustrations by Mainer Scott Nash, a departure from the Suess/McKie illustrations. Deals with the issue of exclusion but with a happy conclusion. *Ten Apples Up On Top!: A long story at 60 pages with an emphasis on counting from 1-10; lots of rhyming vocab, predictive text; message of "getting along in the end". A fun read-aloud with an opportunity to do a few voices. *Because A Little Bug Went Ka-Choo!: Again, different illustrations, from Michael Frith, but not such a departure from Seuss's own illustrations. A fun story, GREAT read-aloud, emphasizes cause-and-effect.

If you already have the individual titles, not an essential purchase, but if you're looking to update your collection or are building a Dr. Seuss collection, this is a inexpensive, nice way to do it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Seuss, Dr.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553524253

Price: 15.99

Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

This graphic novel is the story of Michel Chikwanine, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and who was abducted by a military group when he was five years old and forced to become a child soldier. The book mostly talks about his experience and relates it to the larger issue of using children in warfare; there is no direct personal story about a girl being used in war, though this is well-covered in the author's note. The illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Chikwanine's story. Davila uses a sepia palette when illustrating the factual parts of the book, i.e. the geography of Democratic Republic of Congo, the definition of genocide, and full-color when telling Chikwanine's story. This is another book in the CitizenKid collection and, as such, has many pages of back matter that offer additional information about the topic of child soldiers and many ways for children/students to get involved if they are moved by the story. This book would be best used in a classroom with a teacher helping assimilate the information, but students who have learned about genocide or child soldiers will find this story compelling. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Humphreys, Jessica Dee

Illustrator: Davila, Claudia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381260

Price: 17.95

Mystery in Mayan Mexico

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2015

Review

The second title in the Eddie Red Series provides a fun romp through a Mexican vacation for Eddie and his best friend Jonah. Early chapters provide the background information needed to appreciate the skills of this crime fighting detective team. Together with the assistance of Julie, the boys do crack the case and unravel the mystery.

Fun and well paced, this is a new series that is sure to take off. Educators and parents will appreciate the good writing while young readers will mostly focus on the high level of action and mystery.

Readers will be able to appreciate this mystery as a stand-alone but most young readers love to read series in order. Librarians will want to purchase Eddie Red Undercover: Mystery on Museum Mile when they order this second title for their young mystery readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Marcia

Illustrator: Calo, Marcos

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544302068

Price: 16.99

Walk on the Wild Side

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2015

Review

Each animal in this Life In The Wild series possessed a unique personality yet they are bound by a loving friendship. When Moose, Bear and Beaver set out to climb a mountain their plan was to share an adventure. Then Beaver tossed competition into the mix and the race was on. Moose found himself hanging from a tree where Bear soon joined him. Thanks to Beaver and an adorable unnamed bird all was well. Once back on the trail the hike again became a pleasure outing.

I Love the earth tone shades and the Photoshop illustrations; each page is like cotton candy to the eye. The story line is caring while it emphasizes cooperation and consideration among friends.

It would be fun to pair this with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt during a story time. Public libraries should consider adding this series to their collections. Early grade classrooms would benefit from the positive role models these animal friends provide.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oldland, Nicholas

Illustrator: Oldland, Nicholas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771381093

Price: 16.95

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: September 22, 2015

Review

"From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess" picks up where the "Princess Diaries" series left off. Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is a middle schooler who lives with her aunt, uncle and cousins because her father travels constantly and her mother died in a car crash. At least, that's what she thought. It turns out that Olivia is actually the sister (of a different mother) of Mia, the heroine of the "Princess Diaries" series. That means, of course, that her father is the Crown Prince of Genovia, and Olivia is a princess. When Mia comes to pick Olivia up at school one day, Olivia's life changes forever.

This is simply a fun story, whether or not the reader has devoured the "Princess Diaries" books or not. It is a typical tale of a normal kid finding out she is something special, a la Harry Potter and a multitude of others. The book is completely predictable. This is not a bad thing, as the age group for which it is written is in a developmental reading stage that adores expected outcomes. The plot is entertaining, a quick read, and absorbing. Even though it's anticipated, readers will cheer when Olivia's aunt and uncle are exposed for being the horrible criminals and relatives that they are, and Olivia is reunited with her father, sister, and grandmother. Everything is nicely wrapped up in the end. Olivia moves to Genovia, but her best friend in New Jersey has carte blanche use of the royal jet. There are no loose ends in this book!

The book also has minimal illustrations. While the story is billed as a "diary," it only partially reads as such. Despite Olivia being an artist, the illustrations (doodles that go with the diary entries) are few. Given her artistic bent, I would have expected more.

In addition, the tone seemed younger than a middle schooler to me. Not by much, but enough that I questioned Olivia's age a few times. For that reason, it will appeal to younger readers -- grades 4-6 -- rather than older middle schoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cabot, Meg

Illustrator: Cabot, Meg

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250066022

Price: 16.99

The Case of the Missing Moonstone

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 22, 2015

Review

As stated in the preface, this mystery novel is about two real girls from the early 1800's, Ada Byron Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, the author. In this alternate London, they are closer in age and become childhood partners in a clandestine "that's secret" detective agency. Eleven-year-old Lady Ada is clever, mathematical and lacking in social niceties that govern behavior. Fourteen-year-old Mary comes to be tutored at her home where they create a secret detective agency and solve their first case.

Stratford spends time explaining the time period where girls can't go out unaccompanied and come out at sixteen to be offered in marriage. This is great for new readers and Stratford fits explanations naturally with what Ada s must learn. The story focuses on the problem solving that fuels Ada's thoughts. The gimmick of all the adults just following what she says without question moves the storyline. Stratford uses Ada's constant mixing up of her servant's names and the banter of the two girls to achieve a verbal slapstick comedy. He also provides readers with a biography of each real individual in back matter.

Murphy's illustrations provide a melodramatic feel to the work and are strategically placed to explain the various items in the time period. A hot air balloon tied to the roof of the house, an omnibus carriage pulled by horses for numerous passengers, and men in red fezzes are all aptly detailed. The various characters, however, are not as detailed. She provides portraits of the real-life characters in the back matter. Unfortunately, the portraits look like children playing dress up. This influences the rating of the whole reading experience.

Good Rating versus Excellent: The content is disproportionately more mature and richer than the book design. This is an accessible mystery for the younger reader, even as low as third grade. The font is large, there is a lot of white space on the page and the vocabulary will be challenging with such words as: Mesmerism, Ottoman Empire, clandestine, accelerate, unchaperoned, and pianoforte. The solid vocabulary and the wordplay between the main characters, as well as the life circumstances for the 14-year-old matches a standard 6-8 grade level reading. Unfortunately, those readers may need to be book talked into picking up this delightful mystery because the book design begs a younger audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stratford, Jordan

Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385754408

Price: 16.99

Escape from Baxters' Barn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2015

Review

One cold September morning, Burdock the one-eyed barn cat is unable to resist the temptation of the warm farm house kitchen. While sleeping under the stove, Burdock overhears Dewey Baxter tell his brother Grady that the best solution to the farm's financial problems is to burn down the barn and collect the insurance money. Burdock rallies the farm animals with the help of Nanny the goat and an escape plan is hatched. Readers will enjoy the different animal's personalities, back grounds and the ways they pitch in to solve the problem, although Dewey's dangerous plan may be a shock to some. The sweet ending is just what the hardworking team of barn animals deserves. Bond's writing style provides depth and definition with vocabulary that will challenge independent 2-3 grade readers but establishes this title as a welcomed read aloud. Bond's artistic strength shows through the pen and ink drawings of the animals. The animal's individual personalities, their varying emotions and their actions are depicted. The illustrations are scattered throughout and provide details to the text, even explaining what a block latch looks like. A two page spread of the farm assists the reader in understanding where the action takes place. The one misstep is a picture of the family with children at the end of the book. The head and body size of the three children are disproportionate to the adults. Themes of friendship, loyalty and problem-solving are woven through this animal tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Rebecca

Illustrator: Bond, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544332171

Price: 16.99

Stanley at School

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2015

Review

Stanley the dog is back again in this sixth adventure. He has always wondered about the school as the children walk down the block. After talking with his dog pals at the dog park, the next day they meet in front of the school to see what the kids do all day. When they get in, the smells, "Socks. Hamster poop. Chalk. And something else...LUNCH!" set their tour in motion. After kids come in and give them hugs, the dogs are then chased by a man with a broom. They run through the gym, music room and craft room right into the principal's or "TOP Dog's" office. With a gentle pat on their heads, she steers them to the front door. They report back to the neighborhood dogs that children "Eat and Run" at school. Slavin's cheerful, full-paged illustrations rendered in acrylics on gessoed paper show a variety of expressions, actions and doggie hi-jinx in realistic settings such as a dog park, classroom and school hallway. Children from multiple background and varying abilities are pictured as well as the principal who is an African American female. Useful for story times about school, new places, discussions about treating pets or a round of giggles.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bailey, Linda

Illustrator: Slavin, Bill

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380966

Price: 17.95

Cinderella's Stepsister and the Big Bad Wolf

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

In this fractured fairy tale mashup, Cinderella actually has a third stepsister. Gertie is very unlike her lazy sisters and, in this story Cinderella as well. Gertie is kind and hardworking, making her family ashamed of her and hiding her away. When the invitation to the ball arrives, the family decides in order for Gertie to go, she needs to learn to be mean. She is sent off to various fairy tale meanies for lessons, but manages to spoil all of their plans. In the end, she teams up with the Big Bad Wolf to get ready for the ball, while Cinderella is made into a mouse. Illustrations are colorful, with a French feel--see the building where they live and the beret perched on Gertie's head. Facial expressions are very dramatic in all characters. The wolf's ball gown is hilarious. Given that teachers are asking more and more for fractured fairy tales, this would be a good book to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carey, Lorraine

Illustrator: Blanco, Migy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763680053

Price: 15.99

Bee Dance

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

This story follows a foraging honeybee as it follows a scent to a brightly colored prairie filled with flowers full of nectar. The story follows the bee as it sips the nectar then returns to the hive and does its dance to show the other bees where the treasure lies. The information is clearly told on a very simple, but clear level that young children will be able to understand. Though it is a nonfiction text, the large, colorful cut paper illustrations and clear text will make it a good read aloud in young classrooms.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chrustowski, Rick

Illustrator: Chrustowski, Rick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099195

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In time for Halloween, Pete the Cat provides us a cartooned, understated silly version of "Five Little Pumpkins". Just what readers come to expect from Pete the Cat. Pete the Cat, a big-eyed yellow birdie companion who mimics what Pete is doing and five jolly jack-o-lanterns provide the slapstick. The text is one sentence per page of the standard preschool counting classic "Five Little Pumpkins". Of course, Pete the Cat's version will make the story time crowd break out in giggles as he pulls out his big wrist watch for "it' s getting late", a frog in blue shades and accompanying witches hat flies him around on a broom chopper for "witches in the air" and he "run and run and run[s]" in his red school shoes. There is no scariness here when "out went the lights" because the five pumpkin's bright yellow faces and Pete's yellow eyes glow on the blue painted background. Pete the Cat displays his robo-cat costume as the pumpkins "rolled out of sight" on skateboards! Although this will be a good edition to library holiday collections focused on the younger reader, the binding is just glued and there is no book jacket. Be prepared to repair due to the popularity of Pete the Cat.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304186

Price: 9.99

Otter Loves Halloween!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In first person voice, Otter explains to the reader that Halloween is the best holiday. She helps Otter Keeper, the human, shop for a pumpkin, carve the huge pumpkin, decorate the house and create all the stuffed animals' scary costumes. Giraffe chooses to dress as a fairy, complete with pink wings, which isn't scary. Otter remedies the situation by taping some cardboard teeth to the end of Giraffe's nose. Otter runs into a problem when trick-or-treaters show up. Their costumes are the scariest and Otter and Teddy hide under the bed. Problem is solved when Otter Keeper makes them masks out of boxes without holes.

The digital illustrations are bright, colorful and have shelf appeal. Otter appears to be a stuffed animal as well, but maybe she is real since the Otter Keeper is an adult. It is unclear, but not necessary to the story. Young readers will be able to identify with the things that scare Otter and be reassured by how Otter solves the problem. The text is easy to read and there is lots of white space, making this useful for sharing in a group or with the younger reader. The book is a trade edition and comes without a book jacket, but the binding appears to be sewn and fairly sturdy. Useful for Halloween themed story times and inspiring creative play.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062366665

Price: 9.99

Leaflets Three, Let it Be!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In this informational picture book, Sanchez uses the seasons of the year to enhance young readers appreciation of poison ivy. Although 85 percent of people are allergic to urushiol, a chemical in the plant's sap that makes them breakout in a rash, animals do not have such a reaction. In the woods, rabbits, does, and mice nibble different parts of the poison ivy plant after a hard winter. In the summer, the plant provides shade to the forest floor and hides the salamanders, spiders and golden-eyed toads. Nests are made from poison ivy's roots and bees gather nectar from it dainty flowers. When the days turn chilly, "Tiny insects roll themselves up in snug poison ivy blankets", and animals feast on the white berries. Brickman's illustrations will make readers feel like they are looking out their window or walking in the forest. Each reading will expose more animals hiding within the three-dimensional, paper crafted scenes. The informational text reads easy as a story and the illustrations are so real looking you expect the rabbit to chew and the leaves to crunch. There is a Q&A section in the back for those seeking more information about poison ivy. One slight quibble is that there is no bibliography in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sanchez, Anita

Illustrator: Brickman, Robin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/Highlights

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620914458

Price: 16.95

Hooray For Hoppy!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

The third morning that Hoppy woke and checked for spring he was rewarded with the perfect day. Hopgood's bright colorful and charming illustrations make Hoppy jump off the two page spreads as he explores the change of season. Small children will notice the crayon effect and burst of color that bring this book to life. Adults and children alike will be delighted with all the animals including those that appear to be hiding in the flowers and grass.

Yes this is a concept book, one that introduces little ones to all five senses. At the end of the book the author asks children what did Hoppy hear, smell, see, taste and feel. In answering this question it will be necessary to again romp with Hoppy through the text.

Add to all libraries that collect concept books and gift this title to your favorite nursery school teacher.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hopgood, Tim

Illustrator: Hopgood, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374301293

Price: 16.99

Fancy Nancy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2015

Review

This is a 10th anniversary version of Fancy Nancy. Nancy loves fancy things, and thinks her family is too plain--they do not even ask for sprinkles on their ice cream. After she gives them lessons on how to be fancy, the family goes out for dinner all "fancied up." A disaster at the restaurant show Nancy how much her family loves her anyway. Girlie girls love Fancy Nancy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Preiss Glasser, Robin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062352149

Price: 17.99

Flip Flap Safari

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2015

Review

Young readers are off to see lots of animals on quite a jungle safari. In each double page spread, the left hand page has rhyming text that tells about the animal. The animal is depicted on the right hand page along with the noise it makes. Each page is split horizontally so children can create their own mixed up creatures by flipping only half of one page. The animals are drawn proportionally, so they "fit" onto each other, even though they are not the same animal. Illustrations are colorful. The animals all have beady eyed expressions which children will enjoy. Despite the fact that this is a spiral bound board book, it seems quite sturdy. The pages are made of heavy enough cardboard that it should hold together for repeated readings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Alex

Illustrator: Scheffler, Alex

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676056

Price: 11.99

Just a Teacher's Pet

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

This is the 40th anniversary of Mercer Mayer's Little Critter books. In this new title, despite their initial excitement over getting a new student at school, students are quickly dismayed to see the student become the teacher's pet. However they realize she is a team player when, at the end of the book, she hits a grand slam homerun to win the game so they all want her on the team. This story follows the formula of past titles. There is lots going on in the illustrations, making them fun to look at. Mouse and spider are back expressing their disdain along with the rest of the class. Children still seem to like Little Critter, so should pick this one up to enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mayer, Mercer

Illustrator: Mayer, Mercer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062071996

Price: 16.99

Bad Kitty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

This is the tenth anniversary of the publication of this book. When Kitty hears that the family is out of cat food, but that they have an A to Z array of vegetables for her, she decides to be a very bad kitty and sets on an alphabetic romp of destruction. When the family returns, Kitty discovers they have brought her an alphabetic array of treats so Kitty becomes a good Kitty and does a alphabet of good deeds. Kitty steals the show with her animated expressions and her many antics. Older children will "get" the alphabet part of the story. Younger ones will just laugh and enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722453

Price: 16.99

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

Recommending this fantasy title for cream. The husband and wife team of Yep and Ryder have created a whimsical, witty and smart fantasy that promises to be a series. In this fantasy world, dragons have humans for pets. Narrated in the first person voice of Miss Drake, a three thousand year old dragon, the story opens with her mourning Fluffy, her loyal pet's passing. Her thoughtful mourning period of thirty years is abruptly cut to two days when 10-year-old Winnie stomps into her den as directed by her deceased Aunt Amelia (Fluffy) and barrages the dragon with questions. Dragon and new pet, Winnie, slowly bond when they have to remedy a misstep with a magical sketchbook that puts the city of San Francisco in peril. Winnie is a likable, tenacious female character who has had her share of grief, poverty and instability. Each chapter heading is a quote or wise saying from the Dragon's guide about training their human pet. The quote, along with a pen and ink illustration on the first page of each chapter, provides a perfect amount of foreshadowing for the younger reader. Each chapter is well paced and lends itself to be read aloud. This is a modern day fantasy where dragons carry cellphones, look up magical elements in databases and enjoy sun-gold apples. In a human world with hidden magic, "sometimes an apple is just an apple." Lovers of intelligent dragons with heart will impatiently wait for the next installment.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yep, Laurence

Illustrator: GrandPre, Mary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown Books for Younger Readers/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385392280

Price: 15.99

The Pirate Pig

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Stout Sam and his deckhand Pip live a peaceful and fairly successful life ferrying supplies from one island to another. Their peaceful life changes when they find a barrel washed ashore and, upon opening it, find a pig. They take Julie, the pig, with them on their deliveries and discover she can sniff out treasure under the water. Soon the pirate who sent Julie overboard in the barrel (she did not do well enough treasure hunting for him) hears about her success and kidnaps her. Stout Sam and Pip vow to get her back and adventure ensues. Text is good for younger chapter book readers. Ample color illustrations on every page help explain the story to the readers. They actually are pretty amusing. One drawback for younger readers is that there are no chapter breaks, but overall, this would be a good book to add to your beginning reader collection right alongside Mercy Watson!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Funke, Cornelia

Illustrator: Meyer, Kerstin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385375443

Price: 9.99

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2015

Review

Francine Poulet proudly carries on her family tradition of being animal control officers. She is the best, and has forty seven trophies for her work to prove it. She is brave and unstoppable until heavily bejeweled Mrs. Bissinger asks Francine to capture the ghost raccoon who screams her name. When faced with the raccoon on Mrs. Bissinger's roof, Francine is fearful for the first time, falls off the roof, and ends up in the hospital. She feels she has lost her confidence and resigns her position. It takes a wise little boy to help Francine regain her confidence and finally capture the raccoon. The story itself is funny, and the ample black and white illustrations ramp up the humor. Some of them are hilarious. Characters from Mercy Watson are in the book. Ample white space and large type make this very approachable to young readers. A great choice for you collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DiCamillo, Kate

Illustrator: VanDusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668860

Price: 12.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

The Bunker Diary

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2015

Review

This 2014 Carnegie Medal winner for children's literature is a difficult but gripping thriller told from the first person perspective of a diary kept by sixteen-year-old Linus, the runaway son of a wealthy father, who is the first of six people kidnapped and held captive in an underground bunker by an unseen, sadistic villain. The successive arrival of the remaining five victims, including 9-year-old sweet-natured Jenny; a young, selfish woman named Anya; a man named Fred who is suffering from heroin withdrawal; and two older men - Bird and Russell, who is terminally ill, unfolds quickly, setting the stage for a brutal clash of motives and interests among the group. An elevator without any controls is the only way in or out of the bunker and the six are being watched via a camera system but have no interaction with their captor, who over the course of the novel introduces various hazards to the group - poisoned food, an attack dog - and contrives to turn them against one another. Readers will sympathize deeply with Linus's understated desperation and be touched by his protectiveness of Jenny and others. Brooks has crafted an exceedingly readable narrative that for all its horror will spur the audience on. Philosophical questions abound, but the novel remains plot-oriented which will allow teens to choose their level of engagement. Sophisticated readers who favor writers such as Melvin Burgess and Andrew Smith will find plenty they like here -providing they can make peace with the bleak ending.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brooks, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467754200

Price: 17.99

Nimona

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

The drawings in this graphic novel are awesome. The print is small but once you get used to it, it is easy to read. Nimona is a great character, she is funny (even if she is violent) and it’s this dark humor makes this book so good. The relationship between Blackheart and Nimona is one of the best parts of the book, readers will love it. The ending gets a little dark and loses some of its humor, but this is still a terrific graphic novel that should be a part of every library’s collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stevenson, Noelle

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperTeen/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062278234

Price: 17.99

Dungeoneers

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about Dungeoneers, which are people that hunt and steal treasures. One of them is a young boy named Colm and he gets sort of forced into being one of their apprentices even though stealing is something he feels bad about…most of the time. Colm isn’t the only apprentice. He has a team of 3 others (they always work in teams) each with a special skill- it could be something like healing abilities, magical powers or super-strength. The teams have to work together to get past all kinds of dangers to find treasures and sometimes, the dangers are in places you least expect.

Thus is a terrific adventure. There is action, humor and great characters. One of these characters is Colm’s teammate Lena. Lena is a powerful warrior with an ego to go with it. The things she does and says will make you laugh. This book will be appeal to readers that like adventure, twists in the plot, humorous situations and cool fantasy. Super all around book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, John David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062338143

Price: 16.99

The Ultimate Pirate Handbook

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

The book’s information is divided up into different section, and each one focuses on an aspect of a pirate’s life. The information itself is scattered across two page spreads. The author uses cool drawings, fact bubbles and flaps with hidden tidbits to make this info not only easy to access but fun to read about as well. If you have a child that is interested in pirates they will love all pirate facts. Be aware that even though this book is made for children, it still mentions several of the horrible things pirates did. Unfortunately it uses the word “wench” when it refers to women which didn’t seem appropriate. For that reason I would think before I added it to a library collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Libby

Illustrator: Mansfield, Andy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679637

Price: 19.99

The Snowman and the Snowdog

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This sweet early reader is based on the characters from the Snowman book by Raymond Briggs. In this story a boy builds a snowdog and a snowman. The two come alive and the all fly to the North Pole for sledding and a party with other snowpeople. The large print in this early reader works well for a Guided Level G book. Each page offers at least one new word but also has words from previous pages. The pictures also offer clues to new words being used. This would be a nice edition to an early reader collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Membrino, Anna

Illustrator: Downer, Maggie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385387347

Price: 3.99

Saturday Night Live: Shaping TV Comedy and American Culture

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Humor and nonfiction writer Kaplan has combined both here to create a brief history of Saturday Night Live and its effect on comedy and American culture. The book discusses the effect SNL has had on presidential elections (Palin and Ford, significantly) and how it has handled culture issues such as diversity and women. Kaplan also discusses the show's biggest stars and how they affected the show. The book jumps around in time and subject, making it hard to follow. It's also not clear who exactly the intended audience is. A student doing a study on the show would need much more in-depth information, and someone reading out of pure interest would likely not be interested in these specific topics. Back matter includes an index, photo acknowledgements, a quiz, a list of Second City performers, a list of comedy writers, sources notes, a bibliography, and further info. This is not a first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kaplan, Arie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467710862

Price: 24.46

Can We Help? Kids Volunteering to Help their Communities

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

The book starts with an encouraging, short introduction that presents possible ways children can help others in their community. The author proceeds with a more in-depth presentation of ongoing projects involving knitting hats for homeless shelter clients,various food pantry tasks, working with assistance dogs, mentorship and environmental community service. Each project is clearly described and amply photographed. The photographs show children of various ages working on actual organized projects, which will make it easy for young readers to imagine themselves doing similar things. This book serves as a good, broad introduction to the concept of community service. The lack of back matter, listing further print or web resources limits the book's usefulness

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ancona, George

Illustrator: Ancona, George

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673673

Price: 16.99

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree grabs the reader from the first two pages. Maine island life, a bug eating younger brother, a caring older brother and a fairy tree are rapidly introduced in this two page first chapter. Piper Green is entering second grade with firm expectations about her teacher and her classmates that don't pan out. The author does a great job with the island setting, capturing the atmosphere of a close knit community and the portrayal of a strong willed second grader. At least one full page illustration per chapter helps the reader imagine the setting and action. Realistic dialogue and an impulsive, self-confident main character are two elements that make this an enjoyable first book in a series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Borzoi Book/ Alfred A Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553499230

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree, Too Much Good Luck

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Piper Green, second grader, is back, riding a lobster boat to school and again dealing with plans that don't quite pan out the way she expects. in this second title of the Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series, Piper knows about the fairy tree in her yard and its unusual ability to surprise and provide her with something useful. Piper's day starts out with three lucky events( in her opinion) but with the addition of a fourth lucky event, everything begins to unravel. This second book of the series doesn't disappoint. It has the same authentic, smart dialogue, fast paced story telling and satisfying ending as the first book. Again the full page pen and ink illustrations add to the action and atmosphere of the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Borzoi Book/ Alfred a Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553499278

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

The Most Amazing Creatures in the Sea

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

This non-fiction presentation of a variety of large and small awe inspiring sea creatures is interactive and attention getting. The first double page spread begins with the query "Who is the most amazing creature in the sea?" What follows is a parade of candidates introduced with a name and short, superlative packed description running at the bottom 20% of the double page spread. The accompanying illustrations of these remarkable creatures will illicit ahhs and ewwes from readers. The illustrator has used a wide variety of muted colors to evoke the undersea habitat, while also capturing the drama of these animal's lives. The final page again asks the reader to decide which animal is the most amazing. This will naturally lead to a second reading. The back matter includes a thoughtful author's note, bibliography and list of online resources. A bit more additional information on each individual animal in the style of the author's previous book "Frog Song" included in the back matter would have elevated this to an excellent rating in this reviewer's opinion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Guiberson, Brenda

Illustrator: Spirin, Gennady

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780805099614

Price: 17.99

The Witch's Things: A Counting to 20 Rhyme

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Beginning readers will enjoy this rhyming romp down Witch's Lane with a counting, friendly witch named Belinda. She loves to count and count she does with engaging text that is accompanied by delightfully creepy images. Basic math concepts such as length and width are also explored throughout the story.

Using a clever format similar to the "Where's Waldo" books, young readers will stay engaged by trying to find various spooky things from ghosts & cauldrons to dirty dishes and little mice.

The Backpage include on-line resources, author information, and references to other books in the scary math series.

This fun, interactive little book will help young readers build math and reading skills without being heavy handed. Especially fun at Halloween, but a book with staying power throughout the year.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brinker, Spencer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627243339

Price: 19.95

Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Libry, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Twelve year old Jacinta's family lives a tenuous life in a Colorado city. Jacinta and her siblings were born in the United States, but their parents and Aunt are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. The book illustrates the dilemma of living half hidden to protect the family and the complicated effects that has on everyone involved. Jacinta spends much of her time after school at a neighborhood youth center. A chance meeting there with a local semi-celebrity newswoman gives her a glimpse into another lifestyle. Jacinta's actions, while understandable for a 12 yr. old, endanger the family and jeopardize Kate, the newswoman's career. None of the characters are strictly black/white, good/bad, but neither is this currently topical situation. A well written, suspenseful road trip ending make this a satisfying read. Good opportunity for discussion of immigration and it's gray areas.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rose, Judith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672355

Price: 16.99

How to Grow a Friend

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

What could gardening and friendship have in common? In this first picture book by Sara Gillingham, the answer is explored throughout the story. With softly-colored illustrations utilizing collage and woodcut images, this story will encourage kids to explore gardening and to cultivate new friendships.

Using analogies throughout the story between growing a garden and growing friendships, the beautifully written text works well with the gentle, flowing imagery.

This little guide book also includes subtle messages on diversity, tolerance and tough times...such as when a friend bugs you and you have to work together to get the bugs to fly away.

A positive, feel-good book that will be a worthy addition to any public or school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gillingham, Sara

Illustrator: Gillingham, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385376693

Price: 16.99

The Magic School Bus Presents the Rain Forest

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

A simplified introduction to the equatorial rain forest introduces some of the life forms found in Central and South American, Asian and African rain forests. Emphasis is on kid-friendly apes and monkeys, although plants, birds, tree frogs, and insects are included.

Entirely revamped from the 1998 edition, each two page spread introduces a new topic. Some information is inaccurate, with a definition of "rain forest" that eliminates the North American rain forests. The emphasis is on the science, and not the interactions between the children. Full color photographs range from landscape scenes to close-ups. Spot photo captions report detailed facts; most pages include a sidebar or illustrated report from one of Ms. Frizzle's students. A table of contents and glossary will appeal to classroom teachers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545685856

Price: 6.99

Look Where We Live? A First Book of Community Building

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2015

Review

Young readers will be kept engaged with this informational picture on life in the community. Five children and a little white dog head out on an adventure exploring their community. Shopping locally, fundraising, donating to a good cause are some of the topics included. Also covered are the people who make up the community and the various businesses and public places within the community.

The book is interactive, with a call-out on the bottom of every page with questions to be answered. The book also includes a puzzle activity and glossary in the back.

The format of the story with a text sidebar on the left of each page with illustrations filling up the majority of the page is very pleasing. The colored illustrations (done in watercolor and pen and ink) provide plenty of intricate details that readers can study. In addition, one of the final pages asks readers to search for the kids in the story who are at a street fair. Young readers will enjoy this "Where's Waldo" touch.

This book provides a great introduction to community and the importance of community in one's life.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ritchie, Scot

Illustrator: Ritchie, Scot

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381024

Price: 16.95

Baking and Crushing: A Look at Metamorphic Rock

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2015

Review

Part of a three book series on rocks, this informational book focuses on metamorphic rocks. Readers will learn what metamorphic rock is like and will discover how it has been taken from the ground. They will also learn how it has been used to make one of the world's most famous statues -- Abraham Lincoln's statue in Washington, D.C.

The photography is outstanding. The use of captions and call-outs that provide additional information in conjunction with the photographs and charts make for an appealing format. The creative use of a circular call-out with rocks. provides a tidbit of extra information on almost every page. The informational text is clear, to the point, and age appropriate. The typeface is attractive and visually easy to follow on every page.

A metamorphic rock chart is included that shows a (before and after) photo of various rocks in their sedimentary and metamorphic state. Also included is a science lab that readers can do using modeling clay that will show how metamorphic rocks form from other rocks. The back pages include a glossary, index, read more, learn more online, and author information.

A strong addition for both the public and school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627243001

Price: 13.95

Goose

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

Sweet and engaging story about a little girl who plays alone much of the time until one day her mother takes her to the park.

Sophie first spots the see-saw but sees that it is occupied by a little boy and his teddy bear. She next heads to the swings, the slide and back again to the see-saw but there is no one around until she hears,"Honk" and spies a goose. For the rest of the afternoon Sophie plays with the goose and does not feel lonely. When she asks her mother if she can take the goose home her mother declines but relents when Sophie and she return to the park the next day.

The illustrations are simple, bold and colorful. The book is filled with easy to read one liners.

This is a book that will appeal to children about unique and warm friendships between animal and human.

Cream. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wall, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062324351

Price: 12.99

The Stranded Whale

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

Jane Yolen's tale of children's attempts to save a beached whale is sad, desperate and poignant.

A whale stranded on a beach in Maine is spotted by Sally and her brothers on their way home from school. They rush to help the whale stay wet as the tide is going out. The Coast Guard is called to assist and since the book is set in 1971 before cell phones additional help is not available and so the whale dies.

At last, though, just at the sun was setting, the whale shut its great eye. It gave out a huge sigh like wind off the ocean. The sigh smelled like seaweed, like lobsters in Dad's traps, like gutted fish on the pier. And then it was gone, just like that.

Sally and her brothers are awarded a medal for their efforts. This story conveys the importance of the understanding that even with one's best efforts things may not always work out as hoped.

The illustrations are muted and match the tone of the story and were done in digital paint, oil paint, and pencil.

A section at the back of the book discusses possible reasons why whales get beached on ocean shores.

May lead young readers to an interest in marine life or professions where people are in service to helping man and animal.

Best suited for 3rd grade and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Cataldo, Melanie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669539

Price: 15.99

Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

An informational rhyming book about the many forms that water can take.

Dip, sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water until it heats up. Whirl. Swirl. Watch it curl. Steam is steam unless - and than another example of how water is transformed is touched upon.

The flow of the book is easy and the water theme takes the reader through all four seasons and the importance and prevalence of water in one's daily life is clear but is demonstrated in a playful and fun fashion.

The illustrations are homey yet glorious at the same time.

At the end of the book is an explanatory section about the importance of water, books for further reading and a bibliography.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Paul, Miranda

Illustrator: Chin, Jason

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596439849

Price: 17.99

Glamourpuss

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

Glamourpuss is a long haired white cat and looks just as her name. She is very proud of herself. In fact when she meows, what comes out is "ME" without the "OW." She is adored by her owners, Mr. and Mrs. HighHorsen and is always the center of attention, until Bluebelle, a cute chihuahua, who is the queen of dress up and tricks, comes to visit with her owner, Mrs. Highhorsen's sister, Eugenia.

Bluebelle is "first-rate" and "adorable." Glamourpuss becomes discouraged and suddenly her "ME" becomes "me." Glamourpuss is no longer the center of attention.

Bluebelle, suddenly, destroys all of her outfits and GP observes her preening and copying her mannerisms. GP realizes that the Bluebelle that appears is not who Bluebelle is and suddenly they become fast friends. Eugenia is not happy at first to see the changes in BB but observes that she is happier being friends with Glamourpuss and being the pooch she really and truly is.

"When it comes to being glamorous, less is sometimes more, but when it comes to having friends, you can never have too many."

The ink, watercolor and pastel illustrations are done in a collage format and are eye-catching and fluid. The text has a charming and romantic flair.

This book would appeal to children when touching on friendship and encouraging them to be who they are.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Weeks, Sarah

Illustrator: Small, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545609548

Price: 4.99

First Grade Drop Out

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

First grade can be tough and gets particularly challenging for this first grade, little boy, when he accidentally calls his teacher, "mommy" and becomes the laughing stock of the whole class. Even his best friend, Tyler laughs. Although his teacher reassures him this happens every year it does not reassure him.

To deal with the embarassment, he comes up with strategies. He pretends he is someone else and from another country, that he is a magician with a magic hat and that he is going to board a time machine to take him back before he made this classroom mistake. His friend, Tyler, eventually shows up and makes a mistake of his own. Tyler asks his friend on the basketball court if he wants to do "junk" shots.

I open one eye. "It's not a junk shot. It's a jump shot." "Oh," Tyler says.

They chuckle together and decide that maybe "junk" shot isn't such a bad way to describe "jump" shot and all is forgotten.

The illustrations are done in ink and watercolor and the messiness of the expressive drawings clearly show the range of emotions.

A great book for first graders to let them know that everyone makes mistakes and that mistakes can be forgotten and maybe even sort of funny.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vernick, Audrey

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544129856

Price: 16.99

Billy and Goat at the State Fair

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

The State Fair! Goat is excited! Billy is a little nervous!

Billy and goat are the best of friends. In fact, Billy is so proud of goat that he decides they should travel to the state fair and enter goat in a competition.

Billy upon arriving at the fair feels shy and wants to keep to himself. Goat, however wants to take full advantage of this new adventure. After a bit, Billy catches goat's adventuresome spirit and begins to enjoy all that the fair has to offer. The food, the rides, the yodeling competition and floral displays are fun!

Goat comes in third place, but Billy realizes that though they did not win the competition they still had a great time.

"But neither of them minded. They'd had an amazing adventure at the fair. Besides Billy already knew who the best goat really was."

The illustrations are bright and clear with a rustic feel. The lettering is large and bold with black ink.

This book is great in helping children realize that not everyone has the same personality. Some people are shy and some are adventuresome and there are many other kinds of people in between. And many times opposite personalities can be drawn to one another. Winning is not the final end, it is the journey.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385753258

Price: 16.99

Mindwalker

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

17 year old prodigy Lain Fisher is a Mindwalker and is able to erase traumatic memories and is driven to do so.

Steven, a fellow classmate and resident outcast asks her to erase the memories from his childhood and the trauma of being kidnapped by a serial killer. As Lain works to erase his memories she comes to believe that they may share a link to the mystery of why her uncle and mother were murdered and her father's death in relation to the Mindwalker Institute where they all worked.

"A recent trauma can be wiped away without affecting someone's personality much, but childhood memories are woven deeply into and individual's identity."

Inevitably Lain and Steven fall in love though the romance angle comes across as a bit weak but still rather sweet.

Easy dystopian read and strong and determined female character make this a good purchase for both the high school and public library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steiger, A.J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553497137

Price: 17.99

Mrs. Noodlekugel and Drooly the Bear

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

Nick and Maxine are going to be staying with Mrs. Noodlekugel and her two talking cats and four mice who wear glasses , while their parents are away at a speed knitting competition. Nick and Maxine are excited as they are intrigued by the sweet little house Mrs. Noodlekugel lives in, in the backyard of their apartment building.

Mrs. Noodlekugel cooks delicious food as one would imagine but Dick and Maxine find it very interesting when they make vegetable cake and chocolate drop soup. And the mice wear night shirts, have bunk beds and like to be tucked in.

The first morning after their stay begins they are surprised to find that Mr. Noodlekugel and his companion, Drooly the bear are at the breakfast table.

"I am here, back from the sea."

Full of whimsy and laughs kids will enjoy reading this book.

The illustrations are in ink and are charmingly old-fashioned. A fast read. Recommend for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pinkwater, Daniel

Illustrator: Stower, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763666453

Price: 14.99

Infected

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2015

Review

She has 36 hours to save him. The clock starts now.

Fast moving thriller focuses on teens, Carina and her boyfriend, Tanner. Tanner is the only person Carina trusts since her beloved scientist uncle and mother have died under mysterious circumstances. They have both been injected with a drug that if they do not find the anecdote they will die.

There is lots of foreign intrigue, violence and hints of sexual activity throughout. Reminiscent of the Bourne Identity and Taken film series as the book is filled with non-stop action. Possibly too much action as there does not seem to be any time to get to know Carina and Tanner and understand their characters and fully connect with them.

Carina's love and respect for her uncle is touching as she refers to him and finds letters written to her throughout the book.

This will appeal to older teens. It is a book they will not want to put down.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Littlefield, Sophie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385741064

Price: 17.99

Funny Face, Sunny Face

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is a very cute book for and about toddlers with large colorful illustrations. There is no real story, but the theme revolves around body parts such as feet, hands, and hair. It is a rhyming text with just a few words to the page. It is a perfect book for a toddler and parent to look at together.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Symes, Sally

Illustrator: Beardshaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow/ Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676063

Price: 14.99

Good Night, Chirp

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is a story about a little chick who is wide awake one night at bedtime and decides he wants to catch the moon. As he starts his travels he meets a dog, a pig, a sheep, and a cow hoping they will travel with him, but they are all too sleepy. He then meets kitty who travels with him. They meet other forest animals on their travels and kitty tries to catch the moon by falling into a pond where it is reflected. They are a little spooked by a family of owls, but all ends well and the chick is returned home to his family fast asleep. The illustrations are very soft and go well with the story. I am not a fan of flap books, especially for libraries and this book has cut-outs, contoured pages and flaps that go in different directions. The pages are made of a card stock so they are a bit thicker than normal.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Iriyama, Satoshi

Illustrator: Iriyama, Satoshi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544359949

Price: 8.99

The Fly

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This book is narrated by a housefly as it commiserates its day trying to avoid being killed by those who would like to do away with it. A little boy and a flyswatter are the other main characters(?) The book is very clever as the illustrations show the fly on top of the ceiling and also almost within reach of a frog's tongue. There are two pages that are contoured to accentuate the shape of the flyswatter. The text is all over the page as it follows the fly's path.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: Horacek, Peter

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674809

Price: 14.99

The Hired Girl

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This book is written in diary format and its entries are from June 4, 1911 to September 29, 1912. The author Joan is fourteen years old and lives with her widowed father and 3 brothers on a farm in Pennsylvania. Her father is cruel and won't allow her to go back to school in the fall and also burns her books which she treasures. So she runs away from home and ends up in Baltimore where she is hired as a servant in a Jewish household. She pretends to be 18, but her actions are those of a 14 year old. She is very good as a cleaning person, but her youth causes her to do foolish things which threaten her position with the family she works for. It all ends up well for Joan at the end of the book as she can continue her schooling and perhaps become a teacher as her mother had hoped for her. I thought that what this book did best was to show the reader how Catholics and Jews perceived each other at the turn of the century. The traditions of a Jewish household were explained and also what Joan believed to be what was important to her to become a true Catholic. Joan was very dramatic in her diary writing and I found her antics difficult to read a lot of the time. I knew (because I am no longer 14 years old !) that her foolishness would only get her into trouble. I don't know if a younger reader would appreciate these descriptions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schlitz, Laura Amy

Illustrator: n/a, n/a

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678180

Price: 17.99

The Good Girls

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is second in what is supposed to be just a two part series. Although the door is open at the end of this book for more. Shepard is writing from her well-used formula of a group of wealthy teenage girls, with little or no parental supervision, who get into trouble, solve a mystery, all while navigating the perils of high school. But with this book, she has kicked it up a notch. After watching the film, "And Then There Were None" in film studies class, five girls are put together for an assignment based on the film's theme of justice, murder, & punishment. Each of the girls have been wronged in some way or have suffered a tragedy at the hands of another. So the girls end up discussing ways they could hypothetically punish each of their tormentors. Unfortunately, someone is listening in on their conversation & the bodies start mounting. The plot progresses at a fast speed. The suspense and mystery builds all while getting to know the five main characters. There are also many plot twists to keep you guessing about who is taking justice into their own hands. Shepard's writing style is teen friendly, peppered with mild curse words, thus lending more credibility to her teen characters. The five main characters are well developed. You get to know each of them, their home life, and their struggles through the natural progression of the story. The reader can understand why each of them acted the way they did. Each of the girls' backstory lends credence to the plot. The ending is absolutely amazing. Most readers will not see it coming. A well played mystery wrapped in the pages of high school and teenage life. The book jacket is vividly bright and eye-catching. But it is too similar to the author's other series, "Pretty Little Liars". I think the author missed an opportunity here. With the themes of hoarding, physical & mental abuse, and split personality running through this book, it would have been nice to have a section at the back for further reading & where to get help with these issues. This book can be read as a stand alone. The author has provided are very informative prologue. Give to fans of Shepard's other series, "Pretty Little Liars", and "The Lying Game", or anyone who likes a unique mystery.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shepard, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers/Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062074522

Price: 17.99

Bloodkin

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

Kadee was human once. That is until she was taken and became a member of the Obsidian Guild, those who are free and have no allegiance to anyone, including the vampires, who supposedly rule their world of Midnight. The world of Midnight is populated with vampires, shape shifters, and all manner of paranormal creatures. Things are not good in this world. Alliances have been broken. Allegiances are fleeting. Loyalty is tested. It is survival of the fittest. But then Kadee begins to question all of this, especially what she herself has done to survive. Kadee remembers what her father taught her about the Declaration of Independence. When a government becomes abusive it is the people's duty to do something to correct that. And it is this idea that propels the rest of the story. Atwater-Rhodes has written an intricate world full of a myriad of creatures, all with their own agendas and motives. Their world is described in lush detail. Descriptive language of creatures, scenery, & society abound. Thus moving the story along at a brisk speed. The author brings aspects of her other books into play. But it is not necessary to have read them to enjoy this book. It is necessary, however, to have read the first in this series, "Bloodwitch", to enjoy this title. I am a big fan of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. This is a well-conceived and well-written book. But it does not offer anything new and different from the author. Give to fans of her other works "Den of Shadows" and "Kiesha'ra" or someone new to her writing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385743051

Price: 16.99

The Cottage in the Woods

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

Goldilocks and the Three Bears meet Jane Austen. Ursula the bear has just finished her schooling to become a governess. She begins her duties at the seemingly austere estate of the bear family the Vaughns. Ursula is now governess to their young cub Teddy. This is how the story begins. It is told from Ursula's point of view, a recollection of sorts. Ursula's world is one in which some animals are enchanted and some are just regular wild animals. There is even said to be a land not too far away where humans hunt and eat animals! A world where humans coexist with the enchanted animals. So much so that the Vaughn's butler is a human. "Humans make the best butlers," according to Mr. Vaughn, the bear. Ursula feels that it is important to be courteous and polite to all creatures because you don't know if they are enchanted or wild. Things go relatively smoothly for a bit. But then the young girl Goldilocks gets into trouble and other things start to happen. Prejudice comes into play and causes a big rift between humans and animals. In this fairy tale world, not everyone will live happily ever after. There are themes of unrequited love, prejudice, betrayal, deceit, theft, violence, and ultimately some justice and happiness throughout this book. It is well-written, but the vocabulary and the tone that Ursula speaks in when she is recalling her story seems geared toward an older audience than who the book is intended. Mr Vaughn is fond of speaking Latin and Ursula is pondering her love for Mr. Bentley who is engaged to anther bear. There is a table of contents. The titles give some clue as to how the story is progressing. The cover is deceptive. It depicts a proper bear family in front of their home. Very child friendly. Yet I would suggest this book to 6th grade and above. Possibly strong fifth grade readers. This is a first novel by the wife of author Bruce Coville. An original idea, well-conceived and well written. Not sure about the target audience though. Give to fans of Gidwitz's "A Tale Dark & Grimm" and Buckley's "Sisters Grimm" series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Katherine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755733

Price: 16.99

Darkmouth the Legend Begins

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is the first book in a projected series. Like his father and grandfather before him, Finn is destined to become a Legend Hunter. That means he must hunt the monsters of myth and legend that still invade his town. The problem is he doesn't want the job and he is not good at doing it. Finn lives in the town of Darkmouth, the only town left that is still plagued by invasions of monsters. They leave a trial of chaos and destruction where ever they go. No one knows why, but it keeps Finn's father and Finn busy. The council that governs the Legend Hunters send in a spy, in the guise of Steve and his daughter Emmie, to checkup on Finn and his father. Emmie befriends Finn and when he finds out her real reason for being there he feels betrayed. But before things get really crazy Finn, Emmie and Steve end up working together to figure out what is going on in Darkmouth. Told in the third person, the narration allows for an unbiased view of Finn's life. It is told at a humorous and fast pace. The reader jumps on and is in for a fun ride. Action and adventure coupled with lots of humor and mildly scary creatures. The ending definitely lets you know there will be a sequel. This would make a wonderful read aloud for 4th and 5th grade. Give to fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Percy Jackson.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hegarty, Shane

Illustrator: Hegarty, Shane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062311252

Price: 16.99

The Rules

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

High school student August is a likable, but very flawed and confused protagonist. August DeYoung wants revenge. Revenge for the death/murder of his sister Alexa. That is easy to do when you have a genius I.Q. and have rich and absentee parents. Their idea of helping him through his grief is to buy him a new Porsche. August takes his time and plots his revenge carefully. First he needs to become popular, which he does by hosting amazing parties with scavenger hunts. It is during what he calls his last party that his revenge plan comes to fruition. All those he feels had a hand in his sister's suffering and death and all who betrayed and made fun of August will suffer this night. And boy do they suffer and die. The bodies are dropping, and in very painful and gruesome ways. But, is August really exacting his revenge? Is this what he really meant to do? Or is there another killer at work? The tension mounts. This is psychological thriller, mystery and horror writing at its best. All set against the backdrop of high school social hierarchy and drama. Each chapter is from one particular character's viewpoint, as well as what they are enduring in this brutal scavenger hunt. At the beginning of each chapter is a rule that that particular character lives by and through that you see the story from their perspective. This progresses the story and the tension along nicely. Is August guilty or will someone discover who the real culprit is? The reader is in for an exhilarating and scary ride. This is a plot and action driven novel. There is not a lot of character development. But there is enough to understand the characters and what they did to deserve to be invited to the deadly scavenger hunt. It would have been nice to have a bit more backstory on August and his family as well as his sister's mental illness and what things were like before they moved to California. But that in now way effects the enjoyment of this book. Not to over use the word "very", but very tensely written, very scary and a whole lot of fun to read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Holder and Vigue, Nancy and Debbie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,horror,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385741002

Price: 17.99

Infinite in Between

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is a story about the perils and pitfalls, highs and lows and joys and troubles of high school through the eyes of five different students, Whitney, Zoe, Mia, Jack and Gregor. They all meet on the first day of freshman year and become friends. They agree to get together after graduation to catch up and see what has happened in each of their lives. Written in the third person, each chapter is titled with one of the five students names and focuses on what that particular person is living and dealing with. The chapters are also sectioned off by the months of the year to show the natural progression of the school year. Life happens to these five friends. There are no truly big reveals, just everyday stuff that kids may deal with. Life's highs and lows, challenges, secrets, gifts, sorrows and happiness. Jake questions his sexuality. Gregor is in love with Witney. Witney is not as together as people think. Zoe is unsure of who or what she is. Mia struggles the most with many issues. Mackler writes in a casual, teen friendly voice, peppered with teen phrases, that gets to the heart of the characters and allows for a flowing story line. Through the progression of the individual chapters we see the good and bad of life for each of them and how they deal with the cards they have been dealt. Told with a realistic and humorous tone that makes it a joy to get to know these five people. There are the obvious themes of friendship, perseverance and doubt. But underlying all of that is that it is the seemingly little things in life that can greatly effect who you are and who you become. There is not much I didn't like about this book. But if I have to choose something I would have liked more backstory on each of the main characters. A bit more character development. Give to fans of Susan Colasanti, Jen Calonita and Sara Dessen.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mackler, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers/Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780061731075

Price: 17.99

All the Bright Places

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

Recommending for Cream of the Crop. Opening scene: ledge of the bell tower at high school. Two students are standing there ready to jump. One talks the other down. But who really saves who? Or did they save each other? Told in first person, alternating chapters from Violet & Finch's perspective. Theodore Finch, of Freak as he is called by many at school, is obsessed with death and ways to kill himself. He's even tried a few times with no success. He is also somewhat good looking, a good musician. But he is also weird, wild and spontaneous. He doesn't fit into the norms of high school popularity. Violet Markey, on the other hand, is beautiful and popular. She is also a brilliant writer. But she is dealing with a terrible family tragedy that she is unable to get past or forgive herself for. It is always at the forefront of her mind. She cannot put it behind her and get on with her life. That is we meet both Violet and Finch on the ledge. Fate intervenes and they both decide to give life another chance. Except that all of Violet's friends, and everyone in the school for that matter, think that Violet saved Finch because that is the kind of person she is. They are completely clueless as to the grief and struggles that Violet is going through. And that is the way she wants it. Finch volunteers himself and Violet to be partners on a school project where they have discover important things about their state. It can be anything they deem interesting and/or important. So in traveling around together and spending time together for the assignment a friendship blossoms and eventually a romance blooms. They can talk to each other the way they cannot talk to anyone else. This helps them both in their individual tragic situations. They discover how to let go of grief and move on in life. At least one of them does. The writing is witty, sad, inspiring, funny and thought-provoking. It flows naturally and unburdened even with the themes of despair, pain, grief, redemption and suicide. The characters are developed enough so that you can get into their heads and understand and feel their grief and pain. The secondary characters are not so well-developed. That is the only thing, if any, I can say negative about this book. And that is stretching it. You will not want to put this book down, through the friendship, budding romance, character realizations, tragedies, and growth. But life may just be too big for one of them. Thus the probability of a heartbreaking ending. For fans of John Green. No wait. For everyone. Echoing many other reviewers, this story is at once heartbreaking, tragic, sad, life affirming, joyous, and inspiring. Everyone please read this. Jennifer Niven is a stellar writer and story teller. A master of her craft. If this is not Cream of the Crop I don't know what is.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Niven, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755887

Price: 17.99

The Boys of Fire and Ash

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2015

Review

There are no women in the Ikkuma Pit so the brothers must watch out for one another as they have no mother to do so. Leaving Day comes for them all eventually and each brother must head out into the unknown woods above. Cubby who is just a child has been kidnapped by monsters proclaims Blaze, a brother who has mysteriously and unexpectedly returned to the Ikkuma Pit.

Urgle is Cubby's older brother and as Cubby's protector he leaves the pit to find his brother.

Thus begin many situations and challenges that Urgle must overcome in order to bring Cubby home. This is a fast paced book but I found the multitude of characters and so many names confusing. For me this was a slow read. I did find it consistently poignant as Urgle searches relentlessly for Cubby. letting nothing stand in his way. There is a little romance and the book is rather dark feeling, though not violent. The ending is not a good one which leads me to believe that there my be some hope for a sequel. Recommend for a tween or teen embarking on fantasy fiction.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McIsaac, Meaghan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385744454

Price: 16.99

The Cow Tripped Over the Moon

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Librry, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

The Nursery Rhyme Emergency Truck is racing around Nursery Rhyme Land helping injured characters from six traditional nursery rhymes.

Who have we here? It's the farmer's cow! She fell from a great big height somehow. "I saw it happen, says a little hound. "She tripped on the moon and fell to the ground."

Not only is the farmer's cow needing medical assistance but so does Rock-A-Bye baby who fell from a bough; Jack be Nimble who burned his bum and even little Jack Horner who choked on a plum. Somehow, even Humpty Dumpty gets put back together again and guess what with?

Face paced and full of action with charming mixed media illustrations that are detailed with lightness and shade are sure to hold the attention of a child.

Helpful if children know the original nursery rhymes. The idea of focusing on an Emergency Vehicle in Nursery Rhyme Land is innovative and engaging. The realism of the everyday sight and/or sound of a regular part of life such as a emergency vehicle adds to the charm of this book.

Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Jeanne

Illustrator: Stewart, Joel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674021

Price: 15.99

Thrift Shopping Discovering Bargains and Hidden Treasures

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

Thrift Shopping is a brief , informative book about shopping for clothing, jewelry, furniture,and other goods that have been previously worn or used by someone else. As such it is a useful book for teens who enjoy shopping in a way that allows their money to stretch further. With an eye-catching cover and full color photos on almost every page, the book's six chapters in sixty four pages include both a bibliography and a useful list of sources of further information. While the basics of thrift shopping are covered in the first two chapters, the other four focus on various types of consignment shops, tips on what is best to look for, how to judge quality, online sites, and how to set up an effective yard sale.The writing is clear, enthusiastic in tone and helpful. Both the pros and cons of using particular sites are outlined. For example, some of the online sites that require shoppers to be eighteen years old are mentioned. Recommended as a lively and attractive guide that may serve best by being on the shelves and readily available for browsing and checking out by teens in public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Donovan, Sandy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978146775783

Price: 24.99

My Secret Guide to Paris

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This brief and entertaining book is all about a first trip to Paris arranged by an adoring, wise, and good humored grandmother. Twelve year old Nora finds letters, three airplane tickets and a Paris "treasure map'' after her adored grandmother's unexpected death. Accompanied by her mother and her fourteen year old brother, the three are off to the famous city. Along the way, grandma's insightful guide offers up some of the city's treasures as well as new friends for Nora and her brother and for all three, mother included, a much more thoughtful understanding of what being a family member entails. In just over two hundred pages and twenty seven obviously short chapters, the book is both readable and carefully structured. Each chapter heading displays a sketch and beneath the drawing: French Lesson: followed by one French word and its English translation. That word, readers will recognize, becomes the focus of that chapter. Informative for enthusiasts of all things French and/or in the city of Paris, the book offers refreshing new places to know about. It is also a cheerful read for girls, especially, of about ages nine through twelve.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schroeder, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545708081

Price: 16.99

Bad Kitty Puppy's Big Day

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

In this latest from the Bad Kitty Series, Uncle Murray takes puppy on a walk . Bad kitty is being difficult so Murray leaves the house without a leash or poop bag for the puppy. On their walk Uncle Murray has several encounters with the police about leash laws and cleaning up after your pet.

Bruel's writing and illustrations bring humor to the topics of caring for pet and obeying pet laws. Fans of Bad Kitty will certainly enjoy this latest adventure. Early chapter book readers as well as reluctant readers will scoop up this book to read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bulsa-O'Meara, Christine

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439764

Price: 13.99

Finding the Worm

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

From the author of Twerp, Goldblatt writes with humor and heart about early teen dilemmas. 7th grader Julian Twerksi is struggling to write an essay as punishment for something he did not do. He is also worrying about his girlfriend Beverly and his up coming bar mitzvah. Julian becomes even more overwhelmed when he learns of a close friends serious illness. Julian tries to gain the right to spend the last few months with his friend, waiting on him and keeping him company and in the end is with his friend at the end.

Moving, yet told with humor Goldblatt juggles all the issues in Julian's life with sincerity and perspective. His writing will make the reader laugh and cry and bring Julian through a journey that changes his life.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mark, Goldblatt

Illustrator: Mark, Goldblatt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391085

Price: 16.99

Love From Paddington

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Told through Paddington's letters to his aunt Lucy back in Peru, this new novel offers Paddington's own special view on some of his most famous tales. Paddington's signature charm will engage readers and provide insight into Paddington's world in a way readers have not seen before. Black and white illustrations appear occasionally throughout the text and add some illumination of the text.

The book will be a great read aloud to younger students pre k-1 and a great resource when teaching letter writing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michale

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062368164

Price: 9.99

Wild About Us

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Lively, rhyming text rolls through animals at the zoo and how each perfect just the way he/she is. "I'm a warty warthog! Can't be who I'm not. I am who I am, and I've got what I've got. I have tusks! I have warts! But I like what I see! In my own special way, I'm as cute as can be."

Illustrations of each animal fill the page with color and details that emphasize the rhyme. The text and illustrations work extremely together and would make a great read aloud for a theme on animals or accepting differences.

CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Beaumont, Karen

Illustrator: Stevens, Janet

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780152062941

Price: 16.99

Nobody's Perfect

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Your best friend is kind of a show-off. Your baby sister is loud. And Mom can be pretty stubborn. Not perfect! But sometimes they come pretty close, and you do, too. David Elliott's humorous text combines with Sam Zuppardi's lively, kid-friendly illustrations to show that life may be more about patience than perfection, and that focusing on the positive reaps its own rewards.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: Zuppardi, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666996

Price: 16.99

Home

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

A whimsical tribute to the different types of homes depicting them in real-world environments as well as fantastical settings. Readers need to have a large variety of background to understand the fantastical settings and the writting is stiff. The book would be well used in talking about homes and different communities.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ellis, Carson

Illustrator: Ellis, Carson

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665307

Price: 16.99

Look and Be Grateful

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Look and be grateful. Grateful for everything in the day. The day itself. That is the message in this simple and small book. The sentiment and the theme are excellent. And it is easy enough for a toddler to understand. Text is sparse, 2-4 words per page. The illustrations are simple, familiar to a toddler, muted. He used transparent acrylics on tea stained paper. They are lovely. But illustrations and text are not in harmony. But perhaps that is not necessary since the purpose of the book is to be grateful for all things. However, there are two pages where this is really awkward. On one page there is an illustration of a window and the sun beyond it, with text below that says "and look". On the next page there is a picture of a boy supposedly looking out that window. But to me the boy just has his back turned to the reader with a hand up looking at a blank wall. The book is very small too. That with the muted illustrations make it unusable for large group sharing. It would be best as one on one sharing or in small groups. Coupled with "Oh the Places You'll Go", it would make a lovely give for a recent graduate or a young person just starting out on their own. It could be used as a discussion starter to introduce children to the concept of being thankful and grateful. The binding is sturdy and the book comes with a jacket cover. The message of this book is excellent, but I found nothing that stands out with this book. Buy where dePaola is popular and where collections are in need of simple books on being thankful. Todd Parr's "Thankful Book" and "The Blessings Jar" by Colleen Coble could be paired with this title to make a nice story time with a thankful theme.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DePaola, Tomie

Illustrator: DePaola, Tomi

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434435

Price: 16.95

Squirrel Round and Round

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

This simple board book about the seasons is written in both English and Mandarin. A pronunciation key is included at the end of the book along with the Mandarin writing of the text. It would have been nicer to see the pronunciation key in with the book as it goes along.

Illustrations are crisp and clearly depict the text. Great lap book, and fun way to learn a new language.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yang, Belle

Illustrator: Yang, Belle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665975

Price: 6.99

Hurry Home Hedghog: a Bilingual Book of Sounds

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Hurry Home, Hedgehog! is part of a series of board books in English and Mandarin Chinese. In this book hedgehog experiences sounds of nature such as animal sounds and rain or thunder. The crisp clear illustrations are perfect for young reader's eyes. The books give the pronunciation key at the end of the book, rather than along with the Mandarin text, which would be preferable. Still these board books give young readers an easy and fun way to explore a new language.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yang, Belle

Illustrator: Yang, Belle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 97807363665982

Price: 6.99

Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossom - I Can Read

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Pinkalicious, in this I Can Read series, has a super pink day. She celebrates Cherry blossom day with a special friend who teaches her to fly a kite. Students in love with the series will embrace thid I Can Read book. You can never have too much pink or too many princesses!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Karr, Victoria

Illustrator: Karr, Victoria

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062245939

Price: 16.99

Fancy Nancy Peanut Butter and Jellyfish: I Can Read

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

This Level One I Can Read book is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. During a class trip to the aquarium, Fancy Nancy is enjoying the animals until she comes to the jellyfish exhibit. With the help of Ms. Glass and her friends, Nancy learns to overcome her fear of jellyfish, and she makes her teacher a special project to say thank you. Fans of Fancy Nancy will like knowing everyone has fears and it's okay to work at overcoming them.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Glasser, Robin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 09780062296768

Price: 16.99

There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

A new take on the classic, "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly". Here we have a dragon who can't stop swallowing things. He's not hungry. He just likes to swallow things. In this cumulative story, with rhyming text, the silliness builds with every page. Each item the dragon swallows is in larger text than the rest of the book, so that it prepares both the reader to pronounce it with more emphasis and for the listener to see how the story is unfolding. The illustrations are done in what looks like acrylic. They are full of lots of colors and amusing detail. For example, right before the knight gets swallowed you can see how clueless he is by the expression on his face and the fact that there are "danger-dragon" signs all over. The illustrations are in perfect harmony with the text, so much so that this could almost work as a wordless book. The text, however, is too humorous, child-friendly, and flowing to not read. Preschoolers and kindergartners will enjoy the silliness and repetition. They will want to join in guessing what the dragon will swallow next. Children will also enjoy making all the burping noises the dragon makes towards the end of the book. My only issue with this book is that the dragon burps up everything but the knight at the end. He wants to keep the knight in his belly even though the repetition throughout the book is that it is not polite. What's more the knight appears quite happy and content to stay in the dragon's belly. I wonder why? Pair this with "Who Wants a Dragon" by James Mayhew and "Again" by Emily Gravett for a fun dragon story time. Or use this book with older students a writing lesson on fairy tale variants.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Klostermann, Penny Parker

Illustrator: Mantle, Ben

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385390804

Price: 16.99

Splat the Cat and the Hotshot: I can Read

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Splat goes on a Cat Scouts trip in this hilarious I Can Read book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton. Splat can hardly wait to put on his uniform, tie knots, and build a fire. Unfortunately, when a new member of the group does everything just a bit better than everyone else, Splat wishes he could have a chance to shine. In the end a little mud gets the two working together to solve the muddy problem.

A fun beginning to read book for readers learning to sound out words a become fluent with sentences.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scotton, Rob

Illustrator: Eberz, Robert

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062294166

Price: 16.99

Searching for Super

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Savvy meets The Incredibles in this engaging, laugh-out-loud sequel to the critically acclaimed Almost Super. Filled with heart and humor, Searching for Super is a family adventure of heroic proportions.

The superheroes of Split Rock are in hiding. Ever since those supervillainous Joneses took away their real powers, the Baileys and the Johnsons have been living in fear. But Rafter has had a taste of what saving the day feels like, and now he’s desperate to do something important. When he gets a real superpower he is ready to save the day and the families.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jensen, Marion

Illustrator: Jensen, Marion

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062209580

Price: 14.99

Use Your Imagination

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

An innocent and unsuspecting rabbit is bored. Along comes a sinister wolf who wants to "help" the rabbit. The wolf gives a shout out to librarians when he convinces the rabbit to use his imagination to create a story. The problem is that the wolf wants to recreate "Little Red Riding Hood" and eat the rabbit at the end. The theme of use your imagination is represented very well here. Wolf and rabbit have conversations about where the story should go, wolf always reminding rabbit to use his imagination to create the story. The flow of the story is aided by the illustrations. They are done in mixed media and are clear and bold. They are in good harmony with each other. The illustrations nicely depict what is going on in the text for each page. A variety of different fonts and boldness are used throughout to emphasis what the rabbit is imagining versus what the wolf is imagining. You can also see the sinister sneer on the wolf's face as the story progresses to where the wolf chases the rabbit through the forest. On the other hand, the rabbit's expression never changes. The rabbit is not worried or afraid of the wolf. He is just bored and wanted something to do. The wolf provided that something. In fact, when we get to the end of the story where the wolf is supposed to eat the rabbit, the rabbit stops him and says, "I don't think so...I'm going to use my imagination!". And instead of being eaten the rabbit sends the wolf of into outer space in a rocket ship. And this ending literally unfolds into a four page spread of the chagrined wolf jettisoning off into space. The back cover of the book has a square cut out with an open door and the rabbit peaking out. Where will his imagination lead him next time? This is a must have for most libraries. It can be used in large group story time settings. Wonderful as a read aloud. Children will preschoolers and kindergartners will enjoy shouting out ideas for the story with rabbit and to watch out for wolf. Pair it with "The Dot", and "Ish" by Peter Reynolds, along with "Harold and the Purple Crayon" for a creativity/imagination themed story time. Or with "Wait No Paint" by Bruce Whatley and "Falling for Rapnuzel" for a fractured story time for both young and slightly older children. This is a sturdy, well conceived and fun book. Drawbacks, if any, would be the four page fold out won't last long in a public library. Nor will the hole cut out of the back cover. Repairs will be necessary soon and often.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Byrne, Nicola

Illustrator: O'Byrne, Nicola

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763680015

Price: 15.99

Itty Bitty Kitty

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

A happy, giant, purple cat on the cover. What could be better than that? An equally fun and engaging story, that's what. Open this book and have fun. Ava wants a cat. Her parents say no. She stomps off to the park to sulk. But low and behold there is a tiny, adorable purple kitten in a box begging to go home with her. So Ava takes the kitten home and hides it from her parents until they are ready. She names him Itty Bitty. The problem is after a couple of weeks he is no longer itty or bitty. He is larger than a Great Dane. It is inevitable that Ava and Itty Bitty are discovered. The text rhymes in all the right places and is very sing songy, full of phrases like itty bitty and hurry scurry. The text is all the same size and font except for when Itty Bitty gets DISCOVERED! The illustrations are done digitally with photoshop and a special monitor. They are big, bold and bright, full of purples, blues and greens. The end papers, front and back are purple to emphasize the largeness of Itty Bitty. There is also a lot of detail in the illustrations. Ava's room is pictured with at least four drawings of cats, showing her parents how much she loves cats. And when Ava and Itty Bitty are discovered and have to face her parents you see the two cowering in a corner with the shadows of her parents on them. It is wonderful. My only qualm with the illustrations is towards the end. The baby is in danger of falling down the stairs and Itty Bitty ends up saving her. But the illustration depicting this seems to just show the cat scared and shocked by the mere sight of the baby and not that it is in any danger. It was a bit confusing. The binding is sewn in, but the book itself does not feel terribly sturdy. Hopefully it can stay on the shelf for awhile before it needs repairs. This would work well as a read aloud in large group setting or one on one with preschoolers, kindergartners or any child that loves cats or is begging their parents for a pet.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holub, Joan

Illustrator: Burks, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollingPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062322197

Price: 17.99

The Forget-Me-Not Summer

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

The Silver sisters, Marigold, Zinnia and Lily live in L.A. with their parents who are involved in the entertainment industry. Encouraged by her interest in acting and a small TV show part, Marigold(12yr) vigorously pursues an agent and a role in a book to movie project. Middle sister, Zinnia(11yr), try to emulate her talented older sister which frustrates Zinnia and annoys Marigold. The Silver parents jobs require them to work out of town for three weeks in July which results in the three sisters spending time on Cape Cod with a little known aunt in a town next to a "different" ocean. The day to day details of the sister's new normal provide opportunities for each of them to face challenges, mature and become aware of the other sister's point of view. All three sisters have likable and distasteful aspects of their personalities, but this helps the reader to stay interested in their journey. Great Aunt Sunny is a font of wisdom, but also has a blind side which the girls help her to overcome. This is good escapist entertainment for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction, sibling rivalry and a well written, feel good ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Howland, Leila

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062318695

Price: 16.99

Three Mouths of Little Tom Drum

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

Nancy Willard has written an original fairy tale of Little Tom Drum, who so loves strawberry pie that he has to have a tiny slice of the pie his mother has made for his birthday. She agrees to let him have a very small slice, but during the night he sneaks down for yet another piece. He is caught in the act by his mother and to her horror- Little Tom Drum has not one mouth, but a total of 3! After his parents initial reaction they decide to cancel his party and not send him to school for fear of others reaction to his predicament. A tutor is hired and tom becomes an excellent student with a passion for inventing things. The day after his 9th birthday a package arrives - a wishing machine to be assembled. Hopeful to get his old face back, Tom assembles the machine but nothing happens, though the fine print states that his wish has been received. While he waits he invents the most remarkable things for those who come to him with problems and his face doesn't seem to bother them. Of course, by the end of the story he receives his wish and he has gained the love and friendship of all those he has helped though he never again does want "one more piece." A cautionary tale of both what happens when you want too much but also how what we perceive as a disfigurement or flaw sets you on a different path that you might not have chosen. Kevin Hawkes' creativity in illustration adds to the text and gives it a whimsical feel to this tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willard, Nancy

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763654764

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Black Cat, White Cat

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Nominating for Cream of the Crop for is simplicity A simple concept book about opposites and friendships. Black cat only goes out in the day and white cat only goes out in the night. Each wants to see what the opposite time is like. They meet each other and become friends. Each showing the other the joys of night and day respectively. The illustrations are done in black pencil and colored digitally. They are simple, sparse and clear. You just imagine the tails and whiskers swishing and twitching. Only three colors were used - black, white, and a surprise color at the end. The text and illustrations are in harmony. The test is simple and too the point. A non-reader could enjoy the book as much as a solid beginning reader. This is so simply and sparingly done yet it conveys such a wonderfully detailed concept of opposites and friendship. There is a wonderful reveal at the end once the two cats have kittens together. The reader will have a fun time revealing this to children at story time. Kids will want to guess the color of the kittens, and boy will they be surprised. How to explain that to kids? :) Although, there is a hint given on the back end papers of the book. This will be a popular title. Be prepared to buy multiple copies. One on one sharing and small group settings will work best. My only issue with this book is it's size. It is small, making it difficult to use in a large group story time setting. Otherwise, an absolutely wonderful package.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Borando, Silvia

Illustrator: Borando, Silvia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681067

Price: 14.00

Anyone But Ivy Pocket

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Meet Ivy Pocket, aged 12, orphaned, recently fired ladies maid whose over-confident, yet rude character and circumstances is a mashup between the dark comedy of the "Series of Unfortunate Events" (Snicket) and "Amelia Bedelia"(Parish). Ivy has the special talent of viewing everything from a stance of exaggerated denial and the ability to spin an outrageous story to back up that denial. This talent makes her the perfect, or imperfect, messenger for the Duchess of Trinity who has given her the task of delivering a cursed clock diamond to the daughter of the Duchess's enemy. Carrying the diamond puts Ivy in danger from every turn, even the underworld, as her adventure unfolds and her unfortunate decisions create havoc in each circumstance. The backdrop of this dark comedy is Victorian England. Cantini's gothic-like, cartoon black and white, full-page illustrations foreshadows the main action of each chapter. Give this to the more mature readers who appreciate the dark humor and ironic circumstances. This is the first in a planned series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krisp, Caleb

Illustrator: Cantini, Barbara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062364340

Price: 17.99

Biscuit Goes Camping

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Biscuit and the little girl who loves him are preparing for some backyard camping in this installment of the popular easy reader series. They make a tent by throwing a blanket over the clothes line. Biscuit discovers a frog and then gets spooked from all the new sights and sounds. Fireflies come out, as well as thunder and lightning, which brings the camping experience inside by the dog bed. Each page has minimal text for the new reader. Schories' traditional watercolors enhanced digitally with Photoshop provide the details of setting up the tent, chocolate chip cookies in a baggie, the lightening in the distance and the love that the little girl feels as she curls up next to Biscuit's dog bed. Recommended for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin

Illustrator: Schories, Pat

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062236944

Price: 16.99

Not This Bear: A First Day of School Story

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

there are lots of "first day of school" books but this is one that is a keeper. As all books on this subject usually start, little bear doesn't want to leave mom. She assures him that "all bears love school" to which his response is "not this bear." this becomes the call and response through the entire story. and as we all know school is not that terrifying and all the characters survive it beautifully. Capucilli's text captures little bear's fears and concerns but as he navigates the day , his mom's words and actions give him that little push to try what is at hand. Lorna Hussey's illustrations are soft, cuddly. She is able to capture the emotions little bear experiences as his day progresses. this is a nice addition to one of those rights of passage our children experience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin

Illustrator: Hussey, Lorna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805098969

Price: 16.99

Over in the Wetlands: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou Story

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

Life in the wetlands for various creatures begins as a calm peaceful day, but as the day progresses we see the weather change and the creatures prepare for what eventually becomes a hurricane. Ms. Rose in a rhyming text takes the reader to the habitats of alligators, egrets, turtles and bears as they begin their day. With the lush illustrations of Rob Dunlavey, our non reader knows something big and scary is in the making. His illustrations are big and detailed and one knows when the hurricane hits- you almost feel the rain and wind as it invades the bayou. By the end of the day, the sunset is a glowing red/yellow and the worst is over. Our animals and birds are safe and secure in their bayou home. The author has included 2 pages of notes on the region hit by the storm, a map and more about the animals found in the book. There is a lot of information in both the brief text and the pictures. This is a great way to pair poetry, science, art and geography into a beautiful book. It is definitely a keeper!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rose, Caroline Starr

Illustrator: Dunlavey, Rob

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449810163

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat's Train Trip

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Pete the Cat is traveling by train with his brother and mother to Grandma's house. They buy tickets, get seated and meet the conductor. Pete tells him "I love trains" and the conductor takes him on a tour of the whole train. They meet his family at the snack bar and the engineer shows him the front of the train. On his way back to his seat, he makes new friends who play games and "Pete sings a song. What a groovy ride!" Grandma gets a big hug when they arrive. It is refreshing to have an easy reader book that uses the full 32 pages to tell the story. The brightly-colored, child-friendly illustrations work well with the text to give readers an understanding about what their first train trip may include. This is designated as a My First Shared Reading by the publisher which is explained in the front of the book as reading with the child. The text seems to be gauged for a more experienced new reader, so parents would want to read with their child. Vocabulary includes: arrived, explore, conductor, rumbles, bridge and engineer. Fans of Pete the cat and new readers will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062303868

Price: 16.99

My Life as a Gamer

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

The fifth in the Tashjians' Derek Fallon series, this book is another winner. As usual, Derek gets himself into several pickles, and has to learn life lessons the hard way. This installment focuses on school tests and gaming. Not only does Derek learn to believe in himself, but he grows quite a bit, too. The book leaves him on the precipice of his first love. This book, and complete series, is a must buy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tashjian, Janet

Illustrator: Tashjian, Jake

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Hold & Co

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098518

Price: 15.99

Big Nate Lives it Up

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Fans of the Big Nate series will not want to put this latest adventure down. When principal Nichols wants Nate to be buddies with new kid Breckenridge Puffington Nate finds out it's not an easy job. Breckenridge is drooling and knocks the fun out of everything. With his usual wit and sense of timing, Peirce delivers another rip roaring Big Nate adventure. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy kid will like Nate's attitude and ability to always bounce back. Great book for students crossing over to chapter books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Peirce, Lincoln

Illustrator: Peirce, Lincoln

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062111081

Price: 13.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Henry Hubble's Book of Troubles

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Henry Hubble always seems to be in trouble. From bathroom breaks to halloween costume mishaps to lunchroom love drama, henry is always in the middle of it. Then one day Henry's journal propels him to fame.

Students will laugh with and sigh with Henry and his misadventures. For students wanting a step up from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this is a sure hit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Myer, Andy

Illustrator: Myer, Andy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385744393

Price: 15.99

A Fairy's Gift (Disney: The Never Girls)

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

In this special edition of Disney's Never Girls, Kate, Mia, Lainey and Gabby believe in fairies more than anyone. When they find out that widespread disbelief in fairies may kill the magic of pixie Hollow the four girls must find a way to save Tinkerbell and the rest of the fairies.

Fairy lovers will love the girls deep belief in these magical beings and their power. The adventures the girls take with the fairies will keep the reader turning pages and enjoying every page. Great choice for an early chapter book for readers moving on from Magic Tree House series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thorpe, Kiki

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780736432788

Price: 14.99

Scorch Trials: Book 2 in the Maze Runner Series

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Thomas and the Gladers, having solved the Maze, plan on returning to their lives, but instead find the earth a wasteland with Cranks roaming the desert in search of their next meal and they are faced with the challenge of crossing the Scorch in two weeks in order to arrive at a safe haven.

With the same intensity as The Hunger Games, readers will be drawn into this survival story. The writing is tight and riveting, readers will not want to put the book down. While targeted to a YA audience strong readers as low as 5th grade will gravitate to this novel.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dashner, James

Illustrator: , 20th Century Fox

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538229

Price: 18.99

Luck Uglies: Fork-Tongue Charmers

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

In this second installment of the Luck Uglies, Rye O'Chanter is declared an outlaw from her own village and she finds herself stuck on the strange remote island of Pest. Over time the island comes to feel much less remote and when the battle over the future of the Luck Uglies lands on the shoreline she finds her strength to fight.

With the same pacing and characterization as the first novel, Fork-Tongue Charmers delivers an action packed, page turning story. Characters are memorable and the reader will be transported to the vivid island of Pest, where Rye must rely on her wits to help save the Luck Uglies.

Readers of the Unwanteds series will enjoy this series as well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Durham, Paul

Illustrator: Antonsson, Petur

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062271532

Price: 16.99

The Planet of Okidians

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

This graphic novel doesn't reflect the charm and philosophical musings of the original Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It's not helped that this version of The Little Prince is based on an animated series of the same title. That being said, this isn't a bad graphic novel. It's just that I can't help but compare this to the original masterpiece. This version teaches a lesson but is somewhat didactic in it's approach. The illustrations are colorful and bold and I can see many young adventure readers liking this graphic novel. So, although I wish it had more charm and finesse, it would make a good classroom addition for grades 1-4. It's part of a series called The Little Prince.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gonnard, Christel

Illustrator: Fayolle, Diane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780761387718

Price: 26.60

The Call of the Osprey

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Scientists in the Field series

Hinshaw and Munoz introduce us to scientists studying the effects of pollution from the mining industry on osprey, a top tier predator. Basic information on osprey is provided, but the focus here is on the concerns for their long-term health. Background information on DDT and heavy metals from the mining industry, and the concentration of pollutants up the food chain give insight into the circumstances behind the project. Numerous locations around the Upper Clark Fork River Superfund site outside Missoula MT are being monitored. Samples of blood and feathers reveal the cumulative effects of the concentration of pollutants. A few chicks have been fitted with transmitters so that scientists can follow where they go when the chicks leave the nest. The scientists are shown interacting with school children, university interns and senior citizens, adding human interest to the nature of their work.

Webcams trained into osprey nests provide spectacular photography of the birds, their chicks and the scientists handling them, and will pull in browsers. A map, table of contents, index, suggested book and internet resources, author note and glossary will appeal to teachers. Recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw

Illustrator: Munoz, William

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544232686

Price: 18.99

Shadow of the Shark

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Shadow of the Shark is number 53 in the Magic Tree House series. In a change of pace Jack and Annie are sent on a vacation rather than a mission. Of course they end up making friends and having adventures as usual but I felt that knowing the experiences took place during a 'normal' day allows the reader to maybe be open to adventure in their own lives. We learn a lot about geography and ancient Mayan Civilization. My favorite line in the book is said by Jack. He tells a Mayan King who needs to choose a replacement for himself but having no sons to inherit his title, only a daughter, “My sister and I have come from Frog Creek a land far away, to tell you this: women can lead just as well as men. Many women are leaders in our world.” This book has a nonfiction partner book called Sharks and Other Predators. It's one of the Magic Tree House, Fact Tracker series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510812

Price: 12.99

Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole is a modern retelling of the classic tale by Lewis Carroll. This picture book edits the story down to its basic form and allows a younger audience with their shorter attention spans to enjoy the experience of following Alice into Wonderland. I do worry a bit that this book is so quick paced, only tells the first five chapters of the original story and then ends abruptly. That being said, the charming and beautiful illustrations alone make this a wonderful picture book. With the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this would fit well into the high interest category of books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rhatigan, Joe

Illustrator: Puybaret, Eric

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781623540494

Price: 17.95

Clark the Shark: Takes Heart

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Clark the shark remains in the dark... about girls that is. He wants to show Anna Angelfish that he likes her but nothing seems to work. As Clark learns how to act around girls, the elementary student reader learns this important social skill. This book is a great classroom addition with its clever depiction of an underwater school. The illustrations are bold and enhance the story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Bruce

Illustrator: Francis, Guy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062192271

Price: 17.99

Where Did My Clothes Come From?

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

This is a wonderful book. One of a child's first independent decisions is what they are going to wear. Where Did My Clothes Come From answers any questions a child may have about the clothing they wear. It takes common types of clothing such as: jeans, a party dress, a sports uniform, a fleece jacket, rain boots, and other items, and explores the process to make each item. This book has informative colorful illustrations that complement the text. The last pages include recycling suggestions for clothes a child has grown out of or doesn't want anymore. This book will appeal to the nonfiction reader or anyone with an interest in clothing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Butterworth, Chris

Illustrator: Gaggiotti, Lucia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763677488

Price: 12.99

You and Me and Him

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Best friends Maggie and Nash are high school students in a small town. She is overweight and has some lingering middle school mean girl friendship issues. He is gay with an alcoholic mother. When Tom moves into town, Nash lays claim to him, in hopes that Tom will bring the gay teenager population in their town to two. Tom sends some mixed messages and soon Maggie and Nash are both falling for him, causing a rift in the friendship.

Told from the point of view of Maggie, this story encompasses multiple teen issues including bullying, self-image, and friendship. While Maggie's character is clearly defined, the shallowness of Nash, and the way Maggie allows Nash to treat her, undermines the potential strength of this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dinnison, Kris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544301122

Price: 17.99

Bus Ride

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

A little girl in a red sweater, with a basket says goodbye to her mother and gets on a bus. The text is sparse. The little girl tells the reader in very brief sentences who gets on the bus, a family of foxes, a very sleepy sloth, a little wolf, and who gets off the bus. There are all sorts of riders including a would be thief that is chastised by the little girl. At the end of the bus ride, our little girl in the red sweater gets off and is met by her grandmother! Sound a bit familiar? the text is brief but the illustrations are what lets the reader enjoy the tale. They are detailed penciled hues of gray, green, and brown with bits of blue, red, yellow. The entire story takes place on the bus so the illustrator gives that linear feel to the pictures. Our young non readers will spend time looking at all the small details Ms. Dubuc has left for them. This tale with the hint of Little Red Riding Hood is fun to read and to look at!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dubuc, Marianne

Illustrator: , same

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97817713582090

Price: 15.95

Emmy & Oliver

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about 4 of high schoolers that were friends when the were really little. They did all kinds of stuff together especially 2 of them, Emmy and Oliver, they were really close. But then one day, in 2nd grade Oliver is kidnapped by his dad and is just gone. Then,10 years later, Oliver is found. Everyone is super excited to have him back. But when he comes back life isn’t the same and Emmy and Oliver aren’t sure it ever will be.

The romance itself is sweet and innocent. The story has lots of humor and some great friendships. But it is more than that. It’s about parents smothering a child with rules to protect them from getting hurt and realizing that even though a parent might lie to a child, that child can’t help themselves from still loving their parent. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Benway, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062330598

Price: 17.99

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This early reader is all about trucks. It does a great job of introducing the reader to a number of truck types you might see. Each type of truck has a photo of it and a paragraph explaining it. The explanations are short but really do a good job of describing the truck, perfect for a new reader. A nice feature is that the name of the truck being talked about is always typed up in italics making it stand out from the rest of the text. The part about truckers still using CB radios and then not explaining what they are was not great, plus, most truckers don’t use CBs much anymore. Also, some of the photos were dated. Still this will be popular with readers wanting books on trucks.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Milton, Joyce

Illustrator: Doolittle, MIchael J.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553512403

Price: 3.99

Let's Have A Parade

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This early reader is about a little girl that wants to have parade with her family in the rain. Everyone is too busy at first but in the end they all join in the fun. Children will like the idea of having a parade indoors when it is raining outside and enjoy how each family member joins in. The repeated sounds of the instruments used in the parade are great and easy to read. The illustrations are colorful and fit the mood of the book well. A nice early reader for a collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Silverman, Erica

Illustrator: Golden, Jess

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Green Light Readers/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544106789

Price: 3.99

Krakens and Lies

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

A well written conclusion to The Menagerie trilogy. Krakens and Lies follows The Menagerie (Book 1) and Dragon on Trial (book 2) and takes up where the last left off. These must by read in order. This is a satisfactory conclusion where the mystery of what happened to Logan's mother and who has been sabotaging the Menagerie is solved. The basilisk has escaped and the Merfolk go on strike so someone has to care for the kraken. The Menagerie is still at risk of being exposed and closed. This is exciting with all the mythical creatures for an exciting contemporary fantasy adventure for children in grades 3 and up. A good choice for younger children looking to transition into appropriate longer chapter books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutherland, Tui T. and Kari

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060780678

Price: 16.99

Hop! Hop!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is an Easter board book for babies and toddlers about all the activities small children look forward to. It begins with excitement "The Easter bunny is coming!" with Patricelli's baby character clothed in the diaper surrounded by spring flowers. Then Mom, Dad and baby dye eggs, mix colors, do an art project, pretend to be Easter bunnies, put out baskets, try to stay awake to see the Easter Bunny. In the morning the baby finds all the Easter surprises and goes on an Easter egg hunt. Ends with a Happy Easter! with baby surrounded with eggs that child can find a adult reads pink, dots, stripes, etc... Well done with a good variety of activities about the holiday to prepare children for the holiday and good ideas for parents. Children will enjoy the age appropriate illustrations that are outlined with thick black lines. Prepare to read again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patricelli, Leslie

Illustrator: Patricelli, Leslie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763663193

Price: 6.99

Bizzy Bear Knights' Castle

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

In this addition to the Bizzy Bear series, Bizzy Bear is a knight in a castle and learns about being a knight. This is a sturdy board book with four double page spreads with moving parts. The illustrations are colorful and detailed and preschoolers will enjoy looking for details and moving the parts. The movable sections are stiff at first and need to be worked several times to loosen enough for small hands to operate themselves. All characters are portrayed as animals and two short, rhyming sentences per double page spread. CBR

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676025

Price: 6.99

Oh No, George!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Harry is going out and asks his dog, "Will you be good. George?" He says yes, but then he keeps being tempted. The format is repeated, with George seeing something tempting, a cake in the kitchen, then thinks that he said he would be good, but loves cake. Then the question "What will George do?" This lets the child predict, then turn the page to see what happens, then, "Oh no, George!" This is repeated until Harry comes home and finds that George has ruined the place. George apologizes, Harry cleans up, then they go out for a walk and George continues to be tempted, but learns to think and makes better choices. Told with humor, lots of repetition, lots of places for interaction by children and predictions. Very well done, age appropriate, thoughtful and fun! Recommended!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Haughton, Chris

Illustrator: Haughton, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canndlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763676520

Price: 7.99

When My Heart Was Wicked

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

Sixteen-year-old Lacy is living with her step-mother after her father dies when her mother decides to take custody. Lacy does not want to leave, but is forced to. Lacy feels that when she is with her mother, she is pulled toward being a person she does not want to be. Her mother is self-centered, neglectful, and uses magic spells to get what she wants. Soon after moving, her mother's life falls apart, Lacy has to care for herself, and begins to fall under her mother's spell. After a bad experience with a boy, Lacy wonders if she is as confused and damaged as her mother. This book is a coming-of-age story about magic, but the reader is not sure what is real and what is imagined. Ultimately Lacy must make hard choices, find out who she is, get help to get away from her mother who is psychologically damaged and not capable of caring for her daughter. This is a first novel, good, but sometimes a little hard to follow.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stirling, Tricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545695732

Price: 17.99

Chips and Cheese and Nana's Knees; What is Alliteration?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is a well written non-fiction picture book that defines alliteration. There are many humorous examples they go well with the illustrations to both teach and entertain. The concept is made into fun. It is easy to follow by the use of colored text to show what words are being used in the alliteration. There are two pages showing lists of alliteration examples with one, two or more letters, or by sounds. followed by words to go with the letter. Useful as writing prompts. Recommended, age appropriate and easy to understand this grammar concept.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Brian P.

Illustrator: Goneau, Martin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467726498

Price: 17.95

Mark of the Thief

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

Mark of the Thief is a amazing blend of adventure, magic, and bravery. Nic, a slave boy from Rome finds a magic talisman and tries to use it to secure his family's freedom. Instead, powerful men try to use him for their own nefarious purposes. While Nic is the main focus of the book, there is also a strong female character. While the story moves quickly, there is so much detail and rich character development that it is hard to put down. This book is a must for any middle-school library. Readers who love a series will be pleased to know that this is just the first book in the Mark of the Thief series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Jennifer A.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545561549

Price: 17.99

From Goat to Cheese

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This non-fiction picture book is part of the series Start to Finish. Just as the title suggests, readers are taken through the process of milking the goats, pasteurizing the milk, separating curds and whey, aging and salting the goat cheese. The format provides one sentence in bold text followed by a paragraph in simple sentence structure on the left and a stock photograph on the right on each two page spread. The choice of goat cheese will introduce readers to a new food item. This title would be useful in nutrition themed story times and also provide teachers with supplemental common core information. One quibble about the pictures is that some people preparing the cheese wear gloves while other times bare hands are shown picking cheeses up and forcing cheese into molds. This series is popular with younger readers who are interested in how things work.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Owings, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467760232

Price: 23.93

From Steel to Bicycle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This non-fiction picture book is part of the series Start to Finish. Just as the title suggests, readers are taken through the process of how how bikes are manufactured. The format provides one sentence in bold text followed by a paragraph in simple sentence structure on the left and a stock photograph on the right on each two page spread. New words pertaining to the process appear in bold in the text. The format provides a table of context in the front, a glossary of words that are new in the back. Further information and an index complete the back matter. The stock photographs used depict a multicultural population. This title would be useful in transportation themed story times and also provide teachers with supplemental common core information. This series is popular with younger readers who are interested in how things work and bicycles are a high-interest subject.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467738927

Price: 23.95

Hypnotize a Tiger: Poems About Just About Everything

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

With fast, staccato-like poems, words spilling out one after another Calef Brown's book of poems will challenge and delight. A wonderful poetry book for middle grade readers right on up to adults. The wordplay and artwork are absorbing, keeping the reader turning pages to meet Brown's silly, scintillating characters and to absorb his puns and laugh at his asides marching across the bottom of the pages. This is a great collection for those looking for original poetry and where Brown's other titles may already be popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Calef

Illustrator: Brown, Calef

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805099287

Price: 17.99

History of Women's Fashion

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

History of Women's Fashion is an interesting book. It can be read as a book or you can unfold it to a six and a half foot chart that chronicles the history of fashion. Each fashion depicted has details of the garment on the back of the picture. The information ranges from famous people who wore the clothing to what was thought to influence the style. It explores social and political events that contributed to style evolution. I wish it was just in book format as it's a bit inconvenient to have to look on the back of each picture to read the description. The information printed under the picture would have garnered this book a 'must read' recommendation. I also worry about the longevity of the physical book. It's printed on heavy card stock to facilitate the chart aspect of the book and I feel it will get torn and bent easily. A reader who is interested in fashion or history would enjoy this informative book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slee, Natasha

Illustrator: Mander, Sanna

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763679620

Price: 17.99

Danger in the Darkest Hour

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is a Magic Tree House, Super Edition. I am not sure whether to click my heels with happiness or groan in annoyance at the introduction of "Super Editions". Elementary readers adore these books, so I'll err to the side of heel-clicking. This latest Jack & Annie adventure brings with it some tricky material, especially for younger readers of the series. The topic is WWII, and Jack & Annie's mission is to parachute into enemy territory to rescue their friend, and a recurring character, Kathleen. A parent or a librarian should be ready to talk about Hitler, Nazis, the Resistance, and war outcomes. The historical angle is appreciated and I never hesitate to answer questions, but it is not easy to explain Hitler to a 6-year-old. The ultimate message that war is brutal is important for children to hear, and Osborne uses her story to evoke the emotions of horror and sadness without hitting the reader over the head with it. At the end of the book Annie says, "War really is a terrible thing" and the audience nods right along with Jack. The book includes an end note with additional information about World War II.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553497724

Price: 14.99

Honor Girl

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This graphic memoir, primarily set at Camp Bellflower in Kentucky during the late nineties, is the coming-of-age story of Maggie Thrash. It tells of her sexual awakening for another camper, senior counselor Erin within the constraints of a camp built on Christian rhetoric. Maggie is supposed to be a "good girl" and "stay away" from the temptation and allure of the accepted deviant, Erin. She is so afraid of her own feelings that she mostly does stay away from Erin, but the experience and feelings resonate so much that, while on a trip to visit her brother in New Mexico, she contacts the older counselor in an attempt to further explore her feelings or maybe to get some closure. The story is compelling and the depiction of girls at camp is spot-on. At the same time that Maggie is dealing with her attraction to Erin, she also has to maintain her friendships with the other girls, and to focus on acquiring camp skills, particularly that of shooting a rifle. There are confrontations with a mean girl who is competing with Maggie for her Distinguished Expert Badge in shooting, but the story is really Maggie and Erin. The story is great, the artwork is good, but not quite great. It was often tough to tell one girl from another as they all had the same faces with each girls' hair being her one distinguishing feature. In the end, Maggie earns the highest camp award "Honor Girl" but the price is her silence and her adherence to the "values" of Camp Bellflower no matter what she might be feeling in her heart. Recommend for high school graphic novel collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thrash, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673826

Price: 19.99

The White Book

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This wordless picture book was first published in Italy in 2013. The main character is a boy who gleefully wields a paint roller. As he paints each page a color, a scene is revealed. Each scene pleases the boy, but then the birds fly away, the fish swim down, the dinosaur roars, the elephant squashes, and the giraffes pluck...the boy off his feet. Children will delight in guessing how each picture goes "wrong". Finally, the color reveals a dog, and the boy no longer needs the paint roller for his entertainment. The reader can imagine the boy and his adorable orange dog running off the page to play at whatever game is next. A fun way to talk about color and predictive text. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Borando, Silvia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681074

Price: 14.00

The Secrets of Attraction

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

Madison has life all figured out: she's on track to become an architect, she and her mom have a good life, and she has a hot boyfriend. That's when life throws her some surprises. She starts to fall for the Starbucks barista where she and her mom frequent after yoga class. Then her mom fesses up that she's been lying to her about who her dad is, and he's actually been a part of her life for as long as she can remember as a friend of her mom's. Madison struggles with how to deal with her feelings about the new boy and her new father.

The story ends well on all accounts for Madison. There's not a ton of conflict, and the new boy seems to be perfect. While it's a fine story, there's nothing about this book that is original or stands out. Purchase only where teen romances are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Constantine, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062279514

Price: 17.99

Lizard Radio

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

Recommended for cream. Unexpectedly dropped off by her non-conformist foster mother at CropCamp, Fifteen-year-old Kivali must make friends and navigate the dark undercurrents of the camp's purpose. In this alternate, dystopian world, gender is identified by a percentage. Those who score in the middle range are called benders and the SayFree Gov requires them to attend a camp by the age of 18 or risk being thrown in Blight, a city without government. Being a bender, Kivali has always been challenged to identify who she is, human or lizard, male or female, conformist or rebel and she relies on her special insight into nature, which she calls lizard radio, to navigate the harsh rigidity of her world. As she struggles to comply with the SayFree Gov's brain-washing demands at camp, she experiences first love and the trust of loyal friends. Schmatz provides well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that will keep readers pondering well after it is done. Complex issues about identity, gender, community expectation and free will are the main themes of this sci-fi/dystopian novel. Fans of the Giver, Hunger Games and the movie The Matrix will enjoy this complete package.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schmatz, Pat

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676353

Price: 16.99

Robots at Home

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

This non-fiction book is part of a series entitled Robots Everywhere! Robot fans in grades 1-3 will enjoy browsing the pictures that show a variety of robots that clean floors, build cars, clean gutters, mow lawns and assist with mobility. The font is large and the sentence structure simple which will reinforce the new reader's enjoyment of this topic. There is a table of contents, a page about Robot Scientists, a fun facts page, a glossary, and suggested further reading. Educators and parents are instructed to dig further into the topic by downloading complementary resources from www.lerneresource.com Unfortunately, the book suffers from repetitive text as a way to simplify content and a confusing layout. Although the title of the book is "Robots at Home", only a few robots are actually being used in the home. Most are being used by researchers in a controlled environment. It is unclear which robots are still in research phase or are actually available on the market. The cool dog robot on the front cover, major shelf appeal, is explained in detail on the CIP page in small print, but does not appear anywhere in the content of the book. The words listed on the glossary page are not identified or highlighted in the text but seemingly random sentences are highlighted throughout.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Zuchora-Walske, Christine

Illustrator: , Photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467740548

Price: 26.60

Frank Einstein and the Brian Turbo Book #3

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

In book three of the series Frank Einstein, Scieska has Frank create the Brain Tjurbo to power boost the human body. This will help their baseball pitcher Jane Goodall make the team. But then Klank the robot goes missing they must find him and stop T. Edison from stealing the invention and using it against the world.

Besides being humorous and fun to read, the illustrations by Biggs enhance the humorous elements of the story. His gray, white and orange illustrations are casual and entertaining. Together these artists help encourage students to question how things work and how students can experiment with science.

Excellent for STEM tie in.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scieszka, Jon

Illustrator: Biggs, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Amulet

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781419716430

Price: 13.95

Ketzel the Cat Who Composed

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

Young musical composer, Moshe Cotel, has entered a competition, Paris New Music Review, and entrants are to write a composition of 60 seconds or less. As hard as he tries, Moshe simply cannot write one any less than ten minutes long. As he is taking a walk one day on the busy city street he comes across a black and white stray cat he names Ketzel.

One day, soon after he brings Ketzel home, Ketzel, while creeping along the keyboard, manages to compose what Moshe has not been able to do, "a composition that has a clear beginning, middle, and end and is full of heart and takes exactly 21 seconds to play." The piece is called, "Piece for Piano: Four Paws." and wins an honorable mention.

At the back of the book is an author's note that explains that this book is based on a true story. Ketzel actually received a royalty check for $19.72 which "was used to purchase cat food."

The illustrations are warm and textural, done in watercolor, gouache and pencil. A truly delightful and charming story.

Anyone who loves the brightness and whimsy of a animal/human relationship will enjoy this book. Cream of the Crop

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Leslea

Illustrator: Bates, Amy June

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665555

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Touch the Brightest Star

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Villlage Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

From the author of Tap the Magic Tree (2013) comes a new delightful title,"Shhh....It's night. Time for magic to happen. Touch, pat, blink and whisper to change the night sky!" Not quite a rhyming book but very close, this keeps a child's mind and touch active and engaged.

The background of each illustration is varied in shades of blues that lend a nice continuity and simplicity that encourage the reader to continue this journey of sunset to sunrise.

Birds, insects and deer and other natural objects are sparse throughout this interactive book yet add to the familiarity and simplicity.

Collages were used to prepare the full-color art and the type is large and white, thus easy to read against the varying blue backgrounds.

Great bedtime read for children that they will reach for night after night even after the story has been read to them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mathesonl, Christie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062274472

Price: 15.99

Waiting

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

On a windowsill sit five animals, an owl, puppy, bear, rabbit and a pig and each has his/her own marvelous thing that he/she would like to see happen. The rabbit is simply looking out of the window, not waiting for anything in particular...just waiting. All the animals are close and though each leaves the sill occasionally, though whoever it is always returns. Sometimes other little knick-knacks appear and disappear or sometimes even break. Yet, they all sit in companionable quiet through it all including the seasonal changes.

Until a cat with patches appears but does not seem to be waiting for anything in particular until one day she is not just one cat she becomes five, now there are ten animals on the sill, "waiting to see what would happen next."

Kevin Henkes has won many honors, including a Caldecott Medal, Caldecott Honors, two Newbery Honors and a Geisel Honor. He has long been lauded as an excellent writer and illustrator. Bright and colorful children's books are eye-catching but this book is soft and muted and just as appealing done in brown ink, watercolor paint and colored pencils. The lettering is large, clean and bold looking against the soft cream pages.

It is ok to be quiet and keeping good company with one other for a long time, open to differences and acceptance of change. Charming and a must purchase. In fact, I would recommend purchasing all of Henke's titles.

Cream of the Crop

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henkes, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062368430

Price: 17.99

Happy in Our Skin

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

A book all about skin.

"This is how we all begin; small and happy in our skin."

When you fall you get scabs and skin has freckles, birthmarks and dimples. And everyone is the same in that way because everyone has skin. One thing that is different is that "nobody is you"

Illustrations are bright and colorful with busyness going on continually and everyone smiling, getting along and helping one another out. A favored picture is one of a Block Party where there are:

"bouquets of people, blooming and boisterous, brawny and thin, loving each day...

Semi-rhyming book with illustrations done in ink and pencil and assembled digitally.

Great book for teaching a child that in many many ways we are all just the same with unique differences and qualities.

Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Manushkin, Fran

Illustrator: Tobia, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763670023

Price: 15.99

Apes A-Go-Go!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 25, 2015

Review

Apes to the rescue in this book. The perfectionist mayor of a town who hopes to win the contest of "Tidy Town" realizes that one of the flowers in a flower bed is out of place. A passer-by appears and offers to help out and turns out to be an ape. Though well-intentioned the ape ends up trampling the garden. Five more well-intentioned apes from the clan follow creating a domino effect of sheer messiness, throughout the entire town.

Finally, an ape comes along and bakes a warm and tasty cake and everyone in town though it is very messy has a wonderful time, together enjoying each other's company. Everyone begins to relax and have fun! But their mayor cannot let go of his quest for tidiness when he sees all the dirty dishes.

"On second thought." he said. "I think, I'll do it myself."

And he did.

Children will love this book and merrily repeat throughout, the words when the time comes,"Bogo! Pogo! Apes A-Go-Go!"

The lettering is medium sized and easy to read. Illustrations are retro colors reminiscent of children's books written in the 50's and 60's.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Milisic, Roman

Illustrator: Allen, A. Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553533637

Price: 16.99

Peep and Ducky Rainy Day

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 25, 2015

Review

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky.

That is how Peep and Ducky feel about one another in this charming rhyming book.

Peep's mom drops him off on a rainy day at Ducky's house for a play date and they manage to find all kinds of fun in the house. Hide and Seek and pillow fights abound until they decide they are bored and head outside into the rain after they put on their boots, don their rain jackets and take an umbrella and head out the door.

It is very windy and the umbrella carries them along and into a blow-up child's pool and the umbrella turns into a boat. This is lots of fun until thunder begins to roll and they are called back inside.

Soon after Peep's mom appears to take him home. Though it is hard to part they promise to get back together soon.

Luck, Lucky, Lucky.

The illustrations are done in mixed media and are simple in dark pastel colors. Little ones will love this book! It's small size will be carried around the house and enjoyed until the book is worn out.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, David

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763668846

Price: 14.99

Who Wants a Hug?

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 25, 2015

Review

Skunk has a bag of Super Stinky Tricks he uses to try to trip up a bear who gives great hugs and everyone loves.

Although no one seems to like Skunk, Bear loves everyone and tries repeatedly to give Skunk hugs, but Skunk will have none of it. Skunk plays many stinky tricks on Bear in the attempt of making Bear unhappy but all of his tricks back fire on him. Skunk feels really bad now and decides that he does need a hug from Bear but when Bear does so he realizes just how stinky Skunk is and is shocked.

Skunk loves the hug and wants more but Bear is reluctant until he gamely reappears with a clothes pin on his nose and gives Skunk all the hugs he could ever want.

The bag of Super Stinky Tricks is now a bag of tricks filled with clothespins. Maybe now Skunk will be getting hugs from more forest animals. Everyone deserves a hug this book clearly touts.

The artist used ink and pencil on paper and Photoshop to create the digital illustrations. They are bright and simple with a great forest feel. The print is medium sized and done in a bold black.

Cream of the crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mack, Jeff

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978006222026

Price: 17.99

Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection #4

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2015

Review

In this fourth volume of Timmy Failure’s memoirs, Timmy is forced to hit the road in a cross-country trip that includes Timmy’s mom, Total the polar bear, Doorman Dave, and Molly Moskins. It’s a world gone mad, where good becomes bad, and Timmy Failure is a condemned man. Can Timmy redeem himself?

With wit and humor Pastis creates an adventure that will have readers turning the page. The plot is tightly written with just enough tension and laughs to maintain that wacky nature of the Timmy Failure series.

Students who enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid or My Life as a Book will enjoy the level of reading this book provides. The font is large with plenty of white space for eyes to rest . The spacing of the pen and ink drawings are also provided at just right intervals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastit, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680923

Price: 14.99

I Text Dead People

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2015

Review

The illustrations are pencil and cartoonish (Nightmare before Christmas) style. The story was well written with strong characterization. Annabel is the new kid in a small town from a poor one room apartment in a large city. Her new home is a run down mansion near a cemetery. She finds a cell phone in the cemetery while on her way to school. She starts getting text messages from dead people. Anna wants to be one of the popular kids so she doesn't want anyone to know where she lives. She makes friends with a couple of girls. Lucy inadvertently dies by bumping her head on a tomb stone while waiting for a boy that she hopes is "the One". She wants Anna to help her... and the trouble begins.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Rose

Illustrator: Cooper, Rose

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Delacorte Press/ Random House/Penguin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743914

Price: 12.99

Stick God Dreams of Ice Cream #4

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

As the summer heat rises, Stick dog and his pals are back in the fourth book of the series Stick Dog. Stick Dog and his friends want ice cream on this hot day, but as they take off chasing the ice cream truck stick dog is spotted by a human and shortly there after the police are on his trial. Can stick dog evade capture and lead his friends to the cool treats they desire?

With humor and quick moving plot fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate books will eat this book up, and probably eat bowls of ice cream while reading it. Stick Dog's character is well developed at this point and the book stands alone as a single read that will likely inspire readers to seek out others in this engagingly funny series. Super addition to the library for readers that are just beginning chapter books and others who need to improve their confidence before moving on to longer titles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: Watson, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062278074

Price: 12.99

After Dark

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

Charlie Harker ex-rich kid living his new life. He is out of his private school on summer vacation. Instead of sipping ice cold lemonade by the pool, he expected to "work" in his divorced mom's family's old inn. Charlie talks to himself throughout the story by putting things on his "to-do" list. On his first night at the inn he meets a crazy neighbor Miles Van Helsing, who is on the governments watch list... Only this time the town really is being taken over by zombi like vampire creatures. The story is great spooky fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Leck, James

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KCP Fiction/ Kids can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771381109

Price: 16.95

Willie & Me

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

In the latest of the Baseball Card Adventure series by Dan Gutman, Joe 'Stosh' Stoshack uses his power to time travel using baseball cards to go back to 1951, when Bobby Thomson hit the famous Shot Heard Round. It is the home that wins the National League pennant for the New York Giants.

Both Gutman and sports fans will gravitate to this latest in the Baseball Card Adventure series. Wonderfully, each of these titles stands on its own and once a reader reads about their favorite hero they will want to explore others. The font and line spacing is just right for students leaping from chapter books with pictures to solid chapter books.

A solid addition for the sports readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061704048

Price: 15.99

Nancy Clancy: Soccer Mania

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

This is the sixth installment in the Nancy Clancy series by O'Connor. Third grader Nancy loves Mr. Dudeny's school project of the Graveyard of Boring Words and the Superb Synonyms that would replace each one, but playing on the soccer team that her father coaches ranks below the friendships and the refreshments. As Nancy's team goes through sharing players with a competitive team, negative sideline parents and after game pizza parties, they learn to work as a team to become the best "against-the-odds, final-second, come-from-behind-tie" team. O'Connor presents the transitional reader a clearly focused story line which will resonate with young athletes and enthusiastic cheerleaders. O'Connor, as in all of her Nancy books, challenges the reader with rich vocabulary alternatives that are defined for the younger reader within the text. Glasser's illustrations show some expression and shows a multi-cultural cast. All the characters from the popular Fancy Nancy picture books are found in this offering for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Glasser, Robin Preiss

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062269676

Price: 9.99

The ABC Animal Orchestra

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

This is a serviceable alphabet book in the plethora of ABC offerings. Saaf's illustrations appear to be mixed-media collage. The text for the book appears in a strip of color at the bottom of each page, consisting of the uppercase letter in a 2-inch high font next to two sentences of text. The first sentence identifies the letter and the animal with the instrument, for example "T is for Turtle tooting his Tuba." Whimsical animals playing the stated instruments appear in the foreground of each spread. The second sentence of text is a listing of other random words beginning with the letter in lowercase. Pictures of these words appear somewhere in the background of the illustration in an I-spy fashion. There are a few entries that do not match the pattern of animal and instrument. On second reading, this reviewer realized that "I is for intermission" is normal for an orchestra concert as well as "Q is for... quiet" as momma quail tries to calm her fidgety young concert goer. At the end the whole orchestra is pictured. The end pages provide the various animals creating the alphabet with their bodies. Useful for parents and preschools looking for a book to reinforce alphabetic knowledge in a variety of ways. An index listing a picture of each animal with its name and geographic location would have been a welcomed addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Saaf, Donald

Illustrator: Saaf, Donald

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805090727

Price: 16.99

Lost Boy

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

It's always been just Ryder and his mom, but on the way home from Ryder's baseball practice one day, an accident sends his mom to the hospital. Ryder goes on a search to find his father, determined to help pay for the expensive operation to save his mother's lif. Ryder has only a signed baseball and a letter as his clues He enlists the help of his next-door neighbor and a New York City firefighter in hopes that everything will turn out all right.

With his usual style and focus on the game, Green weaves a story within a story taking the reader both on a personal journey and a baseball journey. In his most recent books, the font and line spacing have been increased to appeal to the younger chapter book reader. This change makes the books more accessible to sports fans in grades four and five. A must have for your library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062317087

Price: 16.99

Paperweight

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Books about teenagers with eating disorders are numerous (as are teens with eating disorders); Haston's contribution to the genre stands out for the complexity of its characters and for small, telling details that demonstrate just how difficult recovery can be. Seventeen-year-old Stevie has been restricting her eating since her mother deserted the family; Stevie's father is in no shape to challenge her, and though her brother, Josh, tries to reach out, Stevie ignores him. Then Josh dies in an accident that Stevie believes is her fault. When her father finally sends her to rehab, a furious Stevie takes comfort in the red bracelet that marks her non-compliance. Stevie does not intend to stay all 60 days in the rehab center, she is focused on dying on the day she believes she killed her brother. Will the center help her with her eating and self image in time to save her life?

Readers who liked the Knives Edge , Jersey Tomatoes are The Best, or Wintergirls will gravitate to this book. Its whispery, yet defiant language will engage readers as will the dreary setting Stevie has been set in. The path to healing is not straight and the tension in the plot and writing convey this journey with great accuracy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Halston, Meg

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062335746

Price: 17.99

Thickety: The Whispering Trees book 2

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Starred Booklist Review February 15, 2015.

Fans of Neil Gaiman will love this latest book in the Thickety Series. While the author does recap enough of the previous adventures from book one for this second book in the series to stand alone, readers will appreciate reading them in order. The menacing Thickety is forbidden, but it’s safer for Kara and her little brother, Taff, than staying in the village, now that it’s being controlled by a vicious witch. As soon as Kara and Taff step inside, however, they face the terrifying presence of Sordyr, the forest demon who controls the Thickety and is infecting its denizens with a mysterious plague, which transforms peaceable creatures into malignant jumbles of branches, thorns, and clods of dirt. The only person who comes to Kara and Taff’s rescue is the infamous Mary Kettle, a witch banished to the Thickety for killing dozens of children to enchant magical toys. Mary seems to have redeemed herself and helps Kara shape her unique power to communicate with animals. Crosses and double-crosses abound in this second volume, and the twisted plot is perfectly matched by the twisted atmosphere. It is a captivating place with characters so well developed the reader won't want to put the book down.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

White, J. A.

Illustrator: Offermann, Andrea

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062257291

Price: 16.99

Freckleface Strawberry Backpacks!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Seven-year old friends Freckleface Strawberry and Windy Pants Patrick both take backpacks to school. They each have something in their backpacks which should not be there. When they realize that their messiness is being perceived as extra effort on their homework, they must decide whether or not to tell their teacher the truth about what has transpired. This 3-chapter offering addresses following rules and coming clean with the truth when it is called for. The short sentences and basic vocabulary are fitting for the targeted readers and the illustrations are expressive, complementing the text well. The last page leaves one wondering, however, whether or not Freckleface Strawberry has learned a lesson as well as might be wished.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Julianne

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391948

Price: 3.99

The Tight-Rope Walkers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Well written and lyrical The Tight-Rope Walkers is a must read for high school and adult. Readers are introduced to Dominic who shares a British hovel in post WWII with his angry father. Drawn to Holly, the talented girl next door, Dom struggles with his desire to spent time with her or to join up with the local bully Vincent. This coming of age story may challenge some readers who shy away from violence and local dialect. Readers however will be rewarded with a fantastic story that bridges time and social norms revealing how several youths view the unattractive and stilted world around them. Characters are well depicted individuals with hearts who face ethical issues and make moral choices.

Add this to all high school media centers and to YA collections in public libraries.

Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Almond, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673109

Price: 17.99

Freckleface Strawberry Lunch, or What's That?

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Freckleface Strawberry and Windy Pants Patrick are the best of seven-year old friends. They love to eat lunch but rarely eat in the cafeteria. One day they choose to eat in the lunchroom and Freckleface Strawberry gets in the lunch line and ends up with something to eat but no one quite knows what it actually is. What will transpire in this predicament? With short and repetitive sentences, and mildly challenging vocabulary for preschoolers through grade 1 readers, this is a good choice. The illustrations are big and bold and complement the text which is also an appropriately sized font.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Julianne

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391917

Price: 3.99

Saving Mr. Terupt

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S.Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

As the third in a series this title is a strong entry about a group of students who are starting middle school. Each tween faces his/her own fear about starting a year without their favorite teacher but find a way to get involved in his classroom after school. Drama and emotions are present in the text as the students approach romance, bullying, school government, family issues and body image issues. What is not common in a middle school text is the focus on the town and school budget. This group of students proves to be strong minded and dedicated making them excellent role models.

Christian schools will like the frequent religious references. Readers will appreciate the writing style which employs journal entries as well as a list of rules.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Buyea, Rob

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743556

Price: 16.99

Buster the Very Shy Dog Finds a Kitten.

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

This beginner level reader is meant for newly independent readers in grades 1-3. There are some relatively short sentences along with longer sentences to challenge the targeted audience. Buster discovers a kitten under the porch and, finding she has not home, decides to take her under his wing and introduces her to various animal family members who are not amused. In the second short story, the new kitten is introduced to the dog next door. The names of the dogs and the cats are confusing at first reading. A young reader would have to read this more than one time, I believe, in order to get the animals' names straight. The action seems fragmented and does not flow in a pleasant fashion. The illustrations are fair and relate what the text is divulging to the reader, but this would not be one I would especially recommend.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bechtold, Lisze

Illustrator: Bechtold, Lisze

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544336056

Price: 3.99

Monkey and Elephant and a Secret Birthday Surprise

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Close friends Monkey and Elephant each have secrets. Unfortunately, after Monkey tells Elephant his secret (that today is his birthday) and asks Elephant not to tell, it is too late. Sadly, Elephant's secret is that she cannot keep a secret. Can she keep this secret for just one day? One doubts that it will be possible. In three amusing chapters, the secret comes out and an It's-not-my-birthday party is planned. The illustrations are especially appealing, extremely colorful, and exceptional overall. The appropriately sized font and illustrations complement one another very well. This is a choice I would recommend for bookshelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schaefer, Carole Lexa

Illustrator: Bernstein, Galia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763661311

Price: 14.99

Evermore Dragon

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 29, 2015

Review

A follow-up to the book Lovabye Dragon, this story is about the friendship between a little girl and her beloved dragon.

The playmates decide that a rousing game of hide and seek would be a great way to start the day. The enormous dragon is not so good at hiding his drag-enormo self, but the little girl kindly pretends that she cannot find him at first. After a bit, she finds him and praises him for being the smartest dragon.

Problems arise when the little girl hides very well getting lost in the process. Fortunately, they are such special friends that the dragon can hear her thumping heart. In a dramatic rescue aided by the light of the dragon's breath, the little girl and her dragon are reunited.

The rhyming, lyrical text works well with the soft, muted purples and blues that evoke a mystical and magical place. The bug-eyed, somewhat goofy dragon and the sweet and clever little girl come to life with the simplistic illustrations done in muted oils. There is nothing scary about this dragon. A feel good story about friendship and always being there for someone.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Joosse, Barbara

Illustrator: Cecil, Randy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668822

Price: 15.99

Lucky Tucker

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 30, 2015

Review

Tucker, the adorable little white dog is back in this St. Patrick's Day themed story. Unfortunately for Tucker, he starts off the holiday on the wrong paw and it goes downhill from there. He needs some good luck and decides that rolling in a bed of clover might work. As luck would have it, a leprechaun is watching and makes sure that Tucker's luck does in fact change for the best. The charming illustrations are done in gouache and accompanied by simple hand-lettered text.

A nice addition for St. Patrick's day reading and for those little readers who like following Tucker's adventures throughout the year.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGuirk, Leslie

Illustrator: McGuirk, Leslie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672409

Price: 6.99

Sharks have Six Senses

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 30, 2015

Review

Part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, the level 2 book features sharks and their six senses. This book series is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films prize for Outstanding Science Series. A fascinating look into sharks and how they use their senses, this book supports common core learning standards and next Generation Science standards. Text and illustrations in this shark book have been checked for accuracy by an expert in the relevant field. Key vocabulary words are highlighted using bolded text. A Find Out More section in the back is particularly helpful. It includes a shark (true and false) section along with additional information on (Sharks at Risk) and (How to Spot a Shark). Both of these sections include on-line links. A glossary at the end rounds out this well written and colorfully illustrated factual book on sharks.

A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Waters, John

Illustrator: Barner, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780060281403

Price: 17.99

13 Days of Midnight

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about a teenager named Luke that inherits something from his dad when he dies, and it’s not what he’s expecting. He inherits 8 spirits and they are not happy, they hated his dad and now they hate him. Actually, they hate him so much that they’d like to see him dead. Now the trick for Luke is going to be to figure out how to stop them from killing him, his mom, his friends and everyone else in town and he only has 13 days to do it. This is a really good creepy-paranormal-horror story with some dark and not so dark humor. Luke is a great character that you empathize with especially because the choice he made that got himself into this situation is one many teenagers (and even adults) might make. Even though there are some pretty scary and a bit gruesome parts, they weren’t over the top. This would be a good choice for readers that like books with a good scare and some humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hunt, Leo

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678654

Price: 13.00

Fuzzy Mud

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 1, 2015

Review

This story is about 3 classmates that are going to a very special school for smart kids. They aren't all in the same class, and they aren't really friends but they have a connection which all starts when one of the students, Chad threatens his classmate Marshall. Marshall doesn't want Chad to hurt him so he heads into the woods after school to avoid him. Unfortunately another classmate, Tamaya, follows him into the woods. In the woods scary things happen and the fuzzy mud they find is not what it seems. This mystery-thriller will keep you reading to find out what is happening and why the fuzzy mud is so dangerous. The fuzzy mud the students find is nasty stuff but it is something that seems like humans could, and very well might, create. That part of the story is terrific and will leave readers thinking about even after they are done reading. The one weak part is Chad's extreme dislike of Marshall, it just didn't seem justified. However, this is a great mystery especially for readers interested in the environment and the possible side effects of GMOs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sachar, Louis

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385743785

Price: 16.99

The Astounding Broccoli Boy

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about some children in London that turn green and no one knows why. The authorities are worried that the children might be contagious so they place the kids in a hospital and lock them in so they can run tests on them. But the green children, especially one of them, Rory, begin to wonder if being green might actually be an awesome thing. After all, there are green super heroes, so maybe the green children are really super heroes. But to find out if that’s true, they’ll have to find a way to escape their hospital rooms so they can test them. The beginning of this book is just ok. It starts out with Rory being bullied, but instead of the bully being blamed for things, Rory gets blamed which got to be a bit annoying. But once Rory is placed in the hospital and begins his super hero adventures, the story was very good. Their desire to be super heroes and to believe that what was happening to them proved they had super powers was funny at times and heart tugging in others. All in all a funny story with plenty of imagination as well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Boyce, Frank Cottrell

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062400178

Price: 16.99

The Best Friends Battle

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2015

Review

Illustrations are valued black and white cartoonish. The story is about how hard three person friendships can be. Georgie is NOT one of her friends. He makes fun of Sylvie by calling her Scruggs. He's on the opposing baseball team. And worst of all Miranda, Sylvie's very best friend is starting to like him... Then she invites him to her birthday party. Sylvie is not going to let this get in her way. She WILL get the best present ever, to prove that Miranda will know who her best friend really is.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eyre, Lindsay

Illustrator: Santoso, Charles

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/ Scholastic Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545620277

Price: 16.99

A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Lillian's Right to Vote

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2015

Review

Illustrations are water color over rag paper that you can see the texture of the back ground. As each person, or group on people are introduced within the story, the ghosts from the past are monochromatic. Lillian walks very slowly up a steep hill to go vote. "It's a long haul when you've been alive for a hundred years." As she walks up the hill she sees her great-great grandparents Elijah and Sarah on the auction block with their baby. Then her great- grandfather is there, but he can't vote until the end of the Civil War. In 1870 he can vote, but not his wife. Next she hears Uncle Levi, he couldn't vote because of the tests..."How many bubble are in a bar of soap?" In 1920 women get the right to vote. In 1965 the Voting Rights Act passes...

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, Johan

Illustrator: Evans, Shane W.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Swartz & Wade Books/ Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385390286

Price: 17.99

Presidential Misadventures

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2015

Review

Illustrations are black and white pen and ink. This is a book of poems poking fun of the U.S. presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama. First there is a introduction of Edmund Clerihew Bentley , who he was, how the clerihews were invented with some examples, and directions to make your own. Next is a table of content. Followed by , each president has his own page, picture, poem. "Toothache-prone George Washington Complained that flossing was no fun. Lifelong dental misadventures led to presidential dentures.

Lastly, there is an appendix that explains the truth behind the joke. George never had floss or wooden teeth, but he did have dentures made of gold, ivory, lead, and both human and horse teeth.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Raczka, Bob

Illustrator: Burr, Dan E.

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/ Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439801

Price: 17.99

No, No, Kitten!

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2015

Review

Illustrations are dip pen and ink, colored digitally. Cute story about what a kitten wants with great organization Kitten wants... 3 things that are told to you, then kittens wants something it can't have on the following page. The demand is repeated " A PUPPY" No, No, No, Kitten. The story continues until the end when the kitten with puppy and other materials blast into space with a spaceship that the kitten built with all the forbidden parts. This is great for teaching older students how to write with organization.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore Thomas, Shelly

Illustrator: Nichols, Lori

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/ Highlights

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620916315

Price: 16.95

Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

As usual, Susan Campbell Bartoletti has taken topic in history and made it a fascinating read. She has written this book about Mary Mallon and the Typhoid Epidemic to read like a novel instead of informational text. The author delves into the life of Mary's lesser know civil and human rights violations, the science of the pathology used to confine her and who "Typhoid Mary" really was despite the tabloid depictions of the time. Mary Mallon was a simple cook who unfortunately was a carrier for typhoid and refused to believe that she was spreading the disease to those that she cooked for. Health officials had her condemned and confined for a major part of her adult at North Brother Island off New York City where she died from a stroke in 1932.

Excellent coverage of the typhoid epidemic in the early 1900s with table of contents, photo album located at the end of the book of Mary and related images from the time, a timeline of Mary Mallon's life and a well documented bibliography. The book is easy to follow and would be helpful to anyone interested in Mary Mallon's personal life, the typhoid epidemic, the pathology of the time and history. Recommended for grades 7 and up, including adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Campbell Bartoletti, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544313675

Price: 17.99

The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel Volume 1

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Philip Pullman's 1st book in His Dark Materials series "The Golden Compass" is represented in this graphic novel. It tells the story of Lyra and her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel and their adventures as it does in the first book." The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel" divides "The Golden Compass" into three parts, with this being the first novel. Originally published in French, it was translated into English by Annie Eaton. Recommended for grades 4 and up.

The panels are small, well-drawn and clear with expressive faces and illustrations that depict the mood of the story. Fans of the series will appreciate the illustrations in this novel. The panels are easy to follow without losing the pace of the context and do compliment the original text. The characters and the background are drawn to resemble a children's hand but with a level not equated with a child's drawing -- a slightly higher level of sophistication to detail which makes the illustrations more applicable to the story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Melchior, Stephanie

Illustrator: Oubrerie, Clement

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553523713

Price: 18.99

Battle of the Bulge: Adapted from the The Guns at Last Light

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Adapted form "The Guns at Last Light" Rick Atkinson, with the help from Kate Waters, gives young readers an excellent source on the Battle of the Bugle that took place during World War II. This book is part of the series "Liberation Trilogy" with more information and resources that can be found at liberationtrilogy.com/books/wwii-resources. Very informative and easy to follow, again, another informational text that is read like a novel making it easier for young adult readers to enjoy and understand the context of material.

The illustrations used throughout the book, help depict the action that follows within that chapter. These photos and clipping are primary sources that coincide with the events that took place. There is a well defined table of contents, index, maps with legends, a timeline of the Battle and it's relation to WWII along with information on key figures in the battle. This would be an excellent resource for anyone interested in the Battle of the Bugle or a student/teacher that needs a resource on the topic.

After the epilogue, there are pages devoted to various key figures, changing United States draft laws, battle clothing, equipment used in battle, napalm/poisonous gas information, how the winter effected the soldiers and places to visit along with other valuable resources.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Atkinson, Rick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627791137

Price: 19.99

Dead Boy

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

What do you do when you are dead, but your mother still wants you to do your homework and you definitely can't go outside because well there are maggots coming out of your skin and you kind-of have this distinct odor about you of decay? Crow Darlingson died when he was in the fourth grade, but his parents made a deal with a mythical creature with a very warped sense of humor. Crow was brought back to life, but as the living dead!

Laurel Gale has written a lovely dark humorous story about a young boy, through no fault of his own, has become a recluse who only wants to have a friend. This story takes places during the Halloween season, which by the way is the only time that his mother will let him out of the house is to go trick-or-treating. Crow this time has made a friend with the new girl next door, Melody, who doesn't seem to mind the smell or the maggots and is really curious to how he died and came back to being. But there is a mystery that is afoot, that might change Crow's life entirely if he dares!

Original story line that deals with friendship and the be careful of what you wish for theory. Great book for readers who appreciate maggots, body parts falling off and being sewed back on by Mom, mythical creatures who trick you into things and the meaning of true friendship -- oh yeah and it is really funny, too!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gale, Laurel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553510089

Price: 16.99

What We Saw

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Gritty and gripping young adult novel about a girl who is drunk at a party and is raped, told from the perspective of the teens who attended the party. Kate Weston attends a teen party at John Doone's house but goes home early because she gets really drunk and Is driven home by her childhood friend and soon to be, boyfriend.

The next morning Kate awakens to see a picture of a girl she knows from school named Stacey passed out over Deacon Mill's shoulder. Soon it is all over the newspapers that during the party Stacy was raped. And the proof is on film and all over the internet. Kate wonders where was Ben during all of this. Did he return to the party? When Kate finds out that Ben witnessed the whole incident she goes to the police.

By Stacey coming forward to report the rape and Kate reporting Ben as a witness to the rape it puts both of them in the position no teen wants to be put in....being a snitch....that dilemma along with the shocking truth of what happened at the party is disturbing and believable.

Definitely for older teens but this book should be read by adults, especially ones who have teenage children.

Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hartzler, Aaron

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062338747

Price: 17.99

Amelia Bedelia Sets Sail

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

In this chapter book series of Amelia Bedelia, adventure 7 proves to be exciting as Amelia her Aunt Mary and cousin Jason head to the beach. Doing an array of typical beach activities has the characters having typical Amelia Bedelia type fun, but it gets very interesting when the pirates arrive.

Fans of Ivy & Bean, Judy Moody and Junie B. Jones will love the antics in this book. The pencil sketches add just enough for the reader to look at and help keep the focus on the plot. What readers will really love is the large print and line spacing. Just right for readers heading into chapter books. An excellent choice to for beginning chapter book readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006234053

Price: 15.99

Field Trip: Three Dogs are Better Than Two

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Father-and-son writing team Gary and Jim Paulsen pick up where their Road Trip left off. Ben has been invited to try out for a special hockey academy. But Dad wants Ben to catch up to the school field trip instead. So Ben, Dad, and their dogs, Atticus and Conor, jump into their truck. Ben makes a secret plan to get to the tryout, but Atticus and Conor are on to him. This fun filled sequil is a stand alone book all adventure seekers will love.

Unlike many books of this size, this is set up as a true chapter book with medium sized print for each page, and each page full of print. This makes a great transition book from the easier chapter book readers as the length is not overwhelming. More importantly, all of the fun and adventure are still present with most of the plot continuing to be linear. Dog lovers will not be able to resist the pooches on the jacket cover.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Paulsen, Gary & Jim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553496741

Price: 12.99

Shark Detective

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

A vegetarian shark tries to realize his dream of becoming a detective by searching for a missing cat in this well illustrated picture book. Readers will be engaged by bold colors and comic book elements in the illustrations. The zany story will keep them entertained. Would make a great read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Olien, Jessica

Illustrator: Olien, Jessica

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062357114

Price: 17.99

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Jane Cabrera takes this well know rhyme and put new words to it having sheep have wool for three little kittens, some birds and pigs. Children will enjoy recognizing characters from other books as the story unfolds. The illustrations are fuzzy and warm with clear bold colors. An enjoyable read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cabrera, Jane

Illustrator: Cabrera, Jane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823433889

Price: 16.95

I am Henry Finch

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

The finches live in a big flock that makes such a racket nobody can hear themselves think. But one day a small bird wakes up in quiet darkness and has a thought, and he hears it: I am Henry Finch. . . . I could be great. The next day, the Beast comes, and Henry sees his chance—but then a mouth opens wide, and the path to greatness turns out to have some unexpected twists.

Thumbprint illustrations enhance this uplifting story about Henry trying to become important. The storyline is funny and quirky but may be a bit old for the preschool crowd. Lighthearted story good for anyone who needs to see that eventually everyone finds their own path.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Deacon, Alexis

Illustrator: Schwarz, Viviane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678128

Price: 16.99

The Perilous Princess Plot Book I

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

A whimsical, humorous tale about girls who live on a farm in the Middle of Nowhere. One dreams of being a princess and practices everyday to become the best one possible. The other wants to run away and go on a romantic adventure and be rescued by a prince and live happily ever after of course.

This is a great bedtime book to read with children as it is light and humourous. They will fall in love with Lavender's and Eliza's zany ways of thinking about and doing things.

Funny little "picture in your mind" type descriptive sentences abound throughout the book. And so there will be lots of giggling going on.

"This prince was wearing a crumpled pink dressing gown which seemed to have half a piece of cake stuck to it."

Primitive pencil drawings lend some interest to the book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Courtauld, Sarah

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250052773

Price: 14.99

Toys Meet Snow

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Three toys make their way out into their first snow. Lumphy (the stuffed buffalo) has so many questions about all that white; StingRay, and Plastic (the ball) offer up answers both fantastic and factual questions about snow and the outdoors. Text is simple and sometimes stilted.

The colors are muted and soft like the snow the toys play in and children will love the interaction between the toys. Makes a lovely bedtime story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Zelinsky, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978358373302

Price: 17.99

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

CREAM

When a sandwich goes missing, it seems that a bear is the unlikely culprit until the end when the reader realizes they've just been told a tall tale.

In this amusing mystery of the missing sandwich Sarcone-Roach engages her reader with the initial mystery of the missing sandwich, but keeps the reader engaged with easy flowing storytelling and illustrations as if in a dream. Warm inviting colors with soft edges take the reader on a true journey. An amazing read aloud. Great for predicting and cuddling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sarcone-Roach, Julia

Illustrator: Sarcone-Roach, Julia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375858604

Price: 16.99

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

CREAM As Isatou Ceesay, a young woman in Gambia, drops and breaks the basket of fruit she is carrying, she discovers an abandoned bag made plastic. At first these brightly colored bags seem convenient throughout the village, but as they break, they are discarded. As 1 becomes 2, then 10, then 100, their beauty turns into a growing pile of filth that attracts dirty water and mosquitos. When goats begin to eat the bags and die, Isato devises a clever plan to weave the plastic into purses. Soon she has many women joining her and not only do they find a way to make money but help the environment as well.

Warm tones of the sand and sun heighten the beautiful colors of the women's clothing. The process of washing the bags and turning them to weaving material is illustrated clearly. The story makes a remarkable statement about the power of one person.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bulsa-O'Meara, Miranda

Illustrator: Elizabeth, Paul

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Zunon

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781466716086

Price: 19.99

A First Look At American's Presidents Thomas Jefferson

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2015

Review

The illustrations are photos from many sources. The book starts with a table of contents. The history is set up for younger readers. Two page chapters with information on one side and a photo on the other. The last half of the book is a timeline, Facts and quotes, glossary, index, read more, learn more on line, and about the author. I liked some of the quotes, :I cannot live without books." and "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." It's a great book to help teach kids the parts of a book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gregory, Josh

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing Co

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627245531

Price: 23.93

The Leveller

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2015

Review

This fast paced technological adventure demonstrates for the protagonist that some games are just too real and the risk overwhelming. As the daughter of professional game designers Nixy has a high comfort level playing futuristic games and can be hired to save other teens. Her biggest challenge comes when she is hired to bring Wyn back from within the MEEP.

The author has developed a gaming community that is outside our current reality but may well be commonplace in the not so distant future. Readers will be itching to get their own hands on the controls as they witness Nixy's progress searches for Wyn. This is an exciting read that will scare some and sooth others. As with most YA novels romance does develop but is left to bloom in the minds of the reader. Add to YA collections where gamers peruse the shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Durango, Julia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062314000

Price: 17.99

Between the Notes

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2015

Review

As the economic situation spirals downward Ivy learns that her family is moving out of their posh home. Her major concerns evolve around appearances and the fear that friends will be lost. This self absorbed beginning does set the stage for the inevitable change which Ivy experiences. Her younger twin siblings are central to the story, Brady is handicapped and Kaya is sensitive to his every need. Typical teen issues including money, clothing, family responsibility and romance are woven within the book.

As Ivy learns to be true to herself readers may realize they identify with her. What starts as shallow does develop into a stronger storyline with a more definitive character. The use of high school literature books used to carry messages was a great touch. Female romance readers will enjoy anticipating if Ivy picks James or Lennie.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roat, Sharon Huss

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062291721

Price: 17.99

Dolls of Hope

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2015

Review

In this charming historical novel based on the 1926 Friendship Doll Exchange between China and the United States, hopes of avoiding war, eleven year old Chiro has traveled from her mountain home to a girls school in Tsuchiura. It is soon discovered that Chiro has a beautiful voice and is allowed to travel to Tokyo with her fellow choral students to sing at an event and to visit the museum where the Friendship Dolls are on exhibition.

Chiro is thrust into the spotlight when a photographer takes a picture of her gazing adoringly at one of the dolls. Her image is so powerful and kind that when it appears in the newspaper the next day, Chiro becomes the national sweetheart.

Though this book is filled with hope, Chiro struggles with a jealous classmate who attempts to sabotage her at every turn. And is challenged by gender-based and societal expectations.

"That one of our girls should be displayed in the newspaper for anyone to look upon," Sensei staggered backward to balance against a table . "Oh I fear I will collapse!"

This is a sequel to Ship of Dolls and can be read as a stand-alone but reading both in order would be best. Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Paterneau, Shirley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763677527

Price: 16.99

Dust to Dust

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2015

Review

Paranormal sequel to the young adult novel, Ashes to Ashes.

Callie is back home after awakening from a coma and is happy to be home but cannot forget the world she dwelled in called the Prism where she fell in love with her spirit guide, Thatcher.

Callie shares her coma experience and the Prism with her array of quirky friends, including Carson who is fascinated with the paranormal and ghost hunting.

The crux of the novel focuses on evil ghosts who are trying to steal Callie's soul's energy so they can come back to life.

Well-written book that is sweet and poignant filled with action, romance and friendship.

I did not find this novel particularly scary, it actually had a unique warmth about it and was reminiscent of the feel of the movie, Ghost, with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062077370

Price: 17.99

One

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2015

Review

One, told in verse in their own voice, is the story of 16 yr. old twins Tippi and Grace who are joined at the waist and have defied all odds by living as long as they have and in their own way, independently of one another.

The doctor told Mom we wouldn't see our second birthday

Yet here we are

Not only must Tippi and Grace face the challenges of conjoinment, their father is an unemployed alcoholic and their mother works tirelessly to put food on the table so that the family can survive. However, the love they have for one another is clear.

The twins begin to attend public high school as teens for one year until Tippi falls ill due to a heart condition. Though the students at the school shy away from them Tippi and Grace do find two quirky friends named Yasmeen and Jon. A romance develops between Grace and Jon.

I mean how can they reconstruct our lower bodies so that we end up with two whole bodies?

Educational, powerful and touching.

There is an author note at the end of the book in which the author impresses that conjoined twins did not see their lives as tragic. She also states that to prepare for the writing of the book she spent many long hours studying and watching documentary footage about conjoined twins that touched her deeply.

Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Crossan, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062118752

Price: 17.99

Guinea Pig Party

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2015

Review

When ten adorable guinea pigs celebrate a birthday a variety of activities take place. As they line dance, play party games, and eat birthday cake individuals disappear making this an active reverse counting book for the toddler set. Using his magic wish, the birthday pig brings everyone together again and the party resumes.

All children will recognize the celebration, the illustrations leave no question. Party hats, decorations, a birthday cake, gifts, balloons and the pin a tail on the donkey game prove that pictures speak louder than words. Toddlers will want to hear the text over and over again but will already know the storyline. Wonderful use of white space, attractive color blends and the illustrations of ten precious little pigs combine to make this a winning board book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Surplice, Holly

Illustrator: Surplice, Holly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676049

Price: 7.99

Felix Stands Tall

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2015

Review

Rosemary Wells has brought Felix back to his fans and to the larger audience of Max and Ruby books. Felix finds that having a best friend means doing things together, even things that are not his choice. After an adorable school performance where Felix and Fiona dance as pixies, Felix is bullied. Young readers may not understand bullying but they will see the smiles and frowns which express Felix's emotional responses within the book.

The illustrations are playful, varied in size and perfectly follow the text. Not only is the font excellent, the spacing and vocabulary choices work well for emerging readers. Wells' characters speak to the K and 1st grade students who are living many of the same experiences. Add this to classroom collections and include in all public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Rosemary

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763661113

Price: 14.99

Snuggle Up with Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2015

Review

This soft cover board book of nursery rhymes is perfect for one-on-one reading. Opie and Wells have selected rhymes from their fantastic full volume My Very First Mother Goose, making it accessible to little fingers. Many familiar rhymes are included with a nice mixture of less popular ditties. The colors used and positive interaction of animals provides an overwhelming feeling of love and comfort.

Like the larger collection illustrated by Wells, this is a handsome book for any child. I would however still recommend that librarians purchase My Very First Mother Goose for their shelves and recommend that edition as a baby shower gift. The board book is good for the teething baby and to carry in the diaper bag for those moments when only a book will do.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie (editor), Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678678

Price: 8.99

Bird & Diz

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2015

Review

WOW, Bird & Diz is a feast for the eyes and ears of any age reader. The test starts mellow, introducing the players who are soon in full swing bouncing off of each other. Dizzy on his trumpet and Bird on his saxophone come together yet play apart as they created a new trend in music called bebop.

Thought the text is slight the story is clearly told and elaborated upon in the afterword. Young designed a format with several dimensions where his stylized illustrations float across the pages. The interplay of text and illustration is topped only by the neat packaging. This is a book that both music and art teachers will want in their classrooms. Purchase for public libraries where unique book design is appreciated.

Recommend for cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Golio, Gary

Illustrator: Young, Ed

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666606

Price: 19.99

Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2015

Review

Sneakers and teens are two words that belong together when footwear is being discussed. Keyser brings together factual information, historical review, and a sturdy of trends in the short but appealing work. Some may be surprised to learn that the wearing of sneakers was preceded by the use of a plant by-product we call latex. Indigenous people are credited with identifying the need to protect feet. Fashion trends and the rise of athletics in the modern world lead to a huge industry loved by teens and runners. Credit is given to significant industrial leaders, sport figures, and business that helped make the athletic marketplace what it is today. Some specific stories are shared which enhance the text in conjunction with original prints of sport heroes, movie stars and factory workers. A short section does discuss the unacceptable working conditions of workers involved in the manufacturing process of sneakers.

Add to middle school library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Keyser, Amber J.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (Lerner)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 97814677

Price: 31.65

Seuss-isms!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2015

Review

Editors at Random House continue to publish new books of previously printed works by Dr. Seuss. As a complication of his work several short rhymes are repackaged attractively that might serve as a guide. Each rhyme is referenced for the original book it appeared in.

This newly compiled Dr. Seuss book has been manufactured to fit comfortably on the early reader shelves of a school or library. If the intention was to market this book toward graduating students and employers that goal has not been achieved. Fans of Dr. Seuss may see a need to obtain this slim volume but it seems an unnecessary purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Seuss, Dr.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553508413

Price: 9.99

Stormstruck!

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2015

Review

Grades 5-8 Sam overhears his parents discussing his elderly dog Pogo, and decides he must run away to save him. In Sam's case, this means loading Pogo into his small sailboat and sailing away from Fog Island, their home off the Maine coast. After a short stay on Malabar Island and discussing the situation with a hermit they find living there, Sam and Pogo load back into the boat with the intention of returning home. However, the temptation to sail to a local wreck, 10 miles beyond Malabar Island, proves too alluring.

Heavy fog and the cessation of the wind conspire to trap them. Without a motor, they can only drift. Darkness falls, and with it, a dangerous interaction with a tugboat and barge. Somehow, boy and dog remain in the boat, and the boat remains upright, long enough for them to drift to the wreck looming up from the sea. Here, Sam begins to reckon with the recent death of his brother Steve in Afghanistan as well as the looming death of his beloved dog.

Sam is faced with a predicament beyond his years. He struggles in a life and death situation, somehow keeping himself, Pogo and his would-be rescuer Magnus alive. Short chapters and heart-stopping action will keep readers engaged. Sam is a believable character, and shows maturity and resourcefulness representative of someone who has spent time upon the ocean. Sailors and others familiar with the sea will enjoy the authenticity of the nautical terms and Sam's quick thinking. His mistakes would be typical of a 12-year-old.

Despite his purported weaknesses, Pogo shows stamina through a storm and a swim in rough seas, which will be a relief for animal lovers.

The action is balanced by Sam's internal musings, his worry about his precarious situation, saving Pogo, and regret for mistakes made and the loss of Steve. Macfarlane has crafted an exceptional coming of age story; give this to fans of Gary Paulsen. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Cream nominee

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Macfarlane, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780823433940

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Baba Yaga's Assistant

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2015

Review

A tale within a tale, this graphic novel tells the story of Masha who is looking for a place to belong after the loss of her mother. Her father has become distant and is preparing to remarry, causing Masha to think of the Baba Yaga tales of her early childhood, as told to her by her grandmother. Masha ventures into the woods and finds herself living the reality of those stories and finds a place with the mystical, and supposedly wicked, Baba Yaga. The art compliments and enhances the story, with varying artistic styles used to express the delicate nuances of flashback. The colors used add depth to the story, and are visually appealing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCoola, Marika

Illustrator: Carroll, Emily

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: folklore,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669614

Price: 16.99

Mister Max: The Book of Kings

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2015

Review

Ever since Max's parents disappeared in book 1 of this series (Mister Max), he has been on the lookout for clues to reunite his family. With the help of an enjoyable cast of characters, and his own tenaciousness, Max cleverly unravels the mystery which leads them to a foreign land where it is suspected his parents are being held. Once there, all indicators are that they all are in danger. The pace of the story picks up as Max and his entourage discover that things are not as they seem. Max's quick thinking, wit and bravery help save the day. The mystery is intriguing, but the level of tension and suspense is even and mild. Overall, this is a pleasing end to the trilogy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Voigt, Cynthia

Illustrator: Bruno, Jacopo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780307976871

Price: 16.99

Sheep go to Sleep

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This is the latest book by Nancy Shaw in her sheep series. Five sheep get ready to go to sleep but the nighttime noises make it difficult for them to do so. A collie helps each sheep relax by getting them a drink, a hug, a lullaby, a quilt, or a teddy bear. The text is brief and rhyming and the colored pencil illustrations are beautiful. I think this is my favorite book in this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaw, Nancy

Illustrator: Apple, Margot

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544309890

Price: 16.99

The Inventor's Secret

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book came about when the author learned that Thomas Edison had once pounded his fist on the table and told Henry Ford "Keep at it". Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were curious and dreamed of creating their own inventions. Thomas Edison seemed to have more success and Henry Ford wanted to know why. When Henry Ford finally met Thomas Edison to ask him that question he learned that persistence was the key to success. Henry Ford then went on to create the Model T car after many failures and the two men became friends. This is a good book to read aloud to children in the younger grades. It is interesting and shows them some of the qualities necessary to reach your goals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slade, Suzanne

Illustrator: Black Reinhardt, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896672

Price: 16.95

Maybelle Goes to School

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book is about a cockroach named Maybelle and her friend Henry who is a flea. The two end up at a school when Maybelle falls asleep in a cake that a woman has made to sell at a bake sale. The whole concept is silly, but the adventure and the accompanying illustrations might interest a young reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Speck, Katie

Illustrator: Ratz de Tagyos, Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805091588

Price: 16.99

Louise Trapeze is Totally 100% Fearless

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Louise Trapeze lives with her family on a traveling circus. She is about to turn 7 and her parents tell her that for her birthday present she will be allowed to do her solo tricks on the flying trapeze. Louise has always done her tricks on a low bar at her height. Louise is afraid of heights so she is panicked at the thought of doing her tricks on the real flying trapeze. The problem is resolved when it is decided that the elephant will help Louise down after she has done her tricks on the high wire. This book is so much more than the story of how Louise deals with her fear of heights. It's a book about friendship and relationships with parents and trying to act mature. Some of the words are more complex than what a 2nd grader might understand, but these are given a definition right on the same page, such as *Repertoire = a French way of saying different tricks that make up a big routine, not just one plain old talent (like stilts) There were illustrations on most 2-page spreads and they were excellent.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ostow, Micol

Illustrator: Barrager, Brigette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497397

Price: 14.99

Chasing Secrets

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2015

Review

Despite being enrolled in Miss Barstow's School for Young Women, spunky Lizzie Kennedy would rather help her doctor father make house calls to families in San Francisco. The thirteen year-old main character doesn’t fit society's vision of a polished young woman in 1900. When the plague breaks out in the city, Lizzie boldly steps in to try to have Jing, her family’s servant, released from quarantine in Chinatown. Lizzie shares secrets with Jing's son and her new friends Gemma and Gus as they investigate the possible cover-up of the epidemic by the local newspaper and businessmen. Middle grade readers will find Choldenko's latest historical fiction novel an exciting read that weaves together history and medicine and shines light on racism, sexism and socio-economic issues from the turn of the century. Choldenko's thorough research is evident in the back matter including an author’s note, timeline, and source notes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Choldenko, Gennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385742535

Price: 16.99

A Hall Lot of Trouble at Cooperstown

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

The illustrator Ingvard the Terrible, David Aretha, designed the cover. There are no illustrations in the book. Grade level would be third grade through sixth grade. This is the first book in the series. There are four books at this time. Joey, Kevin , and Omar are the baseball greeks. They find out that Kevin's dad stole something that he shouldn't have from the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. The boys want to put it back. They hide in the men's room to get to stay past closing. "Ohhhhhh....," Omar groaned in a deep voice. "I can't believe I ate all those Burritos." While he sitting on the lid of the seat, and the other two were standing on it. Good read for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Aretha, David

Illustrator: Aretha, David

Publisher: Speeding Star/Enslow Publishers, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781622851188

Price: 13.46

In the Deep Dark Deep

Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

In this sequel to Earth Space Moon Base, Monkey and Robot dive in to see who or what has stolen the light from the sea. It's not until they get a sea monster to burp out all the starfish that the sea is back to normal.

Told in rhyme and accompanied by slimy tones of blue, green and mustard, this book is sure to appeal to young boys looking for a good adventure. The illustrations swirl and flow giving the true feeling of down below, and when that monster does BURP and eruption of laughter will also be heard. Good for a read aloud too.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Price, Joel

Illustrator: Price, Joel

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385373135

Price: 16.99

A Madness So Discreet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

This dark, murder mystery is set at the turn of the nineteenth century in America, where asylums were dumping grounds for young women who did not follow society's rules of behavior. Grace Mae, the daughter of a Senator, finds herself a patient in an unethically run Boston asylum because she was impregnated by her father. When she loses the baby due to violent treatment methods and subscribed to the dungeon, the traveling doctor Thornhollow, who performs lobotomies on selected violent patients, identifies her quick intelligence and photographic memory. He provides her a way to escape to a safer asylum in Ohio as long as she takes on a new identity that includes scarring her face, acting as a mute inpatient and becoming his secret assistant as he dabbles in profiling a local serial killer that has been killing women with ether. The darkness of the asylum setting is juxtaposed with the outwardly civil society that covers up the "madness" of family sexual abuse so discreetly. As Grace becomes interwoven in the fabric of this new life, strong friendships and loyalties develop as the cast of sympathetic, yet flawed, characters make justifiable decisions that are labeled "mad" and criminal by mainstream society as they respond to their individual imprisonments. Some descriptions of treatment, sexual abuse and reactions to abuse are brutal. Fans of historical thrillers and psychological crime dramas will enjoy the lingering effects of this haunting story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGinnis, Mindy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062320865

Price: 17.99

Julia and the Art of Practical Travel

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial LIbrary, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

As it begins, this story about eleven year old Julia's trip across America with her aunt seems fresh and engaging. While Julia's aunt drives, it is her niece's voice that narrates just as it is photos from Julia's Brownie camera that illustrate the pages. Greenwich Village, New Orleans, a Texas cattle ranch and San Francisco are all stops along the way from New York and readers do get to meet colorful characters and get a sense of distinct geographical regions. However, readers also are confronted with phrases and with words such as "a badly mixed, too strong gin and tonic", voodoo and "hippie people" all treated stereotypically and making a frequently entertaining story seem inappropriate for the middle grade school audience of about nine through twelve years it is aimed. More disturbing are serious topics such as racial segregation in the south and Julia's mother's abandonment of her daughter being introduced only to be dismissed without any real comment. It is for these reasons that this initially promising, if also improbable story cannot be recommended by this reviewer at least for the young readers it was intended.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Blume, Lesley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf imprint of Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385752824

Price: 16.99

The Case of the Vanishing Emerald Book 2

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Here is a brief but entertaining introduction to mystery stories in this second book in a series titled The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchens. Maisie is a twelve year old living in a boarding house owned and operated by her grandmother in 19th century London. Maisie enjoys puzzles and she wants to be a detective. In a book that can be read independently of other titles in the series, Maisie gets her chance to do some sleuthing when she is asked to be the dresser for an actress who has "lost" an emerald necklace and is also experiencing a series of accidents. Who is playing these tricks? Readers get to observe just how Maisie dismisses ghosts and the supernatural in favor of logical thinking and finding real evidence in order to solve mysteries. The chapters are written in generous-sized type and illustrated throughout with amusing and frequently helpful pen and ink illustrations. Girls of about nine through twelve years may find enough suspense to keep the under 200 pages turning rapidly. They will also get to note the title and some of the plot of the next book coming in the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Webb, Holly

Illustrator: Lindsay, Marion

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544339279

Price: 14.99

Bizzy Bear Zookeeper

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

Bizzy Bear, Perfect for little paws!, is a sturdy board book with sliding tabs and movable parts. In this addition to the series, Bizzy Bear is a zookeeper caring for the animals in a zoo. This is well illustrated, appealing to the intended audience of children ages 3 & under. The digitally created illustrations go well with the text, there are many interesting things to see beyond what the text is describing. Some of the moving parts are a little hard to move at first but do loosen up after a few times. They are fun to operate and children enjoy moving them over and over again while studying all that is going on. Fun to explore and lots of animals to name.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763676032

Price: 6.99

Fowl Chicken Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

This is part of the Funniest Bone Animal Jokes series for children in grades 3-4. This is a joke book that includes limericks, tongue twisters and knock-knock jokes. The book is illustrated in black and white, consisting of clipart, stock photos, etc., illustrations are in many styles, the only consistency is in the black and white colors. There is a note "Every effort has been made to locate all copyright holders of material used in this book..." seems to cover art only. I can only assume the listed author wrote the text, although some jokes are very familiar. There is a mix of material on each page, as well as Did You Know? blurbs, What is a Joke? Fun Facts, and other information of every page or two. What is a joke? on page 7; What is a limerick on page 8; What is a riddle? is on page 15; What is a tongue twister? on page 19, and what is a knock-knock joke? Limericks are labeled, but not others. The limericks are fun. The overall format is a bit confusing - tongue twisters are not explained until later, the book could have been pulled together more to be useful. Activity included is a flipbook that doesn't really go with the subject.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

LaRoche, Amelia

Illustrator: , various

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766059634

Price: 14.95/11.21 discounted

A Guide to Sisters

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2015

Review

Yes sisters do come in two (or more) sizes; this older sister shares her experiences with readers. Comical and uncomfortable situations arise which the big sister usually handles in a gentle and patient manner. There are two occasions when big sis manages to manipulate little sis, taking advantage of her advanced years.

The art is sparse line drawings that do the job complimenting the story line. Although the colors are bright there is an abundance of white space. Cute, pink, and rather sweet this is a book for families with girls. Make this title available to any 4 – 7 year old girl who is about to become a big sister. Public libraries always have a need for books that deal with sibling relationships.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Metcalf, Paula

Illustrator: Barton, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780533498998

Price: 17.99

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

Parents who dream about the future of their children will fall in love with The Wonderful Things You Will Be. Many little ones are depicted as they progress from infants to children performing a large variety of activities. This dream is universal as it views the children as kind, clever and bold; things all parents wish for their little ones. Surely the goodness of the children is expresses as they learn new skills, interact with others and try on adult personas. This title is truly wonderful, the richness of the art and the lilt of the rhyme makes it a winner for library shelves and as a gift. It is also worth noting that gender bias is avoided. The fold out pages will prove a problem for both libraries and families prepare by refilling the tape supply.

Consider as cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Emily Winfield

Illustrator: Martin, Emily Winfield

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385376716

Price: 17.99

A Bird is a Bird

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a well done non-fiction picture book for young children that explains why a bird is a bird. The information is simple, factual and makes the concepts clear. The illustrations are gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil on Fabriano hot press watercolor paper, are colorful, detailed, and accurate. Each bird is labeled and includes a wide variety of birds. Age appropriate for the intended audience. Well done and recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustrator: Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430420

Price: 16.95

The Fruit We Eat

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Libraru, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book for K-3. It has good basic information that is well presented for the intended audience. There is one simple sentence per page, with labeled illustrations and information as needed on each page. For example, when the word botanist is used, above is "A botanist is a scientist who studies plants." Parts of the fruits are illustrated and clearly labeled. Included are what fruits are, why we eat them, how they grow, parts of various fruits, where they grow, home grown and large farms, harvesting and bringing to market. Colorful, informative, and fun to read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gibbons, Gail

Illustrator: Gibbons, Gail

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432042

Price: 17.95

Growing Your Money

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Basic information about investing money. Includes chapters on investments, growing money with interest, stocks and bonds, and other investments. Also Top ten things to know, glossary, learn more about money and index. This has good basic information in an age appropriate manner, however, it leaves out mutual funds which are much safer. Stressed are single stocks which are very risky. Also missing is the concept of buy and hold. It doesn't talk about stocks going up and down over time,and sometimes if you sell in panic when it goes down, you also lose the profit or taking into account the time frame of when you will need the money and can you afford to take risk. Illustrated with photographs and charts that are well labeled. An appealing format, but more explanations that seem to steer toward single stocks and makes purchasing gold look appealing rather than risky. Good for definitions.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kemper, Bitsy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467752305

Price: 27.99

Teddy Mars Almost A World Record Breaker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a well written first novel for ages 8-12. Teddy is ten, has five older sisters and a younger brother. Teddy wants to break a record to get into The Guinness Book of World Records so there are many attempts and plans to break records,family dramas,friendships and a first job taking care of Grumpy Pigeon Man's pigeons. The author, a former elementary school teacher, knows her intended audience well and makes the characters realistic and full of humor. Each character has quirks and this story flows well, is realistic, and lots of fun. The black and white illustrations are well done, humorous, and further the overall fun and appeal of the book. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burnham, Molly B.

Illustrator: Spencer, Trevor

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062278104

Price: 16.99

How the Sun Got to Coco's House

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This picture book story of the Sun's daily appearances as the earth rotates through one dry will leave readers viewing the Sun in a whole new light. The author/illustrator has chosen wonderful action words to bring the sun to life and paired the text with soft colored illustrations touched by sunlight in ordinary and extraordinary ways. The sun is such a welcome presence on a Winter day. The reader is given a glimpse into the dawning of the day in countries from East to West, ending with Coco's house. This quiet book will help awaken awareness in young readers of just how big the world is. Great as a calming story time read aloud or for a cozy bedtime read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Graham, Bob

Illustrator: Graham, Bob

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681098

Price: 17.99

Job Wanted

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A hungry, stray dog wanders onto a farm and asks the no nonsense farmer if he needs a dog. No, the farmer is only willing to take on cows or chickens or animals who will earn their keep. Dog tries to help with the cows, the plowing and the chickens but he can never be anything but a dog. Each rejection by the farmer is followed by the line, "The dog was disappointed but not discouraged". A great opportunity for young listeners to learn these two words and their meaning. Ultimately the farmer is convinced that his farm really needs a good dog and the dog is rewarded with a hug, a job, and a home. Beautifully illustrated with soft colors and each page is flooded with sunlight and shadows. This is a good choice for a thought provoking read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bateman, Teresa

Illustrator: Sheban, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823433919

Price: 16.95

Remaking the John, The Invention and Reinvention of the Toilet

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In just 55 pages, the author covers the evolution of how people eliminate their waste, the history, terminology and innovation of toilets and the management of human waste products in a variety of ancient and present day cultures. The topic will draw in many readers ready to giggle over a subject not often mentioned in polite society. These same readers will come away with ample facts about the role toilets, or lack of them, have played in human history and in current health and natural resource crises. The text is written in short, fact filled declarative sentences so the resulting narrative is somewhat stilted. There is abundant use of photographs, historical illustrations and diagrams but the placement of these often don't match up well with the text. Still, this high interest topic is presented in a way that readers will acquire entertaining facts to share with others and gain an understanding of the crucial role that clean, safe toilets play in all of our lives. Back matter includes an index, source notes, bibliography and suggestions for further reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dipiazza, Francesca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467726450

Price: 24.00

The Improbable Theory of Ana & Zak

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Circumstances bring A+ student Ana, her wiz kid younger brother Clayton and sci-fi enthusiast Zak together on a school trip to Seattle for a Quiz bowl competition. Zak would rather be spending his weekend at a sci-fi convention across town and talks up the event to the extent that 13 yr old Clayton sneaks off to the con after the team wins their first round of quiz bowl. Ana is forced to enlist Zak's help to find her brother at the enormous convention. Along the way we learn why Ana is compelled to be perfect academically and socially as well as why Zak has created his own family from among his sci-fi gaming friends. The race against time to locate Clayton and return unnoticed give Ana and Zak one wild night among countless zany characters and surreal situations. By morning they have launched a friendship and gained valuable insight about themselves. Fast moving scenes full of humor, interesting secondary characters and plot twists propel the story to a satisfying ending. This will appeal to a broad range of readers, male or female, and fans of both science fiction and realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Katcher, Brian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062272775

Price: 17.99

The Heir

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is the fourth book in the Selection series. Twenty years after King Maxon and Queen America's turbulent happily ever after, their seventeen-year-old daughter, Princess Eadlyn, must embark on her own selection process as a way to distract the country from the unrest created by the dissolving of the caste system. As in past selections, 35 suitors from different backgrounds come to the palace for three months of competing for the princess' hand. Visualize "Hunger Games" meets "The Bachelorette". Although die-hard fans of the series will want to read this installment, there seems to be missed opportunities for the romance and political tension that made the first book in the series such a hit. Cass's portrayal of Eadlyn as insensitive and spoiled does not feel genuine in the context of her parent's story and the scenes with the suitors made various moments interesting but these were few in the context of the whole story. A cliff hanger ending promises at least one more installment. Purchase where series is popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cass, Kiera

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062349859

Price: 18.99

Shh! We Have a Plan

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

The Board book edition of this 2014 picture book by Chris Houghton works very nicely. The bold graphics and simple text are perfect for the very youngest book lovers. The four hunters find a beautiful bird in the forest and try very hard to capture it. Needless to say the best of plans don't alway go as planned.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Houghton, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679774

Price: 8.99

Construction

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

A good transition from picture book to board book. Toddlers love building and tools and trucks and bang, clang and clonk.

Choose your books. Choose your books. Borrow all you need. The library's here for everyone. Ready. . . Steady. . . Read!

That this construction site is a library is the best of all.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Lovelock, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679750

Price: 6.99

Say it!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

As a mother and daughter take a stroll on a golden, windy autumn day , they enjoy the beauty that is nature. The little girl keeps at her mother to "say it" and her mother responds with lovely descriptive phrases and the little girl says "that's not what I mean." When at the end of their walk and mother says "I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU." and the little girl says "That's what I wanted you to say." Mother replies "That's what I've been saying all the time." Beautifully illustrated - a treasure to share again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zolotow, Charlotte

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681159

Price: 15.99

Mothman's Curse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

The Mothman legend comes alive, as well as other paranormal activity, when Josie and her two brothers acquire an old camera from their family's auction house business. Taken from the John Goodrich's estate, a recluse old man who recently committed suicide, the camera prints out photos superimposed with his picture, even without film. The spookiness is multiplied when lights explode, John's ghost appears and Josie's dad is knocked down the stairs by the red-eyed, winged Mothman monster. The Mothman appears right before a disaster as part of a 100 year-old curse. As Josie untangles the clues that the ghost tries to communicate to her, she becomes the conduit of the curse and must save herself or protect the town. The pacing of the story, the action and the backstory of Mothman will appeal to ghost lovers. Hindle's black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and enhance the spooky overtones of the paranormal events. Although there are fantasy elements in the paranormal story line, the resilience of the family and the natural interactions of the characters in the family will resonate with readers of realistic fiction, too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hayes, Christine

Illustrator: Hindle, James K.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brooks Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720275

Price: 15.99

I'm New Here

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

The author has given readers a clear, concise presentation of the newcomer's experience of joining a new school, community and/or country and all that has to be learned and adapted to. The economic yet creative use of words paired with the bold colored illustrations result in a book that gives us insight the frustrations and challenges of entering a classroom with no English language skills. Examples of three children from different cultures, Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea and Fatima from Somalia show them enjoying friends and pastimes in their native countries and the initial struggles to function and fit in to a new foreign environment. The illustrations adeptly portray feelings like alone, confused and sad as well as the satisfaction of new beginnings and a new home. All three classrooms shown here model how important schools and peers are in being accepting and supportive of newcomers. All school library should have a copy of this book. I'm recommending this one for the Cream of the Crop list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien, Anne Sibley

Illustrator: O'Brien, Anne Sibley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896122

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

After a fun-filled day at the beach, Pete the Cat and his friends do not want the fun to end. They decide to have a sleep over at Pete's house and jump on the patriotic motorized bicycle. On go the pajamas, out with the lights and everyone says "good night". Then each friend in succession does something to keep Pete awake. Pete the cat solves the problem for good by reading everyone his favorite bedtime story. Dean's pen and ink with watercolor and acrylic paint illustrations are done in bright primary colors and have a child-like folk art style. The repetitive text will encourage young story time listeners to participate. Useful for night-time themed story times. The review copy included a "Groovy Door Hanger" inside.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, Kimberly and James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304308

Price: 17.99

The Night We Said Yes

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Ella and her friends have just graduated from their Florida high school as this novel and are looking forward to their final summer together before moving on to their respective colleges. The last thing she's expecting is to re-encounter Matt, the boy who broke her heart the summer before when he moved away and unexpectedly cut off contact. In a dialogue-driven narrative that alternates chapter by chapter between the present and the same day a year ago, readers slowly gather the details of Ella and Matt's backstory, which involves a night of drinking on the roof of the high school and making out onstage at a concert among other hijinks. Ella is a sympathetic character that romance fans will root for - she is understandably hurt when Matt disappears after its clear that they have real feelings for one another. However, an abundance of relationship drama between their friends Meg and Jake seems extraneous and the flashback/flash forward conceit is interesting but in the end can be somewhat confusing. Readers looking for a light romance may appreciate the banter and the emotional tension, but this title is unlikely to appeal broadly.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gibaldi, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062302199

Price: 17.99

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In this addition to the series, this is an oversized lift-the -flaps board book. In Cousins usual style with bright colors and bold black outlines, Maisy helps the Mother Hen find all off her ten chicks before bedtime. Simple text, but lots of things to see and friends to meet as preschoolers lift the flaps in search of the chicks all around the farm. An enjoyable first concept book for counting from one to ten with clearly labeled numerals accompany each found chick. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97807663676438

Price: 15.99

Extraordinary Means

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A fresh take on teen romance, Extraordinary Means centers on two teenagers who have been sent to Latham House to recover from their drug-resistant tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, teens are sent to Latham to await the discovery of a miracle drug to cure their tuberculosis. The narrative unfolds through the alternating voices of Sadie and Lane. Lane is in denial of his illness, and is determined not to fall behind his old classmates and maintain his GPA. His determination to continue his AP work, however, quickly compromises his health and he is forced to accept that his is sick. Sadie has been at Latham long enough for her condition to stabilize, but she is neither improving or getting worse. She has a quirky friend group who smuggle in contraband to Latham, and try at all costs to keep some semblance of normalcy in their lives at the risk of getting into trouble. Though Lane and Sadie attended the same summer camp many years ago, the two are hardly friends until Lane proves himself to Sadie's friends and is accepted as part of the group. As Sadie and Lane grow closer to one another and fall in love, news of the miracle drug's creation reaches Latham. The question remains: will it arrive in time to cure them?

There is plenty of humor in Schneider's novel to keep the story from being too overemotional, and the voices of the characters are authentic. Many pop-culture references make this novel current and interesting, at the risk of trying too hard to do so. The author's note at the end of the novel does shine some light on the history of TB, but leaves the reader reflecting on Sadie's philosophy that "living and dying are actually different words for the same thing," instead of the intended message of second chances. For fans who loved John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, and are avid tragic romance readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schneider, Robyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062217165

Price: 17.99

Playing With Light And Shadow

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This small introductory science text is more than adequate for early readers and budding scientists. Discussed and illustrated are four principles; light and shadows; blocking light, changing shadows and playing with shadows. By selecting language suitable to the early readers and including bright photos this attractive text does teach basic knowledge about light and shadows. A glossary of four terms is included and on-line educational websites are recommended.

The only problem with this text is the very high cost of the hard cover edition. Teachers in K – 1 grade classrooms may be discouraged by the cost although some may be satisfied with the paper bound edition. Public libraries who collect easy reader nonfiction will want to purchase this and other First Step titles.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467739122

Price: 23.93

The Secrets We Keep

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

17 year old Maddy and Ella are twins and are opposites. Maddy is popular, a great dresser and has a boyfriend anyone would envy. Ella is fine about that as she prefers to be alone with her sketchpad and her friend Josh.

Maddy goes to pick up her sister at a party late one rainy nite and during a fight on the way home Ella crashes Maddy's car into a tree and Maddy dies. When Ella awakens she finds that everyone thinks she is Maddy. She plays along for a quite a while and discovers that her sister has many secrets she was not aware of.

I found this to be a quick read with depth and well-developed characters. Recommend this book for reluctant readers as I felt I could not put it down. It may be of interest to a teen reader to see concretely in this YA novel how sometimes "things don't appear as they seem." Is someone who is popular always happy?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Leaver, Trisha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374300463

Price: 17.99

Hoot Hoot!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Hoot Hoot is an adorable addition to the series; Can You Say IT, Too? Short and simple are among the best features for a board book, this will not disappoint its readers. Clean lines, excellent depth perspective and friendly critters combine to make this book a nicely illustrated book for toddlers. Due to the sturdy construction little fingers will seek the hiding animals without pulling the flap off.

I only wish that some white space had been used in the background. Hoot Hoot is particularly good for the fall season as colored leaves, acorns, pumpkins, and apples are included within the illustrations. Add to public libraries and gift to babies.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crow, Nosy

Illustrator: Braun, Sebastien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763675882

Price: 8.99

Maisy Goes on a Plane

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In this episode of the Maisy First Experiences series, Maisy rides an airplane to go visit her friend Ella, the koala. Cyril drives her to the airport. At the airport she turns in her ticket, goes through security and garners a window seat for the duration of the trip. While on board, Maisy makes new friends with her seat mates, has a glass of orange juice and makes a necessary trip to the bathroom. Cousin's brightly-colored illustrations with their dark lines and folk-art vibe provide the visual learner a clear picture of what to expect when taking a trip on an airplane. Even the details about Maisy being in the 10th row and her new friend, Mr.Percy the rhino in the outer seat, are pictured correctly from the outside of the plane. This installment of the Maisy First Experience books will be useful for parents who want to prepare their child for travel, preschool themed story times about transportation and Maisy fans. Recommended for library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678258

Price: 12.99

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Petersen and the Churchill Club

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A meticulously researched and thoroughly captivating true story about a group of Danish boys who saw the Germans taking over their country and wanted to stop it or, at the very least, make some waves. Hoose is a masterful storyteller and has a way of bringing history to life for high school readers. Petersen and his brother and their friends from the Cathedral School were appalled at the way that the Danes bowed down to the Germans and let them enter their country and run things. The boys were virulently opposed to Naziism and Hitler and they wanted their countrymen to fight the way that the Norwegians were. They enacted small feats of vandalism and havoc whenever possible, using their youth and their charm to get away with their treasonous acts. Eventually, they caught the attention of higher military personnel, who wanted the thefts of weaponry and loss of machinery and vehicles to stop. The boys were caught and tried; fortunately, they were turned over to the Danish jail system and not a German prison. Petersen spent two years, miserable, hopeless time spent with little communication with his peers or the outside world, in the Nyborg State Prison. Upon his release, he continued his espionage work. The war ended one year later. Unbeknownst to the Churchill Club, their story had leaked out to the world, and their heroic defiance was contagious, spreading to other Danes who continued their work with great success. This book uses the words of Petersen from interviews with Hoose as well as stories from any of the other players Hoose could track down. The book is inspiring and heart-wrenching and needs to be read by anyone who thinks that change cannot happen from a few people working together; in fact, it can be the thing that lights the match. This book will have appeal for any reader who loves history, particularly that of WWII, as well as those who appreciate a well-told true story or personal narrative. The end matter should not be skipped as it provides a follow-up to the members of the club as well as insight into Hoose's methods for gathering material to write the book. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hoose, Phillip

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300227

Price: 19.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Guys Read: Terrifying Tales

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

The sixth offering in Scieszka's popular Guys Read Library of Great Reading series features ten scary stories including entries by Rita Williams-Garcia, R. L. Stine, and a graphic story by Dav Pilkey. An excellent addition to the series which boys -- and girls! -- will enjoy very much.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scieszka, Jon (ed.)

Illustrator: Grimly, Gris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walden Pond Press (HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062385581

Price: 16.99

Backlash

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

This contemporary story details the fall out after Lara -- a victim of Facebook "catphishing" and bullying -- attempts suicide. The author tells the story from alternating viewpoints which gives readers a little deeper understanding of the characters' motivations. Although the story feels a little like it was "ripped from the headlines" and a little dated (kids today are so over facebook!), the subject matter should provide excellent fodder for discussion as part of anti-bullying and digital citizenship classes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Littman, Sarah Darer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545651264

Price: 17.99

Goodbye Stranger

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A middle grade story about three girl friends who have vowed to stay friends and not fight despite the challenges and changes of a middle-school social scene that requires more mature decision-making and adult judgements. Their story is interwoven with the story of a girl who has played hooky and who is wrestling with an issue or conscience. The reader is not sure of the identity of this possible delinquent nor do we trust that her story will end well (it does). The book features strong female characters and positive depictions of friendship between girls. The story line involving sexting/sharing personal photos via text is relevant and could be educational to middle grade readers. It is not too graphic and hints at the photos sent between a boy and a girl. Any cautionary tale that tackles this topic without being too didactic is much needed today. A solid read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743174

Price: 16.99

Tractor Mac: Arrives at the Farm

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Originally published in 2007 by author Steers, these books are wonderful for your tractor-loving, farm-loving young readers. Truly a fantastic series highlighting many, many aspects of farm life.

In this first title, Sibley the horse worries about his place at Stoney Meadow Farm when bright, shiny, new Tractor Mac shows up and can do the work of ten horses. In the end, there is a place for both Sibley and Tractor Mac and the two become friends. The illustrations are bright and detailed. The animals on the farm have names and personalities and lend themselves to voices during a read-aloud. The end papers have a detailed, named illustration of the subjects of the book, in this case Sibley in the front, and Tractor Mac in the back. A wonderful addition to any library collection - once children meet Tractor Mac, they will want to hear about all of his adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301026

Price: 8.99

Omega City

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

This fast-paced middle school sci-fi adventure features Gillian Seagret, her brother, and friends who stumble into a lost underground city and end up being chased by employees of a shady company. They are looking for a long-lasting (100 years) battery supposedly invented by a former NASA scientist. Gillian's father had spent his life studying the creator of the city (and inventor of the elusive battery) only to have his scholarship questioned and his career (and marriage) ruined. Although the premise seems a little far-fetched and the city seems unbelievably large, readers won't notice as the adventures come fast and furious. Share this with readers who enjoyed The City of Ember and Back to the Future. First in a series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Peterfreund, Diana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer+Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062310859

Price: 16.99

Farmers' Market

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Originally published in 2009 by author Steers, these books are wonderful for your tractor-loving, farm-loving young readers. Truly a fantastic series highlighting many, many aspects of farm life.

This title starts with pigs Pete and Paul who eat too much Fair food which, while tasty, is pretty unhealthy. Tractor Mac shows the pigs how food from a farmers' market is much better for them. The book highlights the delicious fruits and vegetables available from farmers and concludes with a few simple recipes for kids and tips for eating right. The illustrations are bright and detailed and many of our animal friends are back and are begging to be brought to life through a read-aloud. The end papers have a detailed, named illustration of the subjects of the book, in this case Farmer Bill in the front (with a clever description of all of the healthy foods that help keep his parts working well), and Tractor Mac in the back. A wonderful addition to any library collection - once children know Tractor Mac, they will want to hear about all of his adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301071

Price: 8.99

Challenger Deep

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

CREAM OF THE CROP

Neal Shusterman has written a gripping and all-too-real story of a young man's descent into mental illness. Caden Bosch (yes, as in Hieronymus) finds himself increasingly alienated from friends, worrying about the termites in his house, obsessively walking, and worrying that someone at school wants to kill him. All the while he is also hallucinating that he is a crew member on a pirate ship journeying to the deepest part of the ocean. After his parents have him admitted to a psychiatric hospital, his two worlds begin to intersect. The chapters may be brief but readers will find themselves pausing often to reflect on the story. Shusterman's son Brendan Shusterman -- who also dealt with his own mental illness -- drew the illustrations that perfectly complement the story. The book includes a list of organizations that provide assistance to those dealing with mental illness.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shusterman, Neal

Illustrator: Shusterman, Brendan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780061134111

Price: 17.99

New Friend

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Published in 2015, this is a new book in the Tractor Mac series. These books are wonderful for your tractor-loving, farm-loving young readers. Truly a fantastic series highlighting many, many aspects of farm life.

This title introduces a new vehicle to the farm, a small tractor named Daisy. Daisy is owned Cathy and together they are determined to turn a fallow field into a productive one. Tractor Mac encourages Daisy to take it one small task at a time in order to accomplish her big goal. And it works! It's a great message and Tractor Mac, along with all of the farm animals, are positive and supportive. The illustrations are bright and detailed and the book makes a nice read-aloud. The end papers have a detailed, named illustration of the subjects of the book, in this case Daisy and her planter in the front, and Tractor Mac in the back. A wonderful addition to any library collection - once children know Tractor Mac, they will want to hear about all of his adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301101

Price: 8.99

Family Reunion

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

First published by Steers in 2013. These books are wonderful for your tractor-loving, farm-loving young readers. Truly a fantastic series highlighting many, many aspects of farm life.

In this title, Tractor Mac learns about Iron Dave, the steam engine who passes through Mac's neighbor's farm, and the various cars in his "family." When Tractor Mac suggests that he is a one-of-a-kind tractor, Iron Dave tells him to be at the tracks the next day. When he arrives, he sees that Iron Dave is pulling many red tractors and thinks that they must be his family. He investigates further thinking that he belongs with these tractors instead of his farm family, but he learns that every tractor on Iron Dave is waiting to go to its new home and get its own family. This makes Tractor Mac realize that he has a family and they may not look like him, but they are his and they are wonderful. A message about the different ways that we define our family is a nice one for kids. The illustrations are bright and detailed and the book makes a nice read-aloud. The end papers have a detailed, named illustration of the subjects of the book, in this Iron Dave the steam engine in the front, and Tractor Mac in the back. A wonderful addition to any library collection - once children know Tractor Mac, they will want to hear about all of his adventures and meet all of his friends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301095

Price: 8.99

Spooky and Spookier: Four American Ghost Stories

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A beginning reader book, this is a collection of ghost stories from early American history. There is a ghostly horse, a haunted painting, a set of bones that won't stay buried, and a stubborn old man searching for his golden hook. The stories are not particularly scary, but they are well-told. The illustrations are fine, but they are nothing special; the inclusion of a few actual photographs of each haunted site is nice. A useful book for young readers who want enjoy the topic of haunted dwellings and possible ghost sightings without getting too scared. All in all, nothing too memorable after the last cover is closed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Houran, Lori Haskins

Illustrator: Diaz, Viviana

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: horror,folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553533965

Price: 3.99

The Cost Of All Things

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Four teens share pieces of their story which exposes the larger story of their community. Magic is practiced by the town hekamist, who creates spells to fit the need of teens and adults. Those who want to hide secrets, reduce pain, or seek beauty can be sold a spell. Readers must be able to dispense with reality as Lehrman makes this alternative lifestyle believable. By the end of the book each of us must decide if a spell would help us reach a goal or if the consequences are to great.

The Cost Of All Things is unique and well written. I still can’t decide however if I actually like it or not. This book speaks to human weakness and fear while it shines light on teen depression. Add to high school libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehrman, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062320742

Price: 17.99

Mango, Abuela, and Me

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Mia is not sure about her grandmother from "far-away," her abuela, moving in with the family. The two don't speak the same language and have a difficult time communicating at first. But then Mia remembers how her best friend learned to speak English and she starts pointing to things and giving her abuela the word in English, and receiving the word in Spanish. Mia then labels things all over their apartment so that her abuela can learn. Mia convinces her mom (her mami) to buy a parrot so that her abuela is reminded of the home that she left behind. Together the parrot and abuela learn how to communicate in their worlds, and Mia and her abuela can finally fill their mouths with all of the things that they want to say to one another. A beautifully told story about acclimating to a new person in one's life and to a new situation and language. The reader is drawn in to Mia's hesitation and then to her appreciation for her grandmother. A fantastic story to use around Grandparent's Day, and with any young readers who might have a grandparent living with them. The illustrations capture the color and vibrancy of the Latin heritage of the main characters. The facial expressions are well-drawn as are the pages that set the scene (house between two rivers, the urban street of Mia's family). The cover illustration is a little too large and cartoonish, but young readers could be drawn to the bright colors. They will definitely like the sassy parrot on the back cover.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Medina, Meg

Illustrator: Dominguez, Angela

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763669003

Price: 15.99

I'm Cool

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

In the popular series that highlight trucks and machines, the McMullan team puts the cool as a cucumber Zamboni Machine to work in this fast-action, sure to be a hit picture book. Readers will jump right into the hockey game as the announce calls the plays on the title page. Zamboni eagerly waits to clean the ice as the announcer declares the ice too rough for the players and challenges the Zamboni Machine to work his ice smoothing magic in 18 minutes. Can he do it? "Chill, Big Talker. I've got what it takes to do the job." asserts Zamboni. As the machine evaluates how deep the ruts are in the ice, the announcer goads him into action from the booth. Zamboni is smooth, he explains how his "ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging" moves makes the ice "SHAZAMBONI" smooth. The illustrations show how the Zamboni is feeling with his big eyes as well as the details on how the machine levels the auger, squirts and vacuums up the water. The perfect mix of dialogue, onomatopoeia and attitude makes this a winning choice for story times and young truck lovers. It's "SHAZAMBONI, Baby. That's right."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McMullan, Kate

Illustrator: McMullan, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306296

Price: 17.99

Hot Rod Hamster and the Awesome ATV Adventure

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Hot Rod Hamster and his friends rent ATVs from Awesome ATV adventures for a day of fun in this early reader. Colorful, digital illustrations accompany the simple text. Dialogue is placed in speech bubbles in a graphic novel style. Children who love vehicles will enjoy the plot, especially when one vehicle becomes stuck in the mud and needs to be towed. Hot Rod Hamster is a recommended purchase for libraries. It is sure to be a hit with emerging readers (both boys and girls) who enjoy reading about cars, trucks and four-wheelers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lord, Cynthia

Illustrator: Paprocki, Greg

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545767347

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Steve Jobs: Insanely Great

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Jessie Hartland chronicles the life and work of Steve Jobs in this graphic novel aimed at middle grade readers. Beginning with his childhood in Santa Clara, CA, Hartland paints an honest picture of the tech mogul. It is obvious from an early age that Jobs is a creator, an inventor and an entrepreneur. Black and white illustrations are rendered in India ink and pencil. The pages are busy with a combination of illustrations, captions and dialogue. Some readers may have difficulties reading Hartland's handwritten text that is a hybrid of cursive and manuscript. Readers will enjoy studying the two-page spread in the middle of the book that illustrates the technology available in the 1980s including cordless phones, the fax machine, and the Sony Walkman. Overall, the graphic novel eloquently captures the accomplishments and personality traits of the complex Jobs in both words and pictures. Source notes and a lengthy bibliography are provided in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hartland, Jessie

Illustrator: Hartland, Jessie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/ Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307982957

Price: 22.95

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

A haunting account of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, this non-fiction graphic novel lays out the details of the disaster that followed the hurricane in New Orleans. The text is informational and portrays the bleak situation, while also allowing the reader to connect with individual victims. The artwork is eerily beautiful, allowing the reader to grasp the severity or the situation. Some details are gruesome, as they are reporting the reality, but this is done in a way which is accessible for the age group. The title alone should be a warning that this is not a feel good story, but it is a stunning account of the events and could serve as an excellent gateway for discussion.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Don

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544157774

Price: 18.99

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

From the opening sequence to the last page, this graphic novel is fun and engaging. Aimed at upper elementary students, this book could be appreciated by readers through middle school and even into high school. The opening chapter uses the exclamation "AAAAAAHH!" to its fullest extent drawing the reader right into the action. Hilo is a boy who has fallen from the sky and DJ is the boy who found him. The two hit it off and, along with their friend Gina, try to solve the mystery of Hilo's appearance and his mission on Earth. There are friendship issues, family dynamics, feats of bravery and sacrifice, robots, and lots of humor. There are also flashbacks that start to tell Hilo's story - these are clearly delineated and shouldn't be a problem for young readers to recognize. This is book one in what looks to be a very promising series. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Winick, Judd

Illustrator: Winick, Judd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386173

Price: 13.99

Kayla the Pottery Fairy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Friends Rachel and Kirsty are going on vacation on Rainspell Island where an arts and crafts week is taking place. Not surprisingly, the fairies of the island are having their own arts and crafts week at the same time. When the girls are magically transported to Fairyland, Jack Frost and his goblins are wreaking havoc, stealing the fairies' beautiful pots. Not only will Rachel and Kirsty have to save the day in Fairyland but they will also have to save the day for Rainspell Island's pottery instructor Madeleine Potts. The black and white illustrations complement the text and who wouldn't like to be miniaturized into a tiny fairy with wings? Little girls who adore the other Daisy Meadows offerings will enjoy this offering.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545708296

Price: 4.99

Welcome to Moldy Manor

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

Geronimo Stilton is a generous mouse and on his birthday he is wheedled into becoming more generous than he can afford to be. Suddenly he has no money at all. Grandfather Shortpaws sends him to Uncle Stingysnout's home at Moldy Manor to learn how to save money, but the class seems to be more about how to be stingy than how to manage your money wisely. Isn't there a way to be a saver while being a big generous at the same time? Geronimo must make it through this class, however, in order to save the family newspaper, the Rodent's Gazette. With fabulous maps, illustrations, and colorful word emphases, this offering is just a hoot! There is also a great lesson here: one can truly be wise with money without being ridiculously cheap! Young readers, perhaps, will come away learning a bit about finances and handling one's money with moderation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: Stilton, Geronimo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545746137

Price: 6.99

Two for Joy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 19, 2015

Review

Eight year old Jenna adores her Aunt Tannie who lives on a farm, drives a huge pick-up truck, has flown planes, played soccer before it was cool, has always been forward-thinking and independent and has a list of thousands of birds she has spotted. When Aunt Tannie falls and it is discovered that her bones are fragile and she must slow down, Jenna's Mom decides Aunt Tannie should give up the farm and come to live with them. After some convincing, Aunt Tannie is persuaded. There is an adjustment period for all. Will this new family of 3 figure out what is best for all of them? Will Mom relax the reins and stop trying to do everything by herself and being overly-protective of her Aunt? This is a very touching story and kids whose parents are caregivers will relate to Jenna's predicament: Does Mom love Aunt Tannie more than she loves Jenna? Mom just doesn't seem to have enough love and energy to go around. The illustrations are sketches in gray and white that complement the text extremely well, are expressive and delightful. I recommend this book to all ages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Amateau, Gigi

Illustrator: Marble, Abigail

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763630102

Price: 14.99

Illuminae

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2015

Review

This story is about a big corporation named BeiTech that attacks a planet where illegal mining is going on. BeiTech kills almost everyone but a few people manage to escape. For BeiTech this is bad news, because if word gets out about what they did, the consequences will swift and severe. The people that escaped are now on a battlecarrier trying to escape. But their carrier is crippled and on top of that the computer controlling their battlecarrier, has gone psycho and is killing people.

This book is actually a bunch of files that have been compiled on the attack and what happened afterwards. The files are filled with action, humor, suspense, twists, a bit of romance and some cool graphics. The main character Kady has some mad hacking skills and is pretty funny. The computer that goes psycho, Aidan, is creepy but totally believable. At 599 pages this is a big book BUT many of those pages are filled with graphics that add so much to the story. This book will be great for sci-fi fans but dystopian fans will like it too. Pick this one up for your 13+ readers, they will eat it up. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaufman, Amie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553499117

Price: 18.99

The Honest Truth

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 24, 2015

Review

Mark is a young boy who has had to deal with much loss in his young life. His beloved Grandfather has died and he has a serious, recurring illness that may take his life soon. He is angry at having spent so much time in hospitals, all the school and fun activities he has missed out on, it hurts him to watch his parents and loved ones crying and pretending happiness for his sake, and he has decided to give up. He decides to run away with his beloved dog, Beau, to Mt. Rainier and climb to the summit. It is something his Grandfather promised him they would do together when Mark got better, but his Grandfather fell ill and made Mark promise that he would climb that mountain someday. This is a brutally honest book and is a tearjerker, for sure, but it is well-written and youngsters for whom it is written will enjoy Mark's thought processes and will appreciate the relatively happy ending to Mark's journey. I would recommend this title whole-heartedly.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gemeinhart, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545665735

Price: 16.99

The Best Parts of Christmas

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 24, 2015

Review

Fritz accompanies his parents to find the perfect Christmas tree which he decorates later with many toys and homemade ornaments. Clean lines and color contrast help to keep the tree central to the story line. Not only does it dominate the room but most of the bright colors are on or surround the tree. Two minor points remain unresolved within this text. I wish the author had elaborated on how the old tree would benefit another tree when Papa said: “it will help new trees to grow”. An excellent recycling opportunity was missed and would have helped to round out the story line. Unfortunately the ending showed Fritz breaking a family rule that restricted sticks in the home. Any fire department would frown upon a dead branch from a Christmas tree remaining in a child's room.

This is a fairly good story for secular holiday celebrations. Not a necessary purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Murguia, Bethanie Deeney

Illustrator: Murguia, Bethanie Deeney

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763675561

Price: 14.99

Sewing Stories: Harriet Power's Journey From Slave To Artist

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2015

Review

Sewing applique on quilts is a time honored storytelling tradition. This picture book biography introduces little known fabric artist Harriet Powers highlighting two quilts which currently hang in USA museums. Through the somewhat fictional narrative readers do view a slice of daily life of southern slaves around the time of the Civil War. Not taught to read or write Harriet preserved bible stories on fabric, those quilts cover the end papers of this book.

Small text blocks do impart factual information but it is the illustrations that speak the loudest. The illustrations are fun, expressive, and colorful with a folk art flavor. A short bibliography and photo of Harriet are included. History teachers, art teachers and home arts educators will welcome this book into their collections. Librarians should add it to their biography collection for young readers. "Sewing Stories" would make an excellent gift to a quilt maker who will then want to take a trip to Boston and DC to see the original quilts.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Herkert, Barbara

Illustrator: Brantley-Newton, Vanessa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt (Random House)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754620

Price: 17.99

Ash & Bramble

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2015

Review

“Ash & Bramble” by Sarah Prineas is another rebooted fairy tale story, but it’s sufficiently different that it’s worth adding to teen collections. It imagines a world in which the Fairy Godmother is actually the evil one and has everyone working as slaves within the traditional fairy tales. Pin, the heroine of this story, works to overthrow the Godmother’s plans, while trying to figure out who she really is and what she feels for her friends the Shoemaker and the Prince. Those who have enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer will probably like this too, though this is a little less polished. Not a must buy, but worth purchasing if you want to add to your YA collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Prineas, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062337948

Price: 17.99

A Tower Of Giraffes: Animals In Groups

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2015

Review

Beguiling giraffes entice readers to open this book to explore the materials chosen by the artist. Pen and ink illustrations are enhanced with watercolors, wall paper, fabric, and even some knits as well as feathers. Once beyond the end papers readers become aware that the author uses these captivating animals to teach about collective nouns. Sixteen animal groups are presented with tidbits of interesting information. Who knew that within a mischief of mice the male provides some child care?

From cover to cover this gem of a book is sure to find its place in public libraries, school media centers, and art collections. It will be appreciated by browsers, animal lovers, and English teachers as well as art teachers. Gift this book to a future biologist or artist.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wright, Anna

Illustrator: Wright, Anna

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580897075

Price: 17.95

Material Girls: Revolution Never Goes Out Of Style

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2015

Review

Fashion and the performing arts rule this dystopian novel. Within this society career paths are decided when children reach thirteen, they are selected to join the arts community or are assigned to remain in school to pursue a normal job. We meet two of the more successful youths, Ivy the starlet singer and Marla a fashion trend setter. Their society is fragile, built on consumerism and controlled by large companies. Although futuristic there certainly are threads examined here that are present in our own society.

Fantasy imitates reality as the characters hold tight to their success and wallow in their failure. Demopoulos has provided a plausible storyline, one that I can only hope never comes to life. Readers may see how vain these characters are yet applaud as they protest working conditions.

The book is well written and certainly will appeal to girls who love fashion. The flossed end papers are a nice touch. Romance is low key making this accessible to grades 5 and above for middle school collections. Editors missed an error on the jacket where Marla’s design house is incorrectly named.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dimopoulos, Elaine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544388505

Price: 17.99

More Caps for Sale

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Esphyr Slobodkina died in 2002. Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayre began working with Slobodkina in 1994 and became her personal assistant as well as a good friend. Slobodkina gave permission for Sayre to work on this sequel to caps for sale after Slobodkina's death. The book tells what happens at the end of the day that Caps for Sale ends. The peddler has sold no hats and is tired and worried. The monkeys are all following him.Eventually, the monkeys begin doing what they see the peddler doing, causing the towns people to take notice and making a happy ending for all. Over the years, Sayre came to have deep knowledge about Slobodkina's art and illustrations. Using that mental archive, she went through the works scanning details which she used as the illustrations in this book. Everything was taken from the original works of art and put together to create the illustrations in this book. It is all very effective and makes for a very effective and fun sequel to a childhood classic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slobodkina, Esphyr

Illustrator: Mulhearn Sayer, Ann Marie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062405456

Price: 18.99

The Sea Tiger

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2015

Review

This is the story of a very unusual friendship between a merboy named Oscar and a sea tiger. The tiger is Oscar's best friend. Large illustrations in muted colors follow the pair to "extraordinary places" as they explore under the sea. There is lots to look at in their underwater world. They finally settle down to sleep on a page that is otherwise black. The sea tiger protects Oscar from lurking monsters during the night. The illustrations exude the warmth of their friendship.They finally find a large group of singing sea turtles and a friend for each of them. The hand of friendship leads them off on new adventures. While the theme of friendship is strong, I wonder how children will react to this nice, though unusual story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Turnbull, Victoria

Illustrator: Turnbull, Victoria

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679866

Price: 16.99

Emancipated

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2015

Review

"Emancipated" by M.G. Reyes makes you feel like you're reading one of those young adult shows on The CW: Gorgeous emancipated teens living together in a house on Venice Beach with lots of hidden secrets, intrigue, and romance. The book isn't particularly well-written, but it does keep you interested in what's going on and feels a bit like a guilty pleasure read. Not a "must buy," but a book that older teens will probably enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reyes, M.G.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062288950

Price: 17.99

Jumping Off Library Shelves a Book of Poems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This book should draw in any book lover. Poems by fifteen different authors celebrate the joy of books, reading, and the library. The poems are written in different styles, from haiku to shape poems. One is a tribute to storyteller Augusta Baker. Jane Yolen has written of the enchantment of books. Another proclaims, though a library card may look plain, it is more powerful than the smartest phone or one hundred apps as it unlocks the world and more with a single scan. Illustrations done in gouache and pencil exuberantly convey the messages of the poems. A wonderful addition to your poetry collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bennett Hopkins, Lee

Illustrator: Manning, Jane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Word Song

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789247

Price: 16.95

Where's Walrus and Penguin?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Walrus is back this time with penguin as his sidekick. They escape from the zoo one rainy day and manage to stay one step ahead of the zookeeper as they change disguises to fit in with their current situation throughout the day. No one seems to notice them as they drive a taxi, sit in the park, conduct an orchestra and take part in a play, and other adventures. An accident during one of their activities lands walrus in the hospital where he meets a special nurse, leading to the story ending happily ever after. This is a good "search and find" book for very young children. They will laugh at the adventures of walrus and penguin and want to look through the book again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Stephen

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545402958

Price: 16.99

The Big Book of Animals of the World

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This oversize board book depicts animals from around the world. The animals, pictured on pages with lots of white space, all appear rather expressionless. The bottom of each page shows they habitat and sometimes the kind of place (ie. a farm) where the animals on the page will be found. All animals and some parts of the landscape and a few other things are identified with a single word. Small mice are seen throughout, ride in a hot air balloon seemingly observing the scene. The final page is a map of the continents with a few animals on them. The book would benefit from more identification of exactly where each page is in the world and more expressive animals. Children tired of simple animal books with a few familiar animals might enjoy looking at this, but it is not a great offering.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Konnecke, Ole

Illustrator: Konnecke, Ole

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781776570126

Price: 14.99

Good Night Grizzle Grump

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

It is fall, and Grizzle Grump is looking for a place to sleep for the winter. He finds several places that look very good, but noise at each place--from a woodpecker, a beaver, frogs--keeps him awake, making his anger grow. He finally climbs a snowy peak, enters a cave and SLAMS the door until spring. He falls asleep and disturbs all of the creatures that disturbed him with his huge snores. The illustrations are hilarious. Repetitive text will encourage young children's participation in telling the story. They will get the irony. They will love this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blecha, Aaron

Illustrator: Blecha, Aaron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062297464

Price: 17.99

Snow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

A small boy awakes to a snowy day. He wants to be the first one out in the snow and to go to the park but must get Grandad to accompany him. Panic sets in as Granddad very slowly goes about his morning routines, so all of the boy's friends, dogs and cats, and even the animals from the zoo (his stuffed animals come alive??) are at the park by the time they arrive. They all have a wonderful time, especially playing with the zoo animals and decided when they got home that some things really are worth waiting for. The reader can feel the boys increasing angst as Granddad takes so much time getting ready. Illustrations are fun to look at. This will be a fun addition to snowy wintertime story times, though the binding is so poor, it will not hold up for long.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Usher, Sam

Illustrator: Usher, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780763679583

Price: 16.99

Placebo Junkies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

The raw, harsh realities of the professional drug trial world are explored through the drug-induced voice of Audie who supports herself by participating in medical drug trials and research projects. Carleson vividly describes the realities of being a human guinea pig, as Audie and her roommates support each other as they scramble to clear themselves of the mirage of graphically explained side effects they accumulate, in order to start new trials for cash. Audie's desperation to raise money to take her boyfriend Dylan, who has cancer and also goes through drug trials, motivates her to attempt a marathon schedule of various trails that push beyond what her body or mind can handle. The witty part of this sad tale is the entries of Audie's blog. In her tough, sarcastic voice she educates newbies (and readers)to the realities of this little known path to addiction and how to work the system for perceived profit. When a major shift occurs in Audie's environment and mental state, both character and reader have trouble identifying the truths about her situation. Suggest this book to mature audiences, due to the gritty language and graphic descriptions of medical side effects, who enjoy confusion and unresolved endings. The topic may inspire some to "research" the ethics of current drug procedures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carleson, J. C.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497243

Price: 17.99

My Autumn Book

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

This smaller-sized picture book is perfect for toddler hands. The little girl, who recognizes the signs of autumn, is propelled outside by her excitement to investigate with backpack, camera and notebook. Spiders, crickets, chilly wind, full chipmunk cheeks, digging squirrels and geese flying in formation are some of the many signs that she records and photographs. She gathers up a variety of leaves that have fallen and hurries home to make an autumn book with photographs and leaves to use during winter. Although some of the rhymes do not flow as naturally as the author's book "Tracks in the Snow" (Henry Holt and Company, 2003) title, the colored pencil on watercolor paper illustrations tell the story with all its autumn details. This is the fourth book with the same character who explores the seasons. Recommended for story times, preschools and school library collections about autumn.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yee, Wong Herbert

Illustrator: Yee, Wong Herbert

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099225

Price: 14.99

One Gorilla: A Counting Book

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

Browne's visually stunning illustrations and layout of his starred-reviewed picture book published in February 2013, translates well into the board book format for the youngest readers. Each two page spread presents a large numeral and the associated number of primate portraits with mesmerizing eyes. "1 gorilla, 2 orangutans, 3 chimpanzees...10 lemurs". The next spread shows Browne's self-portrait with the text "All primates, All one family. All my family..." The last illustration is a crowd of peoples representing a variety of nationalities and ages that states "and yours!" Useful for counting, color identification, science themes and lap sharing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679156

Price: 7.99

Code of Honor

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

In this gripping and fast-paced thriller, seventeen-year-old Iranian American Kamran is eagerly anticipating attending West Point, just as his Army Ranger brother, Darius, did before him. However, the lives of Kamran and his family are thrown into upheaval when the U.S. Embassy in Turkey is attacked and Darius, who'd been stationed in Afghanistan, appears on television claiming responsibility for it. Amidst a nightmare of near-constant surveillance by homeland security, Kamran and his parents watch as recordings of a rambling Darius play again and again on the news networks, until Kamran realizes that his brother seems to be working in references to imaginary games they played together as children. He believes that Darius is trying to send him some kind of code but cannot convince his mom and dad before he's wrenched out of his bed in the middle of the night, sedated and taken to a secret military facility. There, he finds an unexpected ally and eventually must break out to prevent further acts of violence about which Darius is trying to warn him. Kamran's harrowing situation is convincingly and realistically depicted in short, action-filled chapters that move the story along. Gratz explores issues of racism and stereotypes and of trust and doubt and strikes an appealing balance between these weightier themes and the novel's rapid-fire plot. If Kamran's ability to face down and evade skilled soldiers seems a bit far-fetched at times, most readers will be firmly enough entrenched in the story to suspend disbelief. In all, a smart, engaging and exciting adventure that muses on some fascinating questions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gratz, Alan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545695190

Price: 17.99

Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This new series includes books on the mythology of King Arthur and his knights, American Indians, Egyptians, Inuit, and Romans in addition to this title. The nonfiction features all teachers look for are well done in these books. In addition to the usual index, table of contents, and glossary, extensive chapter notes are included at the end. After each myth, there are questions and commentary by "experts" though it is unclear who these experts are. This book seems heavy and dry. There are no illustrations, so it will not be particularly appealing to many children. They may be useful for teachers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bornemann Spies, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Enslow

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766061729

Price: 21.01

Runaway Train: Saved by Belle of the Mines and Mountains

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This book is a play, part of a series of historical fiction books. Bella and her family move from Ohio to the south so her father could get work. She finds it difficult fitting in with Southern girls and ends up helping on the railroad where she becomes a hero. The story is told from the perspective of the young Bella and also from the now elderly Bella looking back on her life. That may be confusing to children. These books would encourage group reading and could help bring history to life for children acting out the plays. It would be a good--and different--addition to your history shelves.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wim, Coleman

Illustrator: Joanne, Renaud

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781939656711

Price: 21.04

Are You My Mommy?

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

An inquisitive puppy wanders the barnyard looking for its mother. The pup encounters six animals and asks "Are you my mommy?" Each double page spread shows the wide-eyed cute pup questioning the adult animal. The adult animal answers who they are and each reveals their baby hidden behind a fairly sturdy flap. (For example the sheep says "No, I'm a sheep and ... here's my lamb.") Finally on the final spread the pup finds his mother. The text is simple for its audience. Children will learn the names of several animals and their young. No new ground is covered here but it is a comforting, simple book with friendly, sweet illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Mary

Illustrator: Murphy, Mary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673727

Price: 6.99

Autumn's Kiss

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Cuban-American Autumn returns for this second in the "Autumn Falls" series that began when her beloved father died in a car accident and Autumn and her younger brother and mom went ahead with a planned move to Florida, where they are closer to Autumn's grandmother. In the first, Autumn discovered a magical diary that seemed to make her wishes actually occur, albeit not in ways she always would have expected. As this installment opens, she's perplexed and sad to find that the diary no longer seems to work particularly because her grandmother had suggested that her father's spirit was behind the magic. Conveniently, she then discovers a map that instantly transports her to any location she writes on it, and she uses it primarily to help her friends and her own romantic prospects come together. Teen author Thorne is an actress, and this novel very much reads like a romance situational comedy. Younger teen romance fans will enjoy her run-ins with a fictional teen heart-throb and will thrill to the love triangle predicament Autumn finds herself in here. The map gimmick assists in moving the plot along and often results in funny mishaps which are sometimes exacerbated by Autumn's dyslexia, but its mechanisms are vaguely explained only as being attributable to the Caribbean Taino people. Autumn's grandmother and her tight-knit group of friends are real characters and provide plenty of levity but an ongoing joke about a friend who starts a petition to change the school's football team from the name "Indians" only to abandon it when she's informed the activism won't look as good on a college application as she'd hoped simply isn't funny. Readers will want to have read the first in the series before picking this one up.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Thorne, Bella

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385744355

Price: 18.99

School for Sidekicks

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

When thirteen-year-old, ordinary, superhero-obsessed, Evan Quick gets blasted with an energy ray at an amusement park, his future as a normal kid is changed forever. The event activates his untrained metahuman powers and he unintentionally responds to a superhero crisis involving his childhood Mask hero Captain Commanding. During the battle, Evan saves his hero but becomes injured. When Evan regains consciousness, he finds that the story about the event has been changed to protect the Captain's ego for the mass media and Evan has secretly been enrolled in the secret school for metahumans. Evan finds that he has super strength and is able to heal himself. All the students have a moniker, complete with branding, that correspond to the powers they possess. Evan, aka Meerkat, is placed under the responsibility of a recovering alcoholic Mask named Foxman. As Meerkat and his new friends become aware of a conspiracy within the school and the blurring of lines between Masks (hero) and Hoods (criminals), they must push themselves to work as a team. Although this is an action-packed, sci-fi fantasy, themes of friendship, loyalty and the special first kiss are explored, adding a depth to the various characters. Hand this to superhero enthusiasts and those who love some action with their comedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCullough, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250039262

Price: 16.99

Dumplin'

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Sixteen-year-old Willowdean (Will) has always been confident in her own skin. While working her fast food job, she introduced herself to Bo as "Cashier, Dolly Parton enthusiast, and resident fat girl". Her confidence is shattered when her beloved and obese Aunt Lucy unexpectedly dies from a heart attack. Now her life starts feeling out of control as Bo, Will's her secret crush at work, starts showing signs of wanting to be more than friends and due to recent changes in her childhood friendship with naturally beautiful Ellen, she doesn’t have anyone in which to confide. These changes propel her to make connections with a few other "misfit" school acquaintances and, as a group, they become the first unconventional contestants in the Clover City Miss Teen Blue Bonnet pageant. Will's mother has officially run this sacred pageant every year which forces to the surface the many prejudices and misconceptions around body image, beauty and self- worth. Uncertainty and excitement of first kisses, changing childhood friendships and grief are layered into a snapshot of Will's struggle to regain her confidence with genuine humor and heart. Using Dolly Parton as inspiration and getting help from a few generous drag queens that are sharing in the grief of her beloved Aunt Lucy, Will bridges the gap between bucking the hurtful perceptions of "fat" girls that others, and herself, have while fighting to be who you want to be. Murphy pulls out various issues that make readers think about their own prejudices through the comical and snappy voice of Willowdean. There are references to sex, infrequent gritty language and some underage drinking that fit easily into the fabric of the story line.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Julie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062327185

Price: 17.99

Wait

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

In this almost wordless picture book, a busy mom with curious toddler-in-tow is navigating the busy streets of the city while trying to catch the train. The little one persistently reminds her to stop in her busy schedule to enjoy the moment. The visual perspective switches from the larger city to the specific detail of the moment in each two page spread with the text alternating between "hurry" attributed to the mom and "Wait" to the child. Along the way the child is resisting the feeling of hurry as he stops to admire a dog, wave at a cement mixer crew, feed the ducks, explore the ice cream truck display, view the fish in a tank, and taste the rain that has started falling. At the end of this rush to the train, mom relents when the two see a double rainbow above the city. Parent readers will be gently admonished to take time to look around. The illustrations are matte colors that allow the scene to unfold effortlessly and doesn't jaunt the senses which supports the idea of slowing down to enjoy the moment. Useful for inspiring young story tellers to elaborate on feelings, setting and comprehension of the story line.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoinette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439214

Price: 16.99

Polar Bear Piper

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

This is an example of a market driven book. It is not great literature, but it is still a good read for it's intended audience. The audience is any child who loves Frozen & anything to do with the movie. Also, children who enjoy stories about winter and polar bears. Why are polar bears suddenly showing up in Arendelle? Anna & Elsa need to figure it out and get the polar bears safely back to the Arctic Circle. Black & white illustrations are peppered throughout the book. They add a little dimension to the story and offer a rest area for the reader. This title is also a part of the Stepping Stone Book series. It is a solid chapter book choice for independent readers as well as the droves of Frozen fans. Not an overwhelming length and short chapters. A solid addition to most libraries, especially those who have a strong Frozen fan base.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Erica

Illustrator: Robinson, Bill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736434362

Price: 9.99

The Arendelle Cup

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Another entry in the Anna & Elsa Disney series. Fans won't be disappointed. Again, not great literature, but a good story full of adventure, drama, humor and fun. And it is well written for it's audience. This hits its mark for the intended audience perfectly. An annual sleigh ride race is happening. And Anna & Elsa are competing for the first time. Another competitor cheats during the race and gets lost in the wilderness. Anna, Elsa and the defending champions set off to rescue the cheaters. Any child who loves Frozen & anything to do with it will love reading this or having it read to them. Reading level it is geared towards strong 2nd grade through 4th. But enjoyment-wise it is for all Frozen fans. A must purchase for most libraries, especially those serving a strong Frozen fan base.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Erica

Illustrator: Robinson, Bill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736434379

Price: 9.99

R is for Rocket an ABC Book

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

There is no story or theme here, just a cute alphabet book filled with all of Tad Hills' characters from his Rocket books and from his Duck & Goose series. One letter of the alphabet is represented on each page. And the words on that page that begin with that letter are bold type. The illustrations compliment each represented letter individually. The illustrations are cheerful and beautiful. This is perfect for group sharing or one on one. Children who like Tad Hills' previous books will enjoy this. This is for pre-k to k or for slightly older who enjoy the illustrations. The one weakness is that it feels a bit disjointed. The alphabet is covered but there is no flow or connection between each page. With the use of familiar characters I felt that there could have been more of a flow between pages more connection between the characters. It just felt like each page was plopped down just to represent a letter, with no thought to cohesiveness. Other than that, the illustrations taken individually are wonderful. A decent alphabet book for libraries in need of alphabet books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hills, Tad

Illustrator: Hills, Tad

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553522280

Price: 17.99

My Dog Bob

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Jeff introduces his dog named Bob. Bob is a mid-sized floppy-eared mutt who is able to cook, golf, drive a car ... and talk. The boy's next-door neighbor, Mimi, arrives with her poodle, Truffles and claims her dog is better than Bob. She has her dog do a number of run of the mill dog tricks (fetch a stick, sit, speak) - Truffles excels, Bob watches. Mimi claims that she and Truffles have won and leaves. Bob apologizes and goes home with the young boy and makes pizza for the family. Who really won? The cartoon-like illustrations illuminate the humor of what is really happening. The short text will make this a great read for emerging readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Torrey, Richard

Illustrator: Torrey, Rich

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823433865

Price: 16.95

John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

The eye catching title and cover illustration strongly suggest that an exciting adventure in picture book format follows. It does and the colorful drawings done in full color and pastel pencil tell of the naturalist John Muir's adventure when he scoots behind a huge waterfall in Yosemite Valley, California. The book also contains a brief account of some of the highlights of Muir's life. The waterfall adventure is told using generous-sized type along with the lively drawings. On some of the same pages, relevant facts about Muir are printed in smaller size type. While this format does interrupt or at least slow down the story, both younger and older readers are accommodated. The book is both a non-fiction picture book adventure and an intriguing introduction to an exceptional naturalist at a time of heightened interest in the environment. Appended is a two page spread about Muir's popular newspaper columns which described his enthusiasm for the beauty of Yosemite followed by a bibliography for learning more using online sources and books. Recommended to school and public libraries and to independent readers of about seven through twelve years. The book's brevity, illustrations and good story make it a fine choice for reading aloud to a class or one on one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Danneberg, Julie

Illustrator: Hogan , Jamie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580895866

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Bear and Duck

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Quack is music to bear's ears. Bear is no longer happy being a bear. He wants to be a duck. He asks his friend Duck to help him. The resulting antics are amusingly portrayed in the rest of the book. Bear tries to quack, waddle, fly, build a nest and sit on a egg to keep it warm. It doesn't work out too well for bear being a duck. So in the end he decides he's happy being who he is. This is an amusing story about self-acceptance and friendship. It is a good size for group sharing or one on one, for the pre-k to 1st grade group. The text is humorously written and flows well with the illustrations. The illustrations are done in ink and watercolor and are deep hued pastels. They are uncluttered, but detailed enough down to showing the emotions on the duck's face. There really aren't any weaknesses here, but if I have to choose one it would be this. What happened to the ducklings at the beginning of the story? The duck just dropped them to help bear learn how to be a duck. What became of her ducklings? This is a wonderfully amusing story about being happy in your own skin, self-acceptance and friendship. This would work well as an introduction to young children on self-acceptance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hudson, Katy

Illustrator: Hudson, Katy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062320513

Price: 17.99

Boats for Papa

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Definite nomination for Cream of the Crop. Buckley the bear lives with his mother in a cabin on the beach. They are very happy in their life together. He loves boats and he misses his dad. One day Buckley decides to make a boat and attaches a note to it that says, "For Papa, Love, Buckley." He and mama then walk down to the water and he sends the boat out to sea for his papa to find. Buckley repeats this many times over, each boat is grander than the other. But the note attached is the same, "For Papa, Love, Buckley". One day Buckley goes to get a piece of paper out of his mother's desk and finds all of his boats that he made for Papa. Buckley knows they just washed back up on shore and that his father is never going to get them. But he also knows his mother loves him and that he is very happy with her. Buckley makes one more boat and puts it out to sea. That night it washes up on shore and his mother rescues it. But this time the note reads, "For Mama, Love, Buckley". This is a beautiful, life-affirming story about resilience after loss, grief, being happy with the life you've been given and a mother's love. The text is lyrical and puts the reader right in the middle of it. The illustrations are done in pen and watercolor and are beautifully rendered and detailed and flow with the story. This would be perfect to use in an introductory unit on loss, grief, love and endurance. Would work best as one on one for read aloud. Any child who has experienced the loss of a parent would benefit from hearing this story. It adds a whole other dimension to the genre of grief and loss books for children. It is never stated what happened to Papa, so the loss in the story can be used in many situations. This is a beautiful story full of hope and heartbreak. But love shines through. Just wow. A must purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bagley, Jessixa

Illustrator: Bagley, Jessixa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626720398

Price: 17.99

When I Grow Up

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

This is a 2015 reprint of a book originally published in 2007. What do you want to do when you grow up? That's the question little bear imagines the answers to while he is out with his parents. The text is simple and brief, but to the point. A few words are in different sizes to standout and rhyme with the other larger font words. The illustrations were created digitally with bold black outlines and flecks of shiny gold throughout. The illustrations don't carry the story, but they are in harmony with it. The book is on the small side. But it would still work in group setting since the illustrations and text are both simple and bold and thus easy to see. This would work well as a read aloud for pre-k. It would also work as a beginning reader for k-1 due to its minimal text and simple words. The one weakness I found was in the very first two pages. The illustration on those two pages appears glaring, disconcerting and blurry to my eyes due to the profuse use of the shiny gold for the very large sun/moon. It was very uncomfortable for my eyes. The gold could have been done a bit less overwhelmingly for sensitive eyes. Otherwise a wonderful story and book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679859

Price: 12.99

Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur Too Tall

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Dinosaur is feeling down because he thinks he is too tall. Danny sets out to encourage him and cheer him up. The story has excitement, humor, and drama in it. At first it doesn't work. Dinosaur is still taller than elephants and giraffes. Danny and Dinosaur happen upon a man operating a crane at a construction site. The crane is tall like Dinosaur and he is feeling a little better. But then a wind gust sends the crane tipping and the worker is in danger. Only Dinosaur can get the worker to safety since he is as tall as the crane. The worker climbs down Dinosaurs neck and is saved. Dinosaur then decides that he is okay with being tall. The theme of this story is to be proud of who you are and be encouraging as a friend. The illustrations are done in Photoshop and are true to Hoff's original illustrations. The text is longer than some beginning readers & there is not much repetition so this is best for confident beginning readers or in small group or one on one. This would be useful for units on self-acceptance. Pair with Todd Parr's "It's Okay to Be Different", "Henny" by Elizabeth Stanton, and "Me & You" by Genvieve Cote. There is always a need for solid beginning readers and this fits the bill nicely. There really aren't any weaknesses but since I'm supposed to find one for the purposes of this review, the possibility that Danny and the Dinosaur is a classic and has been around for a long time. So some kids may think it's too old fashioned to read. A great addition to most beginning reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Bruce

Illustrator: Cutting, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062281562

Price: 16.99

Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur and the New Puppy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

New stories for the classic, Danny and the Dinosaur, but written and illustrated by different author/illustrators. But these new books stay true to Hoff's style. The new illustrations are done on Photoshop and they compliment the text very well. Danny has a new puppy, but his friend Dinosaur begins to feel a bit left out. So instead of ignoring his old friend, Danny finds a way that he, his new puppy and Dinosaur can all be friends and hang out together. This is best for confident beginning readers due to more text, longer sentences and not a lot of sound repetition. Parents who grew up reading Danny and the Dinosaur would enjoy reading this to their kids/grand kids. It would also work as an introduction to friendship, kindness and inclusion of all types of friends. Pair with Mo Willems' "Can I Play Too?" and "A Big Guy Took My Ball". This is a solid story about friendship. The only weakness I can come up with is how to explain to a child that a dinosaur can "live" in a museum and come and go as he pleases. Fine addition to most beginning reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Bruce

Illustrator: Cutting, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062281531

Price: 16.99

What is a Forecast?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Young readers with an interest in weather will find this slim text satisfying but will soon be looking for a book with more information. The large color photos which cover over half of each page bring the subject matter into focus. Readers will recognize weather maps from the evening news, it is the weather station, radar and satellites that will draw the most interest.

Certainly children will be confused by the pagination of this easy reader non-fiction. The first number that appears is 4, which is placed on the first page of text. As in all the first step non-fiction books the cost is beyond typical school media center budgets. Add this where early reader non-fiction collections exist but this is not a necessary purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty-First non-fiction (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467739207

Price: 15.00

Splat the Cat: Christmas Countdown

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Somehow the holiday season must have eluded Splat the Cat as it is Christmas Eve before he begins his Christmas preparations. Splat puts up a rough textured tree complete with a shiny gold star and wraps gifts with satin ribbon. The facial expressions, especially the eyes, reveal the emotions of the entire cat family. Older toddlers will want to look at the pictures over and over as they search each page for Splat's little friend Mouse.

Some pages offer adequate white space for very young toddlers; the night time (gray tone) page is saved by the blue blanket and the red of Santa’s suit. This is a board book that will delight little ones as they watch their own families prepare for Christmas. A good stocking stuffer complete with touch and feel inserts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scotton, Rob

Illustrator: Scotton, Rob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Festival (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061978654

Price: 6.99

Frog on a Log?

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This thoroughly enjoyable rhyming book features a know it all cat and a frog who doesn't want to sit on his appointed seat, a log. In thoughtful, rapid succession, cat supplies the answers to all of frog's questions about who in the animal kingdom sits where. Some of the rhyming paired sitters and seats make sense, as in, cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs and mules sit on stools. Other pairs are a bit of a stretch but delightfully ridiculous...gorillas sit on pillars, gophers on sofas and lions on irons. Readers will quickly catch on to the convention that the animal and its seat have to rhyme and will begin making up their own pairs. The humorous ending will provoke questions and more rhyming. This is a good early introduction for a poetry class but would also be a just for fun story time choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Kes

Illustrator: Field, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545687911

Price: 16.99

My Family Tree and Me

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Reading front to middle and then back to middle, the reader is introduced to four generations of the little red haired boy narrator's family. Starting with his father's side we first meet his great-great grandparents illustrated with sepia tones and in vaguely european setting. As the pages turn, the next generation is shown as adults with wives or husbands, each picture incorporating a bit more color. Beginning with the final page and moving toward the middle of the book, the young narrator's mother's ancestral line is presented in the same style culminating in a multigenerational, all inclusive centerfold family portrait. This portrait is full of color and includes literally everyone an their dog. This book is a good introduction to how family relationships work regarding Aunts, Uncles and cousins. None of the extended family is divorced so there is no discussion of star parents, half siblings and the like. Still a good beginning concept book that is suited to one on one reading. The illustrations are lovely and valuable for picking out similar physical characteristics among the family groups.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petricic, Dusan

Illustrator: Petricic, Dusan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380492

Price: 16.95

Monster: A Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This graphic adaption of Walter Dean Myer's "Monster" is superbly done. "Monster" is told as a trial with flashbacks to a robbery/murder and the moments in the lives of those who were affected. Steve Harmon, an African American teen who is a budding filmmaker uses his interest in films to tell his account of being on trial for his role in the robbery and murder.

The graphics are outstanding leading to the dramatic in their depiction of the events, whether it is the filmmaking process or flashbacks to the trial. One thing to note on this adaption of the novel -- is that focus and close attention is required. Sometimes the speech bubbles are too small and the graphics do bounce back and forth quickly between the filming scenes and the trial.

Any fan of Walter Dean Myers would appreciate this book. It is a must have in public and school libraries, especially as a companion to the original novel. Teachers might like to use both as comparison novels for their students. Definitely for the 9-12 grade levels.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Guy A. Sims, Myers, Walter Dean and

Illustrator: Anyabwile, Dawud

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Amistad

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062275004

Price: 17.99

Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

In this easy reader based on the Flat Stanley series, Stanley and his brother Arthur love to go to Pete's Sweets and help the baker frost cakes. One day when the boys go to visit they find Pete sad because of the competition of another bakery. They brainstorm ideas and find the solution when Stanley accidentally falls on some cookie dough. Life-size gingerbread boys become the new hit! The story has many elements that will make it popular with children such as the life-size cookie on the cover, the kids solving an adult problem and all the different things that Stanley can do because he is "flat ever since a bulletin board fell on him". Pamintuan's cartoon-style illustrations provide added details about the various settings. This easy reader is identified as a level 2 book reading with help, which is appropriate due to the amount of text. It is helpful to have Stanley in easy reader format for future chapter book recognition by readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Houran, Lori Haskins

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189790

Price: 16.99

Flat Stanley On Ice

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

In this easy reader based on the Flat Stanley series, it is winter time and ice on the pond is the new experience. Stanley, who "had been flat ever since a bulletin board fell on him", is still learning what he can and cannot do since he is flat. He doesn't sink in the snow but he slides great on the ice. When Stanley doesn't listen and stays on the ice as it starts melting, his friends and coach have to be creative in finding ways to get him safely off the cracked ice. Compared to Houran's "Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie", this title provides more opportunity for readers to interact and problem solve with the characters. Pamintuan's cartoon-style illustrations augment the simple text with details that round out the story line. This easy reader is identified as a level 2 book reading with help, which is appropriate due to the amount of text. It is helpful to have Stanley in easy reader format for future chapter book recognition by readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Houran, Lori Haskins

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189820

Price: 16.99

Jingle Bells

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

A bear family rides a horse-drawn sleigh through the woods picking up various forest animals along the way to a choral singing around a decorated Christmas tree at the edge of the forest. The last page shows Santa flying away with six reindeer by the light of the moon. The text is the traditional Jingle Bells chorus in the first two-page spread, one verse with each line on a different two-page spread and the chorus in full on the last page. Children will be drawn to this gift book because of the red speaker button at the bottom of the right page which plays a fast instrumental version of Jingle bells. Unfortunately, the music is only the chorus and does not play the verse which compromises the central part of the book. While Siewert's oil and watercolor illustrations show movement, setting and expressively happy animals, amid the numerous holiday books available, this is not a standout selection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Pierpont, James Lord

Illustrator: Pauline, Siewert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681975

Price: 12.99

Nanny X Returns

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the Nanny X series. Ten-year-old Alison, eight-year-old Jake and baby Eliza begin this story in a confused state because Nanny X is back to help their family but she is acting like a normal nanny and not an agent from NAP (Nanny Action Patrol) that they know her to be. When grandmother breaks her leg during Zumba, their parents leave for the weekend, and the adventure begins as Nanny X puts on a fishing hat. The fishing trip in the Washington DC area is the cover Nanny X and her charges use to investigate a threat to the president about the national treasures being in jeopardy. Fish robots, computer snatching squirrels, Howard the chimp from the first adventure and special bugs are the gadgetry that keeps the investigation moving. Envision James bond in Nanny form, if you will. The action is wacky and the vocabulary is challenging. The layout may be overwhelming for some transitional readers due to the switching of each chapters narrative between Alison and Jake. The layout also has the author's acknowledgements as the first page the reader will encounter. Donnelly's clearly detailed map comes next, which provides foreshadowing for the story where it identifies where each event happens and a wordy table of contents follows the map.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Madelyn

Illustrator: Karen, Donnelly

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823435333

Price: 16.95

My Pet Human

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Using the human as a pet device, Surovec provides younger readers a witty look at a no-named stray cat who goes from independent cat-on-the-street to having a human pet in four chapters. With lots of white space, handwritten font and dialogue balloons, cat explains to readers his perceptions of his neighborhood, his rules to live by, the arguments of his human pet owning friends and how the little girl, who moves into the abandon house slowly, with a few mishaps along the way, becomes his pet human and names him Oliver. Fans of "Binky the space cat" by Ashley Spires will enjoy the snarky voice of Oliver in this delightful cartoon-graphic illustrated novel for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Surovec, Yasmine

Illustrator: Surovec, Yasmine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brooks Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720732

Price: 12.99

Counting Lions

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

10 double-page spreads introduce the numbers 1-10 - and animals that are vulnerable and endangered. Each spread includes an illustration of animals in the accompanying number and has a short free verse poem about the species. The book is hard to categorize: it doesn't totally work as a counting book because the numbers are spelled out only; the information about the animals really targets school aged children and not preschoolers; the subtle hint that counting the species is a reminder of dwindling numbers targets adult readers; the impassioned foreword by Virginia McKenna (animal activist and actress from Born Free) is definitely written for the adult reader. Still it is an important book - but where will it go in the collection?

The illustrations are exquisite. They are charcoal drawings that are photo-realistic. The cover drawing of the lion is as rich and detailed as any photo. The book is over-sized which will make shelving difficult. It is like a coffee-table book for the younger reader. It is a beautiful tribute to endangered species and worth looking for a place on your shelves to host it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cotton, Katie

Illustrator: Walton, Stephen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763682071

Price: 22.00

The Big Princess

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

"The Big Princess" is a wonderful, alternative take on the traditional princess fairy tale. A King and Queen who cannot have children are granted a child who starts out the size of a flower's leaf, but then grows every day until she is bigger than the tallest castle tower. The King breaks the spell by discovering a seed hidden in her belly button. Once removed, the princess shrinks down. However, in a nod to this altered story, the princess still remains bigger than other people.

"The Big Princess" is written and illustrated by an author from Japan. The story can be just a little dark at times, but I find that darkness in fairy tales is expected in every country but the U.S.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Miura is a graphic designer in addition to an illustrator, and the pages reflect this. Most of the images are of block, geometric shapes. However, in surprising additions to those elements are random collage cut-outs, black-and-white drawings, and even a photograph. Rather than distracting from the illustrations, these additions add to the visual side of the story.

While this is an odd book, it is fun and filled with a story and illustrations that kids will find interesting and entertaining.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miura, Taro

Illustrator: Miura, Taro

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674595

Price: 14.99

Who's hungry?

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

The creators of Tuck Me In! (Dean Hacohen & Sherry Scharschmidt) return with another interactive book for toddlers. In this title on each two page spread an animal announces that it is hungry. The animal is on one page and the food attractive to that animal is opposite. The reader is able to turn a flap/half page to reveal the food with a bite or disappearing. The narrator keeps the reader moving until the final spread where the dish is prepared for the reader. The illustrations are not too busy and show the animal and the food clearly. The book could start conversations around healthy eating. This should be a great addition to toddler story times. (One caveat - be prepared to tape the flaps back in - little hands will be turning the flaps a lot!)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hacohen, Dean

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665869

Price: 9.99

Cat Got a Lot

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Cat lives in an apartment in the city. Many other creatures live in the same building. Cat also loves fish. So one day he goes on a shopping trip to buy fish and some other items. He walks through a community full of diverse creatures and he visits many stores. He comes back with many things. But only the fish is for him. He got everything else for the other creatures in the building just to make them happy. Dog got a book. Bird got art supplies. Elephant got a horn. An so on. This is such a beautifully simple story about being kind and thoughtful. It would be perfect for a kindergarten unit on kindness and community, paired with "Have You Filled a Bucket Today" by Carol McCloud and "Think Happy" by Nancy Carlson. This title is part of the I Like to Read series. And it also makes a wonderful beginning reader for prek & k, as well as struggling firs graders. Sentences are only 3-4 words long and include only simple words. The words and sounds are repeated often. And most, if not all, words are familiar to pre-k & K beginning readers. This book is perfect for brand new readers as well as slightly more experienced to help build confidence. The illustrations are wonderful in this book as well. They are done in watercolor, gouache ink. They are full of detail and are very clear, bright and happy looking. Children will have fun pouring over the details in the illustrations as well as enjoying the story. Needless to say, the text and illustrations work very well together. The only weakness I found was at the very beginning. It went from "Cat liked fish", to "He went down" (the stairs). That was a little abrupt. A segue into why cat is going down the stairs would have been nice. Otherwise, a wonderful title. For most public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, Steve

Illustrator: Henry, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433858

Price: 14.95

Emergency Vehicles

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

As is obvious, this non-fiction book is about emergency vehicles. The biggest difficulty for libraries -- school or public -- is getting this book into the hand of the correct child.

The information is incredibly detailed, which one would not guess from looking at the cover of the book. In order to read the information, a child would need to have good reading skills and high-level vocabulary. However, if the right child gets his/her hands on this book, s/he will soak up the in-depth information. In addition to the information on the pages, each emergency vehicle has multiple lift-the-flaps with even more information inside. Finally, this book goes beyond the typical emergency vehicles. After years of helping children find books about various "things that go," there were several vehicles in this title that I had never heard of.

While there is nothing particularly special about the illustrations, they are astoundingly detailed, which matches the high level of information. However, the diversity of the people depicted was disappointing. While there are a few token women, there is not a single person of color among what must be close to 80 people illustrated in the book. In this case, there is no reason for this lack of diversity.

While the flaps are well made out of heavy cardboard, if any are torn out or fall out after heavy use, the information will be gone. The information about the inner workings of each vehicle is written on the flap itself.

If this book is recommended one-on-one by the librarian, or if the right child finds it, this book will be a hit. However, because the outer shell doesn't give any indication of the level of detail on the inside, most kids who would love this book may not pick it up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Rod

Illustrator: Biesty, Stephen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: templar books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679590

Price: 15.99

Hiding Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

The eggs have gone bad so a family has to have cereal for breakfast. Then the fun begins. After the parents leave the kitchen, the boy notices the box of eggs moving. Out hatch a half a dozen baby dinosaurs. The boy loves dinosaurs. He gives them spaghetti for lunch. Each baby dinosaur is playing with its food. The boy then hides the dinosaurs in his room. As they start to grow his parents remain clueless to six dinosaurs living under their roof. It also becomes increasingly obvious that the dinosaurs can no longer live in the boys room. Soon his parents discover his secret. But all ends well. It turns out that his parents love dinosaurs just as much as their son does. They end up as one very large happy family. Amusing pen & ink watercolor illustrations show the cuteness of the dinosaurs and the joy of the family. The illustrations are bold and simple with just the right touch of detail. No distractions. The writing has simple sentences, lots of sound and word repetition, and most words are familiar to the target audience of pre-k/K. This is a solid beginning reader choice for pre-k & K, as well as 1st graders needing some encouragement. This book would also be wonderful for any young child who is a dinosaur fan. Pair with any of Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs...? series and Dinotrux by Chris Gall for a fun story time. A fine purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moynihan, Dan

Illustrator: Moynihan, Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823431960

Price: 14.95

What James Said

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

"What James Said" is an excellent book on almost every level. Like a game of telephone, James told a friend something about the protagonist. By the time it got back to the protagonist, it was awful, and she became very angry with James. In the end, she realizes that what she heard was not what James said at all.

This story is realistic in so many ways. The spreading of rumors and talking about other people is utterly true to life in elementary school. In addition, the protagonist's resulting actions are very real. She becomes angry at James, stops talking to him or sitting by him, and even when James (who has no idea what is wrong) tries to talk to her, she completely ignores him. In her mind, she's also being very mean to James (she can't tell him out loud because she's not talking to him!). When they make up, the author has also set out a realistic early elementary school situation. The misunderstanding does not last long, and the protagonist's anger melts away quickly. This book does not try to sugarcoat a situation like this. She lets the misunderstanding play out and allows the characters to feel their emotions and behave accordingly.

The illustrations align perfectly with the text. The characters are painted exquisitely, and their expressions and feelings -- essential in this book -- are realistically rendered and clear to the reader. In addition, other means of communicating emotion really add to the illustrations. For example, the protagonist loves art, and when she draws or paints James, she then slops paint all over him or scratches him out.

The characters are diverse, but the diversity has no bearing on the book, which is still, unfortunately, a rare thing, so needs to be celebrated when it appears.

For a school librarian, this is a great book to give a child who is experiencing this situation or just wants a great story. Teachers will also like it to highlight emotions or deal with a class issue. In the public library, librarians can recommend this book to a parent or child who asks for such a book for bibliotherapy purposes or, again, kids who just want a great story.

I would recommend this book for every school and public library. It is superior to many of the "emotion books" out there.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Liz

Illustrator: Myers, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press/Neal Porter Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596439085

Price: 16.99

Pig is Big on Books

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Pig loves books and reading so much. He reads everywhere & with everyone. At the beach , on the bus, with the cat. One day the unthinkable happens. He runs out of books to read. What to do? Pig decides to write his own book. That is the extent of this story. The theme is that reading is fun and important. You can do it anywhere and with anyone. This book also promotes the idea of creating your own books. Both are important messages. As part of the I Like to Read series, this title has simple words and sentences. Lots of repetition of words and sounds. It is good for pre-k-k readers. The illustrations and text are in harmony with each other. The illustrations are gouache watercolors, colored pencil & colage. I realize that the illustrations in the book are meant to represent the book that Pig ended up creating himself. But I think the illustrations are the weakness of this book. The story itself is happy, bright and fun. The illustrations should match that. They could have been bolder, brighter and more clear. Also, the size and shape of pig's ears changed as did his shade of pink, throughout the book. The strength of the book is in its writing and the important message about reading and creating. This would also make a good story time choice paired with Book, Book, Book by Deborah Bruss and Again by Emily Gravett for a nice theme on reading & libraries. And as much as I loved the plug for reading & creativity, it would have been nice to give a shout out to libraries as a place to go when you run out of reading materials. Additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Florian, Douglas

Illustrator: Florian, Douglas

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433933

Price: 14.95

Is That a Cat?

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This is part of the I Like to Read series, although it doesn't state that on the cover like the rest of their books. Despite the title, this is not a story about a cat. Once I got over that, I enjoyed this book. It starts out with a cat looking for another cat to play with. He spies what looks like a cat's tail outside a window. It is in fact the handle of an umbrella held by an elf. The elf, in turn, is looking for rain. And the story builds from there. Joining the cat and elf are more characters searching for something. And each item is a mistaken identity that leads to the next character searching. Each character is interconnected by what they are searching for. And they are now all together in their search. They all end up at a little boy's pool who is sad because no one came to his party. So everyone who was searching for something decide that new friends are more important and they stay and have a wonderful time with the little boy. Everyone is happy. This is a humorous story about when you are searching for something you have lost you can find something you never knew you needed and be kind & help out friends in the process. The illustrations are done in pen and ink, watercolors and are done digitally. They nicely depict the humor of the story. There is lots to engage readers and non-readers alike in both the story and the illustrations. This would work well as both a beginning reader for K-1st as well as a story time read aloud perhaps on using one's imagination. Weakness is the title. Readers may be disappointed that it has very little to do with a cat. Strength is that this is a well written, humorous story about helping friends, searching for things, using your imagination. And it is interactive with the reader. An wonderful choice for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Tim

Illustrator: Hamilton, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433841

Price: 16.95

Vamonos! Let's Go!

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

As the cover of this book says, this is "an adaptation of 'The Wheels on the Bus' in English and Spanish." I really enjoy the way this song was adapted to emphasize more common words in both languages. Rather than the bus being the central point of the song, the kids riding the bus see various "things that go" from the windows: train, truck, motorcycle, etc. Along with the type of vehicle, each verse includes the sound that the vehicle makes.

What I love most about the bilingualism of the text is that EVERYTHING is bilingual, including sounds. While an English train goes "choo choo choo," in Spanish, the train says "chucu chucu chu."

I appreciate that the book has a pronunciation guide for the Spanish words as well as the sheet music in the back. However, pronunciation guides do not guarantee that English-speakers will get the subtleties of the Spanish words correct. Nor does the sheet music ensure that that the different language will fit the tune the way the English does. I dearly wish that this book came with a CD.

The illustrations are perfect for the book. They are simple, fun, and show everyone having a great time! And with no verses about paying bus fare or crying babies, why not have a wonderful day? Not surprisingly for a bilingual book, the characters are very diverse racially, gender-wise, and age-wise. (The motorcycle rider isn't a young, flashy guy, but an old man with a big walrus mustache!)

I recommend this book to patrons or librarians who speak Spanish themselves to read to English-speaking kids.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Colato Lainez, Rene

Illustrator: Cepeda, Joe

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823434428

Price: 16.95

I Can Roar

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This large interactive board book has a circular die cut at the center. On each page of the book a simply drawn animal body with a hole for the face is accompanied by a simple statement ("I can snap like a turtle."; "I can maa like a goat.") The simplicity of the statement and art against nothing but a blue sky and green grass is perfect for the audience. The child can place their face in the hole and become the face of the animal and make the sound or do the action. There are 17 animal shapes and a final illustration of a flower (with die-cut) that has the empowering statement - "I can be anything!" This is a fun, playful, imaginative title that children and their adults should enjoy over and over.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Asch, Frank

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771385473

Price: 14.95

Invincible

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

A book about teens dealing with cancer, this book delves deeper into the dark side of death and illness. Evie lives in a hospital ward surrounded by doctors, nurses, counselors, and other kids with cancer. While her family, friend, and boyfriend still come to visit her, she feels most connected with her two best friends in the ward. Evie knows she is going to die, right up until the day she miraculously recovers. It's after going home that her life truly starts to unravel. She can’t deal with her old life or the death of one of her friends. The jacket description of this book makes it out to be about how she is miraculously alive and then meets a cute, troubled boy who makes everything better, and that relationship is the focus of the story. But Evie doesn't even meet him until more than halfway through the book. The book is more about Evie herself and her struggle to accept death, and then to accept life again, and her fight to figure out who she really is. While this story feels authentic and deals with real issues, teens who pick up this book based on the jacket description will be sorely disappointed. You also find out at the very end that it's going to be a series, which feels completely unnecessary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reed, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062299574

Price: 17.99

Paddington Helps Out

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Paddington Bear is a classic. This title is a 2015 reissue, originally published in 1960. It is the third of the Paddington stories. Thankfully the reissue has kept the original pen & ink simple illustrations peppered throughout the book depicting some of Paddington's antics. In this story Paddington enjoys helping out. But every time he tries to "help" things get more chaotic and/or messier than without his help. But you can't help but love him anyway. He's an endearing character full of fun, joy, bravery, and his ever present marmalade. Young readers in grades 2-4 who enjoy sweet, humorous stories with a mischievous character will like this one. Adults who read Paddington as a child will enjoy rereading a classic from childhood. I am not sure why the Paddington stories have been reissued. Perhaps it was due to the Paddington movie coming out last year? Either way, I'm glad they did. I've always enjoyed them and now a new generation can. Purchase if you don't already own them at your library. This also helps to fill a gap in easier chapter books for children in grades 2-4.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michael

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062312303

Price: 9.99

The Hunt for the Curious Cheese

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This is a special edition Geronimo Stilton. In this adventure the residents of Mouse city are suddenly getting sick. Is it the cheese that is causing all of this illness? Considering cheese is the main food source for the mice, I hope not. Fear not. Geronimo Stilton is on the case. And hopefully, he will get to the bottom of things before its too late for any of the Mouse City residents. Full color illustrations abound in pencil and ink. There are two different illustrators. For the first half of the book the illustrations are done by Silvia Bigolin. For the second half of the book they are done by Claudio Cernuschi. But you cannot tell the difference. The illustrations flow with the story throughout. The text is full of humor, adventure and lots pops out at the reader. A lot of different colors, fonts, and sizes are used to engage the reader. Nothing new here. This book is part graphic novel and part regular novel. Well written, fun adventure story starring the infamous Geronimo Stilton. Purchase where the series is popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: multiple, illustrators

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545791519

Price: 14.99

The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Eight facts about octopuses: there are 250 species, plural is octopuses or octopods, it has 3 hearts, its brain is wrapped around its throat, 3/5 of its nerve cells are in its arms, its blood is blue, their arms can regenerate ( its severed arm can thrash around attracting predators) , they belong to one of the most successful groups of animals on earth- the mollusks - its class cephalopods(head-foot) which means that their legs are attached to their head and its mouth is located in its armpits, they taste with their skin including its eye lids! I had never thought about an octopus as anything but a rather creepy ocean dweller and that there are a couple of sci-fi movies where they are huge and destroy everything it their path! Sy Montgomery has written another excellent non fiction picture book to add to the Scientists in the Field series about this little known but fascinating creature. He and photographer Keith Ellenbogen take the reader, with a group of scientists to study the various species of octopods found in French Polynesia. The information about this animal is mindboggling. The group of scientists are as interesting as the topic they are studying- a behaviorist, a marine ecologist, a psychologist and a interpretive specialist. Supported by incredible photographs, this group of scientists invites the reader into a world most of us know nothing about. We keep reading because the story of this animal is not only fascinating but important to the ecology of our planet. This is a worthwhile purchase for the information on the species and those who devote their lives to uncovering the mysteries of this creature.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Ellenbogen, Keith

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544232709

Price: 18.99

Solitaire

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS/Scarborough MS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Tori is a high school student in England. She meets Michael, a new student, when they both discover the hacker/prankster Solitaire by following a trail of post-it notes. As Tori slowly spirals into depression, Solitaire's pranks escalate to dangerous levels. Tori increasingly isolates herself from all but her brother -- who struggles with his own emotional issues -- and his boyfriend. All the while, Michael pushes to become her friend. Tori comes to realize that there is a connection between her life and Solitaire's pranks and feels she must take on the task of unmasking and stopping Solitaire. The author -- all of seventeen when she wrote Solitaire! -- captures the authenticity of teen voices and teen angst.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oseman, Alice

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062335685

Price: 17.99

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS/Scarborough MS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

The book begins soon after Arthur unexpectedly and violently throws a brick at the head of the Junk Man. Fortunately, the brick hits the Junk Man's arm and Arthur is offered community service with the Junk Man instead of jail time. Arthur spends his Saturday's collecting the "seven most important things," including light bulbs, cardboard, and tin foil for the Junk Man. In performing his community service, Arthur works through some of his issues surrounding his father's death. This is an excellent story with a very satisfying ending that was inspired by the life of the folk artist James Hampton.

CREAM OF THE CROP

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pearsall, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497281

Price: 16.00

Class Dismissed

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

When a fifth grade class becomes too much for their teacher she surprises her students by quitting in the middle of a science experiment. Problem is that only the students know of their teacher's departure and they vow to keep it a secret. As a fairly typical class there are bright studious students, quiet yet attentive students, dreamers, goof balls and students with behavior problem. This story is told by five class members who share their involvement, frustrations and attempted solutions to being without a teacher for two weeks.

An interesting premise that is adequately handled, this story is both humorous and perplexing. Student readers can only dream of finding themselves in a situation where the Principle is so clueless. Yet this book contains many adults who act outside the realm of observant and responsible behavior. It is this immature presentation that will most delight imaginative readers. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this read but the light green cover may discourage some male readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Woodrow, Allan

Illustrator: Marlin, Lissy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press ( Scholastic)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545800716

Price: 16.99

Simple Machines

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Students with interest in machinery will find basic explanations combined with illustrations of six scientific concepts: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, ramp, wedge, and screw. The language used is understandable for the target reader but the illustrations are somewhat disproportional. Information is provided within the text, on side panels and on the glossary page. A neat addition to the text is the "spot more simple machines" page highlighting each machine.

Like other books in this early reader science series the book is formulaic. It does not go into depth and clearly was written for teachers following the common core learning standards. Students who want to answer basic science questions will be satisfied with this Let's Read and Find Out offering. School media specialist will want to add this book in addition to others which provide more information about simple machines.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, D.J.

Illustrator: Lowery, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062321480

Price: 17.99

Serendipity's Footsteps

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

In this novel, which spans 1938-2013, three main characters find their place in life in unexpected ways. Dayla, a Holocaust survivor, takes time and space to put her shattered life together with the help of a chosen few who are supportive and understanding. Ray, whose immediate family is gone, decides to break from the life she knows in Jaynis, Texas, to seek a new start in music. Her get away is not a clean break for Pinny, who lives at the same home and has Downs Syndrome, follows suit and leaves with unsuspecting Ray. As they journey toward New York City good and bad characters all play a part. Along the way Ray tries to ditch Pinny but learns that she cannot. As they reach their goal, a shoe tree, they meet Dayla and an unexpected life for them both, all thanks to the shoes that Pinny wears, made by Dayla 70 years ago.

Nelson does a masterful job of weaving together interesting characters, bringing people together who relate to others journeys, showing the tenacious spirit of the human heart, and letting folks share their story when the time is right. Insight into the Holocaust setting, struggles of high school youth, and the conflict faced by someone with Downs Syndrome are well crafted.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Suzanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385392129

Price: 17.99

Yard War

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Life, as he knows it, is about to change for 12 year old Trip Westbrook when he invites the Negro maid's son to play football on the front lawn. Living in Mississippi in 1964, generations of families have differing views on segregation. Trip learns that adults disagree on how people of different colors should interact and his simple gesture to be inclusive creates tension on many levels. Kitchings does a good job of placing the reader in the times intended. The family stresses between parents, grandparents, and young Trip are well drawn. With a hopeful conclusion to a better future, the struggles of the times shine a light on how the younger generation can help the older one stand up for what they believe is right.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kitchings, Taylor

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553507539

Price: 16.99

Selkie Bay

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Codie, the oldest of 3 sisters, is faced with keeping the family together when Mum disappears and Da is busy working. Their seaside town of Selkie Bay survives on the mystery and lure of selkies, shape shifters from seal to human form. As time moves on, Cordie gives hope to Ione by telling her that their Mum is a selki who cannot be with them and their baby sister Neevy. The world of lies that Cordie weaves finally brings their father to share their Mum's story after the lives of the family are endangered. The folklore of selkies, the lure of the sea, mysterious islands, and an afterward about the plight of seals pulls the story together. This works as an introduction to selkies and their story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thomas, Shelly Moore

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374367497

Price: 15.99

Otter in Space

Reviewed by: Heidi Whelan - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Otter in Space is a charming edition to the I Am Otter series by Sam Garton. As the title suggests this book has Otter and Teddy pretending to go into space. The colorful illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the childlike prose. Otter tells us “We made a very important list of very important things. It was very important.” Imagination and problem solving are the themes in this book. Otter is funny, cute, and clever and she has quite an imagination. Teddy and she go into outer space but poor giraffe gets stuck at mission control. Parents and children will laugh together as they read this book. I can see this book becoming a “classic” and enjoying a lifelong space on a child's bookshelf to share with their own children someday. Otter in Space would make a great read a loud for preschool though 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062247766

Price: 16.99

Little Miss, Big Sis

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

This book is a sweet ode to big sisters and their influence on a little sibling. This book celebrates the anticipation of a new baby, followed by the wait until that baby is old enough to play, and finishes with the inevitable role of model by the older sister. With minimal words and a rhyming cadence, the book is easy for young listeners to grasp and enjoy. Reynolds's illustrations are done in a palette heavy with yellow, which makes for bright, happy pictures. There is a lot of white space on each page and the font is quite large. The book would make a nice read-aloud. If you have fans of Reynolds's work, or a collection of sibling books, this would be a solid purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062302038

Price: 17.99

There's No Such Thing as Little

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Pham strikes again with her brightly-rendered, round-headed, big-eyed illustrations, this time of children instead of animals (see "Another Piece of Cake" from the Cream of the Crop list 2014). This book celebrates all of the things that children can do, which is quite a lot. With die-cut holes to peek through to the next page, Pham shows one little thing, or does she? Each little thing is actually part of a larger thing, thereby stretching the reader's perceptions of "little". The point of the book is that a child is considered little, but a child can do many things and little shouldn't mean that the child can't contribute in a big way to the world. Some of Pham's little-to-big conversions are brilliant: "A little letter? No, an important letter" about the letter "i" which she illustrates with pages from books containing this necessary letter. And "A little line? No, an inspiring line" which she illustrates with great works of art. Kids will love the idea of being given more weight and importance and librarians and teachers will love the diversity of children on some of the pages, and the fun of reading this book out loud and having the children guess what is the not-so-little thing on the next page. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pham, LeUyen

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391504

Price: 17.99

Chu's Day at the Beach

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Chu is at it again, this time with an ocean-bending sneeze that shakes up the entire beach. If young children are familiar with Chu, they will be waiting for that huge sneeze and they will delight in the pictures of its consequences. If children are not familiar with Chu, they will still laugh along as the sunbathers are upended and the fish temporarily displaced. Rex's pictures are full of color and kids will have fun looking at all of the animals (including merpandas) as they work with Chu to fix the situation. A solid addition to the Chu collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Rex, Adam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062223999

Price: 17.99

Little Red's Riding Hood

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

A revved-up rendition of the "Little Red Riding Hood" story. Little Red, the adorable scooter, is tasked with delivering some oil and other goodies to his run-down Granny Putt Putt. It's his first time riding to Granny's alone. Out of his familiar territory, Little Red meets Tank, King of the Road. Hearing that Little Red is heading to Granny's with some goodies gives Tank an idea. He puts Little Red off his course and speeds ahead to Grannys where he swallows that sweet little golf cart whole and waits for some scooter dessert. Little Red knows that something isn't right at Granny's. Luckily, Little Red knows the 'hood like the back of his carburetor so he's able to evade the mean old Tank and save the day. Vivid colors, vehicle-related language, and a likable hero make this an easy read aloud and a sure-fire hit for your vehicle-crazed young readers/listeners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stein, Peter

Illustrator: Gall, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545609692

Price: 16.99

A Splendid Friend, Indeed

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2015

Review

Like its full version picture book this board book is a charmer. A Splendid Friend, Indeed speaks to friendship and acceptance regardless of it size and format. As a compact version this is a perfect size for the toddler set who will certainly understand friendship but may have a hard time with accommodating different approaches. Even as Goose interrupts and disturbs Bear he is a loving companion who aims to please.

Although this board book lacks white space the illustrations are easy to delineate against the blue background. As a story that all children should hear, this is recommended for purchase by libraries with board book collections and as a first birthday gift to beloved toddlers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bloom, Suzanne

Illustrator: Bloom, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (Highlights)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629794082

Price: 7.99

Dreamland

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2015

Review

Dreamland has a very interesting story line but there are times that it seems to drift away from the reader. The paranormal plot is interesting; the relationship between three young characters entices readers to continue even when reality and dream become disjointed. Dea's childhood had been spent moving from one community to another because her mother harbors secrets and fears monsters. Several voices tell the story, at times it is difficult to know which character is speaking. Readers will root for Dea, are sure to become romantically attached to Conner and will wonder just how Gollum fits into the story. Some may be made uncomfortable by Dea's ability to walk in the dreams of others and the monsters that lurk there.

Although romance is a central part of the story there are no inappropriate moments. Add this to middle schools where paranormal story lines are appreciated by readers. This reader hopes there will be future novels published by this new author.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Robert L.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062338679

Price: 17.99

The Nutcracker Comes to America

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2015

Review

Illustrations look like water color and ink. The story tells how the traditional Nutcracker was started by three brothers from a small town in Utah. "Well, our story kicks off... in the early 1900s- and it's three brothers doing the kicking..." The story is written almost like a conversation in places. The brothers William, Lew, and Harold had to dance at the family's dance studio. William changed his name to sound Russian, fell in love with ballet, and Vaudeville. He choreographed many of the dances.

I used it coupled with Tchaikovsky with my sixth grade social studies class. We are working on the Common Core Standard of comparing North American and South American cultures. I started by playing a piece used in the Nutcracker. Many knew the tune, no one knew who it was by. Next, I asked them what the knew about the Nutcracker. Not very much including some of my students who are performing in it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Gendron, Cathy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467721516

Price: 19.99

When Sophie's Feelings are Really, Really Hurt

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

In this new story about Sophie, her teacher asks the class to study their favorite tree, then to paint it from memory at school the next day. Sophie paints her favorite beech tree, the one seen in another Sophie book, but decides the gray color is dull so paints the trunk blue instead. Children make fun of that, but the teacher helps her explain that the color expresses how Sophie feels about the tree. Bright colors used for childlike illustrations draw interest. Handwritten font style adds to that feel. The teacher's support of Sophie will be comforting to children. Children are multicultural, wear glasses, and look very much like the children readers will see in their classrooms. A good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bang, Molly

Illustrator: Bang, Molly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545788311

Price: 17.99

The Skunk

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

A skunk appears on a man's door one morning. The man quickly realizes the skunk is following him everywhere, as they travel down city streets, through a graveyard, a taxi ride, the opera, and a carnival. The short sentences express the man's frustration as the skunk continues to follow him. This part of the story is told through black, white and peach illustrations with the skunk standing out by his red nose and the man by his red bow tie. He finally loses the skunk by climbing down into the city sewer. He comes up in a new part of town and starts a new life with a party, shown with brightly colored illustrations. The man begins to think about the skunk and finally leaves the party to find him. When he does, he begins following the skunk. This story has a kind of neurotic feel about it, starting with the look on the man's face on the cover. The skunk, then the man, are quite intent on following each other. No reason is ever given for why they are doing so, perhaps leaving readers unsatisfied. It is cleverly done though.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Mac

Illustrator: McDonnell, Patrick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: RB

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439665

Price: 17.99

Small Elephant's Bathtime

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Small Elephant likes water as long as it is not in the bathtub. His mommy tries toys and bubbles to entice him into the bathtub, but he got madder and madder and finally hid. Mommy's final tactic is to have Daddy take over. Once Small Elephant sees Daddy crammed into the tub, he declares it is "mine" and then refuses to get out. Spare illustrations done in only blue, red, and gray with ample white space make the illustrations pop. Red text stands out as well. The whole thing feels like a two year old's temper tantrum. The reader can almost hear Small Elephant's "NO!" as Mommy tries to coax him into the tub. Children with toddler siblings and parents and grandparents who have lived through two year old tantrums will all identify with this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Feeney, Tatyana

Illustrator: Feeney, Tatyana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497212

Price: 16.99

The Friendly Witch

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

It is Little Witch's birthday. She is sad because she does not have any cards, presents, or visitors. She decides to conjure up a spell to have a party. All kinds of fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to visit and cram the house full of people. Little Witch gets tired of the crowd and the noise, so she uses another spell to end the party. She did not like the quiet either, so conjures up another spell to bring them back. This book is busy with lots and lots going on on most pages. Children will enjoy searching for the many storybook characters as they hear about them in the story. Teachers could do a writing take off on this, creating a spell to overcome something they would like to change.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Rachel

Illustrator: Broadley, Leo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hutton Grove

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781857337266

Price: 19.99

Bear and Bunny

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Bear and Bunny met each other in Bear in Love. Now they are back in a charming story that will make a wonderful read aloud for young children. They wander through the woods collecting pinecones, picking flowers, singing little ditties, and searching for a pet. They do not even notice that they are different animals. As they look around, they wonder if a pinecone and a caterpillar would make good pets. They finally spy a small frog in a tree and decide that this "kitty" would make a good pet. The frog croaks that he loves them, one of their requirements for a pet. While the text has a quiet, gentle feel, the illustrations really captivate the reader/listener. The forest is almost in silhouette on some pages, making the two characters really stand out. Their friendship can truly be felt. Facial expressions are great. Children will love Bear and Bunny!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pinkwater, Daniel

Illustrator: Hillenbrand, Will

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763671532

Price: 15.99

Slug Needs a Hug!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Poor Slug is longing for a hug. When he does not get one from his mother, he goes to various animals asking why. They all tell him he needs to look more like them. He looks more and more bizarre as he adds a hat, cape, feathers, trotters, a goatee, horns, and more until he can hardly move. He finally arrives home to find Mother does not even recognize him. When he sheds all of his disguises, she tells him how sweet he is and how much he has been missed. Since she has no arms, they kissed! The fun and vibrant illustrations that accompany the rhyming, bouncy text will make this a fun story to share. The text also speaks to self concept and self esteem, so will be a good one to share with young children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Jeanne

Illustrator: Ross, Tony

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Andersen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793094

Price: 17.99

Charlie Plays Ball

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

Charlie is a delightful basset hound who enjoys a fun life and is involved in everything around the farm which includes riding, roping, feeding and fixing but name any sport and the kids in the neighborhood are playing it. And Charlie, a happy and positive dog is right in the middle of it all. He loves basketball, volleyball and football but the ball he loves the best is his bowl full of spaghetti and meatballs at the end of the day.

The illustrations in this book are bright, bold and outdoorsy and almost touchable especially Charlie. The illustrator uses watercolor paint over digital art. The print is large, black and block print.

A clear picture of life on the farm is detailed nicely which will be of particular interest to the reader. Charlie's favorite spaghetti and meatball recipe is included at the end of the book. Ree Drummond is also known as The Pioneer Woman who and has many other best selling titles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Ree

Illustrator: deGroat, Diane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780052297526

Price: 17.99

Me, Too

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

Annie and Lillemor are best friends and as all best friends do, they have much in common and are so close they greet each other each day with a big hug. Though Lillemor speaks Swedish and Annie speaks Oinky Boinky somehow they understand each other perfectly as best friends are apt to do.

One day when Annie arrives at school there is no Lillemor and worse, no big hug. Annie comes upon Lillemor jumping rope with a new friend named Lilianne who is from France. What is a bit alarming to Annie is that both of the girls names start with Lil and Lilianne can also speak another language. She also feels left out because both the Lili's like all the same things until Annie realizes that she and Lilianne share the name "Ann" within their names and suddenly the worry is gone AND they decide to "all' be best friends.

The artwork in the book is cute and cartoony and simplistic in its rendering and is done in pencil and colored in Photoshop. The lettering is bold and easy to read.

The triad friendship can be challenging for children and this book can be helpful to children to understand that having more than one friend is ok and can even be fun and not scary at all.

Bien Sur! Naturligtvis! Ooga, booga, meow!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunklee, Annika

Illustrator: Smith, Lori Joy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771381048

Price: 16.95

Too Many Toys!

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

Lulu has too many toys and with each Christmas it is getting more overwhelming because Lulu does not have the time to play with all the toys nor does she have room. Of all her toys her favorite is a fluffy and adorable bear named Jupiter. Lulu decides on her own to have a toy giveaway so she invites her friends and gives all her toys away except for Jupiter.

The illustrations are whimsically sweet and old- fashioned full of texture and detail done in ink and watercolor and rendered digitally. The print is large and easy to read.

Lulu explains to Jupiter that he is all she needs and the more she thinks about it the more she realizes,"there might be a tiny bit of space for just a few more toys next Christmas."

Jupiter's reply,"Uh-oh!"

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Deedman, Heidi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678616

Price: 15.99

Mr. Posthouse's Rounds

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

Mr. Postmouse is very very busy and hustles and bustles around the house to deliver mail. The illustrations are really the making of this book. Though I found them to be a bit rough, they are whimsical, intricate and very enjoyable. The reader gets up close and personal look at each animal's house that Mr. Postmouse delivers to.

There is a bear's house with a beehive atop and a spout attached to a spout that drips into a honey jar, a large package that must be delivered through a rabbit hole and a snake who lives in a very long house with lots of heating elements.

At the end of day, hardworking Mr. Postmouse arrives home to find that his son has planned a surprise birthday for him.

The story is warm and cordial with a pastel and dark color mix. The print, though, is very small and difficult to read.

This book may engage a child to begin delving into drawing more intricately in more detail to investigate the mechanics of an illustration.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dubuc, Marianne

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771385725

Price: 17.95

One Day, the End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-Than-Ever Stories

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

Attention getting bold, cartoon like, large illustrations grab the reader's attention immediately in this children's book. The lettering is very large in type, size and color.

The girl in the story is living an ordinary day and doing regular things but the illustrations and simplicity of several short short stories in this book because of the graphic way they are told is interesting and draws the reader to want to read more.

In one delightful rendering there is a huge purple kitchen with children doing artwork. Mother comes upon the very messy scene.

One day I made something. I gave it to mom The End?

Big hug from mom and all is happy and good.

One day I wanted to be a spy. I was.

The girl in the story is pictured climbing around a house with her cat searching every nook and cranny.

Filled with illustrative texture, an ordinary day blooms into a day full of fun and intrigue.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dotlich, Rebecca Kai

Illustrator: Koehler, Fred

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781620914519

Price: 16.95

I Don't Like Snakes

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 22, 2015

Review

The protagonist in this children's book does not like snakes but they are the only pets her family has and they are all over the place.

They're slivery and scaly. They have icky, flicking tongues and creepy, unblinking eyes. What's to like about a snake?

The snake covered drawings are done in mixed media and in muted tones with detailed drawings of various snakes.

Italicized print transitions to smaller block print to define each type of snake.

Some snakes like the pit viper, hunt when it's too dark for even the best eyes to see. They have heat sensitive pits below their eyes so they can feel their prey's body heat.

A nurturing and humorous informational book that tells the facts in such a way about snakes that by the end of the book, she loves them.

A paragraph about the many species of snacks throughout the world, a bibliography and index at the end of book is helpful.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Lozano, Luciano

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678319

Price: 15.99

The Memory Key

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 23, 2015

Review

The premise of this science fiction young adult title is fascinating and fresh.

A progressive form of Alzheimer's,known at Verget's disease in this dystopian title is controlled with a device implanted in the brain and only important things are kept.

Lora like everyone else has a memory key but one day while trying to save the life of a woman who is about to be hit by a car, her memory key becomes damaged and she begins to remember many strange things about her mother who mysteriously died. As Lora's memories begin to come back that initially had been surpressed, she begins to wonder if her mother is truly dead.

There is always something going on in this book whether it is real or through multiple flashbacks throughout the book. The other characters are interesting and complete. Lora is likeable and you are cheering for her to find out what really happened to her mom.

Recommend for high school and public library collections. Both boys and girls will enjoy this book. A good blend of dystopia and sci-fi.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Liu, Liana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062306647

Price: 17.99

The Nora Notebooks: The Trouble With Ants

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 23, 2015

Review

4th grader Nora Alper's world revolves around ants. Nora is interested in her friend's dogs and cats but really would like them to be more interested in her ant farms. Frankly they are scared and horrified about the ants. Nora hopes to change that.

Throughout the book Nora brings up interesting informational facts about ants which the reader will find fascinating.

"A worker ant is less than one-millionth the size of a human being. But all the ants in the world taken together weigh as much as all the human beings in the world. See what I mean about how amazing ants are?"

Nora is so knowledgeable about ants she decides to enter her research writings in an article for Nature magazine. Her article gets rejected and she is encouraged to send another when she gets older. I have a feeling that Nora will one day be a credit to women and their love of science.

It is interesting to note that everyone in Nora's family loves science and encourages her to explore her interest in that particular arena.

Nora is also asked for a school assignment to write a persuasive speech and of course she chooses a persuasive speech about ants....can she persuade her friends to love them as much as she does?

Great read for a girl interested in science or may encourage them to become so.

This is a first book in a series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mills, Claudia

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385391610

Price: 14.99

The Girl in the Torch

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 23, 2015

Review

The author wrote this book from a personal perspective as his great-grandparents immigrated to the United States form Czarist Russia. His great grandfather brought with him one special item. Fine tailoring skills and an excellent pair of scissors. This true story inspired him to write about a resourceful and very young immigrant girl who loses her mother just after they land in America looking for a new and better life like so many before her.

Sarah is told she cannot stay in the United States without her mother and must return to the country of her birth but jumps ship and hides out in the Statue of Liberty until she manages to escape to Manhattan to live in a rooming house with other colorful characters. Her tenacity and great will to survive and make a better live resonates throughout the book.

This book really brings home the poignancy of the struggle and great hardship immigrants had to endure to find their home in America.

In the back of the book are sources, and a timeline of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the United States Immigration Policy.

A good read written in a manner that will grab the attention of most young readers and give them a great starting point to begin reading more factual accounts of this period of time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sharenow, Robert

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062227959

Price: 16.99

Upside Down Magic

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 26, 2015

Review

It's never easy when your magic goes wonky."

Children's authors, Sarah Mlynowski and Lauren Myracle, Emily Jenkins come together to write this first book with more to follow in this series.

And that is Nora's biggest problem because although she is suppose to be able to magically turn herself into a kitten she ends of becoming the blend of a dinosaur and kitten and that is why she can't get into an elite magic academy where her father is the unyielding headmaster so gets sent off to Dunwiddle Magic School.

She is not alone because, there, she meets Eliot, who instead of being able to shoot fire from his fingertips everything turns to ice and Andres, who is unable to stay earthbound but is always floating in the air or sitting on the ceiling and Bax who just turns into something very strange

Ms. Starr is a pleasantly unexpected teacher at DMS because she embraces the differences in the magic powers the children have and says,"Remember? We say different. Thinking about opposites is a great place to start understanding unusual magic."

But does Nory want to stay different or be, normal?"

Children will love this book whether they are reluctant readers or not. A book that is hard to put down as it is filled with warmth and humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mylnowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545800457

Price: 14.99

Underneath Everything

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 26, 2015

Review

Debut novel, tells the story of four high school girls who are close friends. Mattie and dramatic Jolene are especially close friends and Mattie has the scar to show it in the palm of her hand when they became blood sisters earlier in their high school career.

The reader wonders if the relationship is about bisexuality, obsessiveness, true friendship or just the trials and tribulations of being teenagers.

Mattie and Kris dropped out of the social scene sophomore year but now that they are seniors they decide it is time join in and so they attend a senior party. There they find Jolene and her boyfriend, Hudson. Though Mattie has convinced herself she can ignore the lure of Jolene she is not so sure once she comes upon her at the party. She does know that she wants to reconnect with Hudson.

This novel is full of twists and turns and lots of drama and will fill a very important niche for teens. Not a word wasted as this book is dense with meaning and conflict.

Sex and alcohol is a focal point in this novel and so would recommend for older teens, only.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Marcy, Beller Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062327215

Price: 17.99

Finding Paris

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 26, 2015

Review

Leo and Paris Hollings are sisters who live in Las Vegas with their mother who is constantly on the move with one boyfriend after another. Paris and Leo regularly eat pie at their local favorite diner and are doing just that when, one day, Paris suddenly disappears. Paris has the car, all the money they have including Leo's college money that she has removed from the savings account.

Max, a stranger who Leo and Paris had struck up a conversation just prior to Paris' disappearance, over pie, notices that Leo has been left stranded at the diner. Max offers to help as he has a car, money and does not appear to be a "serial killer," and after reading a cryptic note from Paris they begin the search for her through Las Vegas all the way to California.

Stay calm, Leo.This is the only way. He's making me. You have to find me. Paris.

You need to leave this house, Leo. You need to find me. Now.

And they do.

Once the sister's reunite, Leo is forced to face something that has been happening in their home to both of them. As sisters who love one another they finally are able to face the truth.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Preble, Joy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062321305

Price: 17.99

Salt & Stone

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 26, 2015

Review

In the prequel to the book, Fire and Flood, Tella Holloway must face a dangerous trek through a treacherous jungle and desert in order to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed so that she can obtain The Cure for her brother.

In the sequel Tella is back but this time must face the challenges of crossing an ocean and the bitter chill of a mountain and new and impossible rules in the race.

Each character in the race has a Pandora, spirit animal, who at one point must fight to the death in order for their masters to move on through the race.

Pandora: KD-8 Design Type : Fox, Small Scale Ability A: Replication Assigned Contender: Tella Holloway Code Color: Red

This book is full of tragedies, challenges and romance…fast paced and detailed.

Tella is a strong, smart and dependable character who is determined to continue to fight for The Cure as this saga continues in the next book in this series.

Young Adults who have read and enjoyed "The Hunger Games" and like titles will enjoy the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but is more complete with the read of the first.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545537483

Price: 17.99

The Disappearing Magician

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

"The Disappearing Magician" is the fourth book in "The Magic Shop" series. Written by Maine author Kate Egan and Magician Mike Lane, the book is a fun tale about a fourth grade school magician performing at his school's talent show and facing a bully. The book is fun and interesting, and actually includes instructions for the magic tricks performed in the book. Budding magicians will enjoy this early reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Egan, Kate

Illustrator: Wight, Eric

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250029171

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Heart of Betrayal

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

"The Heart of Betrayal" is the second book in Mary E. Pearson's "Remnant Chronicles." A YA book that focuses on a female heroine, Lia, who has been kidnapped by her enemies and is learning to use her secret powers, all while trying to stay alive and figuring out how she feels towards her betrothed (who has been kidnapped alongside her). I found this book better than the first in the series, but you definitely have to read the previous one to understand what is happening. This book reminded me a lot of Tamora Pierce's "Woman who rides like a man" with Lia winning over the people who have captured her and learning that she may be part of a prophecy. Worth buying for YA fantasy/romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearson, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805099249

Price: 18.99

Show and Prove

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

It's 1983 Bronx, New York in this urban lit novel, during the height of hip hop and tells the story of hispanic teens Smiles and Nike,

Smiles is a camp counselor who hopes to get the job of senior counselor at summer camp but loses the opportunity to Cookie Camacho. Smiles believes that that is because she is Puerto Rico and so begins a summer filled with rivalry between them.

b boy Nike falls for Sara a cute and sassy camp counselor and also has his eye on the big break dancing competition at the Roxy.

As the novel progresses Nike and Smiles though close begin to grow apart.

It's a tough neighborhood where Smiles and Nike live….gangs, drugs, HIV and violence but it is also a place where they are growing up and experience opportunities to learn and think about where their futures will lead them and along the way meet people who will influence that.

"If I had a dad who took a day off to take me to a game, you bet I'd go and I don't give a damn about baseball anymore." Poignant often.

I found this book to be true to the historical time it is set in and refreshing in its truth when using the slang of the hip hop era and the characters. It took careful study at times with this combination to grasp what was going on so there was a fair amount of rereading portions of the book.

The cover is eye-catching and will grab the eye of a teen. Teens who are interested in hip hop should be steered to this book as it is rich with that dance/music genre.

"I warm up with with a basic top into a corkscrew. I add a few quick shuffles, follow with some Zulu spins and then stand again."

Walter Dean Myers, a well-known author of urban lit is another writer teens should be referred to. Quintero is the author of another YA novel Efrain's Secret and has written several hip hop novels under the name Black Artemis.

Recommend for public and high school libraries

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Quintero, Sofia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780375847073

Price: 17.99

True Son

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

Third volume in a fantasy trilogy tells the story of Taemon and Gevri as they each fight for their nation.

Taemon, is the only Nathanite alone who possesses the telekinetic power called psi and uses his power to convince his rivals, the Republikite Army to believe that all residents of Deliverance possess tk. This is so far what has become their best defense and protection from their enemy.

General Sarin has put his son, Gevri, in charge of a special archon unit, an awesome force that will rival well Taemon's kinetic power and is determined to avenge his people and end the long standing war between the two lands.

Each chapter is told in the voice of either Taemon or Gevri, who were once friends.

Though fantasy devotee's will have an easy job picking up the third book in this trilogy, others will find it hard to read as a stand-alone. This is a book rich with suspense and dedication to homeland. Good and complete character development.

Recommend for purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krumwiede, Lana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672621

Price: 15.99

This ORQ. (he say "ugh!")

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

Second installment to the first Orq title. Orq is a cave boy and his best friend, a woolly mammoth, named Womma. Orq and Womma spend their days having as much fun as any little cave boy and woolly mammoth could have, though cave life is very tough.

Until one day Orq and Womma run into Dorq, a large and mean cave boy and his friend, Caba, an equally mean prehistoric animal and they do not play nice.

Orq catch lunch. Dorq eat lunch. Woma find egg. Caba take egg. Orq and Woma build fort. Dorq and Caba like fort.

Ugh!

In his anger and despair, Orq hits two rocks together and makes fire and scare Dorq and Caba off….suddenly Orq is everyone's hero and that night:

Warm cave. Night light. Bison burgers! YUM!

A charming and humorous book chock full of big endearing personalities. As mean as Dorq and Caba, children will easily see that they are just buffoons. The drawings are earthy and the lettering is large and expressive.

Fun challenge at the beginning of this book filled with turtles is to count how many there are and the answer is at the end of the book.

A children's book about a cave boy is rare. Recommend purchase.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Elliot, David

Illustrator: Nichols, Lori

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyd's Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781620917893

Price: 16.95

A Bear's Year

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2015

Review

Cream.

Sweet and charmingly, warm illustrations tell the lyrical story of Mama Bear nurturing her children from birth through the seasons. As the baby bears grow and learns about each season so does a child as his/her loving parents read to him/her. Earthy and crayon with clear, readable print will be a "reach for" story book on a regular basis.

A cozy dreamer in her lair cuddles newborn babies near

and as they travel through their daily bear lives

Summer Bear treats her cubs to juicy berries, tasty grubs.

Til finally

First snow falls. Bears stay warm, nestled close in Earth's safe arms.

A must purchase for a library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Duval, Kathy

Illustrator: Turley, Gerry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385369993

Price: 17.99

Everything that Makes You

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

A well written first novel for young adults that follows the same teenage girl in two stories. What if...the accident that scared the face of Fiona Doyle as a child had never happened? In the other, Fi is a top lacrosse player in the state who has a severe injury during her senior year who meets a boy with a terminal illness. In alternating chapters there are two parallel stories, the same characters, schools, but different perspectives, interests and choices. A coming of age story with family dynamics, friendships, tragedy, romance, loss and choices. The alternative plots are well woven together, each realistic, with enough teen angst and growth of the character to be satisfying. This makes the reader think about the "what if" in life, who are we, is it a matter of choice or fate that makes each of us who we are.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McStay, Moriah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062295484

Price: 17.99

My Heart and Other Black Holes

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is a first novel for the author about a sixteen-year-old Aysel, who is suffering from depression and obsessed with ending her life to escape the pain of the "black slug" inside her. She is an outcast, child of divorced parents, her father, a Turkish immigrant, who murdered the town's star athlete and Olympic hopeful three years ago and a mother and step-family who barely tolerates her. Afraid she will not be able to go through with the suicide, she discovers a website for suicide partners, meets and makes a pact with Roman, a teenage boy who blames himself for his sisters death. Together they plan their deaths, but get to know each other, she has feelings for him and begins to question her decision. Ultimately Aysel must decide if she wants to live or die, and then will she betray Roman and reach out for help or let him decide for himself. The feelings of depression are well articulated and Aysel is well presented. The other characters are not as well developed, but the message comes through clearly and the message of hope and needing to get help are well done. A list of resources are included. A good book for discussion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Warga, Jasmine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062324672

Price: 17.99

Insect Pollinators

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is one of a five set of non-fiction books on the topic of pollination. This is listed as having 24 pages, which includes the verso, Table of contents, Glossary, Index, and 19 pages of a stock photograph accompanied with a very brief sentence or two. There is little or no labels identifying images in the photographs. For example, page 4 has a bee on a flower, the text "This bee is busy, It is gathering food." Is all the information given. What kind of bee? What kind of flower? What kind of food? The reader is left with more questions than answers. The photographs are colorful, but not enough information even for a very young child. The glossary does have useful information. Not recommended.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467757386

Price: 23.99 (17.99 library)

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book that is age appropriate for the intended audience. It is well written with good information that is well articulated with examples where needed, such as what is a mascot. It is set in a classroom with a teacher explaining why a bald eagle is an American mascot. A live eagle visits the classroom as part of the lesson. Nice illustrations that go well with the text and add to the information. Additional information is included where needed on purple flag shaped sidebars. There are three chapters, a Table of Contents, an activity, Glossary, To Learn More section and an Index. Good information on the topic in 24 pages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rustad, Martha E. H.

Illustrator: Conger, Holli

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467721387

Price: 23.93

Fly!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

A little fly is trying to navigate about and imitates lots of other insects to try to find what he can do best. He can't wiggle like a worm, swing like a spider, or dig like an ant. Will he ever figure out what he is meant to do? The illustrations are oversized, colorful and amusing. The text will have little ones moving all around trying to swing, flutter, and flit about. This is a good addition to a picture book collection. At the end of the books are bug facts which might be too young for the littlest picture book listeners to understand but children a bit older will find these fascinating. Who knew that caterpillars can eat for two days straight?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Edwards, Karl Newsom

Illustrator: Edwards, Karl Newsom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385392839

Price: 15.99

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Rachel Rosenstein just doesn't understand why her family can't celebrate Christmas, even though they are Jewish. After all, Jesus was Jewish on his mother's side, right? She just adores all the lights, decorations, tinsel, and especially all the presents her friends receive from Santa. She decides that she will write a letter to Santa Claus and truly believes that Santa will bring her gifts Christmas morning. She even visits Santa at the mall and asks him to visit her house and the expression on Santa's face at this request is amusing. She suddenly finds herself having a quick picture taken and being removed from Santa's lap by a helpful elf. She hangs stockings and leaves a latka and chocolate chip cookie as a snack and goes to sleep believing Santa will come. The conclusion to this story is wonderful for children who do not celebrate Christmas and will, perhaps, help those children to better understand their family beliefs and celebrations. The illustrations are busy and colorful and complement the text very well. This would make an especially good Hanuukkah gift.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Amanda, Peet

Illustrator: Davenier, Christine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510614

Price: 17.99

Mummy Cat

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

This story about a mummy cat who comes alive in his pyramid once every one hundred years to roam around the tomb searching for his dead queen is entirely too sad and depressing for the targeted audience. The illustrations are fine, but the overall premise is not appealing to this reviewer in the least. The only young readers to whom this might be of interest are those enamored of mummification, hieroglyphics, or budding Egyptologists. Give this one a lot of thought before considering adding it to your collection.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Ewert, Marcus

Illustrator: Brown, Lisa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544340824

Price: 16.99

The Snow Beast

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

This is a confusing story about a Beast and a Snow Beast. Beast loves snow and when the first snowfall occurs each year, he and the mountain villages have a festival. Apparently they need tools to build things for this festival but this year the tools have all been stolen by the Snow Beast. Beast goes after Snow Beast to try to retrieve the tools. The story is not an easy one to follow, partly because of Beast and Snow Beast both being beasts! The illustrations are OK and the ending is a tad humorous but, all in all, this is not a book I recommend.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Judge, Chris

Illustrator: Judge, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Andersen Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793131

Price: 17.99

The Little Snowplow

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

When The Little Snowplow joins the Mighty Mountain Road Crew, all of the other much bigger trucks tells him to "leave all the heavy lifting to us." LS spends summer and fall months clearing parade routes, moving piles of leaves around and clearing streams. He is determined to prove that he can handle a big blizzard, so he exercises every day and night, pushing loads of gravel, pulling blocks of concrete and raising and lowering his plow building up his snowplow muscles and anticipating the first snowfall. When the first big blizzard comes and he is the only snowplow on the crew, as the old snowplow retired last year and is rumored to have moved beachside to Florida, LS is raring to go. Will he prove his worth? The illustrations of the different trucks are marvelous with expressive headlight eyes and smiling or sneering grills. Any child enamored of all things truck will adore this addition. Consider it for your picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Koehler, Lora

Illustrator: Parker, Jake

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763670740

Price: 15.99

Scaredy-Cat, Splat!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Splat the Cat wants to get the prize for the scariest cat costume at cat school on Halloween, so his Mom helps him to make a pretty scary costume. He goes off to school with his jack-o-lantern and his mouse, Seymour. He meets Spike and Plank on the way and they look pretty scary, too. They don't think Splat looks the least bit frightening. At school, chaos reigns supreme and Splat ends up scaring himself AND his classmates half to death. All ends well. The illustrations are spot on complement the text and are expressive and amusing. Splat the Cat lovers will be pleased with this new addition to the collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scotton, Rob

Illustrator: Scotton, Rob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062368973

Price: 9.99

Close Your Eyes

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

An adorable little tiger does not want to fall asleep, is scared that he will not be able to see the things he wants to see, the sky, the trees, a blue bird. His mother assures him that he will be able to see all of those things and more while he is dreaming, that he will be able to fly in the air, float on the clouds and visit the desert and the ocean. On alternating page layouts, the little tiger is shown in dreamland, then in his waking world where his Mom assures him that she will be right there when he returns from dreaming. This is an ideal book for little ones who dread bedtime and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, colorful and inventive. The text, however, is a big small for this format and will need to be read aloud. It will not be one that little ones can sound out for themselves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Kate

Illustrator: Hallensleben, Georg

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374301019

Price: 7.99

A Surprise for Tiny Mouse

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Tiny Mouse loves doing lots of things in lots of different weather, among them nibbling wheat in the sunshine, the feel of crunchy frost on his feet on a cold night, and the feel of snowflakes on his nose, but he does not like rain. As he travels through the pages, the beautiful collage illustrations show him and his antics. There are die cuts on some pages so that the reader and listener get a peek into what will happen next. The littlest fingers can turn a wheel at the end, revealing a beautiful rainbow. This is a nice addition to boardbook collections, especially great for a rainy day, perhaps.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: Horacek, Petr

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679675

Price: 8.99

Bizzy Bear Dinosaur Safari

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

This is a rhyming story about Bizzy Bear off on safari looking for dinosaurs. In a sturdy boardbook format and with sliders and tabs for small fingers to work at, this is an excellent choice for little ones. They will improve dexterity while uncovering surprises on each page layout. They will have a blast finding all the dinosaurs depicted throughout. I recommend this book for boardbook collections everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681708

Price: 6.99

Owl Boy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Al has just loved and adored owls since he was two and had a dream about them. His entire room is filled with owl posters, owl books, owl stuffies and everything owls. He doesn't care about anything but owls. He dodesn't care for sports (Owls are solitary birds), he doesn't like meat loaf (Owls eat mice) and he really hates school. When his Dad enrolls Al in summer camp, he is livid. He hates every minute of it, but one night he gets separated from his fellow hikers and decides to look for owls. When an owl befriends him, he feels like his dream has come true. He does everything that owls do, including eating mice?? Yuck! Will Al ever get back to camp? Will he still be enamored with all things owl? This selection is extremely amusing and makes for a wonderful read-aloud choice. The illustrations are great, complementing the text beautifully. I recommend it highly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schatell, Brian

Illustrator: Schatell, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823432080

Price: 16.95

Little Bird's Bad Word

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Little Bird and his Dad spend lots of time flying around together. When Dad loses a wriggly worm that he is transporting back to their nest for lunch, a blasphemous word flies out of his mouth. Little Bird, who loves learning new words, starts using this word around his friends who are appalled by his language. Their feelings are hurt. How will this all be rectified? Will Little Bird learn a lesson about certain words that are not appropriate for him to use? The illustrations are heartwarming, expressive, and amusing. This is a good choice for parents who are trying to teach their little ones about words that they should avoid and, perhaps more importantly, the word to use when one wishes to make amends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grant, Jacob

Illustrator: Grant, Jacob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250051493

Price: 16.99

Bedtime at Bessie and Lil's

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

It is time for Bessie and Lil to go to bed and Mama Rabbit is reading them a story. It's Mama's favorite story and is soothing, calming and meant to lull the little bunnies to sleep. Bessie and Lil, however, are more interested in skipping, standing on their heads, looking outside for fireflies and the moon and kissing their little baby sister good night. Mama is exhausted and afraid that the noise will wake the baby up and that would not be good. How will she ever get the bunnies in bed and ready to go to sleep? The illustrations are amusing and colorful and carrots abound; there are carrot cars, carrot rocket ships, and carrot hats just to name a few. This is a good addition and makes a great bedtime read-aloud choice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sternberg, Julie

Illustrator: Gudeon, Adam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/Highlights

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789346

Price: 16.95

Carl's Halloween

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Carl, the handsome rottweiler, and his mistress, Madeleine, think that they are not going to be able to go out trick-or-treating as Mom has to go out on an errand. Little does she know that, once she departs, Carl and Madeleine dress up in minimal costumes, leaving a bowl of candy outside on a chair for treat-or-treaters that may come while they are away. Through several wordless pictures and a few with text, young children can ascertain what fun transpires on this secret outing and will witness a wonderful act of generosity on the part of Carl and Madeleine that helps to save one woman's Halloween. The illustrations are fabulous, as this series' always are, and Carl, especially, appears as if one could reach right out and pet him. A good choice for dog lovers and those who celebrate Halloween.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Day, Alexandra

Illustrator: Day, Alexandra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374310820

Price: 14.99

The Rosemary Spell

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

The trouble starts when thirteen-year-old Rosemary moves into the big empty room in the two hundred-year-old house that use to belong to Constance Brooks, a local poet. Rosemary and her friend Adam learn how powerful words can be when an old book and a poem make Adam's sister Shelby disappear, wiping her out of everyone's memories. It takes Rosemary and Adam on a quest, which at times builds new relationships and at other times puts them in life-risking situations. The author's passion for literature comes through this story that is heavy on Shakespeare but light on suspense building. Readers will learn how to work through the meaning of a sonnet and will be inspired to read some of the titles Zimmerman provides as an annotated list of 10 books in the back. Hand this story to bookish readers who secretly want the fantasies with spells and the magic of words to be true.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zimmerman, Virginia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544445376

Price: 16.99

Illusionarium

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Dixon has created a steampunk world, set in 1882 London, where the antidote to a new plague that promises to wipe out much of the female population can be procured by entering a parallel world revealed through the usage of a new chemical that facilitates group hallucinations and leaves the user with horrific body/mind changing side-effects. College-bound Jonathan, apprentice to his scientist father, discovers that he has an untapped power while under the influence of this chemical and commits himself to bringing back the antidote to save his mother and sister. The parallel world provides life-risking challenges that include a battle similar to "Hunger Games", which Jonathan navigates with the help of an unlikely partner. Dixon uses footnoted comments at the bottom of some pages to extend the sarcastic humor in Jonathan's reaction to situations. These tend to disappear in frequency as the action builds and they are not an essential device for the successful of the book. Ariel cities, a nod to Victorian romance and science equations all make an appearance in this action packed fantasy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dixon, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062001054

Price: 17.99

The Inquisitor's Mark

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

This second book in the modern day middle grade fantasy series begins right where the first book ends. The legends of King Arthur and the magic of Merlin meld with the Twenty-First Century through the Eighth Day phenomenon, the day between Wednesday and Thursday. Jax, Riley and Evangeline are in hiding when Jax is contacted by family members that he did not know existed. The family has kidnapped his loyal but "normal friend" Billy Ramirez in an attempt to bring Evangeline together with her sister to break the Eighth Day Spell and exert power over the Transitioners and Kin. The world building and magically infused action continues to expound with intriguing details which include Brownies, time tunnels, and a dragon like wyvern. Readers will want to read the first book in the series to understand the complex intertwining of characters and the importance of their status with each other. Interplay between Dorian, Jax's morally ambiguous cousin, and Jax's uncle provide rich detail about the mafia-type family structure and their secret plans. The book's layout of the alternating chapter view point of the action through Jax and Dorian eyes at times creates some confusion of detail at times. Fans of the series will gloss over this slight flaw as they expectantly wait for the third book. Suggested reading for those who enjoy Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Percy Jackson.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Salerni, Dianne K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062272188

Price: 16.99

No Parking at the End Times

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

What are teenagers to do when their parents make bad mistakes? Narrator Abigail reveals that her family has sold all their belongings and drove from NC to CA in order to witness the end of the world. An unseemly religious character, Brother John takes money and offers little to his followers. Abi and her twin brother Aaron find themselves homeless and angry. Their wish for home and normalcy is palpable.

Bliss has told a horrifying family saga that is sure to leave an impression on any reader. His characters are depressing, the living arrangements are brutal and the slow erosion of family support is painful. As powerful as this storyline is it is hard to forgive the father for his blinding belief and faith. Extreme religious issues are front and center, each character has to find a way to stay strong while navigating the life of a homeless family. Consider this book for a parent/child reading group and place on public library shelves. This is a story not often told, it needs to see the light of day.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bliss, Bryan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062275417

Price: 17.99

Beneath

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Our hero Pat has an older brother who is a runaway. Coop is different than most teens; he is not interested in technology, has few friends and loves to tunnel under earth. The stage is set for an underground adventure as Pat goes to NYC in search of Coop where the tunnels are centuries old.

Practical issues are frivolous here; Smith has created an entirely alternate world below ground. While the first part of the book introduces parents and life at home they are not the meat of the book, what matters is when the action starts once Pat lowers himself below the city. The use of multiple fonts helps the reader follow the action to distinguish current discussion, recorded messages, and signage. Pre-teens and teens that enjoy adventure stories will be pleased with this new title by an author who understands his readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Roland

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press ( Scholastic)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545564861

Price: 16.99

Ruby Redfort: Catch your Death

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

This is the 3rd in the Ruby Redfort series. Although, this is the first one I read, I thoroughly enjoyed Ruby, the 13 year old undercover agent, and the cast of characters. Ruby is having trouble with her wilderness survival training run by the secret agency, Spectrum. The story involves strange animals appearing around town, scents, and secret codes. At the end of the book the author provides factual information about an extraordinary perfume, rare animals, and our sense of smell. The black and white illustrations enhance the book, especially the chemical codes. The quickly moving plot and survival theme will appeal to young readers. Readers will also be intrigued with the factual aspects of the book. I heartily recommend this well written novel full of mystery, adventure, and humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Child, Lauren

Illustrator: mackintosh, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763654696

Price: 16.99

The Peddler's Road

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Did you ever wonder what happened to the children of Hamelin who followed the Pied Piper and disappeared? Contemporary characters and settings are blended seamlessly with this well known fairy tale. This well written engaging novel is the first of the trilogy,The secrets of the Pied Piper. The contemporary characters, the "lost" Hamelin children, as well as other familiar fairy tale folk are well developed. The plot is filled with adventure and moves quickly. Middle grade readers looking for imaginative possibilities of what became of the children of Hamelin will thoroughly enjoy this fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cody, Matthew

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755221

Price: 17.99

Courage & Defiance: Stories of Spys, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This is a well written account of the heroic acts by men and women involved with the Danish resistance. The compelling stories of the actions during the German occupation are brought to life in this informative narrative. The occupation of Denmark happened so quickly. Some Danes reacted swiftly working alone while others organized groups of varying sizes. The acts of sabotage and spying were daring and dangerous. Those that were caught were executed or sent to work camps. Ordinary citizens helped over 7.200 Jews escape before the Nazis were able to round them up as planned, though not all managed to escape ending up in concentration camps. The layout of the book is attractive and engaging. The numerous black and white photographs with captions portray the people and time period. Included in this well researched book is a prologue, epilogue, Danish alphabet pronunciations, the people in the book, chronology, map, extensive bibliography (print and online), source notes, numerous photo credits, and comprehensive index. I highly recommend this valuable resource of information.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545592208

Price: 17.99

A Little in Love

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2016

Review

Eponine is a young girl growing up in desperate times in a small French town in 1832. Worst of all, though, are her parents who are poverty-stricken, pickpockets and thieves of the highest caliber. They only cherish their children if they can return home with various and sundry valuables that can be sold to buy clothes and food for the family. Father shows the children absolutely no affection and Mother doesn't either unless they prove themselves to be worthy of a tiny hug or stroke by perfecting their pilfering skills. When a single mother with no way to care for her young daughter leaves the girl, named Cosette, with the family to be taken care of and sends money each month for her needs, Eponine's parents treat the girl as a slave, abusing and neglecting her, and use those monies to take care of the family's needs. When Mother has a baby boy, she leaves him on the floor to die and Eponine and Cosette come to his rescue. Eventually the family has to flee to Paris as Father has killed a man and Eponine finds herself on the streets. Deep down, she is ashamed of her family and herself. This book kept this reviewer riveted, sad though it is, as there are twists and turns and Eponine's kindness and true nature struggling to come to the fore is heartwarming to witness. I highly recommend this title.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fletcher, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545829601

Price: 17.99

Don't Ever Change

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2016

Review

Eva is a recent high school grad and hopeful writer trying to follow her teacher's advice of writing what she knows. In order to do that, she needs to have some new experiences. She spends the summer as a camp counselor, messing up her job and her life right and left. Eva is a thoroughly unlikable character as written. She’s selfish and dense and refuses to change even though she knows she's pushing people away. She goes through no change and yet, somehow gets a happy ending anyway. The author writes in a very simplistic way, which makes it feel more like a screenplay (which she also writes) than a novel. Not recommended.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bloom, M. Beth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062036889

Price: 17.99

Icebreaker

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2016

Review

A ship that has been sailing in frozen waters for 300 years is the unique setting for this first book in the Hidden trilogy. Perhaps the strongest character aboard is twelve year old Petrel who is a total misfit among the three warring factions of the crew. Although her personal life skills and sense of self-preservation are great she is lonely till she spots a boy on an iceberg and befriends him once he is recused and brought aboard.

Here the true adventure begins; this fantasy book becomes alive as crew members fight over the new stranger. Tanner brings sensitive moments to a boy who is all but emotionless. The writer shows concern for his characters even as he places them in danger. Readers may be confused by the boy’s background and the sleeping captain but how this ship has sailed for 300 years is the big question in the end. YA readers will be clamoring for the next two books in the Hidden Trilogy. This needs to be placed in middle school media centers and on the shelves of public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tanner, Lian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250052162

Price: 16.99

Chooky-Doddle-Doo

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2016

Review

One chic finds a worm but he/she cannot retrieve it from the garden. It becomes apparent that this is a counting book for the preschool set as five more chicks and the hen come to help pull. The illustrations are adorable with bewitching eyes. Each animal is painted in a slightly different shade while the background has lots of white space and shades of green grass. Art teachers may be interested in showing how white space compliments the characters. Some children may be able to predict the ending but it will still tickle their funny bone. I only wish that the sixth chic was noted by number rather than tossed in among lots.

This colorful and fun picture book is a good start for a new author and an equally new illustrator. The binding however is extremelyCB poor, this book will not stand up to library usage.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Whiten, Jan

Illustrator: Hanley, Sinead

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780763673277

Price: 12.99

Triple Trouble

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Judy knows a sick pet when she sees one. Nothing can stand in the way of her curing her sick Venus Flytrap plant, not even a misbehaving toad or a mind-reading cat. Judy's efforts are helped by her friend Stink and her father. The three chapters are almost a story of their own, and combine to make a book that will likely tempt new young chapter book readers. While the whole thing seems far fetched to an adult, it may just interest those young readers. Ample colorful illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674434

Price: 12.99

Firebears Rescue Team

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2016

Review

The very cute Firebears are off to the rescue! The reader sees them in the firehouse resting and relaxing then off to the fire. Children will love the little bears and lovers of trucks and firemen will like looking through the book and hearing the rhyming story read. The old fashioned fire truck gives a feeling of the past. A cute book for a little book lover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gowler Green, Rhonda

Illustrator: Andreasen, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627792400

Price: 8.99

Wish

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2016

Review

Wish is a delightful story about the love a parent feels for a child. An adult wolf spends the day telling his/her pup how their relationship will grow fuller. The illustrations perfectly match the text which is written in rhyme, Dodd has created another winner. Each page is rendered in two or three soft shades that suggest calmness and peace. The Emma Dodd's Love You Books are charming, sensitive, and attractive; this is the best one yet. Preschool age children will find comfort in the story as they snuggle close to their parents. Some early readers may be challenged by the vocabulary but the font is a nice size. Add this where the series is collected, put in K classrooms and gift to your favorite preschooler.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680091

Price: 12.99

Happy

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2016

Review

Using a dark palette Dodd exposes the night life of a charming owl and his/her owlet. The evening starts with a happy owlet singing and ends with the rising sun reflecting on that little one snuggling in for sleep. Each two page spread bears witness to the happiness felt by parent and child. This title is reassuring that a child's emotions are reflected in and appreciated by the parent. One of the special things about Emma Dodd's Love You Books is that the genders of her animals are not specific making them a perfect bedtime read for Mom or Dad.

This title repeats the same phrase on each page making it somewhat redundant. Add where the series is collected in libraries or classrooms.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680084

Price: 12.99

The Truth About My Success

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

A sixteen year-old TV star has been acting out and is at risk of having her show canceled. Her mother is her controlling manager, her father is mostly absent, her slick agent fixes everything, then spots a waitress who could be her double and plots to have the actress, Paloma Rose, sent to a ranch for brats. The waitress, Oona Ginness, reluctantly agrees to the switch in exchange for money to help her family and to pay for her dreams of being a vet. The story is told by a narrator in third person, is light and fun. Oona learns that being a star is lonely and stressful, being constantly told what to do, on and off the set. Meanwhile Paloma learns at the ranch is not a 5 star resort, tantrums don't work, learns to cook, clean, take care of animals, camp, ride a horse, sleep under the stars, attend therapy sessions and make friends. Meanwhile Oona becomes well-liked and restores popularity to the actress she is impersonating. Paloma escapes from the ranch, meets Oona, and together they out smart the over controlling adults who are using them to make a lot of money, and plot to switch back to there own lives. This is like a fairy tale for teens, fun, and a happy ending, for most. Enjoyable.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sheldon, Dyan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672720

Price: 16.99

Grizzly Bears: Huge Hibernating Mammals

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

A nonfiction picture book is part of a series about comparing animal traits and has a very narrow focus but does what it set out to do. The grizzly bear is highlighted, traits are compared to wolverines, three-banded armadillos, wild boars, black-footed ferrets, striped skunks, American bison, jaguars and titi monkeys. Illustrated with stock photos and charts for each animal to compare each to the grizzly bear, and maps. All are appropriately labeled. Children will learn all about the grizzly bear, formatted in four chapters, includes table of contents, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, index and complementary educational resources from the publisher's website.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca E.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467755788

Price: 26.65

Frogs: All About Their Life Cycle, Five Senses, Habitat, And More!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

An appealing and informative book all about frogs. The text is well written, age appropriate, and interesting and goes well with the colorful photographs that are well placed and further the text. The life cycle of the frog is explained, behaviors, habitats, sounds, senses, unique adaptations, hibernation and foods are all covered. Different groups of amphibians are introduced. Common frogs of temperate regions are identified accompanied by photographs including Leopard frogs, Bullfrogs, Wood frogs, Darwin frogs, Poison dart frogs and Amazon horned frogs. Some toads include American toads, Midwife toad and Fire-bellied toads. Ecological changes that threaten frog populations are introduced as well as the roles frog play in the balance of nature. Includes author's note, glossary, index and read more about it. Very readable, useful for reports or just to enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062289124

Price: 17.99

The Boston Tea Party: Would You Join the Revolution?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

Part of a series that focuses on the turning points in American history for grades 3-4. Explains the background of how things were in the early 1700's, followed by the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Presented in short chapters of 3-4 pages, with large font, bordered with blue and green, includes maps, illustrations, woodcuts, photographs, maps, historic cartoons and notices that go well with and expand the text. The last page of each chapter is a What Would You Do? section with questions placing the student in the situation described in the chapter and asking for opinions and discussion of the situation. This is age appropriate with clear information and facts that are well presented for the intended audience. Included are Contents page, Timeline, Words to Know, Learn More and index.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landau, Elaine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Enslow Elementary

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766042230

Price: 25.27/library discount $18.95

I Play

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

David McPhail had created a perfect board book using characters from his "My Mother Goose" book of nursery rhymes. "I Play" follows bear as he participates in several physical activities while playing outdoors. He demonstrates the difference between hopping and jumping shows off his yoga skills and best of all he finishes by reading. The illustrations are simple surrounded by lots of white space and sparse grass. The text is limited to one action verb per page.

While infants may well want to chew the edges they will enjoy the simple format and illustrations. As a concept book this will teach action verbs to toddlers who will want to imitate each action. Add to all public libraries and gift to families with new babies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McPhail, David

Illustrator: McPhail, David

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721470

Price: 5.99

George

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

To his friends, family and the world George is a boy, but to 10 year old George, she is a girl. George is afraid to tell everyone that he is a she even her best friend, Kelly.

The school is putting on the play "Charlotte's Web" and George and Kelly both rehearse the lines for Charlotte. When it is George's turn to audition, she goes right into Charlotte's lines and her teacher reacted by asking George if this was a joke. Devastated, George drops out of the play and works backstage. Meanwhile her mother has discovered her girl magazines hidden in her closet -- George tries to explain, but her mother brushes it off.

All through out the story, George refers to himself as a she and that does not fluctuate. The story is well written and a pleasure to read. Even though the main character is only 10, she knows who she is and wants to change. A must for middle school and even high school libraries. You feel for George from the moment you start reading and you'll love the end!

This book is meant for anyone who loves a good story, transgender issues and a happy ending!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gino, Alex

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545812542

Price: 16.99

Becoming Maria: A Memoir

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

For anyone who grew up with "Sesame Street", you'll enjoy this memoir of the character Maria. As with any memoir, it is interesting to read about the person's life. Sonia Manzano was a groundbreaking Latino actor, educator and TV personality and writes this memoir with candor about her life growing up in the South Bronx. Her struggles with being Puerto Rican in a white culture, according to her memoir, made her what she is.

This book would be good for grades 10 and up along with adults who remember "Sesame Street" and Sonia's beloved character -- Maria. This memoir is similar to Julia Alvarez's "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" with the struggles and clashes of two cultures trying to blend. This memoir would be a good addition to a libraries multicultural section.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Manzano, Sonia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545621847

Price: 17.99

The Way Back from Broken

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

15 year-old Ramken's baby sister, Dora, died in his arms. He blames himself for not noticing that she was in distress. Because of their loss, Ramken and his mother attend what Ramken calls "the dead baby club", a support group for parents and siblings. In comes 10 year-old Jacey Tatlas, whose brother Jordan was stillborn and her mother is Ramken's biology teacher -- talk about awkward. Jacey is immediately drawn to Ramken, but Ramken is unwilling and uncomfortable being the big brother and idol that Jacey wants him to be -- it way too soon for that responsibility after what he has been through.

Ramken's parents are having a hard time dealing with their loss and the frustration of their son. So when Mrs. Tatlas proposes a trip to her uncle's cabin in the Canadian wilderness, Ramken's parents agree that this would be the best way for him to spend his summer -- Jacey couldn't agree more! The story evolves from here into a realization of the loss from both Ramken and the Tatlases and how to continue to move on with life!

Very poignant, heartwarming and a wonderful tale of recovery. A must on library shelves for middle and high school libraries. You grow and sympathize with the well developed characters. Losing a child is every parents worst nightmare, but what about the siblings of that child - how do they deal with the loss? "The Way Back From Broken" with its honesty and sincerity will stay with those who have read it and those who have read it will forward it on.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Keyser, Amber J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: carolrhoda LAB

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467775908

Price: 18.99

Blazing Courage

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

#1 in the Animal Rescue Series, "Blazing Courage" is a wonderful story about a young girl's courage to save not only her horse, but many other horses as well in a blaze that destroys the stables that she loves. This story is purely fiction, but is inspired by the true story of a 15 year-old girl who also proved to be heroic in saving the lives of many horses in a stable fire in April of 2012.

This is well written with good character development. It is face-paced and would be welcomed change for reluctant readers especially those with a love for horses and who enjoys a good adventure. Recommended for grades 4-9, but would be enjoyed by anyone who read it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Milner Halls, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467772198

Price: 18.99

Raising Heaven

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Deja's mom is always in trouble with the law. Flash back 17 years ago when Deja was born in jail, now Deja has offered to raise her baby sister after the baby is born until her mother gets out of jail -- again! Deja wants a life better for her sister than the one that she had -- she knows it won't be easy and hopes that this time when Mom gets out of jail, it will be different.

"Raising Heaven" is part of the Locked Out series which explores the realities of parents that are locked up behind bars. These stories in the series may be fictional, but to many teens they are a reality. Recommended reading levels are 7-12th grade. High interest reading for reluctant readers, but maybe sympathized by all who read them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467758024

Price: 20.99

A Cut Too Far

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Huge jaw, crooked teeth and large hands have been ammo for bullies for as long as Chace can remember -- but nothing beats the bullying that he gets when his mother starts dating an Iranian man and it turns into racism. Chace has had enough and decides it is time to turn the tables, but instead of face-to-face he goes to the Internet which leads to a suspension from school.

A fast-paced story that deals with bullying, racism, cyberbullying and the consequences. This book is part of the Suspended series that deals with the troubles and actions that end up getting most teens suspended from school. Recommended for grades 7 and up. Excellent for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Herman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467757096

Price: 20.99

Combat Zone

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Determine to be a Navy SEAL like his father, Justin has prepared himself his entire life until he finds out his father's deep secret -- his father is gay. With this secret exposed, Justin spins out of control with his Navy future on the line.

Support and Defend series explores the complex issues that face teens with military parents. This is a fast-paced story based on the topic of gays in the military. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467780537

Price: 20.99

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Originally published in 2013, this is a new format for 2015. A brief illustrated biography to introduce children to Nikola Tesla. The illustration were done in graphite, gouache, acrylic, and ink on paper go well with the text and help set the time and place of the subject as no dates are given in the seven chapters about Tesla's life. On each double page spread, much is covered with illustrations, the text brief and focuses on Tesla in relation to electricity. Almost no other facts about his life are given. More information is given in the last 18 pages that include Ahead of his time; Tesla v s. Edison: the rivalry; Scientific notes; Important dates, Source notes; Select bibliography & further reading; Many thanks; Index; Author and illustrator biographies. This is more the history of electricity and Tesla's contributions, which is well done, but I still know very little about the life of this amazing man.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rusch, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Dominguez, Oliver

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679781

Price: 14.99

I Feel Sick!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Surrounded by snacks Princess always managed to feel sick when others asked her to perform a family task. She progresses from sitting glumly to painting her face green until a party invitation arrives. This princess may not be the role model parents wish their little ones to emulate. It is worth noting that Princess is served jelly beans even after the doctor recommended green vegetables. There is however a moral here that is well worth the read, children who over indulge in snacks will get sick. Parents are offered the opportunity to discuss family chores and cooperation while they read the pages of this title.

The art work is dramatic and silly but I wonder why Ross keeps Princess in her night gown throughout the book. Certainly little girls prefer a variety of royal outfits. Purchase this where other princess titles are popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ross, Tony

Illustrator: Ross, Tony

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Andersen Press - distributed by (Lerener)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781467757973

Price: 16.99

Friends for Life

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Francis, the main character in this book, doesn’t have any friends. He’s different, and kind of gets made fun of at middle school. But then he meets Jessica, she’s a ghost, and the 2 of them become friends. Jessica has no idea why she is a ghost or why Francis is the only one that can see her. But she senses that there is something she needs to do and that, quite possibly, her friendship with Francis will be the key to finding out what that is.

This is a wonderful story. It’s funny but at the same time takes a look at the problems kids that are different face and the choices (suicide being one) that this pressure can make them choose. The thing that makes this book so special is the way it keeps this issue in the background, you definitely know it’s there, but it spends more time on letting the characters find realistic, ways to deal with the issue of being different.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Norriss, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545851862

Price: 17.99

Mother Goose's Pajama Party

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Children familiar with Mother Goose nursery rhymes will adore this book; they will want to hear it read over and over. Mother Goose invites her many characters to a PJ story time at her home. Of course everyone joins the parade as they wind their way on the crooked mile following Nimble Jack. Both story line and illustrations are excellent, this book is refreshing as well as comical and endearing. The facial expressions are priceless on human and animal characters. Take special note of the page where MG welcomes everyone to her house; it is full of life and color. Nothing is lost in the binding on the two page scenes and in most cases the characters maintain the same clothing throughout. Some children will enjoy searching for John's shoe as well as Betty's boot.

Librarians and parents will appreciate the multi racial representation as well as the last eight pages which contain the original nursery rhymes. Add library reinforced bound copies to all public libraries, day care centers, and primary schools. Note that the trade binding will not stand up to little hands. schools.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Danna

Illustrator: Allyn, Virginia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books (Random House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553497564

Price: 17.99

All for a Dime

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Bear, Mole, and Skunk are all friends, portrayed in large, colorful images in this exuberant story. To get ready for market, Bear picks blueberries, Mole digs worms, and Skunk bottles her own potent perfume. At the market, Bear's blueberries sell very well, but Mole and Skunk have no customers. They decide to switch positions and become their own best customers, passing a dime between them as they buy each other's product and disrupt all of the people at the market with Skunk's perfume. In the end, Bear has enough money to treat them all to ice cream topped with the last of his fresh blueberries. The characters are adorable, facial expressions fun and funny, and the story is comical. Children will enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillenbrand, Will

Illustrator: Hillenbrand, Will

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429462

Price: 16.95

It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Everyday problems sometimes make young children sad and upset. In this book, the bright side of an otherwise sad situation is shared with the reader. Dropping your sandwich in the sand is sad, but a seagull will be very happy, losing your balloon is sad, but it will make Grandma smile from her airplane window. Not all problems will ring true with all children, but enough of them will to make them enjoy the story. Each problem is described in a color soaked page, then pictured on the next page, then a two page spread illustrates the upbeat solution. Illustrations are colorful and fun. This book will be a reassurance to some children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97480385754798

Price: 16.99

99 Days

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

99 Days features a self-exiled teen running from her mistakes who is forced to return to her hometown for the summer between high school and college. Molly returns to find that the hatred and disgust she felt from her hometown is still alive and well. Throughout the book she almost finds redemption, but reverts to her old ways. In the end, she experiences no epiphanies, no changes of heart. She is an incredibly frustrating character. The characters themselves are all underdeveloped, and I'm not sure what exactly the point of the story is. There are a few highlights, but overall, not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cotugno, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062216380

Price: 17.99

Space Dumplins

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Violet wants to help her dad but is left to stay with her mom while he goes out on a job. But then he turns up missing and it is going to be up to Violet, and some interesting alien friends to find him.

The graphic are awesome in this graphic novel. They are colorful and fill the pages with so much life and action. The story is a good one that will engage many readers and Violet and the alien friends she makes are great. The attacking floating whales and their poop, however, were not that great and not as funny as you might think.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Craig

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545565431

Price: 14.99

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This story is about 2 girls that don’t know each other- Kai is visiting her aunt in Texas and Leila is visiting her dad’s family in Pakistan. Each girl ends up finding a blank book called The Exquisite Corpse. The cool thing about the book is that once you write in the book, the book uses those words to write a story, one that just might come true.

In the beginning, the Kai and Leila’s lives are not particularly interesting. There are some fun moments, but not enough to really grab the reader’s attention. But around the middle of the book, that changes. Readers will want to see what The Exquisite Corpse is going to write about next and how it connects the lives of Kai and Leila. The story The Exquisite Corpse tells is interesting from the get go and just gets better and better as the story evolves. A nice combination of fantasy and realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Papademetriou, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062371218

Price: 16.99

Jingle! Jingle!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

A board book that has a variety of creatures peek out behind a flap as Santa passes by.

The drawings in this board book are fun, perfect for a young child. Each page repeats the phrase "Who's that..." so preschool age children will enjoy this and be ready for it on each page. The surprise animals and children behind the flaps will be fun for them to discover as well. A nice Christmas lift-the-flap book

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastien

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680022

Price: 8.99

Zen Socks

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Who can resist the musings of Stillwater the panda? This sweet and gentle character finds a way to teach lessons each time Muth gives Stillwater life. In Zen Socks three stories are shared which knit the virtues of patience, compassion, and kindness into the storyline. Children will see and hear the lessons clearly as they watch the interaction (dancing, playing and saving marine life) between Stillwater and his two new friends.

Fantastic watercolor illustrations set the mood and tone of the action. Shadows draw attention to the movements of characters in the first story till the heart of the tale is told using line drawings. In the third story hope is illuminated as landscapes encompass the entire beach from ocean to sky, shading changing as night draws near.

My one problem is that editors should have caught an error; sea stars do not have gills and are not fish. The term starfish was eliminated from marine science materials over thirty years ago.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Muth, Jon T.

Illustrator: Muth, Jon T.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press ( Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545166690

Price: 17.99

Beyond the Pond

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

This beautifully illustrated picture book follows young Ernest D. and his dog as they explore the bottomless pond behind their small, ordinary house. Ernest D. does all his prep work then dives in, head first, to see where his exploration will lead. Ernest D. and his dog's journey is a tribute to exercising the imagination, embracing new places and being open to new experiences. Ernest D's reaction on returning to his backyard pond is captured in an Oliver Wendell Holmes quote. "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions". The author/ illustrator's digital artwork conveys the drama and arc of the story through the use of dark, light and unique perspective. Some unusual word choices are used that will expand young listener's vocabulary. This one is probably best shared in a small group or one on one, rather than a large lively story hour group.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kuefler, Joseph

Illustrator: Kuefler, Joseph

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062364272

Price: 17.99

I See a Pattern Here

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

This title follows the author's previous books about estimation and probability. This book explores patterns and heightens the reader's ability to identify them in math, nature and art. Starting with the simple definition, "A pattern is something that repeats" and accompanied by photographs of familiar objects that feature basic patterns, the stage is set to build on the reader's new found knowledge. Each new, increasingly complex, concept is introduced with clear text and helpful diagram/photographs. Text bubbles labeled "MathSpeak" are also attached to each new idea to give readers the authentic math term for each new topic. This colorful, interactive concept book is useful for a broad age range. It is a basic introduction to recognizing patterns for young readers, but the book also challenges more advanced readers to predict sequences and grasp more complex aspects of patterns such as symmetry, rotation, tessellation and more. This book could also be used in a variety of art lessons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstone, Bruce

Illustrator: Goldstone, Bruce

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805092097

Price: 17.99

Judy Moody: Mood Martian

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

Judy Moody has many moods, but when she has positive responses on backwards day at school, she decides to try to be backwards for a whole week. Being backwards for Judy requires her to actually comb her hair and put it into ponytails, to dress neatly and with colors that do not clash, and, perhaps most challenging, to keep an even temper. Meanwhile, her friends think an alien has invaded and that the real Judy Moody is in outer space somewhere. At home, Judy uses finger-knitting to calm herself and her endless strand of finger-knitting has taken over the house. Her parents have had enough of this crazy knitting. How long will Judy be able to pull off her self-imposed good-mood challenge? What's to become of all her finger-knitting? The pen and ink illustrations are apropos and fit the text nicely. Judy Moody lovers will enjoy this twelfth book in the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680152

Price: 5.99

Love or Something Like it

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

April Sinclair will begin high school next fall. She has dropped her boyfriend Billy for Matt, the hot new boy next door, because Matt gives her butterflies. In fact, she kissed Matt before she broke up with Billy, a boy she has known since she was very young. April, Billy and Brynn are all best friends. She is thrilled to be actually "going with" Matt but Matt is really hard to figure out. One day he's crazy about her, the next thing she knows she hasn't heard from him in days and days. He also seems way more interested in knocking on her window and getting her to come outside late at night to make out on the porch than in hearing how April's dance classes are going or in conversing much at all. She never really knows how he is feeling. When her best friends Brynn and Billy seem to be spending way too much time together and Matt grows more distant, April is afraid to go to summer camp and worried about what will happen while she is away for four weeks. This book certainly teaches some love lessons for young girls. It is told in diary entry style and there is much texting taking place which will appeal to today's young teens and their modern means of communication.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467709286

Price: 17.95

Maisy's Race Car

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This is just what you would expect from a Maisy board book. Perfect size for the littlest hands to hold and the pictures bright and colorful as only Lucy Cousins can do. Only concern is whether the binding will hold up to multiple borrowings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763680114

Price: 5.99

Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

A companion book to Writing Magic!, this is an important read for anyone who dreams of becoming a writer. This book provides plenty of valuable writing insights from Newbery winner, Gail Carson Levine who obviously knows firsthand how to write a good book.

Presented in an easy to follow format, coupled with plenty of humor to keep the story matter lively, the book covers a great deal of material without getting bogged down. Text is broken up into short chapters that cover all aspects of writing -- from character building, the writing process, plot, various aspects of a story, to steps on writing poetry, and being a writer and blogger. Writing assignments are given on each topic. Readers are encouraged to have fun, and save what they write throughout the book.

The target audience of this book is grade 4 to 6 but I would suggest this book would be a better fit for grades 5 through middle school.

This book also support the common core state standards.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Levine, Gail

Illustrator: Sudyka, Diane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062275301

Price: 16.99

Maisy's Digger

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This is just what you would expect from a Maisy board book. Perfect size for the littlest hands to hold and the pictures bright and colorful as only Lucy Cousins can do. Only concern is whether the binding will hold up to multiple borrowings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763680107

Price: 5.99

The House That Jane Built: A Story about Jane Addams

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This biography of Jane Addams particularly focuses on her work in Chicago creating the Hull House. It touches briefly on her childhood, anti-war work, and Nobel Peace Prize, but these are merely presented as facts leading to the Hull House.

The writing is clear and precise, and written at an age level appropriate to the audience. While the topics are necessarily simplified, the author does not shy away from difficult issues such as poverty and war.

The end of the book includes "Author's Note: A Little Bit More." As "A Little Bit More" suggests, this note adds a tad more information, but, most interesting to me, provides photographs of Jane Addams and some children she worked with.

The illustrations in the book are lovely and compliment the text well. They are detailed enough that children will enjoy staring at the illustrations, and noting the expressions and activities of the many people shown.

To a small extent, I wish the destitute people were more obviously in need. When one studies the illustrations, one notices the frayed sleeves and hems. However, if a teacher read this book to a group, the children might have a hard time distinguishing the needy from the non-needy. In some cases, the clothes are not frayed, and the people are wearing hats and shoes. Even the homes look to be in fine condition. Without the text, a reader would not know the people are poor at all. However, a balance between representation of the poor and caricature would be very difficult to strike.

However, this is a wonderful book to introduce the concept of poverty, Jane Addams, women's history, community centers, and other topics. Teachers will find the most use for it, though librarians may find it an excellent read during Women's History Month.

In addition, children may choose the book because it is exciting and a good story, and the illustrations, as noted, are very engaging, and there are many details to notice that a child wouldn't see in a group read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Tanya Lee

Illustrator: Brown, Kathryn

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805090499

Price: 17.88

Friends on the Farm

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This is a fun inter-active board book for toddlers who love all things that go and farm animals. Mother hen looses track of her 10 chicks and with the help of her barnyard friends and some heavy equipment they are finally reunited. The lift the flaps make this a fun look and find and a counting book all in one. Well done!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Square Fish

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301682

Price: 8.99

Bizzy Bear Space Rocket

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

After a slight malfunction of one of the key pages of this moveable board book, this was a lot of fun. The rocket ship did not want to blast off but with a little effort it was liberated and Bizzy bear was able to go on his out of this world adventure.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680039

Price: 6.99

Charlie, Presumed Dead

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

Lena and Aubrey, the girlfriends, meet for the first time at Charlie's funeral. Charlie has been in an airplane explosion and presumed dead. Neither girl knew about the other, but they each believe that Charlie is still alive and develop a rocky partnership as they piece together their different experiences with Charlie. Their complex involvement with Charlie, their own secrets and various clues leads them through Europe and India to a sinister end that seems like a cliff hanger. Lena, Aubrey and Charlie's character are exposed at a pace that will keep readers turning the pages. Do we really know who we are dating? Is a relationship that feels safe really dangerous? In Bangkok, the girls are introduced to the ladyboy culture. There is some alcohol and drug use as part of the jet-setting culture. Heltzel provides vivid details of the various exotic settings along that way that adds a rich layer to this psychological thriller.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Heltzel, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544388499

Price: 17.99

Chaos

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Luc and his sister Jasmine return in this sequel to "Fates" (2014), though their previous journey has left them changed. After successfully rescuing his sister from the Blood Nymphs, Luc returns to his own world with Jasmine. Jasmine has no memory of the events of her imprisonment and rescue, but she quickly discovers that whatever did happened left her with heightened abilities. Luc is determined not to accept his destiny, and quickly sets off to find a way to reverse time and bring Corinthe back from the dead. Luc and Jasmine find themselves in the middle of the war between Executors, Radicals, and Unseen Ones; a struggle between those who believe in fate, and those who believe in destiny.

Switching viewpoints between Luc and Jasmine, Bross takes her characters on another head-spinning adventure. Fans of the previous book will appreciate a sequel, but will not be completely satisfied as there are indications that the story will continue in another book. The difficult plot and very complex world-building may deter most readers. Those who enjoyed Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series may enjoy this romantic series that has added elements of chaos and science fiction spin may also enjoy this series. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bross, Lanie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385742849

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

The young Gaither sisters (Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern) are leaving their Brooklyn home to head to Alabama for the summer. It's 1969 and their father is sending them to spend the summer with his mother, but not without warning his girls about the differences of New York and the deep South. The girls find themselves on the farm immersed in a very different lifestyle, and learn of a rift between their grandmother and her half sister. When a tornado rips through their community, the sisters come to understand the value of family and the bonds that bind them together.

Williams-Garcia creates believable characters who feel like old friends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Williams-Garcia, Rita

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Amistad/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062215871

Price: 16.99

MARTians

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Zoe Zindleman lives in a dystopian world where big box retailers AllMART and Q-MART have all the power. Government is shrinking -- her school is closed abruptly and she and her classmates are declared graduates even though they have more than a year to go, the buses no longer run, and she lives in an abandoned subdivision where most houses are without power and water. On graduation day, she and her fellow students are assigned their roles, including one sent directly to prison. Zoe lands a job at AllMART where she meets her former neighbor MORTimmer. ZERO (her employee nametag name) ends up moving to an abandoned strip mall with MORTimmer and others abruptly left behind. Interspersed with quotes from Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, the tone is surreal and otherworldly. Not a page-turner but definitely a book ripe for discussion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Woolston, Blythe

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763677565

Price: 16.99

Unleashed

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, S, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Number 7 in Korman's popular Swindle mystery series. Luthor the Doberman, Griffin Bing, Savannah Drysdale and friends are back for another adventure. Griffin is encouraged to enter the Invent-a-Palooza competition because he is expected to win as the son of an inventor. Melissa Dukakis also enters the competition with her "Hover Handler" designed to keep Luthor from chasing the exterminator's truck. When the Hover Handler is stolen and a surly new neighbor shows up, the friends must solve the mystery to save Luthor. Readers will follow the story easily without having read previous entries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545709354

Price: 16.99

Adventures with Waffles

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

A humorous and sweet -- and at times bittersweet -- story of Trille and his best friend Lena who live in a small cove in Norway. Told as a series of vignettes, Trille and Lena adventure and find trouble as they explore their countryside, recreate Noah's ark, and eat Auntie Granny's waffles. Lena, strong-willed and adventurous, comes across as a modern-day Pippi Longstocking. Trille worries that his feelings for Lena are unrequited but the story resolves sweetly in the end. Translated from Norwegian by Guy Puzey.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parr, Maria

Illustrator: Forrester, Kate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672812

Price: 15.99

First Man: Reimaging Matthew Henson

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

CREAM A stunning graphic novel, First Man tells the story of Matthew Henson in a mashup of biography and fiction. Henson, an African-American, was part of Robert Peary's expedition that discovered the North Pole but as a black man, he did not receive credit for being first to the Pole until late in life. The Inuits were especially taken with Henson, calling him Mahri Pahluk; Schwartz was inspired by this to intersperse Inuit images throughout the book. The book includes an historical timeline and bibliography. Translated by Laura Watkinson.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schwartz, Simon

Illustrator: Schwartz, Simon

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467758420

Price: 31.99

Taking Aim: Power and Pain, Teens and Guns

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Essays by Marc Aronson, Will Weaver, and Chris Crutcher about our culture of guns set the stage for this collection of thought-provoking short stories. Topics range from hunting to war to equipping classroom teachers with guns. The book features stories by the late Walter Dean Myers, Tim Wynne-Jones, Gregory Galloway, Ron Koertge, Alex Flinn, Chris Lynch, Eric Shanower, Francesca Lia Block, Jenny Hubbard, Elizabeth Wein, Edward Averett, Peter Johnson, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cart, Michael (editor)

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062327352

Price: 17.99

Need

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

CREAM Need is an excellent, thought-provoking suspense novel about social media run amok. Kaylee has had a rough year: her younger brother will die without a kidney transplant, her father has left the family and disappeared, and she is an outcast at school and on the outs with her mother for her less than ethical tactics trying to find a kidney donor. Her best friend Nate -- who now wants more than friendship -- encourages her to sign up for the hottest new social network (NEED). At first members are asked to do seemingly innocuous tasks, e.g., get 6 friends to join NEED, in exchange for having their needs (mostly wants) fulfilled. The suspense builds as the tasks network members are asked to do quickly escalate. Kaylee struggles to convince her mother and the police that something is wrong because of her past issues and that just adds to the suspense.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Charbonneau, Joelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544416697

Price: 17.99

Juba: A Novel

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

CREAM Juba is a fictionalized historical account of the life of William Henry Lane, a free black teen living in the Five Points section of New York City while slavery still existed in the United States. Lane went by the stage name of Master Juba and scrambled to become a professional dancer, not simply a minstrel show performer. He became known as Boz's Juba after a chance encounter with Charles Dickens. Dickens wrote about Juba in his book American Notes and this led to Juba being offered a chance to tour and dance professionally in England. The author'fs widow Constance Myers provides an epilogue about the writing of the book. The book includes much primary source material -- photographs, copies of playbills, and reviews. Published posthumously.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Myers, Walter Dean

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Amistad (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062112712

Price: 17.99

Welcome to New Zealand: a Nature Journal

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2015

Review

Nature journals often contain information for a specific area and might provide some graphics for further study. Many add environmental facts or suggest nature projects. Welcome to New Zealand covers the north and south of the country completely, including garden, beach, mountain, wetland, city, country side and forest zones. Text and informational blocks provide background. Each two page spread offers ways to enhance reader's own journal entries with drawings and often offer a science project for continued learning.

The art work contained within this nature journal is superb. Morris has employed several types of art supplies from her arsenal; including pencils (colored and drawing), felt tip pens, watercolors, charcoal and crayons. The seasonal colour wheel is beyond fantastic as it provides lots of information in a colorful presentation. Each mini science study is outlined briefly and illustrated brilliantly rendering this book useful in both the science and art class. Although the focus is on New Zealand most children will be interested in the various animals and the science projects will work in the US. Add this to libraries where there is a budding interest in nature and gift to youngsters who appreciate the connection of art and science.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morris, Sandra

Illustrator: Morris, Sandra

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674779

Price: 16.99

The Amazing Stardust Friends: Step into the Spotlight

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Marlo and her mom join the circus train. Marlo wants to be part of the circus but doesn't seem to have an act that will be amazing enough for the circus. But when she meets the other Stardust girls, they might just help her discover something that she is amazing at.

This is fun early chapter book. It has nice black and white drawings throughout the book and the story line is just right for a young reader. Readers will identify with Marlo's hopes of being part of the parade and want to read about the different ways she tries to belong.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Heather

Illustrator: Le Feyer, Diane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545757522

Price: 4.99

The Princess and the Giant

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

In spite of her dress and petticoats this princess is a role model for all little girls. Not only does she climb the bean stalk but Sophie challenges the giant and tries to help him sleep. Her royal parents have reversed typical family task and she is encouraged to think for herself. Once Sophie realized that the giant needs to hear a bed time story the solution to his problem is clear. But wait, our heroine goes beyond reading to the giant, she teaches him to read!

Although this fractured fairy tale is about Jack and the Bean Stalk; several other fairy tales are mentioned in the text or shown in illustrations. There is an incredible amount of detail in the illustrations. Children will love hearing the story but will go back over and over to look for the mouse or perhaps the cat. By the end of the story all who hear it will long to climb that bean stalk just to see how it feels to reach the top. This colorful and fun story should appear on all primary grade media center shelves and be added to public library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hart, Caryl

Illustrator: Warburton, Sarah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680077

Price: 16.99

Emu

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Australian author and illustrator duo Claire Saxby and Graham Byrne team up again to bring this informative book about emus to life. In eye-catching illustrations, an emu father is depicted safeguarding his clutch of eggs (as the mothers leave after laying their eggs), watching his chicks hatch, and protecting his baby chicks from predators. Accompanying these illustrations are informative paragraphs about the life-cycle and rearing habits of emus.

This book would do wonderfully in a classroom setting for either read-alouds or independent projects. With features at the back of book such as a brief about section, and index, and a short explanation of what an index is; this title could also be used to teach about different parts of a nonfiction book. The book also utilizes the popular format of two sets of text per page spread, using differentiated reading levels for each paragraph and different fonts. Both fonts are easy to read, and the reader will not get bogged down in reading both paragraphs. The illustrations in this book, digital renders with ink overlays, create a sense of place that represents the Australian outback where these birds reside.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saxby, Claire

Illustrator: Byrne, Graham

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674793

Price: 16.99

The Doldrums

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Spectacularly illustrated and expertly told, with quirky characters reminiscent of a Roald Dahl novel - the likeable, stifled hero, the horrifying, despotic teacher, the bumbling parents, this middle grade novel is delightful. The story ambles a bit, which will throw off reluctant readers, but for those who enjoy unwrapping a story and clever word play this is a great book. Archer's grandparents are famous world-explorers, but they have gone missing on an iceberg. Archer fervently believes that they are still alive, so much so that he is willing to put together an expedition to find them. He enlists his two new friends (also his neighbors), the milquetoast Oliver Glub and the dashing, one-legged Adelaide Belmont (the story goes that she lost that leg wrestling a crocodile). The story is not so much about their expedition, but the planning and putting together of that expedition and what it brings out in each child. Not that there isn't action, there is, particularly at the end, but the book is really an exploration of friendship and family and finding out who you really are when faced with a hungry tiger. The 20 color illustrations, also by Gannon, are gorgeous and the black-and-white line drawings add to the telling. There is also a nod to the kind, knowledgeable school librarian! Hopefully, we haven't seen the last of Archer, his friends, or his globe-trotting grandparents. Give to fans of Dahl, Trenton Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society, or Lemony Snicket. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gannon, Nicholas

Illustrator: Gannon, Nicholas

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062320940

Price: 17.99

The Alphabet Book

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

A reprint of the 1971 Eastman book, this is a solid alphabet book with each letter commanding one page to itself (with the exception of 'A' and 'X' which each get a double-page spread). Using simple, recognizable words and mostly animals, this alphabet book is sure to please a young reader. There is nothing complicated about it, no additional nuance or image suggesting other words related to the letter, just one image with words beginning with that letter, i.e. "horse on house" or "octopus with oars" is a picture of that one thing, nothing more. It is somewhat refreshing as many alphabet books published today can overwhelm beginning readers. A solid choice if you're looking for alphabet books for your library, and the reinforced binding makes this a nice choice if you're looking to replace an older, worn copy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eastman, P.D.

Illustrator: Eastman, P.D.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553511116

Price: 9.99

The Fog Diver

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This high action adventure takes place on and above a futuristic Earth covered with a deadly fog. Only the highest mountains rise above the fog and provide a safe place to live. The Five Families rule over the land and control everything floating and living above the fog. Scavengers enter the fog looking for valuable remnants of humanity that they can salvage to re-purpose or sell. Many who enter the fog end up with a disease that eventually kills them, except for the main character Chess, who was born in the fog and rescued by Mrs. E. He, with other clever children whom Mrs. E. has brought together, work on a salvage raft, searching for valuables that will allow them to get to Port Oro. There they hope to cure their beloved guardian, Mrs. E., who has fallen victim to the fog disease after rescuing Chess years ago. As if the fog wasn't enough of a challenge, add Lord Kodoc who learns of Chess' apparent fog immunity. Kodoc has bigger plans for Chess and puts a bounty on his head, creating a mad dash chase against good and evil. To top it off, add a swashbuckling pirate battle, complete with canons.

The characters are endearing and clever. This novel highlights the idea that what makes us different makes us special, and that we all have strengths and talents. While this story has a satisfying end, it was not concrete, and it seems likely there will be another adventure to come - hopefully soon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ross, Joel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062352934

Price: 16.99

The Case for Loving

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

History made accessible via a children's book is a beautiful thing. This book by husband-and-wife team Alko and Qualls tells the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, the interracial couple who were considered illegally married in the State of Virginia and who brought their case to be married all the way to the Supreme Court. Using collage, Alko and Qualls bring the story to children in a clear, informative manner. The book is aimed at young children, but could be used with older students studying civil rights. Recommend for schools studying black history and the civil rights movement and for public libraries who include this in their displays or story times.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alko, Selina

Illustrator: Qualls, Sean

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545478533

Price: 18.99

Rainy, Sunny, Snowy, Blowy: What Are Seasons?

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This series of books beautifully captures concepts, this time that of the seasons. The photographs are stunning and well-selected and they encapsulate the visual explanation of whichever season is being introduced. The text focuses on using one's senses to feel, see, and hear things related to a particular season, and it mentions things that one can do (i.e. plant seeds and jump in puddles in the spring, go swimming and pick strawberries in the summer, etc.). The vocabulary used is solid, understandable, but not too easy. The images are so vibrant and the pages are large, so this is a great read-aloud for a unit introducing seasons. Another well-crafted book in this Jane Brocket "Clever Concepts" series. Recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brocket, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467702317

Price: 26.60

Wake Up Spring

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

It is still cold and snowy at Hotel Strange even as its first guests arrive in what should be Spring. Hotel operators Marietta, Mr. Leclair, and Kiki were never awoken by Mr. Spring, so chaos ensues upon their waking (why is there NO food?). Sure that something terrible has happened, they set off to find him. The story has just the right touch of suspense for young readers as the group approaches Mr. Winter, whom they believe has done some harm to Mr. Spring. The group learns that Mr. Winter is Mr. Spring's older brother and would not harm him. It turns out the Mr. Winter would love to see Mr. Spring so that he can stop making snow and start gardening. Downhearted, the group returns to Hotel Strange only to find that Mr. Spring has been under their noses! They wake him up and life gets back to normal. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of this odd group of adventurers. With high kid-appeal and lots of silly humor, this is sure to check out from every children's room or elementary library. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ferrier, Florian

Illustrator: Ferrier, Katherine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467785846

Price: 26.65

The Wonder

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

This picture book has an arresting cover showing a boy with ideas going off like fireworks from his mind. Beginning with sepia tones, the book follows a young boy as he makes his way to school, pausing here and there to wonder about things like "who makes the clouds?" and "what would the world's best playground look like?". He is told by one adult after another to stop daydreaming and keep focused. In school, he encounters the same practical advice from one teacher after another...until he gets to art class. There his teacher gives him permission to let his imagination free. The pages that follow are whimsical, colorful, and wondrous indeed. The boy's imagination, his sense of wonder, has been supported and fed. The book makes the connection between this type of support in art education, and at home, and that of finding success as an artist and sharing that wonder with the world. Truly sumptuous illustrations that a young artist will pore over; they are inventive with a mix of shapes, patters, colors, and animals. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hanson, Faye

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679576

Price: 16.99

The Marvels

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Brian Selznick's "The Marvels" is a good book, but I didn't find it as engaging or interesting as "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" or "Wonderstruck." The story is interesting at first, done all in illustrations, showing the history of the Marvels family (and their ties to the theatre) from 1766 to 1900. I very much enjoyed this portion of the book, but after that it jumps to 1990 (and switches to mostly text) and follows the story of a boy who runs away from boarding school and then lives in London with his uncle (an eccentric who essentially lives/runs a living history museum house, but not based on actual historical fact, just ideas). I was engaged for a bit, but eventually it just felt like I was slogging through the book. The main character, Joseph, I found a bit frustrating since he was constantly told not to leave candles burning and then he'd immediately forget and almost burn the house down again. The Afterword was interesting and I enjoyed learning about the real "Dennis Severs' House" in London, but I just didn't find the book as gripping as Selznick's other books. Probably a must-buy for most libraries since Selznick's illustrations are fantastic, but as far as story goes, it's not even close to his best.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Selznick, Brian

Illustrator: Selznick, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545448680

Price: 32.99

My New Team

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Good sports chapter books are in high demand for elementary-aged readers. This book, by Major League baseball player Ryan Howard and his wife Krystle, is a solid addition. There is not a lot of background provided about the home life of Little Rhino, as the main character Ryan is affectionately called. He appears to live with his Grandpa James and his brother CJ. Grandpa plays ball with Rhino every day and eventually encourages him to join a local league. Rhino is a strong athlete and ball player though he recognizes that he has a lot to learn and hone. At the same time that he is getting his first taste of organized ball, and the way that it can improve his playing, he is also dealing with a bully, Dylan, who also happens to be a teammate. The book is more of an "issues" book disguised as a story and it does it pretty well. The lessons of books/schoolwork before playing, keeping your head in the game even when negative words could distract you, and being a good teammate and trying to meet another kid where he may be are nice for young readers, especially those who crave a sports-themed story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Howard, Ryan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Templar

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545674904

Price: 4.99

On the Edge

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Those readers familiar with Bird & Squirrel will delight in this new adventure of the quirky duo. Bird is flying Squirrel home from some undisclosed adventure and just one last mountain looms in the way of their respective homes. However, Bird hears a distress cry that he cannot ignore. The pair finds a baby bear surrounded by snarling wolves. Bird, with his usual daring-do, scares the wolves off. Squirrel, with his usual nervous clumsiness, knocks Bird out with an acorn. Bird is unconscious so the pair must now walk over the mountain to get him. Fortunately, Baby Bear is there and has taken a shine to Squirrel (repeatedly licking him much to Squirrel's horror and the audience's delight), so he puts Bird on his bad and the trio marches on. When Bird does come to, he cannot remember anything, especially that he is the brave adventuring Bird or that Squirrel is his best friend (though Squirrel does sing a perfectly awful "theme song" that may have your readers/listeners giggling) or that he can fly(!). And the wolves have not forgotten the tasty-looking bear. So in addition to trying to brave the elements and cross the mountain, the trio must evade the wolves. The conclusion has a neat resolution in which Bird finally remembers who he is, Squirrel discovers how brave he can be, and Bear is reunited with its mother. A fun romp that young readers will enjoy. Put this in your graphic novel collection if you have one, and buy it, and the other Bird & Squirrel titles, if you don't and start one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burks, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545804264

Price: 9.99

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Jay's distinctive crackle-glaze style captures the traditional song in all of its gift-giving glory. In what appears to be turn-of-the-century Europe (maybe Vienna), she uses a rich palette of lapis lazuli, crimson, turquoise, and gold to detail the gifts given by the singer's true love. There is nothing new here, but fans of the artist might want to add this to their collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jay, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553496611

Price: 17.99

Mousetropolis

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

In this updated version of Aesop's Country Mouse and City Mouse, City Mouse grows tired of his noisy apartment and accepts an invitation to visit Country Mouse. He does not like the food he is offered or what he feels is a dangerous journey through the woods. He does like the jamboree at the end of the journey but finds the way back frightening. The two mice, each shown as a full page head with popping eyes, decide to go back to the City where Country Mouse is uncomfortable so he goes back home. The tale is much the same as the original, but the illustrations make this book. The adorable mice, the large somber owl, and especially the two large mice faces are all wonderful and will capture young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Christie, Gregory

Illustrator: Christie, Gregory

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823423192

Price: 16.95

Ben Draws Trouble

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 15, 2016

Review

"Ben Draws Trouble," by Matt Davies is a follow-up book to "Ben Rides On." The illustrations are great, and the story of a boy who loves to draw (sometimes caricatures of his classmates and teachers) is fun. When Ben loses his sketchbook, he worries that others will see his work (they do and it actually turns out well). I wouldn't say it's a must-buy, but it is amusing and kids will enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Matt

Illustrator: Davies, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596437951

Price: 17.99

The Yeti Files: Monsters on the Run

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 15, 2016

Review

"Monsters on the Run" is the second book in The Yeti Files series by Kevin Sherry. This book tells the story of a group of cryptids (creatures from myth or folklore whose existence has not been proven) who go back in time to help their lonely friend Vanessa (the Loch Ness monster. Yeti and his friends look for another plesiosaur and run into a lot of trouble, but it all works out in the end.

The illustrations are funny and kids will enjoy the story (especially kids interested in dinosaurs or cryptids like bigfoot, the yeti, or the loch ness monster). I'd consider it a must-buy for early readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sherry, Kevin

Illustrator: Sherry, Kevin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545556194

Price: 8.99

Shivers

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Shivers the Pirate is afraid of everything, so much so that his ship is tied up on a New Jersey beach next to the snack shack. When he gets a message from a carrier pigeon that he must save his parents and his brother, he knows he must be brave and sets off with his best friend Margo and a fish named Albee who is kept in a plastic bag. Adventure and hijinks on the high seas ensue as they follow clues to get to Shivers' family. Ample cartoonish black and white drawings appear throughout the book. The whole thing is preposterous and zany with lots of action, sometimes laugh out loud funny. This will be appreciated by fans of Captain Underpants and Wimpy Kid.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bonder-Stone, Annabeth

Illustrator: White, Connor

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062313874

Price: 12.99

The First Case

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2016

Review

I hope that this is the only the first in the Detective Gordon series, as it is charming in all aspects. It is humorous, the full-color illustrations are extremely appealing and there are lessons to be garnered. Detective Gordon is a toad, but he is a policeman toad in charge of the surrounding forest. He is getting a little bit older and enjoys nothing more than drinking his tea, eating his cakes, and dozing by the fire. When a new case arises, he must interrogate suspects, run surveillance, and investigate tracks in the snow. He decides to take on an assistant to help with the climbing and such that Detective Gordon now find a bit challenging. The ultimate in police work, though, is stamping; stamping somehow makes everything official and serious. I hope that this pair of detectives will have many more cases to solve together. I highly recommend this offering for 1st to 4th graders.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nilsson, Ulf

Illustrator: Spee, Gitte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781927271490

Price: 16.99

While You Were Gone (Duplexity, Part II)

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 20, 2016

Review

This book is book two, but it easily stands on its own. This is the story of parallel worlds. In one world Eevee is the artistic governor's daughter. In the other world lives a boy whose parent were killed and he is beaten by his foster father. We meet Danny when his foster dad tried to run him over. In Eevee's world the government watches everyone, and there is a new plan to register everyone so they can be identified on line wherever they are. Danny's world is more like ours. The two Dannys switch places. Danny from "our" world likes having his parents still alive. He runs into Eevee and realizes that they have met before. The kids work together to over throw the technology. Sweet tale of young love.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nichols, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi /book/ Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385753920

Price: 17.99

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 20, 2016

Review

Copyright is 1995 and this is its 20th anniversary edition. P.J. Lynch states he was very excited to have been asked to provide a new painting for the cover. He writes " the book is as fresh and its message of hope is as powerful today..."

The story is about a man whose wife and son have died. He became withdrawn from the world. A young widow and her son come to town. She wants to replace part of her manger. Jonathan is the village woodcarver. Thomas has a hard time sitting still because he is so full of life, and Jonathan can't resist the boy's enthusiasm. Or mom's cooking...

The cover includes a free Grammy-nominated audio recording by James Earl Jones.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wojciechowski, Susan

Illustrator: Lynch, P.J.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678227

Price: 17.99

How To Hike Like A Pro

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 20, 2016

Review

Table of contents: fundamentals, safety, supplies, in the wild, hiking adventures, further reading, and index.Each section comes with cool photos, information, a "did you know"section,and a "pro tips and tricks" section. The hiking adventure teaches about geocaching. The props and tricks for the in the wild section "Snakes bite if they feel threatened. If you see one don't touch it, even if it is dead. Snakes have reflexes that act automatically; they can strike and inject venom several hours after they die"!Their is also great photo of poison ivy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

P. Watson Norris, Ashley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Pub

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781622851386

Price: 11.21

The Reindeer Wish

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 20, 2016

Review

Husband and wife team collaborate using their daughter as the protagonist in the Wish series.

The photos are stunning, pictures of Anja in the mountains. Per has worked for National Geographic, The New York Times magazine, and Audubon. He grew up in a small town mountain home in Al, Norway.

Mom is the author of the Anja family fairy tales.

This story is about Anja wanting a puppy. She goes cross country skiing, takes a nap, and awakens to a talking cardinal who works for Santa. The cardinal asks her to go look in a hidden spot for an abandoned baby reindeer. Anja names him Odin, She takes excellent care of him, over the summer he grows, and in the fall he follows her to school just like Mary's land. Later she takes him back to Santa and he gives her a puppy. At the end of the story there is a small twist...

Overall Book Score: excellent

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Evert, Lori

Illustrator: Breiehagen, Per

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385379212

Price: -17.99

Boys Don't Knit (in public)

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

Well written for the older reluctant reader. Ben is embarrassed by his parent's sense of humor. "the double entendre really (is) the only from of humor he recognizes" Molly his little sister eats a tadpole that started to grow legs to see what it felt like. Mom is a magician..."she never cooks or cleans or does any of the stuff mums are suppose to do; on the other hand she can make Pringles come out of my ears." Ben helps his friends steal some liquor from a corner store, and he is placed on probation. He needs to keep a journal and take a class to improve his social skills. His choices are taking an auto mechanics class from his dad, a pottery class , or a knitting class from his "hot" L. Arts teacher. Ben and his friends took a phone movie of a cute girl with a broken leg in a short skirt trying to pick something up off the ground, so they could keep looking under her skirt. Ben takes the knitting class, comes in second in a national knitting contest. The setting is referenced by Ben's yelling at the first place winner who was disqualified, "I'M KATNISSSSSS!" (Hunger Games).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Easton, T.S.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends Book/ Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250053312

Price: 16.99

The Naughty List

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

The Naughty List is a hybrid between a chapter book and a graphic novel. The illustrator has been a cartoonist for over thirty year. The book would be good for readers ready to move away from graphic novels onto chapter books. Bobbie Mendoza is trying to get her brother off Santa's naughty list, and she has to go to the North Pole to do it. Very humorous. Illustrations are black and white cartoons.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Bradley

Illustrator: Fry, Michael

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper/ Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97802354754

Price: 12.99

Always Twin

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

Olivia and Lily are twin ducklings and always being told how much alike they are. Truth be told, they are polar opposites as far as temperament and what they like to do; Lily is the calm duckling who studies things closely and enjoys gazing about and quiet surroundings, whereas Olivia is much more active and loves to dart about and make lots of noise. One day they tire of one another and head in opposite directions. Ultimately, Lily finds that she can be bold and take-charge when Olivia needs help. In the end they realize that even though they are quite different in some ways, they are 'always twins.' The illustrations are soft watercolors, soothing and calming. There are other creatures about that are drawn beautifully, including a dragonfly and an adorable chipmunk. They only question this reviewer has is, "Why were the ducklings distressed when they end up in the water?" That said, this is a nice addition, especially for twins seeking to attain their own identities.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Weidner, Teri

Illustrator: Weidner, Teri

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823431595

Price: 16.95

Good Night, Firefly!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

Little Nina always sleeps with her moon-shaped nightlight as she is timid of the dark. When the electricity goes out one night, she is frightened. She notices fireflies outside and captures one in a jar to serve as her nightlight. She has much fun with the firefly, reading, hosting a tea party, and making shadow puppets. The firefly is not as enchanted as Nina with his captivity and his energy runs low and his light dims. What will Nina do? The illustrations are exceptional, as they are all black and white, though Nina's sweater and scarf are red and the firefly glows a warm yellow. This is a lovely book to consider adding to your picture book shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alborozo, Gabriel

Illustrator: Alborozo, Gabriel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627792226

Price: 16.99

Goodnight, Good Dog

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

This is a lovely, simple story about a little dog that does not want to go to bed. He knows things get quiet at night and that the house and everyone in it go to sleep, but he finds himself remembering his daytime fun, playing with toys and eating his food, chasing through the grass. He is quite reluctant to get into his lovely dog bed, but finally succumbs while thinking of all that he will do the next day. This is an especially good bedtime story for little ones who will put off going to sleep in any way possible. The sooner they fall asleep the sooner tomorrow will arrive. The illustrations are soft and uncluttered with lots of open space of various colors. Altogether a very calming, lovely, simple bedtime story that I recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ray, Mary Lyn

Illustrator: Malone, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544286122

Price: 16.99

Glamorous Garbage

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

Bobbie's room is so filled with stuff that she and her best cousin Joanie cannot even find room to play in it anymore. Bobbie's Mom gives her an ultimatum; she must get her room cleaned up within two weeks or she, Mom, will make the decisions about what stays what goes! Bobbie has a vision but is not making any headway and time is running out. On top of that, she is visiting yard sales and the swap shed at the dump and bringing home more stuff. With just a few days left before her time runs out, she asks for Mom's help and finds a way to make order out of chaos. There are three piles: things to keep, things to spruce up, and things to finally get rid of. This is really difficult. This reviewer did wonder why some things couldn't be stored and disposed of later when Bobbie realized she wasn't even missing it. The illustrations are extremely busy with lots going on and lots of stuff everywhere, which is apropos for the theme. In the end, several great topics are covered including recycling, repurposing, and finding new and exciting things for little or no money. This is a perfect book for kids who never want to clean their rooms. It will give them a plan that they can follow toward attaining a neat room and perhaps even making it more age appropriate.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Barbara Johansen

Illustrator: Newman, Barbara Johansen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/Highlights

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620916261

Price: 16.95

Goose Goes To School

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2016

Review

When it is Sophie's first day of school, she is loath to leave Goose behind, but Mom insists that geese do not go to school. Strangely enough, Sophie thinks that she hears Goose following her and her Mom as they walk to school. Is Goose going to show up in class? With spare text, bright primary colors throughout, and only the bottom parts of grown-ups visible, this is a wonderful and quite amusing choice for kids just beginning school at any level from kindergarten and up through the earliest grades. I highly recommend this simple, spare tale for picture book collections, public and private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wall, Laura

Illustrator: Wall, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062324375

Price: 12.99

Sock Monkey Takes a Bath

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Famous actor Sock Monkey receives an nomination for an award at the Oswald Awards. The only caveat is that nominees must be clean. Sock Monkey has not had a bath in years and cannot even think about taking one. His friends step in to help make the bath a much better experience than Monkey expected so he is off to the awards show where something very unexpected happens. This book is a reissue of the original adventure. Pictures are cute, but there is really nothing compelling to draw young readers to the book unless, by chance, they have their own sock monkey. The inside of the book jacket has ideas and recipes to host your own Oswald party. This is advertised on the cover, so children will want to see it, but will make it hard to cover and circulate.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677596

Price: 14

Elmer and the Flood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

There is a torrential rain storm in the jungle. While most animals are finding places to safely wait out the storm, Elmer the patchwork elephant saunters along through the jungle, ignoring his friends invitations to come and stay safe with them. He encounters alligators in the middle of the jungle, ducks, and others as he goes, eventually helping the elephant herd find a baby elephant who is lost. Elmer finds the baby on an island and plans a rescue. However, the rescue leaves Elmer stranded on the island, something he may find not so bad. Elmer is likeable and a resourceful protagonist. He shows young readers what it is like to be a helpful friend. Illustrations are the same as the other books in the series. Children who like Elmer will like this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McKee, David

Illustrator: McKee, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Andersen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467793124

Price: 17.99

Curious George Discovers Germs

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2016

Review

This is a Curious George story that teaches about germs, Throughout the book are photos with "Fun Facts"...."when you can't taste something because of a cold it's because you can't smell it." Also, some experiments with "Test it out". George is sick and he learns some reasons why. At the end of the book it a recipe for chicken soup, some healthy habits, and a glossary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 8790544430662

Price: 6.99

Cakes in Space

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Astra and her family are moving to the planet Nova Mundi. The journey will take ninety nine years, so they will be frozen in pods on the spaceship for the journey. Astra is hungry before she goes to sleep, so she asks the ship's computer to make her frighteningly good cakes. The computer misunderstands and produces hundreds of dreadfully frightening cakes that attack things around them. Nova and her robot friend Pilbeam fight the cakes to save the ship. Space pirates, a slithery, slimy creature and rollicking adventure fill this rather preposterous story. Through it all, readers can see lessons in friendship and not judging by appearances. Lots of black and white illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reeve, Philip

Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387927

Price: 12.99

Operation Orca

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2016

Review

Super Edition 7 in the popular A to Z Mysteries series, this title is a solid read. The mystery involves a missing baby orca, a millionaire looking for his lost family, a red herring, and plenty of clues. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are in Alaska traveling with Dink's father (how these kids get to go everywhere they go is the real mystery). They meet Rafe Johnson, owner of a fishing boat, who takes them out into the ocean and introduces them to a pod of whales. It is from this pod that the baby goes missing, and the kids don't have much time to find it because it needs its mother's milk or it will surely die. Using their collective wits and a little bit of daring, the kids do solve the mystery. They also manage to find the missing family AND get a free plot of land donated to the local library to expand along with some much-needed funds for the overcrowded, popular institution. A book that asks readers to think about several things: respecting nature, the value of time spent with family, and the benefit and glory of loving learning over money. Readers of the series won't be disappointed. As an adult, I would have loved an author note with a little more information about orcas in the wild and the efforts of animal conservationists. Also these bindings are so flimsy that they don't stand up to many circulations. An easy purchase for collectors of the A to Z Mysteries

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roy, Ron

Illustrator: Gurney, John Steven

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Stepping Stones Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780553523966

Price: 5.99

Space

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2016

Review

This statistic-heavy book will satisfy young readers who hunger for more information about what is out there beyond the Earth. Using tabbed sections, this book starts with the huge (where did the universe come from, galaxies & stars, the solar system) moves into the more specific (the sun, the Earth), and ends with observing and then exploring space. With bright graphics and tons of factual tidbits, this book is truly a questioner's dream. Each section explores the topic in several double-page spreads and while there is not a ton of depth, there is plenty of information to sate the curious. It would be nice if it were spiral-bound as the binding does not feel very sturdy. Readers who love the Guinness Book of World Records, sci-fi, and space in general could lost for some time looking through this book. The only drawback to books like these is that they should be updated by the publisher and replaced in book collections every few years so that the information stays current.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rogers, Simon

Illustrator: Daniels, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677695

Price: 17.99

The Divine

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2016

Review

Gritty and gory, this GN is definitely for older readers. The authors were inspired by a photograph showing a young Burmese boy with an automatic gun slung over his shoulder and a cigarette in his mouth. He was a 12-year-old twin and, together with his brother, commanded an army of 800 refugees calling themselves "God's Army". The authors wondered what would have brought a child to that moment. This book infuses a realistic military operation with the mysticism of Southeast Asia. Mark is a retired munitions expert and he is drawn back to Quanlom, an obscure Asian country where the US presence is not sanctioned, or wanted by the natives, by his friend Jason, another munitions operative, who promises a lucrative pay-off. Against his good sense, but needing the money for his expanding family, Mark agrees to go and bomb a hill. Instead of a simple job, he meets an army of angry native children, ancient warrior gods, and a vengeful dragon! The illustrations are sharp and gorgeous, and the scenes of battle are horrific and lush. It was these illustrations that kept me turning the pages. The story of these child soldiers was never really explored with any depth. The book touches on the idea that there is a fine line between good and evil and the perspective of which side of these one lies on is in the eye of the beholder. Not a book for everyone, but certainly one that will make the reader think and feel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lavie, Boaz

Illustrator: Hanuka, Asaf

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596436749

Price: 19.99

Curious George Discovers the Rainbow

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2016

Review

This is a Curious George story that teaches about rainbows, Throughout the book are photos with "Did you know"...."a "prism" is an object that reflects and refracts light? Raindrops are prisms and so are diamonds and crystals. Light bounces off of their surfaces and separates to creat rainbows."." Also, there are some experiments with "Test it out" you can measure rainfall, tell how far away thunder is, and make a rainbow. There is a glossary and websites for games, activities, party kits, and more. This book is good for different grade levels due to the story material, facts, and experiments.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Maurer, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544430686

Price: 6.99

The Bubble Wrap Boy

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2016

Review

Charlie Han's a small boy. Something happened to his aunt, which makes his mom the helicopter parent of all time. Charlie is never allowed to get hurt, EVER. " I bet Genghis's mom was a lot more easygoing than mine." Most of the kids at school make fun of the tiny boy from Special Fried Nice, a Chinese takeout, and make him walk of shame. Dad hides behind his wok. This is when kids lineup on both sides of you to trip and kick you. His one friend is Sinus...yes he has a big nose. Now the sport that Charlie has fallen in love with...skateboarding. Charlie entries a skateboarding competition... Great story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Earle, Phil

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/ Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553513158

Price: 16.99

How To Behave At A Dog Show

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2016

Review

This is a humorous tale about a dog named Rexie. His master and mistress, brother and sister Charles and Julia,decide to enter him in a dog show sponsored by Sloppy Kisses Dog Food; You'll get lots of kisses when Sloppy's in their dishes." Rexie is not enthusiastic and is not truly a prospective award-winning canine. The kids have one heck of a time bathing Rexie, there is an issue with hair dye and a skunk, and teaching him commands is quite out of the question. Whatever will happen on the big day. In the end, the kids decide that Rexie is an award-winning dog, even if in their eyes only. The illustrations are appealing with lots of pastel shades throughout and quite a bit of white space on each page. The text, however, is a big small. Perhaps the font should have been bigger. All in all, a good choice for those on the upper end of the targeted age group, perhaps 6 - 8 year olds.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Madelyn

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062279279

Price: 17.99

How to Mend a Heart

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2016

Review

A small boy's stuffed animal is in bits and pieces and his heart is broken. He is sad and crying. What to do? His friends and his Mom come to his aid and help to repair the bedraggled elephant stuffie. The theme is mending, stitching and sewing, overcoming snags and never giving up. The children are of different ethnicities and genders and the illustrations are oversized and employ lots of white space and a font size that is complementary. Friendship and tenacity are the topics in this selection. The last sentence is a bit beyond the targeted audience, but may prompt conversation about overcoming hurt feelings and gaining strength from the experience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gillingham, Sara

Illustrator: Gillingham, Sara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510935

Price: 16.99

Whose Shoe?

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2016

Review

When a little mouse discovers a discarded shoe, he sets out to return said shoe to its rightful owner. He approaches many creatures, all of whom are not the owner of the shoe. After several failed attempts he is more determined than ever to bring this lone shoe back to its other half. Will he ever succeed? This tale is told in a rhyming fashion and the text is quite humorous. It makes for a wonderful read-aloud. The illustrations are unusual and amusing; there is a spider with eight shoes, a kangaroo in sandals, and an elephant who prefers high heels that make his ankles and legs look slim or so he believes. This is definitely one to consider for one's picture book or poetry collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Ruzzier, Sergio

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544302105

Price: 16.99

Worms

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2016

Review

A little boy is forced to share a meal with his father and his father's high echelon employees and it is beyond boring. The little boy is dressed in a suit much like his father's, though he is wearing short pants and mismatched socks. We wonder how Dad missed this fashion faux pas. To liven things up, the little boy adds a worm from his fishing bait supply to each fancy salad before he serves the guests. It is amusing to read how each guest handles this situation as they are fearful of insulting the big boss. The little boy enjoys each guest's reaction to this conundrum but forgets that he also added a worm to his own salad. Yikes! The illustrations are perfection, complementing the text well and using lots of white, black, red and yellow. This is one to consider adding to your collection, though one hopes youngsters will not get any evil ideas.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friot, Bernard

Illustrator: Guillerey, Audrelie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771385718

Price: 15.95

Harvest Time

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 28, 2016

Review

It is time to harvest apples and pumpkins. Stony Meadow Farm is right across the road from Tractor Mac's place and the pumpkin pickin' festival is a big hit. Small Fred is a little tractor whose job it is to pull the hay wagon to the pumpkin patch so that folks can choose their pumpkins, then return them to the farm stand for games and goodies to eat. Meanwhile, Tractor Mac is busy in the apple orchard transporting apples to be made into cider and such. However, Tractor Mac dislikes his job as he keeps getting struck by limbs. He is too big for this task. He wishes he could be doing Small Fred's job across the road Small Fred is really just too small for the big job he is assigned. Perhaps there is a solution here? The illustrations are very busy, very autumnal. Sometimes, though, the text does not complement the illustrations terribly well. But, for a special fall picture book read, this is an offering to consider.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301118

Price: 8.99

Elepant Joe, Brave Firefighter!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 28, 2016

Review

Elephant Joe and Zebra Pete are camping. It's Dragon's birthday and they are hiding and jump out to surprise him with a "Happy Birthday" yell. Dragon is so startled that he flies into a tree and his wings become entangled. What to do? Magically a fire engine appears with appropriate clothing and accouterments and they use a ladder to rescue Dragon. Now its time for cake and candles, but, naturally, Dragon knows not how to blow out candles and spews fire instead. Oh, oh. The cake is now in flames. What to do? This offering utilizes large comic panels, captions and speech balloons, entrancing young readers with bright colors and decoupage-like illustrations. Perhaps children could attempt the speech balloons while Mom or Dad reads the captions. This type of comic reader might be just the ticket to sway reluctant readers to begin to enjoy reading because of the cartoon-like format.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wojtowycz, David

Illustrator: Wojtowycz, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385374064

Price: 3.99

Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

This book is another excellent entry in the Scientists in the Field series.Inside the Biosphere 2 structure are an ocean, a rainforest, a savannah, and giant hillsides of new soil. Inside, there are many scientists who can control the atmosphere and do experiments they could not do anywhere else with the goal of learning more about climate change, weather, water, and much more. Wonderful photographs are clearly explained. Diagrams and maps help further some explanations. One of the best things about the book is the extensive "Find Out More" and "Quotes and Bibliography" sections at the end that will steer interested young researchers to more solid information. There is also a glossary and extensive index. An excellent book to add to your science collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Karson, Mary Kay

Illustrator: Uhlman, Tom

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544416642

Price: 18.99

Playful Pigs from A to Z

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2016

Review

This book features 26 beautifully dressed pigs who each explore a letter of the alphabet. Each letter is featured on its own page with one of the pigs interacting with it, such as Hugo Pig hugged an H. There are a few pages at the beginning and end of the book tying it all together with a little story, but mostly it is about the alphabet. It would be a good book to introduce a child to the letters and the words that are formed with them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lobel, Anita

Illustrator: Lobel, Anita

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553508321

Price: 16.99

Worst In Show

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2016

Review

This funny picture book about a pet monster contest is sure to appeal to the sense of humor of preschoolers. The pet monsters are to compete in 5 categories, including "Hairiest Warts" and "Smelliest Farts", but Albert's monster Sidney doesn't do that well, even though Albert thinks he is the best pet monster in the world. After all, he baths with lots of soap and bubbles and his diet of frosted cookies and cupcakes means he only musters a sugary whiff. Albert is embarrassed but appreciates Sidney for who he is, even when he sets a new record for the lowest score and he earns a very small trophy for "worst in show". The detailed illustrations are colored drawings that offer many different views of the contest that is televised live on TV, like the cameras and lights behind the scenes and the hilarious effects of the competition on the judges. It has a nice message about accepting someone for who they are and is bound to elicit lots of giggles!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bee, William

Illustrator: Hindley, Kate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763673185

Price: 15.99

Who Wants Broccoli

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2016

Review

This is a delightful children's book about a dog who he is left at the doorstep of Beezley's Animal Shelter in a broccoli box and thus is named Broccoli. He has lived most of his life at the shelter because his exuberant tail-chasing, bowl-balancing and loud barking scares off potential families. Mrs. Beezley's philosophy is that "There's a lid for every pot and a pot for every lid", but Mr. Beezley relegates Broccoli to the back room because "This noisy, messy pot will never find a lid". Broccoli almost doesn't get to meet the boy of his dreams who is looking for a very fun, energetic dog and of course turns out to be the dog's "lid". The beautiful watercolor and colored pencil illustrations nicely complement the story and show the variety of sweet, happy animals who live at the shelter. The childlike excitement Broccoli exhibits and the expressions he makes are clearly conveyed and will surely bring smiles to the young reader/listener. I liked the fact that the setting is identified as an animal shelter and not a pet store. Although it isn't told in a particularly original story line, I would recommend this book because the message that there is a place for everyone to fit in is an important children's theme, and the illustrations would make this a favorite read-aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Val

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062303516

Price: 17.99

Animal Colors What They Mean

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2016

Review

This non-fiction picture book is not about identifying colors, but rather how colors help animals in the wild. The nicely composed colored photographs filling the pages and the large font text will engage the early reader. The excellent quality of the cover and binding will ensure years of use in the library or classroom. There is also an added section in the back with more information and resources, including a short picture glossary and a matching activity. However, I felt that the six vocabulary words that they chose to bold on some of the pages and then include in the glossary were a bit random. I also felt that the part about flamingo chicks changing from white to pink as they grow should have included the "why" because the fact that animals can change color due to diet could be a very interesting fact for children. The book is short and colorful which makes it a good first reader but with a little more attention to detail, the teaching potential of the book would have been greater.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sawyer, J. Clark

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627243216

Price: 23.93

Amelia Bedelia Dances Off

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

This is a short chapter book about the young Amelia Bedelia written by the nephew of the original author of the Amelia Bedelia series. In this story, Amelia Bedelia is given a gift of dance lessons and she is not sure she will like it. With encouragement from her mother and Aunt Wanda she goes to the classes and makes new friends and finds she enjoys learning to dance, even ballet. There is a lot of action in the book and at least 8 different dances are taught and described. It is multicultural in the dance concepts, but not so much with the characters in the book. There are at least 2 illustrations per 2 page spread including diagrams of the dance steps. The double meanings of phrases are not dwelled on as the story progresses and I think they would go over most of the readers' heads, but there is an addendum that explains these at the end of the book. An example would be PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD means DO YOUR VERY BEST. These are nicely illustrated and are a nice complement to the book. On page 107 I was a bit puzzled by the paragraph- "Amelia Bedelia could see that (the) driver was wearing a jacket as well as a shirt and from the look on his face, he wasn't her Aunt Wanda's pal. "Here comes trouble" she said to Gracie." I inserted the THE and there was no other mention in the book about why the bus driver was not Aunt Wanda's pal and there was no trouble that came along either. Overall it was a nice story about family and friendship and I think it would be enjoyed by emerging readers and their parents.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow (Harper Collins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062334091

Price: 15.99

Nate the Great Where are You?

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

Having been a fan of Nate the Great since my 37-year old son Nathan was learning to read, I was very excited to pick up this book to review. I was not disappointed. All the familiar characters were there along with Harry, Annie's little brother whom I did not remember from 30 years ago. The mystery story is written in 8 chapters , but written in a way that young readers can follow the story. The sentences are short, there is a lot of dialogue, and the characters are interesting and unique. I always recommend Nate the Great to our young readers who are ready for a longer story after learning to sound out words.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sharmat, Marjorie Weinman and Mitchell

Illustrator: Wheeler, Jody

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House/ First Yearling

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449810781

Price: 5.99

The Lightning Queen

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

I am a fan of Laura Resau and was very anxious to read this book. This is the story of 11 year old Teo (a Mixteco Indian) who lives in a remote village in Mexico in the mid 1950s. A caravan of Romani (gypsy) people arrives in the village and Teo befriends a girl named Esma. Esma's grandmother predicts that Teo and Esma will be friends forever and that they will save each other when no one else can. Esma's caravan stays only a short time in Teo's village but the two look forward to seeing each other again the following summer. The story is mostly set in the 1950's but some chapters take place in the present day when Teo is a grandfather and his grandson Mateo visits him from Maryland. The story is narrated by Teo to his grandson. There are so many aspects of this book that I liked : Teo rescuing animals, the glimpse into two marginalized cultures, the mystical atmosphere, the bravery shown by both Teo and Esma, and the love story always present between them. The author includes author's notes on the Mixteco and Romani people as well as translation and pronunciation guides. My review does not do justice to this book. There is so much to recommend it.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Resau, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545800846

Price: 16.99

Ms. Spell

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2016

Review

In a brightly colored, busy classroom, Ms. Spell uses a magical spelling stick to assist her students in remembering tricks that will help them spell the various words that the general population misspells on a regular basis: there, their, they're, were, we're, where. Long uses quick, slapstick dialogue between teacher and student as a vehicle for listing the various spelling rules and tricks for spelling. The illustrations are cartoon in style with a mix of bright pastel colors reminiscent of stylized cotton candy. The end pages provide a list of frequently misspelled words, how to study them, 3 spelling rules and memory aids. The actions in the story include nose bubbles, students becoming flying monkeys with lasers shooting eyes and a class that responds with similar negative comments at the end of the books as they did in the beginning. There is some disconnect between the format which is picture book and the age of students who are learning spelling rules. The structure of call and response in dialogue bubbles between the teacher and the many students on a page will work best for an independent reader or when sharing one on one. The layout will be challenging in a large group. Of the many useful tricks presented for spelling, " 'School' is a hard word to spell, but remembering that it has a 'choo' in it as in 'choo choo' train might help" seems to be a confusing item since it is referencing similar spellings, but not similar pronunciations. The book's purpose is a way to support students in an effort to spell certain designated words correctly. As a tool for teachers, this has been met successfully, but re-reading for enjoyment may be limited.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432929

Price: 15.95

Patterns in the Park

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

This non-fiction concept book is part of the "Seeing Patterns All Around" series for younger readers. In this offering, various patterns are explained using a neighborhood park, a pond and landscape. The crisp, engaging photos concisely illustrate the singular concept presented in simple sentences on each two page spread. Concepts explained include: one is not a pattern, a pattern is repeating, alternating pattern, striped, checkerboard, polka dot, spiral and irregular pattern. Sawyer provides a one page multiple choice to reinforce the concept as well as a glossary that provides a picture of the item, the word and the pronunciation. Back matter includes an index, two suggested books and a website. This is an excellent tool for beginning readers to learn about patterns.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sawyer, J. Clark

Illustrator: , Stock Photographs

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627243391

Price: 26.60

Bob and Flo

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2016

Review

I recommend this title for cream. It's Flo's first day of penguin preschool and she has brought her pink bucket filled with fish for lunch. She meets Bob, tries some painting and then notices that her bucket is missing. As she goes through the day the bucket re-appears as Bob's hat, his step-stool, sand castle mold, and drum. After lunch, Flo finds the bucket next to the slide and Bob stuck at the top. Flo knows just what to do. She uses it to splash water down the slide to help Bob move. They play together until school is over. As Bob says his goodbyes to Flo with the bucket on his head, she replies "See you tomorrow, Bob....and don't forget our bucket!" Ashdown's mix of understated text with the illustrations showing the opposite provides the perfect mix for a budding preschool friendship. Scattered throughout the illustrations are support for preschool concepts such as manners, shapes, colors and a student's first day.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustrator: Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544444300

Price: 16.99

Forbidden

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired elementary librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This story takes place in the early 19th century. Josie, a sixteen year old orphan from Edinburgh, Scotland, is sent to live with her father's brother and wife in a village by the sea. She is not accustomed to their way of life which she finds unfriendly and coarse. Only Eli, a mysterious and brooding young man, and his grandmother are kind and helpful. The more Josie unravels the mysteries surrounding her, the more desperate and determined she is to leave, although her relatives need her to stay. This well written novel is told from Josie's point of view. Some of the events involving the shipwrecks are based on historical fact. The addition of the supernatural enhances the story. The story moves quickly and escalates with the dangerous and cruel reality that Josie uncovers about her caretakers and townspeople. The characters are well developed and complex. Young readers will be drawn into the relationship of Josie and Eli. I recommend this for readers who enjoy a combination of history, mystery, and the supernatural.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544390928

Price: 17.99

The Wrinkled Crown

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Linny grows up in Lourka where girls may not touch a musical instrument called a lourka until they are twelve years old. Because Linny was a "hummy baby" her parents keep her tethered to another girl, Sayra, who is supposed to keep Linny from trouble. Linny's actions cause Sayra to be taken to Away. Linny must leave her wrinkled hills and go to the Plains to find a way to bring Sayra back to safety. Readers who enjoy fantasies involving different worlds and concepts will enjoy how magic and science divide the two worlds. The descriptions of the characters and places are detailed. The characters are well developed and believable in this rich fantasy. The story is filled with action and adventure. Readers looking for thought provoking fantasy will be very satisfied with this novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nesbet, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062104298

Price: 17.99

The Girl Who Could Not Dream

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired elementary librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This rollicking fantasy about dreams, dreamcatchers, nightmares, and monsters is full of adventure and lighthearted humor. Sophie can not dream. Her parents run a bookstore that also secretly collects and sells dreams and nightmares. When Sophie is six she sneaks a tube from her parent's shop and drinks a dream that produces a monster. Her parents agree to let her keep it as a pet. Sophie and her monster have a delightful relationship. Troubles begin when the family's secret gets into the wrong hands. Friendship, loss, loneliness, and magic blend together in this well written imaginative story. Nightmares play a large role in the plot, but are not too scary for young readers. The author has created well developed characters. Some of the characters are just downright cute while others are terribly fiendish. I highly recommend this book which offers a refreshing approach to the world of dreams and nightmares.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Durst, Sarah Beth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544464971

Price: 16.99

The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This is an account of the adventurous and dangerous journey that the Norweigan explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, undertook with five others on the balsa raft, the Kon-Tiki, in 1947. The voyage covered 4,300 miles and lasted 101 days. Heyerdahl's intent was to prove his theory that ancient Incas from Peru had sailed to and inhabited the South Sea Islands. Quotes from primary sources head each page followed by the author's vivid descriptions. The colorful full page illustrations further enhance the well written text. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy this fascinating story. The end papers offer a colorful map indicating the Kon-Tiki's voyage and ocean currents. Further information is provided about the voyage, Heyerdahl's theory, biographical information, websites, films, print bibliography, and source notes. Recommended for readers interested in exploration and adventure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ray, Deborah Kogan

Illustrator: Ray, Deborah Kogan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580896207

Price: 16.95

How to Win at High School: A Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2016

Review

Adam is a loser and has always been. Could of been a god legacy in high school because of Sam, his older brother, who was the god of gods, but no, Sam had to become paralyzed from the waist down in a high school hockey game, eventually losing his god status! Even transferring to a different school didn't change his status. What is even more frustrating is that Sam wants Adam to live the life Sam lost and their younger sister is hanging with the gods! So one day, Adam decides enough is enough!

An interesting and fast-paced novel where the chapters are short even to the point of some only be one sentence long! Recommended for 14 and up, this novel will keep teens interested to see what happens to Adam in his transformation from loser to god to... You feel the movements that Adam makes and know that as his tale unfolds that some, if not all, of his decisions will go awry, but you can stop, because you hope it all works out in the end.

A must have for any young adult library collection. Great for realistic fiction and reluctant readers -- especially because of its pace!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Matthews, Owen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006233686

Price: 17.99

Either the Beginning or The End of the World

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddefords, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2016

Review

Terry Farish has again written another haunting fast-paced book about love, cultural diversity, PTSD and understanding. The main characters, Sophie and Luke, newly returned from Afghanistan and is not really sure where he needs to go, are well developed and seem to grow with every page. The relationship between Sophie and her estranged mother from Cambodia, along with the tales of the Khmer Rouge from her grandmother lend another aspect of learning and understanding of hardships and differences that help Sophie deal with Luke.

Living the rugged life of a fisherman's daughter along the shores of the Piscataqua River, 17 year-old Sophie stumbles upon Luke one snowing morning on the water's edge. Her father needs to head south because the catch this winter will not pay the bills. So her mother and grandmother move in to help - Sophie is not thrilled and lets it be known that she is in charge. But once they move in and share their history, Sophie understands of their customs of which she is part of.

Recommended for those who enjoy good love story with solid characters and a story that reaches out to its readers. Could also be used in discussion about the Cambodian culture and the history of the Khmer Rouge. Ages 14 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Farish, Terry

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda LAB

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467774833

Price: 18.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The World Within: A Novel of Emily Bronte

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2016

Review

Jane Eagland chronicles part of the young life of Emily Bronte and her family, with Emily being around 14 years of age. Eagland uses well established facts and information from Emily's own novel to recreate what she thought Emily did and may have thought at such an earlier age, wht experiences may have influenced Emily. The title of this novel "The World Within" is Start of a line from Emily Bronte's poem "Imagination".

Well written in the form of which you would expect Emily Bronte to write. Very period to the time in language and speech. Any fan of the Brontes, especially those of Emily, would love this well paced and humorous account of what her life as a teen may have been like. Recommended for 6 grade and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Eagland, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545492959

Price: 18.99

Sympony for the Dead: Dmitri Shoatakovich and the Seige of Leningrad

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2016

Review

An overall interesting book. Those who are interested in music history of Russia during the early 1900s and the two and a half year siege on the City of Leningrad, would love this book. It is rather slow at first to follow, if you are not interested in the topic, but once you go further it starts to pique interest into what actually happened to many of the citizens of Russia during that time span and how all of this influenced Russia's culture of the time. A must have resource for high school libraries.

Dmitri Shostakovich was one of Russia's premier composers. The music that he composed since he was a young child, has always been stirred by the plight of his fellow citizens of Leningrad. M.T. Anderson has put together a rather compelling story of a city under siege, where starvation was common, and not knowing who trust was a concern.

The period photographs of Russia during its transformation into the Soviet Union compliment the information that is presented in the context of the book. There is a TOC, an index that is easy to use and an extremely well documented source notes section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, M.T.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763668181

Price: 25.99

It's Raining Bats & Frogs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

This picture book will be perfect for the Halloween-themed story time or young reader interested in friendly witches. Delia, a young green-skinned broom-flying witch, looks forward to the yearly Witch Parade. This year it begins to rain making it "wet and miserable". Delia solves the problem by chanting and changing the drops to cats and dogs. After the first delight with the animals, the other witches begin to complain. Using the same chant, Delia changes the cats and dogs to hats and clogs with the same results. Bats and frog are not successful either and she has to brainstorm other rhyming ideas. In the end, Delia changes everything back to rain and the parade makes the most of the flood. Henry's muted green and brown color palette matches the storm setting. The witches have expression and various personalities as they all fly around on their brooms. Most of the text, except for the last few pages of the story, is printed in a stripe of white space at the bottom of each page with the exclamations of the witches appearing in white dialogue bubble, making it easy to read in a large group setting. Useful for preschools and parents focused on supporting the skill of rhyming words.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Colby, Rebecca

Illustrator: Henry, Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250049926

Price: 16.99

Dino-Swimming

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

Wheeler and Gott have teamed up again to present the eighth book in the dinosaur athletic series. The meat-eating, Land Sharks, dinosaur swim team dressed in red compete against the Algae Eaters plant-eating dinosaurs wearing green. In rhyming text, all aspects of a swimming meet are covered. As in the previous books, the names of the various dinosaurs participating are in colored font and some dinosaur names are abbreviated to fit rhyme scheme. The brightly, colored illustrations of the dinosaurs almost resemble clay figures showing action, expression and a variety of visual perspectives. The illustrations round out the text by showing details such as goggles, towels, swimming caps, parents behind cameras, stop watches and the high dive. The dinosaurs swim, pout, brag, cross over the swimming barriers and at one point a stylized dive empties the pool. A must have for dinosaur lovers and library collections looking for books to introduce preschool readers to sports.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wheeler, Lisa

Illustrator: Gott, Barry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467702140

Price: 16.99

Yak and Gnu

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

With excellently executed rhyming, Yak and Gnu is an adorable story of an afternoon on the water coupled with a message about individuality and commonality. A fun read-aloud and perfect for storytimes. The illustrations are great, as well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

MacIver, Juliette

Illustrator: Chapman, Cat

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675615

Price: 14.99

The Queen's Hat

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

Perfect for anyone interested in teaching their kids about Britain, The Queen's Hat is a fun and informational tool. On her way to the castle, the Queen and one of her corgis run into a wild wind and the Queen loses her hat. She and the royal guard chase the hat all over London and past many of London's well-known locales. The end features brief information about each of the locations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Antony, Steve

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545835565

Price: 16.99

A Crow of His Own

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Clyde is the new rooster at Sunrise farm. His predecessor, Larry, the prize winning rooster, has moved onto bigger and better things, leaving some big cockadoodledo's to fill. Initially the barnyard animals are not impressed by this scrawny newcomer. Except Roberta, a motherly goose, who tries to take Clyde under her wing. As Clyde tries to live up the Larry's reputation, he fails miserably. But when Roberta convinces Clyde to forget about Larry and do his own this thing, he finally finds his own unique and magnificent crow. Lambert's creative word play, using words like "stammered" and "mused" in place of "said" or "asked" raises this story to a new level. Costello's colorful illustrations, done in watercolor, are the perfect compliment to Lambert's text and fill out the story. The creative use of speech bubbles give voices to the barnyard animals and add humor to the story. A refreshing and funny reminder to be yourself.

Fantastic addition to any storytime, recommended for pre-K to 3rd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lambert, Megan Dowd

Illustrator: Costello, David Hyde

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580894470

Price: 16.95

Arctic Fox

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Arctic Fox is a well written expository informational text for elementary readers. It covers the arctic fox's physical description, habitat, behavior, diet and life cycle. It includes bold headings, colorful photographs, informative captions and labels on each page to help guide the reader. Both the interesting content and reading level are a perfect fit for the youngest learners. Recommend for teachers teaching nonfiction features and for students 1st-4th grade.

In the writing of this book, author, Dee Phillips consulted with experts Alysa McCall of Polar Bears International and Kimberly Brenneman, PhD of National Institute for Early Education Research.

Nonfiction features included in this book: Table of Contents, Science Lab (compare and contrast), Science Words (Glossary), Index, and additional resources.

Arctic Animals: Life Outside the Igloo series includes: Collared Lemming; Harp Seal; Polar Bear; Reindeer; Snowshoe Hare

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Phillips, Dee

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627245002

Price: 17.95

Daisy Saves the Day

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

In this historical fiction, award winning author and illustrator, Shirley Hughes tells the story of Daisy Dobbs. Set in early twentieth-century London, young Daisy loves going to school and learning to read. One day Daisy finds out that she must leave school and her home, and go into service as a scullery maid so that she can help support her mother and younger brothers. Daisy tries to do her best scrubbing pots, washing floors and peeling potatoes, but her heart and thoughts are on the many adventures that she has read about and sometimes she gets herself into trouble. However, when disaster strikes, quick thinking Daisy saves the day. The end papers capture the spirit of time period with old newspaper advertisements. Hughes illustrations, done in ink, gouache, and watercolor, are bright and realistic. They bring Daisy's wonderful adventure to life.

This story is set in a large format picture book, however it is text heavy and more appropriate to for independent readers. Recommended for 3rd to 5th grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Hughes, Shirley

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673239

Price: 16.99

Orangutanka

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Written in a series of tanka poems*, this book creatively tells the story of an orangutan family living in a zoo as seen by the zoo's visitors. Though the poems are short and simple, the author does a beautiful job conveying emotion, smells, taste, feeling and sound as the orangutan family plays in the trees, eats fruit and then takes a nap. Sister orangutan alone is not sleepy. Engle's words and Kurilla's illustrations work creatively together to show sister's mischievous movements as she swings down from the trees and dances her way over the to noisy human onlookers. The illustrations, created in pencil and ink, are bright, colorful and effortlessly flow across the page in several double-page spreads. Kurilla cleverly incorporates the movement of Engle's words into her illustrations. A bonus for any poetry collection, this book is also a wonderful mentor text for elementary teachers working with their students on different forms of poetry.

Includes a note about traditional tanka poems at the beginning of the book. Also includes facts about orangutans at the back as well as a brief list of both book and online resources.

*Tanka poems originate in Japan. Traditionally they consist of five lines with a syllable count of 5,7,5,7,7.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Kurilla, Renee

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805098396

Price: 17.99

If You Plant a Seed

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Written and illustrated by award winning author and illustrator, Kadir Nelson, If You Plant a Seed relays a simple but powerful lesson. Rabbit and mouse plant a few seeds and after nurturing the plants and waiting patiently, they are rewarded with delicious vegetables. However, when a few birds show up to share in their bounty, will rabbit and mouse 'plant seeds' of selfishness or kindness? Nelson uses very few words, but instead relies on his incredibly expressive illustrations to tell the story. The clever use of panels suggest the passage of time, while alternating with double-page spreads to help the reader focus on the heart of the story. The illustrations, created by oil on canvas, beautifully convey the message of selflessness, acceptance and friendship.

The welcoming illustrations will catch the eye of young children. The message of the story will attract parents and teachers alike. Recommended for pre-K - 2nd grade audience. A perfect addition to any teaching tolerance curriculum.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Kadir

Illustrator: Nelson, Kadir

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062298898

Price: 18.99

If I had a Triceratops

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

O'Connor, known for his Olympian graphic novel series, brings readers a cute tongue-in-cheek look into what it would be like to have a triceratops as a pet. O'Connor's entertaining illustrations, done in pencil and watercolor, are the true gems of this story. While the text relates all that the boy would do to take care of his pet (walking, cleaning, playing), the illustrations show the true hilarity of the situation, such as the triceratops sleeping under the boys bed during a thunderstorm.

This silly story would be a good addition to storytime and is sure to be a hit among dinosaur and dog lovers alike. Recommended for pre-K to 2nd grade. O'Connor is also the author of the similar title: If I had a Raptor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, George

Illustrator: O'Connor, George

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763660130

Price: 15.99

Abe Lincoln: His Wit and Wisdom from A-Z

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Alan Schroeder provides readers with a unique format for this biography about Abraham Lincoln. Set in the style of an alphabet book, with several entries for each letter, it tells the story of Lincoln's life and accomplishments. Each page also contains witticisms attributed to Lincoln. The entries range from funny to odd and interesting little known facts about Lincoln, his family and the time period in which he lived. Though O'Brien's illustrations, done in ink and condensed watercolors , are amusing and colorful, they are very busy and can distract from the text.

Much too long and text heavy to make a good read aloud, it is still creative and fun way to learn more about the 16th President of the United States. However because of it's unconventional format, this biography would not work well for student research. Recommended for ages 7-11.

Schroeder also authored Ben Franklin: His Wit and Wisdom from A-Z

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schroeder, Alan

Illustrator: O'Brien, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823424207

Price: 17.95

Duncan the Story Dragon

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

"Duncan the dragon loves to read." Can you imagine a better way to start this story about a dragon who gets so excited when reading that he inevitably ends up burning his books before he can finish them. Duncan longs to get through an entire book and tries everything he can think of to keep himself cool as he reads, but nothing seems to work. Finally Duncan meets a mouse who is willing to help him out. Together they make it to the end of the book and the beginning of a new friendship. Duncan is adorable! Driscoll's illustrations, created using pencil sketches and painted digitally, are sweet and playful. Driscoll cleverly uses the bright colors in her illustrations to guide the reader through the story.

Combining friendship, love of reading and dragons, this book would be a great addition to any story time and will be a hit with younger readers. Recommended for pre-k to 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Amanda

Illustrator: Driscoll, Amanda

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755078

Price: 16.99

Melissa's Octopus and Other Unsuitable Pets

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

This silly story introduces Melissa and her friends who all have unusual AND unsuitable pets. Among these are an octopus, giraffe, elephant and warthog. Each pet is splendid in it's own way but there are also drawbacks to each animal as a pet. "Caroline's giraffe is a gentle pet with lovely long legs. But she's a bit too tall for Caroline." However when Kevin and Bertrand get a crocodile as a pet, it is easy to see why it is the most unsuitable pet of all. Voake uses bold colors in her lively pen and watercolor illustrations. They are a perfect complement to her amusing text.

This playful story is a ideal for any parent to share with the child who asks why the can't have an elephant for a pet. It would also make a great introduction to an animal research unit. Recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Voake, Charlotte

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674816

Price: 16.99

Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Gingerbread for Liberty is a narrative nonfiction about the little known Revolutionary War hero, Christopher Ludwick. Ludwick was a German-born baker living in Philadelphia during the time of the American Revolution. Too old to join the Continental Army as a soldier, Ludwick baked bread, at his own expense, to help feed the army. Though the author's note is very informative about Ludwick's role in the American Revolution, the story itself is vague regarding Ludwick’s actual contributions. Kirsch created the unique and whimsical illustrations, reminiscent of gingerbread cookies, using 140-lb hot press watercolor paper, watercolor, and rubbelkrepp. Adding to the charm of this book, there is a gingerbread recipe on both the front and back endpapers. Includes an author’' note and sources list.

A perfect nonfiction read aloud for younger readers, pre-K through 2nd grade, to celebrate American holidays such as Independence Day, Flag Day, or President's Day.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff, Mara

Illustrator: Kirsch, Vincent X.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544130012

Price: 17.99

Elephants Can't Jump!

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

In Willis' delightful story, baby elephant is told that elephants can't jump. "It’s just they way we're made, said his mother. Something to do with our knees, said his father." But elephant is determined to prove his family wrong. Elephant comes up with several schemes to show that he can jump, such as running fast, using a trampoline and climbing to the top of a hill. No matter what elephant tries, he fails and the other animals are there to laugh and remind him that 'elephants can't jump'. But when elephant and his friends find a little boy in need of help, elephant finds that he can do something that none of the other animals can do. Reynolds cartoon illustrations are playful, brightly colored and nicely compliment Willis' adorable story. Recommended for pre-K to 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Jeanne

Illustrator: Reynolds, Adrian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Andersen Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467763165

Price: 16.99

Ghost in the House: A Lift-the-Flap Book!

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

"There's a ghost in the house, in the creepy haunted house, on this dark, spooky, night, all alone." So begins this charming cumulative counting book for your youngest trick-or-treaters. Originally published in 2013, the reissued book now includes lift-the-flap tabs on each page adding the the fun. The pages and tabs are made of thicker paper and are sturdy enough to withstand excited little hands. Each page adds another ghoulish creature creeping down the hall, in a double-page spread, until suddenly they hear a noise. Paquette's energetic rhyme and rhythm effortlessly move the story along to a fun and surprising ending. Record's illustrations, created digitally, are simple yet expressive, featuring non-threatening monsters. Each page complementing the text nicely.

A sweet addition to any Halloween collection, this adorable and simple ghost story is perfect for pre-K through 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Paquette, Ammi-Joan

Illustrator: Record, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676223

Price: 9.99

Mustache Baby Meets His Match

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

In this amusing companion to Mustache Baby, Billy (aka Monstrous Mustache Baby) meets his match! Baby Billy has a play date with Baby Javier (aka Beastly Bearded Baby). Billy is determined to show Javier that he is the best at everything and make Javier his sidekick. But Billy does not count on the fact that Javier wants to be the best at everything too. They compete over everything, including who is the best bear wrassler, who can perform the best magic trick, and who is the fastest in a motorcycle (tricycle) race. Will frustration ruin their friendship or can they learn to get along. Ang's clever, bright, over-the-top, cartoon illustrations make a perfect partnership with Heos' witty text.

A great addition to to a friendship themed storytime, recommended for pre-k to 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heos, Bridget

Illustrator: Ang, Joy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544363755

Price: 16.99

I Can draw! Dinosaurs, Dragons & Prehistoric Creatures

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Dinosaurs, Dragons & Prehistoric Creatures, part of the I Can Draw! series, shows step-by-step instructions for drawing dragons, dinosaurs and other creatures including pterodactyl, diplodocus, mammoth and many more. This book begins with a 'getting started' practice section. It includes instructions on how to use simple shapes to create almost any character. Legendre introduces each character with an interesting fact. Legendre's illustrations are colorful and simple. His step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. Features a Table of Content, Tool & Materials page, and The Color Wheel page. A welcome and fun addition to any library how-to-draw section, and sure to be a favorite for dinosaur lovers. Recommended for budding artists 1st-4th grade.

I Can Draw! series also includes: Planes, Trains & Moving Machines, Animals Around the World, Favorite Pets, Princesses, Fairies & Fairy Tales, and Sea Creatures & Other Favorite Animals

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Legendre, Philippe

Illustrator: Legendre, Philippe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939581600

Price: 23.04

Cartooning for Kids! Fairy Tale Fun

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Fairy Tale Fun, part of the Cartooning for Kids! series, shows step-by-step instructions for drawing fairy tale characters, including Humpty Dumpty, Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother and many more. It also includes sections with instructions on how to draw specific features (beards, hair, mouths) and accessories. Garbot, a professional illustrator, has organized this book by creating grouping similar characters together into sections, such as Good Guys and No-so-good guys. He introduces each section and character with an conversational writing style, including helpful hints and suggestions. Garbot's cartoon-like illustrations are colorful, and his step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. Features a Table of Content and a what you will need page. A welcome and fun addition to any library how-to-draw section. Recommended for budding artists, 1st-4th grade.

Cartooning for Kids! series also includes: Mean 'n' Messy Monsters; Crazy, Zany Cartoon Characters; and Furry & Feathered Friends.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Garbot, Dave

Illustrator: Garbot, Dave

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939581501

Price: 15.00

When the Sky is Like Lace

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

This book is a nonsensical tale about magical things that happen on bimulous nights when the sky is like lace including singing otters, sulking snails, dancing trees and grass that smells like gooseberry jam. There are lots of silly things you can do on these evenings like eating spaghetti with pineapple sauce, exchanging presents of three fireflies in a jar or pretend to be a helicopter. It uses some interesting vocabulary like the fictitious bimulous and I had to look up kissing gourami to see if was a real thing so I learned something. How many children's books use the color chartreuse? The soft muted water color illustrations set a lovely dream-like mood of a warm, stormy summer night. The Victorian-era details in the clothing and architecture were appealing and set an old-fashioned tone to the story. The illustrations were my favorite part of the story. The silliness of the verse could be appealing to children as a read-aloud, but it was didn't flow as I hoped it would.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Horwitz, Elinor

Illustrator: Cooney, Barbara

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781939017475

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Book Scavenger

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2016

Review

Emily and her family are moving AGAIN! Emily has gotten tired of her family's constant moving and this current move would be a total disaster except for the fact that they are moving to San Francisco, the home of Emily's favorite game maker and "the Willy Wonka of book publishing," Garrison Griswold. Griswold is the brilliant creator of the online game, Book Scavenger. Book Scavenger is THE game of games for puzzle enthusiasts and bibliophiles like Emily. Players can hide books and look for books that others have hidden all over the country by solving clues posted to the Book Scavenger website. Unfortunately, Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma. Emily and her new friend James find a hidden book in the place where Griswold was attacked and Emily becomes convinced that it contains a clue to something valuable. But can Emily and James solve the puzzle before it is too late? An entertaining adventure with action, codes, puzzles and literary history. Reminiscent of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, this mystery adventure is a great addition to any children's junior fiction collection. Recommended to those who enjoy puzzles and mysteries. For grades 4th through 8th.

Includes Author’s Note

Book Scavenger is not just a fictional game in this book but an actual game in which anyone can participate. Go to www.bookscavenger.com to learn more about finding and hiding books in your area.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bertman, Jennifer Chambliss

Illustrator: Watts, Sarah

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791151

Price: 16.99

Luna & Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Choose Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

Luna & Me The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest retells the story of how Julia "Butterfly" Hill courageously fought to save an ancient redwood by living in the tree for 738 days. The author does a wonderful job of making a very complex topic and story understandable for a child. She clarifies in the Author's Note that Butterfly is portrayed as a young girl instead of a woman in her early 20's to make it easier for children to relate to the story. The story shows what it was like to live in the tree and how hard it was to succeed in her quest to save the tree. The platform she lived on "was the size of a sandbox" and for exercise "she climbed barefoot to the very top of Luna every morning". It took a lot of teamwork and support from Butterfly's friends to succeed and that point is made as well. Kostecki-Shaw's acrylic and watercolor illustrations are beautiful with wonderful details of Luna and the nature of the forest. She writes in her author's note that camping with her family in the redwoods and spending a day at the base of Luna "fueled my illustrations with detail and magic". I would certainly agree. The changing layouts of the illustrations add even more interest to the story. This book would be an excellent resource for teachers to introduce environmental issues to children. The story also empowers children to make a difference and stand up for what they believe in.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805099768

Price: 21.99

Wild Feelings

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Younger readers are educated about how universal and influential feelings can be from the front cover where a child clad in a lion costume, with eyes screwed shut is yelling "Feelings" to the final pages where adults experience that same phenomenon. Milgram's signature minimalist style explores the confusing, out-of-control way feelings affect us in a humorous, spot-on way. In an interactive style, the reader is asked "Do you ever feel....stubborn as a mule,...chicken as a chicken,...clumsy as an ox or feel totally out of control". Each feeling is presented on a two page spread with lots of white space. A variety of children dressed in the corresponding costumes elicit the understanding and empathy of the reader. A blue pet bird is released during the clumsy ox episode and the pet appears on each spread after that as a visual tie-in. The ending finds the child frolicking outside au natural with the birdie. Useful for preschool themes of self-identity and feelings, as well a humorous browsing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Milgrim, David

Illustrator: Milgrim, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805095876

Price: 16.99

I'm an Alien and I Want to Go Home

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Here is a book with an eye catching title that may attract boys of about ages eight through twelve who like the stories that they read to be funny. It has almost two hundred pages of cheerful sillinesses in thirty one brief chapters that are sprinkled with comic but clarifying black and white drawings. The title might be the words spoken by twelve year old Daniel who is convinced by his family and his school that he is an alien. He is determined to locate and to travel to his rightful home planet. Once readers can accept the unlikely possibility of any boy truly believing that he is an alien, the fun begins. Daniel and his two friends, one a generous boy and the other a smart one and a computer whiz as well, devise a plan to get Daniel to liftoff time.The book's broad humor and its brief chapters keep it lively. This first novel makes a good candidate for reading aloud to fourth and fifth grade classes as well as being an entertaining choice for individual reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Franklin, Jo

Illustrator: Kelley, Marty

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544442955

Price: 16.99

You Can Do It, Bert!

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Both the clarity and the simplicity of both the illustrations and the text in this picture book are remarkable. An entertaining story highlights the importance of words of encouragement to those about to attempt a new accomplishment. The Bert of the title is off to a hesitant beginning but by the book's final page he is about to demonstrate what encouraging remarks can inspire. Pages made bright by the unusually large expanses of white background also make exceptionally clear the colorful and amusing drawings and their details. While the book presents a welcomed message to all ages, its ideal audience are preschoolers and early grade school children. Recommended for sharing with groups as well as one on one reading, You Can Do It, Bert! will also make an appropriate gift book to those needing a bit of praise.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Konnecke, Ole

Illustrator: the author, the author

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781927271032

Price: 13.49

Les Miserables: Epic Masterpiece by Victor Hugo retold by Marcia Williams

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Marcia Willams has taken the dense, lengthy story of Les Mis and has condensed it down to the nuggets of the story. Through expressively gritty illustrations, descriptions, and dialog Williams provides readers with a clear synopsis and feel for the original. This method makes accessible and understandable the depth of the original while providing a new, younger reader with an introduction to the elegance of story, plot, and meaning.

The memorable characters of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert haunt each other throughout this rendition that will appeal to students looking for a synopsis better than Cliff Notes, fans who have seen Les Mis on Broadway or in the movies, and those new to the story.

The size is that of a picture book while the format is that of a graphic novel; the audience may not immediately be apparent. I would be comfortable sharing this with ages from 10 through adult. The illustrations mirror the dialog and the action. The story unfolds parallel to the full-sized version.

Excellent

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, Marcia

Illustrator: Williams, Marcia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674698

Price: 17.99

City Love

Reviewed by: Jill Hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Three college freshman arrive in New York City for the summer prior to the start of school. The story is told from the point of view of each girl. All three characters come from varying backgrounds and experiences, and all three quickly find boys to fall in love with.

I am usually a fan of Susane Colsanti's work, but this book was lacking. Colasanti creates interesting characters, but this book is slow to develop a plot until the final three chapters, at which point you are left with a cliff hanger and need to read the next book to know how the issues are resolved. This story had potential, but the drawn out development of the story line and the cliff hangers for all three characters provided no resolution and made the overall book a disappointment.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Colasanti, Susane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062307682

Price: 17.99

Lies I Told

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Adopted teenage siblings, Grace and Parker, always follow the rules; rules of the con, that is. Since their parents pull large heists throughout the country using them as part of the scheme, Parker has always reassured Grace that he would take care of her. The rules are simple: "plot the con, get into character, work your way in and stick together". This time is different. Parker has been hinting of getting out of the business. Grace becomes conflicted about the real feelings she develops for Logan the mark (against the rules), loses a memento from a previous heist (against the rules), and develops a friendship with someone outside the mark's influential circle (also against the rules). As the situation spirals out of control, Grace's eyes are open to the realities of her actions and the consequences that jeopardize her safety and the family she thought she could trust. The pacing of this thriller works perfectly for the details of setting up an elaborate con and the romantic feelings that Grace develops for Logan. Waiting on how and when the con goes bad, as foretold in the prologue, will have reader's holding their breath until the cliff-hanging ending and the promised sequel. Note that there is some teenage drinking and sexual encounters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zink, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062327123

Price: 17.99

Connect the Stars

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Written by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague, this middle school novel is about Audrey Alcott who knows when someone is lying and Aaron Archer who remembers everything he has read or heard. Written in alternating voices, both teens have social issues because on their unique abilities and feel like they don't fit in. They both are going to a summer survival wilderness camp to deal with their issues that prevent them from having friendships. In camp, they are in a small group together, along with two others with similar circumstances and must face challenges in a brutal environment. They learn to depend on each other and turn the defects to assets, begin to feel good about themselves, trust and,finally, become friends. The camp begins as quite ordinary with youth that all have their own issues. They compete, learn to survive, and then a girl they all dislike goes missing. They work together to find her, and along the way, begin to fit in and find themselves. Very well done, however many characters are not well developed and the circumstances of the search and rescue are forced and not entirely believable but still well worth reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

de los Santos, Marisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062274656

Price: 16.99

Until I Find Julian

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This is a well written novel on the topic of illegal immigration from Mexico. Mateo is a twelve year-old boy from a loving family who lives in poverty with his widowed mother, grandmother and younger brother and leaves to search for his older brother, Julian, who works illegally in the United States to help support his family. When Julian goes missing during a raid on the construction site he works at, Mateo leaves to find his brother. During the dangerous journey, Mateo meets Angel, a girl who helps him cross the Rio Grande and becomes his companion on the journey. Mateo does have the address of a cousin in Texas who helps him travel to Arkansas to the address where Julian previously lived. Angel is street smart, but illiterate, and together they search for Julian. This is age appropriate for the intended audience of grades 3-6, the problem is articulated well without going into the politics of it and puts a face to the problem without being to graphic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reilly Giff, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744829

Price: 16.99

Listen, Slowly

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Listen, Slowly is the well-crafted story of Mai, 12 years old, and heading for VietNam to learn about her roots. Mai is quintessentially resentful of having to leave her US home in California. She is faced with learning a culture that is her heredity, but from which she has grown apart. She re-establishes her relationship with her grandmother and her extended family. Often resentful and very American, she learns to be VietNamese as well. While in VN, Mai is to listen to her Ba, Grandmother, to help her find her missing husband, Ong. The realistic story, heavily interspersed with Vietnamese phrases and with Vietnamese intonations - even the English develops the lilt of language that is Vietnamese.

As Mai's journey into understanding proceeds, the reader feels her change and understand her roots and background. Far from being foreign, the universal need to Listen, Slowly, to those around us is clearly understood. While not for every child in your library, this will strike a chord with students whose parents may have emigrated from other countries. Dialog is natural and flows easily. I would give this story to grades 6-12. It is readable on several levels of understanding. One request would have been to have a pronunciation guide for some of the Vietnamese.

Very Good.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lai, Thanhha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062229138

Price: 16.99

Search and Spot Animals!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This interactive book is entertainment for the whole family. Laura Ljungkvist's animals are delightful and fanciful with the slightest variations that make the search and spot challenging and fun for all. I loved the scandinavian feel of the art work and think this book belongs in everyones collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ljungkvist, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544540057

Price: 16.99

Charlie and the Grandmothers

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Towell spins a dark, dense and eerie story of childhood fears that grow into tangible evil manifestations. Twelve-year-old Charlie and his younger sister Georgia watch as the children in their town slowly vanish without the concern of the adults and Charlie fears they will be next. When his widowed mother begins talking about having them visit their grandmother for a while, he knows that his time has run out. They have no living grandmothers. After the children are taken to a farm run by creepy grandmothers, Charlie finds that memories are being taken from children worldwide to feed the harvest trees that will give the Queen of the terrifying dream world power in the physical world. Through various challenges that include bedbugs, sandmen, phantoms, web-feet grandmothers and a house that changes with Charlie's thoughts, Charlie is able to overcome his fears and save his sister and the other children. The pacing of this middle-grade horror story (suggested for grades 5-8) is slowed by the verbiage of reporting and analysis of the creepy dream world. The vocabulary will challenge readers. Towell's pen and ink illustrations add another level of grotesqueness to the descriptions, although the story does not contain graphic descriptions.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Towell, Katy

Illustrator: Towell, Katy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375868603

Price: 16.99

A Doll for Marie

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

A sweet old-fashioned story of a beautiful antique doll who is lonely and wants nothing more than to be played with and loved. A little girl who admires the doll every day on her way back and forth to school, dreams of owning the antique doll. This is very unlikely however, because the little girl is poor. Through a twist of fate, the girl and the beautiful doll are reunited in a satisfying finish.

Originally published in the 1950's, this timeless story should appeal to doll lovers of any generation.

Also included is a small version of the story that is just the right size for the reader's doll.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fatio, Louise

Illustrator: Duvoisin, Roger

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755962

Price: 16.99

Crow Made a Friend

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Crow is a resourceful bird, combating loneliness by creating friends from sticks, leaves, apples or snow. When nature limits the duration of these friendships, Crow tries again. Seasonal changes take us from fall, to winter, to spring, and the friendship that grows into a family. One sentence per page, a controlled vocabulary and a clear, easy-to-read font will encourage new readers. Illustrations of pen and ink with watercolor depict an expressive, colorful bird that pops from the white background. One quibble is that Crow is so colorful, that children won't recognize him as the black bird in their backyard. Overall, a recommended addition to the new reader shelf.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Peot, Margaret

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432974

Price: 14.95

Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds) Now in Full Color

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Pilkey's third epic Captain Underpants adventure published in 1999 has now been re- issued in shiny full color graphics. George and Harold's comic stories, the switch of the cafeteria ladies with aliens, the infamous flip-o-rama and all the necessary potty humor are left untouched and rejuvenated in this colorful edition. The incredibly naughty cafeteria ladies look better than ever in bright green skin and accessorized hair wigs. Pilkey provides an added bonus epic novella by George and Harold in the back about "Dog Man and the Wrath of Petey". A new fan base will be inspired to try their hand at creating comics with this re-issue.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Pilkey, Dav

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545694704

Price: 9.99

The Ghosts of Heaven

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This collection of four stories from different points in time - the first a free verse tale told from the perspective of a young cave dwelling woman; the second about a girl accused of witchcraft in historic England; the third set in the early 1900s in an asylum; and the fourth far in the future aboard a space craft - are loosely linked together with the employ of a recurring spiral symbol. Meditating on larger questions of the human condition and featuring lovely, evocative phrasing, this is a work epic in its themes but concise in format - not a single word seeming out of place or wasted. Winner of a 2016 Printz Honor Award, it will be best appreciated by sophisticated teen readers and adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sedgwick, Marcus

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction,historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721258

Price: 17.99

Reckless Hearts

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

What started out as your typical best friend/unrequited love story takes a very strange turn at the end. The end is really a teaser for the next book in the series: a really creepy, violent tale about the villain in this story. The book, and series, can't seem to decide if it is a romance or a thriller. Not a recommended purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Olin, Sean

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062192417

Price: 17.99

Ace Dragon Ltd

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Ace, the sewer dwelling dragon meets young John, who typically walks busy streets with a sword lashed to his belt. In a very civilized conversation, through an Ace Dragon LTD sewer manhole cover, Ace and John arrange to meet and do battle in an empty lot. John wins the battles and is treated to a soaring ride as the dragon skywriters and eventually lands on a golden moon. Clever problem solving and Ace's special talent allow the two to land safely back on earth, all in time for supper. The story starts and ends with a discussion of what Ltd stands for and the meaning of the word. This "limited" word play will be lost on younger readers, but the story stands on its own in spite of that. This is a slightly longer format than most picture books, but would work well for any story hour, especially if there are dragon fans. This is a whimsical, absurd, delightful story of friendship and adventure by a well known and loved author and illustrator team. Originally published in Great Britain in 1980.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoban, Russell

Illustrator: Blake, Quentin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674823

Price: 16.99

Your Baby's First Word will be Dada

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

In typical Jimmy Fallon fashion, this cute book takes on the idea of getting your baby to say dada. It features lots of animals trying to get their young to say dada. The young reply with the sound that they typically would make, with makes for lots of opportunities to practice animal sounds. It's also fun to look at facial expressions, as some of the animals showcase very expressive eyebrows. Not a knock out of the park, but a cute book for new parents.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fallon, Jimmy

Illustrator: Ordonez, Miguel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250009340

Price: 16.99

The Plan

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This is a rich story of a little girl's dream told in spare, one word picture captions. Each word changes in one letter progressions to relate the tale. For example, plan becomes plane, then planet, plant and so on. In the story, a young girl and her dog live on a farm with her Dad and an abandoned biplane next to the chicken coop. The girl dreams of flying in the plane one day and draws out her plan in a notebook. When she finds her Dad's old album of his flying days she shares her plan with him and the two, plus the dog, begin making her dream come true. The story is full of love, emotions, well developed characters and a very enjoyable ending. The author used only 20 words to tell the story. Each word begins with the letter "p" and changes by one letter from frame to frame. The illustrations perfectly express the setting and emotions of the story. They depict the one word captions and provide the reader with all they need to get lost in this heartwarming tale. I am recommending this for "Cream of the Crop".

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Paul, Alison

Illustrator: Lehman, Barbara

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544283336

Price: 17.99

The Third Twin

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Set in California, our mystery has twin girls who pretend to be a third "twin" whenever they want to be a little risky. Alicia, the third "twin" is blamed for the naughty things the girls do as young children. However, it is when they are seniors in high school that things get out of control. Long raised to believe they were identical foundlings, identical sisters Lexi and Ava's relationships with boys can get out of hand. Early on, I decided that there was a third and that they were really triplets, so that (spoiler alert) came as no surprise. The evil caregiver was a new twist. The thriller has good pacing and the unexpected twists and turns that keep most readers guessing.

If you are a fan of Pretty Little Liars and thrillers, this may hold your attention. However, if you like to analyze what an author is giving you with dialog and plot, then this is lacking in depth. A fast read, momentary plot, typical genre dialog, leading to a predictable end.

Good

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Omololu, CJ

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744522

Price: 17.99

Identify and Evaluate Advertising

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This is a useful volume on advertising for middle grade students. Concepts such as branding, bias, and persuasion are clearly explained. The book includes four chapters: an overview, a discussion of how television and print ads work, where ads "pop up" online, and how advertisers use persuasion in their ads. The author has included several photographs of ads and includes questions for students to think about as they read the book. The book includes a glossary, bibliography, and index, and ends with a suggested assignment for students to identify and evaluate advertisements. Part of the Info Wise series, an information literacy/research process collection. Teacher resources are available for download from the publisher's website.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bodden, Valerie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467752268

Price: 30.65

Witch's Broom

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Amy’s mom finds a little blue broom in the back yard. Little does she know that the broom is magic. Soon Amy and her friend Jean are having lots of fun playing with the little broom. But the broom has something it needs help with and Amy and Jean are the only ones that can help. This is a very sweet early chapter book that was originally published in 1977. It is perfect for young readers that like books with magic. There is just enough suspense to keep them reading but not too much to make it scary. The black and white drawings are a bit hard to see at times and the use of color would have increased the appeal of the book with readers. Still this would be a very nice addition to any libraries early chapter section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chew, Ruth

Illustrator: Chew, Ruth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449815786

Price: 5.99

The Specific Ocean

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Choose Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

We, who live near the ocean, know the connection we have with it. In Kyo Maclear's story, we meet a young girl whose family is heading to the ocean for the very first time. This is a vacation she is not looking forward to. So much so, she refuses to leave the cottage once they have arrived. But the ocean has a way of winning over the most reluctant of visitors and the author eases both the young girl and the reader into the beauty of the water and its inhabitants. Katty Maurey's illustrations of mixed media have a watery touch to them. There is a calmness to them that draws the reader in, much like the ocean itself. This is a good choice for anyone going on their first ocean experience and for those of us who know the draw of the ocean and the creatures who call it home.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maclear, Kyo

Illustrator: Maurey, Katty

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978894786355

Price: 17.95

Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gryay Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Charlie Laird is back and this time he and his family are battling what seems to be zombies! Charlie thought the portal between the Netherworld and the real world had been closed after he and his brother had sent the nightmares back to where they belong- in ones dreams. Charlie can't shake the feeling that something isn't right and then his stepmom's herbarium, one of the busiest stores in the town is losing business to a new store in a neighboring town. Upon visiting the competition and observing that those who have purchased the potion seem to be sleepwalking- Charlie and his friends must again open the portal to stop this behavior from spreading. Segel and Miller have written a sequel that will keep the reader turning pages to see how this weirdness started and how Charlie will again save the day. Kwasny's illustrations add to the fun of the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Segel, Jason

Illustrator: Kwasny, Karl

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385744270

Price: 16.99

A Night Divided

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Gerta's father and brother head to the western part of Berlin, Germany to find work, but they never get back. Before they have a chance to return home, a wall is put up separating the 2 halves of the city. Gerta, another brother and their mother are trapped on the eastern side and can not get out. But then Gerta's dad sends her a clue that might just help them find a way to escape.

For readers that know about the Berlin Wall and those that don't, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. Gerta and her brother Fritz take on so much and the risks they take to escape are huge. The author does a great job of getting across the horrors of living in East Berlin at the time but it is still appropriate for 4th graders (and up). A terrific historical fiction book that reads a bit like a thriller. Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545682428

Price: 16.99

Jack at the Helm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This is the third adventure in the comical Berenson Schemes series for readers in grades 2-4. Only child, Jack has always been the responsible one since his parents are gullible and dim-witted. This new adventure starts with his parents purchasing a farm in Nepal off the internet (visualize swamp property in Florida) with the intent to start their own religion and make huge amounts of money. As they board a bus in Nepal to locate said property, they recruit their first believer, eighteen-year-old Henry, who is world traveling as he tries to find himself. While hitching a ride on a truck at the end of the bus ride, since no one can seem to tell them the location of said farm, Jack and Henry are thrown from the truck and must work their way down the river in a raft. Along the way, they encounter crocodiles, a cave, torrential rain, capsizing and extreme rock climbing. Henry's fears are tested and Jack comes to believe that when they make it back to the states they should switch parents. When they are finally rescued in a convoluted way by Jack's parents, Jack concludes that his parents do love him, for all their foibles, and that he should stay with them. Stevanovic's full page black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and provide cultural setting details. Doan provides some adult comic stances on religion and some enriching vocabulary along the journey.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doan, Lisa

Illustrator: Stevanovic, Ivica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467710787

Price: 17.95

Sleepless Knight

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

The Knight and his steed, Edward embark on a camping trip that doesn't go as planned. When his beloved teddy bear goes missing, the Knight goes on a quest in search of his furry companion and comes face-to-face with a real bear. Emerging readers will enjoy this humorous graphic novel by the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. Readers who like to draw will appreciate the instructions for how to draw each character on the endpapers. Large print, bold colors and slapstick humor make this a recommended purchase for K-2 graphic novel collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sturm, James

Illustrator: Sturm, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596436510

Price: 14.99

Stink Moody in Master of Disguise

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Stink and his sister Judy Moody, have shown an interest in stargazing. When Stink hears that a giant meteor landed in Russia, he panics and creates an asteroid shelter in the basement. Goofy antics ensue until Stink emerges as superhero, Asteroid Boy. Megan McDonald's humorous writing rings true in the latest installment of the Judy Moody and Friends series. The large font, white space, and colorful, digital illustrations make this a perfect book for readers who are ready to make the jump from leveled readers to early chapter books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672188

Price: 12.99

Whole New Ballgame

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Rip and Red are fifth graders sure of what they will encounter as they begin school in the fall. As soon as they enter the classroom they realize things have changed. A new teacher greets them at the door and as the new basketball coach Mr. Acevedo brings even more change into Mason Irving's (Rip) and Blake Daniel's (Red) lives. Best friends, new friends, and how to deal with change for all is well portrayed through this diverse cast of characters. For a class assignment, one student, Avery, shares her perspective on gross things by enumerating the items her wheelchair wheels have picked up. The stress of standardized "teaching to the test" and parental involvement is well handled. Compromise is needed for both adults and children and well presented. This would be a solid read for anyone who enjoys school related stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bildner, Phil

Illustrator: Probert, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301309

Price: 15.99

A Passion for Elephants the Real Life Adventure of Field Scientist Cynthia Moss

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This engaging book tells the story of how scientist Cynthia Moss became interested in saving the elephants of Africa from being killed for the ivory trade. The narrative starts with a description of Cynthia as a seven year old riding a "great, tall horse" because she "was not afraid of BIG things".; a theme that is continued through the story. We learn of her trip to Africa as a journalist taking pictures of the "most ENORMOUS land animals on planet Earth" and how she fell in love with the gentle creatures whom she decided to devote her life to studying. The book does a wonderful job of showing what she learned of the social/emotional life of the elephant families and explaining what ivory is and why she joined the fight to make the trade illegal all over the world. The beautiful mixed-media illustrations are very detailed and draw the reader in with wonderful colors and textures. The eyes of the elephants show great emotion. The book includes a picture and more detailed biography of Cynthia Moss as well as further reading suggestions and additional sources, although nothing is more recent than 2010 with the exception of the website for Cynthia's Amboseli Trust for Elephants. This book is a wonderful introduction to an animal rights activist who mad a difference and could inspire children to educate themselves about what goes on in other parts of the world where they could make a difference if they are "not afraid of BIG things."

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Buzzeo, Toni

Illustrator: Berry, Holly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Penguin Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780399187254

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Whisperer

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

From the beginning, this felt like a "Prince and the Pauper" story.

In this thinly contrived story, Lute, Crown Prince, and Griff, child of a poor falconer, come together to realize that they are twins. It is a bit slow, but will engage some who enjoy a slower pace. There are magical creatures, there is evil, and the characters do grow and become stronger as the plot develops. The ending is predictable and yet we are left wanting more story at the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McIntosh, Fiona

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553498271

Price: 16.99

Lost Track of Time

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Penelope enjoys imagining and writing but struggles to find time to pursue her interests. Her mother schedules every minute of every day with little free time allowed. When a day appears with no commitments Penelope races to a friendly neighbor who warns her about getting lost in time. By staring at the blank page Penelope is drawn into an alternative world where all that matters is time. Reminiscent of The Phantom Tollbooth, Penelope finds a friend in Dill and together they seek out the Great Moodler and break the spell of time being completely bound up. This is a fully imagined world, easy to get caught up in, and entertaining illustrations to support the narrative. Of particular note is the back cover which shares many common expressions used to describe the different types of time with which we all deal.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Britt, Paige

Illustrator: White, Lee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schoilastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545538121

Price: 17.99

The Great Ice Engine

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

This is the fourth entry in the Frozen series of early chapter books that explore further adventures with Anna & Elsa. Frozen fans are bound to love it, although it certainly isn't great literature. The story centers around the classic man vs. machine, old-fashioned physical labor versus new technology. The hilarious character of Oaken from Frozen has invented an ice cutting machine powered by a mouse to challenge Kristoff and the other ice harvesters. What ensues is a bit of mystery due to misinformation but is solved with a bit of magic and sisterly cooperation. It will be a popular choice at libraries with Frozen fans and is geared towards 2nd - 4th grade readers, but would be a great read aloud for younger kids.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Erica

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780736434317

Price: 9.99

Draw What You See

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

A biography of artist Benny Andrews. The author tells of the place in history of this important man, considered to be one of the finest African American artists of the 20th century. Raised in Georgia, Andrews wanted more from life than picking cotton. Fortunately, he was able to finish high school and then enlist in the US military. This enabled him to go to college on the GI Bill once his military service was complete. He studied in Chicago at the Art Institute. A teacher, a Civil Rights advocate, a voice for those without representation in the art community, a helper, Andrews believed that art was for everyone. With spare prose on one page, and a full illustration on the other, this book uses Andrews's own paintings to tell his story, each piece fitting the accompanying words quite well. Andrews style of collage rich in reds and blues are well-chosen by Benson and bring his story to life. This book can be read aloud, used in art class, or for a unit on Civil Rights or the Harlem Renaissance.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Benson, Kathleen

Illustrator: Andrews, Benny

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544104877

Price: 16.99

Untwine

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Giselle and Isabelle, twins who were born with their fingers entwined, are 16, beginning to seek their own paths, and dealing with their parents exploration of possible divorce as the family is sideswiped in a major car accident. One twin is killed, the other in a deep coma. As Giselle struggles to deal with her medical issues, doctors, family members, and the pain, she realizes that everyone thinks she died and her twin survived. Trying to speak is impossible. Eventually the error is discovered. The emotional journey that Giselle travels is well imagined and portrayed. It covers her childhood, her desire to keep hold of her sister, and the importance of family and roots. The Haitian background of this family provides a glimpse into how important two places can be to hold families together.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Danticat, Edwidge

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545423038

Price: 16.99

Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

When Ben Franklin traveled to France to seek financial assistance from King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette for the revolutionaries fighting Britain back in America, he encountered a form of “science” being practiced by a Dr. Franz Mesmer. In the tradition of a traveling snake oil salesman, Mesmer was peddling what he called animal magnetism to “cure” the sick. Well, the sick who could afford his lofty prices. In return for his assistance, King Louis asked Franklin to investigate this new phenomenon. Using the scientific method, which is well explained in this book, Franklin, along with a few other scientists of the day, disproved the existence of animal magnetism, proving instead that the cure was all in the patient’s head. Mesmer was discredited and fled back to his native Germany. The book is tough to place in terms of audience. It is not a biography of either Franklin or Mesmer; it is not a piece of American history, but more about an interesting side-note in the history of the fledgling nation, nor is it about the science of Franklin. It is a tough read-aloud due to the busy design on the pages, and the use of boxes and differing font sizes. The illustrations are gorgeous with fine detail and attention-grabbing color. The end sheets set the tone with their mesmerizing swirls that seem to move as you stare. It's a well-crafted book, and it is an interesting story, but its limited subject matter, really of more interest to adults and older students, brings this title up short for an excellent rating.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff, Mara

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763663513

Price: 17.99

Slappy's Tales of Horror

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

A graphic novel adaptation of four Goosebumps stories, "A Shocker on Shock Street," "The Werewolf of Fever Swamp," "Ghost Beach," and "Night of the Living Dummy." Each story is drawn by talented illustrators who use sharp detail and wonderful color palettes to enhance the stories and capture the full creepiness of each. Each story has a twist, which readers of the Goosebumps series will catch, but like the proverbial train wreck, you still cannot stop reading even though you know what's coming, maybe because you hope that this time, the story will have a happy ending. The stories pull no punches and are not for the faint-of-heart. There are many elementary readers who adore the R.L. Stine series, but I would be careful placing this book into just anyone's hands. This reader had to double check the locks on the doors after reading the book in one sitting. Slappy sounds like a funny, almost silly name, but these horror stories are anything but. For lovers of graphic novels and things that go bump-in-the-night - a truly fantastic, spine-tingling intersection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dave, Roman

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545835954

Price: 12.99

The Wishbone Wish

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

A Thanksgiving themed entry in the Judy Moody & Stink series centered on the town's annual Turkey Trot race which both Judy and Stink are training for. Judy is so sure that she will win the first prize of the fat, juicy turkey, especially after the wishbone breaks in her favor over Stink, that she tells Grandma Lou to skip buying a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. McDonald's funny dialogue and sister/brother antics will make this a sure-fire hit with readers. The well-done, colored illustrations will help pull in reluctant readers and the large font on white background make it easy for early readers to transition to chapter books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672065

Price: 14.99

The Missing Zucchini

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

Zeeta and Zelda Zamboni are missing their giant zucchini that was sure to win first prize in the vegetable competition at the Harrow Harvest Fair. It is up to Max and his Uncle Larry, who happens to be a ghost and can only be seen by Max, to solve the mystery before it's too late. A 200 pound zucchini can't be easy to steal but there are a host of suspects in this early chapter book mystery. It is a clever "whodunit" with an Agatha Christie-style gathering of suspects at the end of the story. Kid humor abounds (the first chapter is called "The Biggest Poop I Have Ever Seen") but a quickly moving plot with twist and turns kept me guessing until the end. It is an engaging story for readers transitioning to chapter books with large font on white pages and numerous pen and ink drawings enhancing the characters development. Sure to be popular with 2nd to 4th grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Falcone, L.M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381543

Price: 12.95

Return to Auggie Hobble

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Part run-of-the-mill MG novel, part X-files, part Goosebumps, the book throws a little of everything into the pot. Auggie's family runs a broken-down theme park dedicated to fairy tales, Fairy Tale Place. Among normal things like failing his Creative Arts class, having a crush on a girl who doesn't know he exists, and evading the school bullies, Auggie has some very abnormal things happen, werewolves, dead best friend, UFOs. Lane's illustrations are worth the price of the book as he envisions the different projects Auggie could do to get out of the Creative Arts hot water, showing that Auggie is more indecisive than un-creative, and as he introduces the reader to the quirky, sometimes nefarious characters in and around Fairy Land Place. Funny, dark, and peppered with action, this book is an ambitious first effort by Lane. Readers who stick with the book until the end (and those who can't take abrupt shifts in plot may not), will be rewarded with an entertaining romp through an adolescent boy's head and heart.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Lane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720541

Price: 16.99

The Day No One Was Angry

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Twelve stories that use animals to discuss the various stages and manifestations of anger. This is a tough book to place in terms of library use because it is not the usual happy ending children's picture book. Each animal has an issue that makes it angry or a situation with another animal that brings anger to the fore, and most of the animals and situations end without a true resolution of that anger. The illustrations are reminiscent of older children's book with a sketch-like quality and dark palette. This book could be put in the hands of a perceptive young reader who can understand nuance and the idea that not every story has to end well, or be neatly wrapped up. It seems like it would be a great book for use in art therapy or for guidance counselors helping young children deal with anger issues.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tellegen, Toon

Illustrator: Boutavant, Marc

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781927271575

Price: 19.99

Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

This almost magical story tells the tale of an event which has been passed down from the grandfather of the author. Antonio Grioux grew up in the early part of the 20th century and lived in Gowganda, Ontario at a lakeside hotel in the wilderness where travelers, outdoor sportsmen, lumberjacks and miners stayed. He was always interested in the animal signs he saw in the forest around him and wanted to see more animals but realized that "the safest place for animals was a distant, hidden one" due to the livelihood of the men staying in the hotel. The summer of 1914 was a dry one and a forest fire forces the animals and the residents of Gowganda to come together for everyone's salvation and it gave me shivers when reading what happened. The detailed pen and ink illustrations are water colored washed with sepia ones and add to the primitive feel of the story. Perhaps Rebecca Bond has taken some liberties with this story as it is a remembrance of a child, but she has an author's note in the back stating it is true. It is a great launching point for talking to children about what life was like for early settlers and pioneers, and how different creatures could come together for everyone's benefit.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374380779

Price: 17.99

World Zombination

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2016

Review

The final book in "The Zombie Chasers" series, "World Zombination" is fun and enjoyable. John Kloepfer has his seventh-grade heroes save the world from complete zombification by traveling to Madagascar, Egypt, and China and facing various zombie and SUPER ZOMBIE enemies! The book is action-packed and funny and kids will enjoy the fast-paced book. I haven't read the other books in the series (this is book 7), but I understood what was going on thanks to summaries of their past adventures in this book. David Degrand's illustrations are amusing and definitely add charm, and Kloepfer includes some historical and scientific information into this book, but I wouldn't call it super-educational. As a vegan, I did appreciate the fact that the vegan character was the cure to the original zombie plague. I wouldn't say that this is a must-buy, unless you have the rest of the series, but kids will probably enjoy the humor and action.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kloepfer, John

Illustrator: Degrand, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062290274

Price: 16.99

Eva and Sadie and the Best Classroom Ever!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

Sadie is about to start 2nd grade and her little sister Eva is to move from preschool to kindergarten. Sadie feels that she must prepare Eva and begins to overwhelm her with math, alphabet, lunch and recess lessons in a room especially converted into a real classroom. She even keeps Eva from napping each day as kindergarten doesn't have naptime. Eva is as frazzled as her curly locks suggest. Has Sadie gone a bit overboard? The author employs watercolor and pencil and lots of while space to fashion colorful, appealing, expressive and amusing illustrations that complement the text well. The text is of an appropriate font size and makes for a good readaloud for the younger end of the targeted audience while the older readers will be able to sound out most of the words with a bit of assistance. This is a good choice for children beginning the lower levels of education and for siblings entering different grades and is definitely relatable for all young children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohen, Jeff

Illustrator: Allen, Elanna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062249388

Price: 17.99

Crybaby

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

It's a quiet night on a quiet street when the silence is shattered by a crybaby...a little baby wakes up wailing and everyone around her is awoken and tries to do his or her best to soothe the disgruntled little one. Parents, siblings, grandparents and even neighbors attempt everything from feeding, burping, a diaper change, rocking, and all imaginable forms of entertainment to return the crybaby to her slumber.One two page layout is all illustrations with hula hooping, a rabbit being pulled out of a hat, a neighbor balancing a chair on his nose, juffling and bubble-blowing, to no positive effect. Roy, the family's big black labrador is completely ignored but could he be the one with the solution? With busy and colorful endpapers, one wonders if a particularly attentive child will find the sheep that is different from all the others. The illustrations are extremely colorful and employ collage-like and cut-out characters to make for very interesting,active and unusual pictures that do a good job of complementing the text. Repeated, cummulative refrains make for an amusing readaloud that children will chime in on. They will especially enjoy the p-e-e-u-u-w-w the dirty diaper engenders.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Beaumont, Karen

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805089745

Price: 17.99

Sock Monkey Boogie-Woogie

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

Sock Monkey, being a famous toy-actor, is invited to The Big Celebrity Dance for famous toys. There is a dilemma, however, in that all his friends are going to be away on that date. He needs a suitable dance partner pronto. What to do? After advertising for a partner and interviewing many potential applicants, none will really do; The toy phone is always on a call, the toy teeth has halitosis, and the top only knows how to twirl! Sock Monkey redefines the meaning of 'making a friend' when he has a brainstorm; he makes a dance partner from a hat and sweater, some socks, and cotton. Voila! He has made Sock Buddy. Strangely, Sock Buddy makes fantastic cupcakes, but will he be able to dance? The illustrations are hilarious, filled with many beloved toys for children to spot. There are lots of humorous things taking place and readers will want to take time to enjoy every page. Pay particular attention to the spread of all the toys dancing. The endpages are nostalgic with a gray, black and white argyle pattern. This is one to consider for picture shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763677589

Price: 14.00

Sock Monkey Rides Again

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

Well-known toy actor Sock Monkey has played many bit parts such as Lassie's chew toy and dwarf #8, but now he has been offered a starring role in a singing cowboy movie where he will get to ride horseback, lasso, yodel and, gulp, kiss a girl! Yuck! As it is the chance of a lifetime, Sock Monkey decides to take the offer. His friends help him prepare but no one is willing to practice the kissing scene. The lead actress turns out to be 'kinda cute' but the motivation for the kissing scene eludes Sock Monkey. When read aloud one will date oneself when channeling Gene Autry melodies, but that is to be expected. The end pages are reminiscent of kerchiefs bona fide cowboys and cowgirls would wear and the illustrations are worth intent perusal as amusement can be found within. Consider this one for your picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763677602

Price: 14.00

Two Girls Want a Puppy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

Cadence and sister Emi want a puppy really badly. They are trying to convince their father that they are ready. He is skeptical. So, they decide to prove to him that they can be persistent, responsible, smart, and creative about this endeavor. Based on a true story about the author's daughters who went on facebook asking for a million likes to convince their father that they should be able to finally get a puppy who ended up with over four million likes, this selection shows children making a plan and following through with it. Not only are they clever but they use logic,they dogsit for a dog next-door to show that they can be responsible, and they research and find lots of information about the history of dogs and the care of them. Their father ends up thoroughly impressed and they adopt a puppy at last. With childlike, colorful illustrations, complementary text and the use of soft pastel tones, this is one to consider. Beware, children that want pets might take a lesson from this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cordell, Ryan and Evie

Illustrator: Lam, Maple

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062292612

Price: 17.99

One Family

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 17, 2016

Review

In this visually appealing counting book readers will learn that a family can be of any size from one through 10 and beyond. Many different ethnicities and ages are represented including babies in buggies, seniors, men wearing turbans and interracial families, though the text never speaks to these differences. This makes the quiet and subtle point that families come in all shapes, sizes,and ages, from a family of one (a grandmother alone with her cat) to a family of ten mostly redheaded members. Children reading this book or having it read to them will probably most enjoy finding the items and families on each page spread and counting them. One cannot resist. There is one gutter issue that should have been noticed before it was bound. The endpages are lots of fun. The beginning endpages show family members in straightforward and serious poses while the last endpages show the same folks leaning out of their frames to speak to one another or frowning, while some escape their frames entirely. Altogether a charming and unusual book about counting and families. Loved it.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shannon, George

Illustrator: Gomez, Blanca

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374300036

Price: 17.99

My Dog Is the Best

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

Familiar tale of a boy and his dog - and the boy's belief that HIS dog is the best. This is a very simple story of friendship. The young narrator's statements of his dog's many virtues (all prefaced by "My dog is the best") are belied by the illustrations of the dog sleeping. The simple illustrations with lots of white space capture the exuberance of the narrator and the sleepiness of the dog. In the end the tables are turned and the dog is ready to play as his very young owner is down for a nap.

This is a very sweet story - simply told and illustrated.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Laurie Ann

Illustrator: Schmid, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300517

Price: 17.99

Boston Marathon

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Overview of a famous and long-lasting sports event. The brief text is accompanied by full color photos and graphics. It is hard to compact over 100 years of marathon history into 31 pages - so it is a bit simplified and choices of info highlighted is random. Some of the photos used to illustrate things were odd. There is a glossary but no index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Petersen, Justin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scobre Educational

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629201573

Price: 26.65

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2016

Review

A collection of 35 short poems which are excellent for very young children. The poems have a beat which will create movement for the listener. The subjects of the poems range from movement to feelings. Some are funny, some full of nonsense words - and some challenging to read aloud. The book has a gorgeous layout and design. Font sizes are different from poem to poem - and sometimes change with a poem. Text color is different throughout. The water color and pencil illustrations are large, colorful and playful.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Riddell, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681166

Price: 19.99

Sad, the Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2016

Review

Mr and Mrs Cripps are mean to their unwanted puppy given to them as a gift. They feed the dog and bathe him - but don't bother to give him a name. They yell at him for typical puppy behavior digging, eating the paper and barking - instead of training him with a kind hand. The poor thing gives himself a name - Sad. One day the Cripps pack up all of their belongings (except the dog) and move. The poor thing wonders what will become of him - who will feed him. Sad is even sadder! But he is only alone overnight - when a family moves right into the house the next day. Jack, the young boy of the family, is delighted to see a pup comes with the house. Slowly Jack works to get the trust of the dog - through praise, biscuits, water and a bed. The dog thrives on this positive attention - and gets a real name - Lucky. The illustrations show a black and white terrier mix grow from a very sad dog to a very happy and loved pet. The gray autumn landscape extends the feeling of loneliness and sadness. The book hints at the issue of animal abuse/abandonment - but even the youngest reader will recognize the best way to treat a dog.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fussell, Sandy

Illustrator: Suwannakit, Tull

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678265

Price: 15.99

Space Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

It is the year 3043 and our intrepid Space Dog is heading home. But along the way he solves the problems on many planets - from Bottleopolis drowning in milk to Cornflake 5 drying up. Space Dogs, Astro Cats and Moustronauts have been sworn enemies for centuries. As this story unfolds Space Dog flying solo on the SS Kennel playing Dogopoly alone - soon finds an Astro Cat in distress. He doesn't have time to think about enemies - he saves the day - and off the duo fly. Soon dog and cat are saving Moustronaut - and sworn friends have been united ---playing Dogopoly together. Fans of Traction Man will enjoy the tale of this trio. The design of the book is in a comic book style. The pages are very busy (from the end pages) and will be poured over for hours to catch all the details. Fun is in store for all readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grey, Mini

Illustrator: Grey, Mini

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510584

Price: 17.99

Migloo's Day

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

Search and find book featuring a friendly dog, Migloo - as he spends the day traveling through town visiting the Town Square, the factory, the Fire Station and other sites. He enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes and is assisted in getting around through various methods (motorbike, wagon etc.) The illustrations fill the pages from margin to margin in a Richard Scarry style. Readers can pour over the illustrations looking for the nearly 70 characters introduced in the opening pages. William Bee is featured throughout carrying placards asking the reader to look for more things. The book ends with even more games and quizzes. Readers who thrive on search and find books like Waldo and Eye Spy will have another title to fill their need to "find".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bee, William

Illustrator: Bee, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673741

Price: 14.99

Hot Diggity Dogs

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

This is the third title in the Ready, Set, Dogs! series written by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole. Kate and Lucie are the dog obsessed friends who cannot have dogs in their apartment complex. However they still have the necklaces found at the thrift shop in the first book - the necklaces that when they high five make them morph into dogs. In this book the plot is predictable as in the others - the annoying boys try to catch them (and succeed briefly), they find the two dachshunds missing from the hot dog stand and they win the obedience trials (as dogs). The characters are thinly developed. But these are humorous, fun, quick reads that pet lovers will enjoy.

Back matter includes jokes, some facts about dachshunds and stories about the authors' dogs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Calmenson (& Joanna Cole), Stephanie

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805096491

Price: 14.99

A Lucky Author Has A Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

This title features a day in the life of an author working at home. The unnamed author couldn't get by without her dog - she wakes to his kisses, has him beside her while working, and uses walks and feeding as distractions. The dog is always there except when she does a school visit (she needs to train him as a therapy dog to take along to school!) It isn't really a story - who is the audience? This title might be useful as a classroom read before an author visit.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ray, Mary Lyn

Illustrator: Henry, Steven

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545518765

Price: 16.99

The Lies About the Truth

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 23, 2016

Review

The Lies About the Truth is a story about recovery, forgiveness and life. Sadie has severe scarring left from a car accident that killed her best friend and injured another friend. A year removed from that, she still finds herself unwilling to go out in public or to forgive her friends who caused the accident. Slowly but surely, Sadie starts to come out of her shell and get back a little bit of who she was before. Forgiveness for her friends and for herself comes hard, but it's well-earned. An emotionally heavy read, this book will be of interest to avid fans of realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stevens, Courtney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062245410

Price: 17.99

A Dog Wearing Shoes

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

Mini and her mom find a lost dog while driving home one day. The dog is wearing yellow shoes. Mini's mother points out that it probably means that someone is looking for her. Mini is in denial. When she takes the dog to the park and is showing off the dog's tricks - the dog runs away when off lead. Mini and her mom go to the animal shelter and find the little runaway. Mini realizes what must have happened originally and how the owner must feel so she puts up lost dog signs - and the dog's owner gratefully finds her pup. But all ends well as Mini and her mom return to the shelter to adopt a dog. The pencil illustrations with splashes of red (leash) and yellow (shoes) are full of wit and humor- the energy of the little dog is palpable. This is a sweet, funny tale of a lost dog - which starts by looking pretty bleak and moves to a positive resolution. A real feel good story! Ends with info on adopting a dog.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ko, Sangmi

Illustrator: Ko, Sangmi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385383967

Price: 16.99

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs the Stupid Stinkbugs from Saturn

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is the 6th book in the series and Ricky and his robot are going to have to save the world again. But this time it is alien stink bugs and they have captured Ricky's cousin Lucy. Dan Santat's drawings really capture the action and fun of this adventure. The flip-o-rama pages are great and are sturdy enough, even in the paperback edition, to hold up to lots of use. The story line for this one wasn’t as strong as others in the series and it does use the word stupid several times, still, fans will gobble this one up as soon as they can get their hands on it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545630146

Price: 5.99

Kiki and Jacques

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Jacques and Kiki both live in a small Maine town. Jacques has lived there all his life and comes from a poor family. He loves playing soccer and hopes to be the captain of the school soccer team. Kiki is new to town and is a refugee from Somali. The two become friends despite the teasing and harassing of other people in town. This book takes a looks at what it would be like to be from a poor family that needs money and the effect that has on the choices a person makes. Even when you have a strong set of morals, when your family is in need, stealing or not telling the truth can be tempting. It also gives a glimpse into what it would be like to be a refuge trying to start a new life in a new community. Traditional customs, as Kiki and Jacques find out, can get in the way of making friends or becoming part of the community. On the whole though, this book is a bit slow and might not hold readers interest unless it was used as a jumping off point for discussions about refugees assimilating into a community.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ross, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434275

Price: 16.95

We Can Work it Out

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2016

Review

In this sequel to The Lonely Hearts Club, seventeen-year old Penny Lane is the founder of club, an all-girl group who support one another through high school's ups and downs, especially where boys are concerned. They choose to date only really nice guys who treat them well and not judge themselves by how boys judge and treat them. This is such a positive message for female young adult readers. Penny Lane, however, is having trouble juggling her duties as the head of the busy club which is getting national recognition and followers, and her new relationship with a great boy named Ryan. Her parents' obsession with all things Beatles is hilarious. They named their three girls Penny Lane, Rita, and Lucy and insist that Beatles songs be played in their home to the exclusion of any other music. High school problems with cliques, boys, homework, and family are handled in a very positive fashion and will inform young readers. Aside from a few one-dimensional characters. the topics are handled well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eulberg, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545654616

Price: 17.99

Kissing in America

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 29, 2016

Review

What at first glance might seem a light teen romance, Kissing in America is, in fact, a very emotionally heavy read. Eva and her mother are two years out from losing their father and husband in a plane crash. They are both still struggling to deal with their grief, and have not been able to move on with their lives. For Eva, everything changes when she meets Will, and turns her life inside out to go and visit him across the country. In the end, it is a love story, but not romantic love. It is about all kinds of love, from mother/daughter to friends, and everything in between.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabb, Margo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062322371

Price: 17.99

Friendshape

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 29, 2016

Review

Friendshape celebrates friendship using a circle, square, triangle, and rectangle as characters. The text outlines what friendship is, while the pictures adorably illustrate the example the text is referring to. This would be a cute book to talk with toddlers about.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545436823

Price: 16.99

Pugs of the Frozen North

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

During a "once in a lifetime winter" in the frozen North, friends Shen and Shika and their sixty six pugs enter a sled dog race to the North Pole to meet Snow Father (not to be confused with Santa Claus) and to have their fondest wish granted. Competition is fierce, with robot pulled sleds, polar bear pulled sleds, and more. The race proves to be wild, but in the end, after harrowing adventures and rescues, several sleds make it. Sika's wish, to save her dying grandfather, is met in a surprising ending. The book is full of enough action, much of it pretty far fetched and fun, to keep young readers turning the pages. Lots of drawings throughout the book help to make it more approachable for readers. Humor adds to the package.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reeve, Philip

Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385387965

Price: 12.99

Dark Shimmer

Reviewed by: Katherine L Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

"Dark Shimmer" by Donna Jo Napoli is a retelling of Snow White from the point of view of the "wicked queen" in the original, named Dolce in the book. It's not just a change in the point of view, but also in the setting (set in medieval Venice) and in the reason why the Dolce tries to kill Snow White (Bianca).

Raised on an island of little people, Dolce feels like a monster being taller than everyone. She becomes an apprentice to the island's mirrormaker (this is important later), but after her mother dies she flees the island and runs into Bianca and her father, Marin, on another island. Bianca's father falls for Dolce and they marry. Dolce continues to make small mirrors for ladies to gain favor, but the mercury poisoning makes her hear voices and do terrible things (like try to kill Bianca).

The history provided in the book is interesting, and based on the bibliography at the back, the author clearly did her research. Unfortunately, I didn't find the story all that interesting and felt that it dragged. Not a must buy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Napoli, Donna Jo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385746557

Price: 16.99

Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices

Reviewed by: Katherine L Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

"Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices" by Kirstin Cronn-Mills is definitely "Cream of the Crop" material. While it is short, it manages to pack in a lot of personal stories from people in the trans* community, as well as explain differences in trans* perspectives, the history of trans* and gender-fluid individuals, and a who's who of trans*-Americans in Arts, Politics, Sports, and History. I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues (as knowledgeable as a cis-gender, heterosexual can be), but the book was very interesting and would be very helpful for anyone looking to learn about the trans* community and experience. The book also provides a decent list of book and website suggestions for further reading at the end. I consider this a must-buy and a great add to any YA non-fic collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cronn-Mills, Kirstin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780761390220

Price: 34.65

Penny & Jelly: The School Show

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Penny is trying with every fiber of her being to find her talent so that she might enter the annual Peabody Elementary School talent show. She tries everything she can think of and fails miserably even though her dog and best friend Jelly is by her side every minute trying to keep up her morale. Penny's list of possibilities is dwindling as she tries each, fails, and crosses talents off of her list. What to do? The illustrations are watercolors, pen and ink and are expressive and appealing. This book will teach young readers and listeners that we all have talents though they might not be the typical talents that one thinks of straightaway. Some are quite specific and deserve an award all its own.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544230149

Price: 16.99

Mouse's First Night at Moonlight School

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Nocturnal animals Bat, Cat, Owl and Mouse are due for their first night of Moonlight School, but Mouse is painfully shy and arrives early so that she can hide away from the other students and the teacher, a friendly little witch called Miss Moon. She is coaxed out by the teacher because she must obey her mother's insistence that she behave. Miss Moon manages to find a way to help Mouse overcome her shyness by showing the class something Mouse is really good at, which is hiding! The illustrations are busy, full of wonderful items for little ones to wonder at: Lots of books about spells and the like, jars of toes of frogs and eyes of newts, a bunch of magic wands, and a goldfish bowl containing two smiling fish. The illustrations are magical. The endpapers are exceptional featuring a huge full moon, fireflies, stars, and colorful plantings depicting the magic of the nighttime landscape. This is a good choice to help youngsters who are shy a little less so and to see that others will be friendly to them if they make an effort.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Puttock, Simon

Illustrator: Pye, Ali

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676070

Price: 16.99

Mom School

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

A little girl imagines what her mother learned at Mom school: Baiting hooks, baking cupcakes, pitching slowball and the like. All these things made Mom the best Mom ever. The illustrations portray Moms of different ethnicities and the pictures complement the text quite well. The moms all graduate with pink hats and gowns. The fact that Mom's most important job is being a Mom is stressed, though she also has an outside job she goes to every day and is apparently able to juggle all her tasks well. This is a moderately good book, but nothing especially grand.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Slyke, Rebecca

Illustrator: Burris, Priscilla

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385388924

Price: 16.99

Did You Know That I Love You?

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

This rhyming love story between a little teal bird and a fox is lovely in its simplicity. Bird wants to be sure that fox knows how much he is loved and proves it through her hugs and kisses, warm tea, and even "writing it on the ceiling and painting it on the skies." The illustrations are soft and employ lots of white space and world bubbles that correspond with the color of each character. This will be a wonderful bedtime story as it assures little ones that the reader will love them unconditionally no matter how big one grows to be. This is a great debut picture book by a new author/illustrator. This will also make a lovely gift as there is a wonderful bookplate-like illustration at the front of the book which reads, "This book is gifted to ___________ from ___________ because you are loved, with the bird and the fox showcases. Lovely touch.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pierce, Christa

Illustrator: Pierce, Christa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062297440

Price: 17.99

Book of the Dead

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

This is the first book in a new Egyptian fantasy thriller for grades 3-6. The format is similar in style to the 39 clues and the Spirit Animal series by Scholastic. The magic and dark evil from the ancient times come alive as Alex, the twelve-year-old main character struggles to stay alive in the pediatric ICU from an unknown illness. Using the lost spells of the pharaohs from the newly discovered Book of the Dead, his mother harnesses the power to bring him back to life. The action causes the tombs throughout the world to break open and those in the afterlife begin to slip into the modern day at various archaeological sites. When his mom disappears, it's up to Alex and his friend Renata to find out how to harness the power to avert the immediate disaster. Readers that like fast-paced action and Indiana Jones-esque security systems will want to dive into this series. Northrop creates a solid foundation for this series, providing interesting details about the museum system, brief but developed relationships between the characters,and thriller action scenes for lovers of all things mummy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545723381

Price: 12.99

Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Following their mother's death, twelve-year-old Liberty spends two days protecting her eight-year-old sister while they navigate their way back to the only adult they trust when they are abandon at a desert gas station by their mentally incapable father. The story line is reminiscent of Voight's "Homecoming" but is set in present day of stranger danger which keeps Liberty from seeking help as they make their way back towards San Diego, secretly hitching rides with various characters. Liberty's perspective will have readers concerned for her safety, intrigued about the different adults who cross their path and anticipating the action in each chapter as described by each survival strategy chapter heading. White intersperses the action chapters with Liberty's memories of her mother that flesh out the reasons for her father's behavior and her own grieving process. Give to middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction. This is White's debut novel, hope to read more by her in the future.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300845

Price: 16.99

Promises I Made

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Fans of the tension-gripping first book by Zink, "Lies I told", will want to read this second one to see how Grace works through her acceptance of being used by her adopted parents for criminal con heists and how she stays loyal to her adopted brother. Zink's writing style of this sequel reads similar to a script from an ID investigation program. Readers are taken step-by-step through fugitive Grace's weeks of hiding out, making connections with a retired cop and his male spouse who help her build enough evidence to exonerate her from the charges of murder and robbery. Characters from the first book remain peripheral, although Grace is promised some reconciliation with each one that she hurt. Although this sequel does not hold the same page-turning tension of the first story, lovers of crime fiction will enjoy this story for the fugitive antics and hide-and-seek plot.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zink, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062327154

Price: 17.99

The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Fantasy lovers will want to indulge in this companion title to The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop. If it's chocolate, it must be good, except when it's illegal time-travel chocolate in the shape of a Phoenix and is being used to disrupt the time stream, locate time stitch holes and is the reason why the evil Alba from D33 is trying to kidnap the magical 11-year-old twins Lily and Oz along with their best friend Caydon. Saunders' whimsical style provides interesting magical devices, fast-paced action and swashes of musical history that keeps the pages turning and those who desire magic to be real clamoring for more. The setting is British in tone, which adds to the charm of this attention holding fantasy. Recommend to Ibbotson and Rowling fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saunders, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385744720

Price: 16.99

The White Rose

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

This is the second book in the Lone City Series. This fantasy/dystopian/ecological mashup, reminiscent in structure to Atwood's "The Handmaiden's Tale", has teenage Violet, surrogate to the Duchess of the Lake, fleeing the Jewel and her enslavement after being caught in an illegal romantic tryst with Ash, a companion to the surrogates. After many dangerous turns, trains and timely assistance from the secret society called The Black Key, she is able to get herself and her group to a safer place outside the Jewel in a forest and small cabin called The White Rose. As Violet takes on the plight of all surrogates, with a plan that draws a new magical power that she must learn to control, readers are left with a cliff-hanger ending that places her sister in the same dangerous position that she has fled. Readers choosing this book based on the book jacket art, which seems to promises a light romance, will be surprised with the graphic nature of the contents. Violet's close friend has her throat slit right in front of her in the first chapter, the complex sexual roles and the experimentation done to those enslaved by the royals are discussed at length, as well as, Lucien the eunuch explains how his father castrates him at the age of 10 so that he could become a male ladies-in-waiting. Fans for the first book will want to read this second installment as backstories are explained and the action continues.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ewing, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062235817

Price: 17.99

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

The second book featuring the science-loving, curious, spunky heroine of Galvaston, Illinois. The reader does not have to read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this second endeavor by Kelly; characters are well-introduced and definitely well-crafted so the reader can jump right in. Set in 1900, the first third of the book focuses on the delightful exploits of 13-year-old Calpurnia and her younger brother Travis as he attempts to find the right pet to love and she objectively observes and records like a good scientist. After many failed pet rescues, the book moves through a huge event of 1900 as Calpurnia and her beloved grandfather, the only family member who truly believes in and fosters her love for science, predict the savage hurricane that hits Galvaston. This storm brings unhappy cousin Aggie to the Tate household. Aggie is not a particularly sympathetic character, but she is a good foil for Calpurnia. Readers may struggle to connect to the limited role girls had offered to them at the time of the book, but Kelly deftly portrays the situation and has readers cheering for Calpurnia. The ending leaves open the possibility of a third book. Put this in the hands of strong readers who appreciate a character-driven story with lots of wonderful period detail.

Recommend for Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Jacqueline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097443

Price: 16.99

Pie for Chuck

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

This book tells the story of Chuck the woodchuck and his animal friends and how they achieve their goal of eating a pie which they see cooling on an open windowsill. The book has a short sentence on each page accompanied by lovely illustrations depicting the animals' attempts to reach the pie. The same words are repeated so that a young reader can develop confidence in reading a simple story. This book would be appropriate for a child just learning to read. The book is of a larger format than traditional early readers and this allows for the illustrations to capture the reader's interest. This is a very cute book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schories, Pat

Illustrator: Schories, Pat

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823433926

Price: 14.95

Pinkalicious and the Sick Day

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

This is an early reader story about the character Pinkalicious. It would be appropriate for a child learning to read and it is labeled as being in guided reading level J. Pinkalicious has been chosen to be principal for a day at her school and she is very excited at the prospect. Unfortunately she wakes up on the special day and has a fever and must stay at home. So Pinkalicious spends her day in bed getting more sleep, reading, coloring and having elderberry tea. A child could relate to being home sick and having a similar experience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kann, Victoria

Illustrator: Kann, Victoria

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062245991

Price: 16.99

X: A Novel

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

Co-written by Shabazz, Malcolm X's daughter, and Kekla Magoon, this YA novel pulls no punches. Drawing from biographical sources of Malcolm's childhood and pre-jail life, the book presents a picture of the revolutionary as a confused, angry, sometimes desperate, and mostly disillusioned gangster in his teens and early adulthood. Flashbacks to his childhood in Lansing, MI depict a heart-wrenching story of loss, first his father at the hands of an "accident" by white townspeople, and then of his mother to a system that found it all-too-easy to declare her mentally unstable to raise her 7 children alone. Determined to succeed, Malcolm escapes MI for Boston where he stays with his half-sister and connects with some smooth-talking, two-bit hoodlums. Malcolm is drawn to the life and music of black Roxbury though he starts to see the cracks in the social order when he steps outside of the insular neighborhood. The book follows him through Boston, to Harlem in NY, and back to Boston, where he is eventually arrested for breaking-and-entering and selling stolen merchandise and sent to jail. Malcolm has to face the harsh reality of being black in America and he must reconcile the early lessons of his parents that he is valuable and that African Americans have worth with the bigotry, racism, and violence he sees and experiences first-hand. This book uses the n-word frequently, and mentions non-graphic sexual situations and drug use. A gut-wrenching look at the treatment of blacks in America in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s (which begs the question is it better today?), and a brilliantly recreated telling of the early days of Malcolm X. The book ends with his conversion to the Nation of Islam and includes historical notes at the end that are well-worth reading. This book should be in every collection that serves YA audiences and adults who will read a YA book.

Recommend for Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shabazz, Ilyasah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669676

Price: 16.99

Elephants

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

This is a very informative book that would be appropriate for a child in grades 3 to 5 doing a report on elephants. It would also be interesting to a younger child who is being read to. The format is such that each 2 page spread covers a topic such as growing up, feeding, teeth, trunks, etc. There are photographs of elephants in their natural habitats on all the pages. The facts are written in a way that is easy to understand and very interesting to the reader. I learned that touch is very important to elephants and that when a new baby is born all the other elephants in the herd crowd around the baby to touch it.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Morgan, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: QEB publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781939581853

Price: 23.99

Future Perfect

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

The author's first hand knowledge of weight-loss makes this an exciting and personable book. Ashley Maria Perkins is fat, of mixed ethnicity, validectorian of her elite private high school and former captain of the volley ball team. Ashley's dream has always been to go to Harvard and become a surgeon like her famous and brilliant grandmother. The only problem is how is she going to pay for it.

Every year since her 13th birthday, her grandmother has given her a coupon in her birthday card for trips to Disneyland, a shopping trip to Paris and a new car and the latest and greatest was a full tuition to Harvard. The only condition was to lose weight and these wonderful gifts would happen. She never accepted these gifts because she didn't feel that she needed to lose the weight, but how could she pass up Harvard -- it was a hard decision -- weight-loss surgery would pave her way and fulfill her greatest dream, but was it worth it.

This is Jen Larsen's first fiction, but her nonfiction "Stranger Here: How Weight-Loss Surgery Transformed My Body and Messed with My Head" was on the bestseller charts. She uses her experiences to create a must read Young Adult novel that makes you think. Well written and could be used for discussions on weight-loss, confidence, friendship, family and much more. Geared for 7-12 grades, but could be easily enjoyed by adults. There is a lot of drama involved with this story, but it is still an enjoyable read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062321237

Price: 17.99

Clayton Stone, At Your Service

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Who would of thought that the President of the United States would be calling on a hidden phone in your dead grandfather's study? Clayton definitely didn't and then to find out that your parents (who are also deceased) and your grandmother (who you thought was mild mannered) were agents for the Special Service, which out ranks the Secret Service.

This fun and witty book is geared for grades 4 through 9 but anyone who reads will enjoy the adventure and humor that is a major part of the story. Well written with a plot that thickens as the story progresses would be an excellent book for reluctant readers, especially boys. Clayton, the main character, is a 12 year old lacrosse playing young man who foils a sinister kidnapping plot and scares the daylights out his grandmother, who by the way, isn't as mild-mannered as Clayton originally thought.

A must have on library shelves, maybe a couple copies, because once the word gets out, it won't be on the shelves long!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Ena

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433896

Price: 16.95

A Prince Without a Kingdom

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Action packed sequel to "Vango: Between Sky and Earth", where Vango continues to solve the mystery of his identity during this WWII era historical mystery with a touch of romance. Vango has spent a good part of his life on the run being chased by his past without knowing what his past is about. This needs to end, but in order for it to do so he needs to protect those who have protected him for so long.

Even though this is book number two in the series, it can be a stand alone and still enjoy the thickening plot without needing the first book. Well written with a quick pace, teens and adults will have a hard time putting this down, because you desperately want to know Vango's true identity. Those who are fans of Kenneth Oppel' books, Gregory Maguire's "Egg and Spoon" along with Yann Martel's "Life of Pi" will thoroughly enjoy this series. True adventure to the core!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

de Fombelle, Timothee

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679507

Price: 17.99

Exquisite Corpse

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Bagieu's illustrations are the star of this R-rated graphic novel (for sexual scenes and adult language). Her drawings capture the ennui of the 20-something European women working dead-end jobs, and the world of the literary recluse presumed dead, but happily writing his next great novel. The story is where these two worlds intersect, and while it could have been great, it falls flat. Zoe is a naive young woman who stumbles across Thomas Rocher, one of the literary geniuses of the 21st century. She has no idea who he is or that his books sell far better now that he is "dead". Thomas is intrigued by this sexy, sweet woman who doesn't expect anything from him and the two start an affair. The heart of this novella-style GN is the way that people treat one another in relationships; the way that we communicate, or don't; and how we can hurt those we love. Rocher should have taken advice from another literary great: "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". With a predictable, but satisfying twist at the end, this GN is worth reading for a light diversion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bagieu, Penelope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720824

Price: 19.99

Newt's Emerald

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2016

Review

In this Regency style romance eighteen year old Lady Truthful is to inherit the family's precious Newington Emerald which has magical powers. The emerald is stolen and Truthful disguises herself as a Frenchman to find it. There is a cast of characters including a sorceress which gives the story an interesting twist. The story is silly at times making it a light and enjoyable read. The plot moves along at a rapid pace with much adventure and rescues. This novel is for fans of Regency romance with a bit of fantasy added for fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nix, Garth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 7980062360045

Price: 18.99

Da Vinci's Tiger

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2016

Review

This is the story of Ginevra de' Benci. Ginevra was an educated woman who as a teenager was married to a man twice her age and became the Platonic muse of the Venetian ambassador, Bernardo Bembo. Leonardo da Vinci painted her portrait which now hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The story is told from Ginevra's point of view. Her perspective offers the reader a unique study of the time period. The descriptions of the clothing, pageantry, art, and surroundings are superb. Ginevra was a poet, but sadly only one line of her work survives. The author expertly explores the personal and political relationships of the people Ginevra encountered involved in the world of art, politics, and religious life in Florence, Italy during the 15th century. The characters are well developed and come to life as the story unfolds. This is historical fiction at its best. It is well written and well researched. An afterward and bibliography are included. I highly recommend Da Vinci's Tiger for readers 8th grade and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, L.M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 7980060744243

Price: 17.99

Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Digby O'Day and his sidekick, Percy, who first appeared in DIGBY O'DAY IN THE FAST LANE (2014) are off on another adventure. Digby has decided to go on a little trip with Percy to the seaside and stay at the Hotel Splendide. Before they know it they are dealing with cat burglars, a feline starlet, missing jewels and a secret passageway to the sea. There is an old fashioned feel to the story (like and old British movie). The action moves along briskly. The illustrations provide clues - and much humor. Of course - all works out! The book includes a map, author notes, a quiz and the first chapter of Digby and Percy's next adventure. The mother - daughter team have created a very enjoyable story for emergent readers. The sentences are short - and some vocabulary may stretch them. The action is mild, the main characters lovable, the illustrations humorous - a sweet package that will captivate some readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Vulliamy, Clara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674458

Price: 12.99

Fire Engine No. 9

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This is an action packed story of very few words about what happens when the fire alarm rings at the station house. On a sunny day all appears calm at the fire station until the alarm sounds and it is anything but quiet. Brightly illustrated with a fire safety guide at the end. "GET LOW AND GO". Guaranteed to be a hit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Austin, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510959

Price: 16.99

Job Site

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This is a board book version of the picture book released in 2011. It makes the transition very nicely. When the boss says "do that job" all the heavy equipment get. moving. Bulldozer, excavator, steam roller and crane, they're all there and ready to work. When the job is complete and all the heavy equipment has moved to another job site, everyone gets to enjoy the beautiful park. Yeah!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clement, Nathan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629794075

Price: 7.99

Ragweeds's Farm Dog Handbook

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Ragweed , the farm dog, is very accomplished in all aspects of his occupation and is willing to share his knowledge with his readers. This tongue-in-cheek handbook delivers guidelines and advice on what a farm dog's responsibilities are as well as some common mistakes and consequences. This will be a big hit for story time. The story proceeds with a predictable pattern involving expected behavior, failure, consequence and always a desirable outcome. For example Ragweed advises, don't wake the farmer, that is the rooster's job. If you do wake the farmer, you will kicked outside, but you will also get a biscuit. The loose colorful illustrations depict iconic farm scenes and animals. The main character is endearingly drawn as a scruffy, googly-eyed dog who is full of energy, mischief and wisdom. This book would be a good choice for young readers preparation for a farm field trip or a career day activity.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kennedy, Anne Vittur

Illustrator: Kennedy, Anne Vittur

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674175

Price: 15.99

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

The creation of this book was influenced by Black History Month and the author's wish to make a positive change to broaden this sharing of black culture beyond one month. His issues which are shared in the author's note at the beginning of the book, also included concern about the the same people being covered year after and the untold stories that needed to be heard. The outcome is a powerhouse of a book that brings to life many lesser known stories of inspirational African Americans in a unique format

The book features a wide range of influential African American's that include an astronaut, a Supreme Court justice, President's, athletes, war heroes, business leaders, singers and a leader of the black Muslim movement. Their stories are told using a variety of formats that include, poetry, acrostics even a eulogy. Beginning with the birth of our country in 1776 to day 28 with President Barack Obama the text is clear, easy to understand and meaningful. The bonus Day 29 ends with a hopeful message to the reader encouraging them to make a positive impact on history as well.

The illustrations are colorful collages that easily flow with the varied text formats throughout the book. Each page includes a sidebar with informational text providing additional interesting facts. Excerpts from Dred Scott decision, Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education are integrated into the stories. Bibliography included in the back pages.

This book will have appeal to readers 365 days of the year. A great addition to both the public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Charles

Illustrator: Evans, Shane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596438200

Price: 18.99

Berenstain Bears Are Superbears!

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Like so many Berenstain bears fans I am delighted the family tradition continues. In "The Berenstain Bears Are Superbears", Bat Bear, Spider Bear and Cubby Bear are caped crusaders who are out to protect and serve their neighborhood from evil doers and to offer aid to anyone in need. A beginning level 1 reader that is just right for young heroes. Superbears indeed!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Berenstain, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062350091

Price: 16.99

Manatee Rescue

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This title in the "Heroes of the Wild" series tells the story of a young girl, Manuela, and her cousin who nurse a baby manatee back to health and release it into its Amazon River habitat. The story begins with young Manuela canoe fishing with her father. Fish are scarce, but they eventually come upon a mother manatee and calf, a prize catch that will benefit the whole village. The experience changes Manuela's thinking about hunting for manatees and with the help of her cousin she is able to sway the attitudes of the village fishermen toward conserving manatees and managing their fishery. Based on a true story and peopled with an eccentric Grandmother, a supportive community and a truly unlikable villain, readers will want to spend more time in this village than the 100 pages the author uses to effectively draw us in. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, with the perfect balance of emotion, suspense and education. This book as well as others in this series are a good choice for older reluctant readers. Readers from grade 3 and up who enjoy a well told story with environmental themes will enjoy this book and this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Wright, Annabel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678302

Price: 14.99

Proof of Forever

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This is a young adult novel about four 17-year-old girls who attend a summer camp reunion. Former best friends, when in a photo booth are sent back in time 2 years to have a second chance at their lost friendships. The story goes back and forth between the girls and is sometimes hard to keep track of who is who. This is a coming of age story, learning about themselves as they are 2 years older, exploring relationships, drinking, sexuality and motives. They have a week to "fix" the friendship and to get back to the present and be "changed" by this experience. There seemed to be more of a focus on romantic relationships than the friendship between the girls. The plot seemed a bit forced and did not quite come together as believable. A good light read for summertime. This should appeal to Sarah Dessen fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillyer, Lexa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062330376

Price: 17.99

The Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War in United States History

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Originally published in 1999 as "Reconstruction following the Civil War in American History". The is age appropriate for grades 5 & up, written in 9 chapters, includes a Timeline, Chapter notes, Further reading, and Index. It is well written and articulated so children will understand. A complex subject,this focuses on the historical highlights to be a good introduction of the subject and also can be used to explain the origins of the current race issues and some of the things that have caused them to continue including "Jim Crow". The timeline ends with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but text includes the 1998 murder of James Byrd, Jr., in Jasper, Texas to show that the violence has not stopped. Useful to begin a discussion on race in the United States. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ziff, Marsha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Enslow Publishers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766060630

Price: 27.94/20.95

I'll Meet You There

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2015

Review

A well written coming of age YA novel about a girl from a trailer park in a small town who is trying to get away by going to art school on a scholarship. She starts to have feelings for a marine, home to recover from losing his leg in Afghanistan and suffering from PTSD. Both have family problems but also want to escape from the town. Chapters alternate between Skylar and Josh. The issues are very contemporary, and the California setting could be any small town USA. The relationship is believable as are the friends, family, and the small town nuances. Josh's story is well done, as the story unfolds, more is revealed about what he went through in the war, the hospital, and why he feels the way he does. The story flows well and is very readable. Those who enjoy a romance novel will enjoy this.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Demetrios, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805097955

Price: 17.99

Thirteen

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2016

Review

Coron, cult leader of The People, knows that Adam, the last living of 13 boys born to single mothers at the turn of the century, must be killed before he becomes a man on January 1, 2014 for he threatens the Coron's domination as supreme leader. Adam has been raised by loving parents, has positive relationships with school and life, and finds his crumbling world a nightmare as he is hunted. Real danger, narrow escapes, wild accusations, and the constant support of a friend unfold though the fast pace journey. Cult following and mind control play a very real part and a short list of actual cults is included to demonstrate their failing. Gruesome scenes, bloody violence, arson, and sadistic minds place this beyond the reach of the faint-hearted.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoyle, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823432943

Price: 16.95

Nil Unlocked

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2016

Review

Nil Unlocked is a science fiction story told from the view of the two main characters, Skye (the heroine) and Rives (the hero) who eventually come together to try and save the lives of teens who have been kidnapped and transported to a tropical island. The premise of gates mysteriously appearing and kidnapping teenagers as well as wild animals from all over the world and transporting them to an ancient pacific island called Nil pulls you into the story. Rives and Skye tell their survival tale in diary form allowing you to get to know the characters through their self-talk, but it is not always well written. There is some appropriation of native islander traditions that may be controversial to some, but it was a good enough read that I would read the continuing story that seems to be set up by the ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Matson, Lynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627792936

Price: 17.99

Sound

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This is an intriguing sci-fi coming of age stories that travels to many interesting locations. Beginning on a large spaceship and roaming to exotic space stations, strange worlds and even deep beneath the waves of alien planets, it is a book full of adventure and newness around every corner.. Yet is also a book that feels somehow ungrounded in a way that both works with the story and against it. The story revolves around the decision of an impetuous young girl to leave what is comfortable and predictable in order to do what is right, and to follow the first pangs of romantic interest. She quickly begins to question the wisdom of having leaped before she had truly looked at the situation. This forms a theme as Miyole and the ragtag group that end up with her are often left scrambling as they find themselves in over their heads. This sets quite a pace, with the group traveling to new locations and facing desperate situations in a true coming of age adventure. One downside of this swift pace is that while the characters shine, the world setting feels as if it never truly has the chance to establish itself. There are fascinating ideas tossed about such as ships that are engineered and grown out of seashell-like nacre and some interesting depictions of organized crime that would benefit from more time and detail being used to ground them. At the same time, this slightly rushed feeling reinforces Miyole's outlook and wondering if her impulsive decision was a good one or not. Ultimately it was an entertaining and engaging read, but left me feeling that the setting had a lot more to offer.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Duncan, Alexandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062220172

Price: 17.99

Help! The Wolf is Coming!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Young readers are exhorted to help keep the wolf at bay in this board book story. As they turn the pages, they are asked to turn, tilt, tip, and shake the pages to keep the wolf away as he looms ever larger on each subsequent page. Finally, when it seems nothing will work, the reader is told to shut the book and the wolf is gone! Children will delight in frantically following the directions as they read along. The bright yellow and green pallet makes the wolf stand out as he comes ever closer. The text in the book is done is script which may keep young readers from recognizing the words. Otherwise, this is a clever and fun book for them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ramadier, Cedric

Illustrator: Bourgeau, Vincent

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781927271841

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Tinyrannosaurus and the Bigfootosaurus

Reviewed by: Katherine L Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2016

Review

"Tinyrannosaurus and the Bigfootosaurus!" is the third picture book featuring Tinyrannosaurus (a kid tyrannosaurus rex) by writer and illustrator Nick Ward. This story is set in the winter with Tiny and his friends building a "bigfootosaurus" snowman (an abominable snowman type creature) and the chaos that happens when a real bigfootosaurus shows up. The illustrations are great and the story is fun. Kids will enjoy the action and humor, especially if they are fans of dinosaurs and playing in the snow.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, Nick

Illustrator: Ward, Nick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kuperard Publishers and Distributors

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781857337358

Price: 19.99

Second Banana

Reviewed by: Katherine L Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2016

Review

"Second Banana" by Keith Graves is a funny picture book about a monkey and an ape who run a circus show. The monkey, Bubbles, is the star of the show and the ape, Oop, is the help. Oop helps Bubbles with all of his set-up and stunts, but wants to star in the show too. Bubbles says that he is Top Banana, so he is the star, and Oop is Second Banana, so it is her job to help. Bubbles injures himself before the show and can't go on, so Oop takes his place with disastrous results, but it all turns out well in the end. A cute and funny story, kids will enjoy all the action and humorous illustrations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Graves, Keith

Illustrator: Graves, Keith

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781596438835

Price: 17.99

Haggis and Tank Unleashed - All Paws on Deck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Haggis, a bored Scottish terrier and Tank, a Great Dane who is always up for adventure star in this entertaining comic/graphic style chapter book. They turn Tank's wagon into a pirate ship and launch off to adventure. Told with authentic voice, emergent readers will enjoy reading the tale and laugh at the antics of the two spirited and comical dogs. Speech bubbles are color coordinated for each dog. As with other titles in Scholastic's Branches series, this is a good title to add to your early chapter book shelf.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Young, Jessica

Illustrator: Burks, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Sxcholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545818872

Price: 15.99

Pirate's Lullaby: Mutiny at Bedtime

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2016

Review

Pirate's Lullaby: Mutiny at Bedtime is a super cute story about a little pirate who won't go to bed and Papa Pirate is extremely patient as Little Ned pulls all the stalling tactics every child and parent will relate to. It is filled with detailed, colorful illustrations of the pirate ship, room furnishings and the characters pirate attire. Even Ned's Captain Teddy sports an eye patch, head bandanna and peg leg! A couple of the picture spreads use rope rigging to outline picture bubbles very effectively portraying clean up activities and the search for Captain Teddy. Even though it is about bedtime, the book may be a bit too rollicking for getting kids to settle down at bedtime. The rhyming story is filled with lots of pirate lingo and grammar so I would practice it a bit to use as a read aloud during story time. The tale would definitely be a fun story for parents, particularly dads, to read to their kids. The last page with Papa Pirate snoring and Ned smiling up at him while cuddled in his arms is sure to bring a smile to readers of all ages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wessels, Marcie

Illustrator: Bowers, Tim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385385329

Price: 16.99

A Lullaby for Little One

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2016

Review

A Lullaby for Little One is a sweet story about "Big Daddy Rabbit" and "Little One" going out to play at the end of a summer day. After they "raced", "chased", "whooped","swooped", "whirled" and "twirled", it was is a bit too much "hullaballoo" for teary Little One and Daddy knows it is time for a "lullaballoo". Every parent will recognize the tired tears that can erupt at the end of the day and the rabbits go home to curl up and go to sleep together. The watercolor illustrations go along nicely with the story and do a wonderful job expressing the emotions of the animals who happen to run on their hind legs like people. I found this a little strange looking in a couple of places, but probably won't bother children. The rhyming text and calming ending make this book a nice addition to a bedtime story library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Casey, Dawn

Illustrator: Fuge, Charles

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763676087

Price: 12.99

Pookins Gets Her Way

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2016

Review

Pookins Gets Her Way tells the story of Pookins who uses bad behavior like yelling and throwing apples to get everything she wants. Adults are noticeably absent from the story but obviously ignore her behavior and meet her demands. The illustrations nicely portray the impudence of the urchin and even her boredom in her messy room filled with toys. Pookins meets a magic gnome who grants the wishes she demands including becoming the prettiest flower in the world. She discovers it isn't fun being potted as a flower and because she shelters the gnome with her petals, he turns her back into a girl again as long as she puts her bad behavior and apples into his "magic hat forever". She keeps one apple, "just in case". This is billed as a "story about being considerate" but that is a stretch as Pookins' change of heart is minimal, considering the amount of bad behavior on her part and the fact that she actually gets what she wants in the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mufflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544324060

Price: 8.99

Eat, Leo! Eat!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Leo's Grandmother takes care of her family by serving a "delizioso" lunch to her whole family every Sunday. Leo is not impressed and would rather spend his time playing with his toys under the table. Nona begins luring him out with stories of the pasta shapes she cooks each Sunday. He begins to get interested in the story of how the shapes came to be and eventually comes to the table eagerly to hear the next part of the story. The bright smiling faces of the closely grouped family exude warmth and the importance of family. On alternate pages, the ongoing story of how the pasta shapes came to be is interesting on its own. The picture of Leo and Nona hugging is a wonderful end to the story. There is a picture glossary of pasta shapes at the very end. Unfortunately, the pasta shapes that were part of the story are not included in the glossary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adderson, Caloline

Illustrator: Bisaillon, Josee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380133

Price: 16.95

The Iliad

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is a retelling of The Iliad for younger readers. The book is filled with striking illustrations of the battle. Most of these really fit the situation being described and are often quite beautiful. But a few seemed better suited to older readers that would understand the imagery behind them. Author Gillian does a great job of making the story easy to follow. She opens with what caused the Greeks and Trojans to go to war with each other then moves into the battle itself. Most of the book is spent on the war between the two and the influence that a variety of the Greek gods had over the warriors. It was disappointing however, that in the over 151 pages of the text, only 2 of them were spent on the wooden horse that finally destroyed the Trojans. Still, this is a good choice for young readers interested in reading The Iliad.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cross, Gillian

Illustrator: Packer, Neil

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678326

Price: 19.99

Elvis; The Story of the Rock and Roll King

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This book is an intimate and enchanting look into the life of a beloved icon, providing insight that the public rarely sees. Elvis' life from birth to his break through release of "That's All Right" is covered in the book. Oil paintings clearly show the dingy, poor, and depressed areas where Elvis grew up, making a real emotional feel for the shy only child of a poor mother and a father who was in and out of jail. As Elvis gets closer and closer to success, the illustrations convey the real feeling that things are getting better. An author's note and time line at the back add more specific details.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Christensen, Bonnie

Illustrator: Christensen, Bonnie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805094473

Price: 17.99

The Buk Buk Buk Festival

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 18, 2016

Review

Henrietta the chicken is very eggs-cited that her new picture book has been published. She has a problem in that she has not revealed to her publisher that she is a chicken and has been invited to a book festival. Mayhem ensues when the other authors in attendance see Henrietta. As in previous Henrietta books, puns abound. While children may enjoy listening to the story, they may not get the puns, though this could be used for an English Language Arts lesson. Digitally rendered illustrations include what seem to be some photographs as well. If children like the previous Henrietta books, they may like this one, but it is not a must purchase title.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Auch, Mary Jane

Illustrator: Auch, Herm

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823432011

Price: 16.95

Vincent Paints His House

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2016

Review

Vincent is depicted as a somewhat scattered man who has decides to paint his house. Even young readers will notice that he is not carrying a gallon of house paint; indeed he has a box of artist tube paints. With the help of smaller residents of his home a truly wonderful effect is achieved.

What a neat introduction to the work of Vincent Van Gogh and to his tools of the trade. Each time a color is suggested Vincent selects four tubes of various shades as he prepares to mix his preferred hue. Arnold's art work is right on target adding humor and appeal to the text. Primary school art teachers will especially appreciate this title as it exposes students to color theory and to a famous painter. Add this to primary school collections and gift to children who love humor as well as color.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432103

Price: 16.95

The Elephantom

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2016

Review

When an elephantom arrives in her home a little girl is somewhat disturbed. Not only do readers never learn the name of the precocious girl, the parents are almost nonexistent. Thank goodness Grandma has experience with ghost pets. Certainly floating ghost elephants can disrupt a household providing many opportunities for laughter.

The intriguing illustrations are the highlight of the book but some images might prove scary. A variant of fonts adds interest and appear perfectly places around the illustrations. The Elephantom belongs on library shelves but is not recommended for story time sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Collins, Ross

Illustrator: Collins, Ross

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675912

Price: 16.99

Little Red Gliding Hood

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2016

Review

Little Red Gliding Hood is featured in this fractured fairy tale in which the storyline is altered just a bit. After strapping on old skates LRGH sees a poster that promises shiny new skates to the winning pair skaters who dominate the competition. Who would expect the Big Bad Wolf to be her skating partner? Lazar’s tale entwines many fairy tales whose characters compete for the new skates. The number of fairy tales included is impressive, while the skating talent is varied each pair adds to the fun of this silly winter story. The detailed illustrations add greatly to the story line. Readers will need to peruse twice before they find all the little whimsical additions like the pictures in Grandma’s house. This is as fresh as newly fallen snow and will delight children who live in cold climates. Add to public library collections and to primary school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lazar, Tara

Illustrator: Cummings, Troy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978385370066

Price: 16.99

Nose to Toes, You are Yummy!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2016

Review

An assortment of animals performs a simple interactive game that will be imitated wherever this book is shared. From an adorable and active monkey to a larger than life spider each animal contributes to the ever building story line. Pencil drawn illustrations that are computer enhanced will engage the smallest children. Harrington's choice of background colors are just right for the action and offer maximum viewing pleasure. Expect your little ones to follow the action including the bed time snore, snore, snore. Perfect for preschools, day cares, and public library collections; consider this book when a baby gift is needed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harrington, Tim

Illustrator: Harrington, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062328168

Price: 17.99

The Rat With The Human Face

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2016

Review

In the second book of The Qwikpick Papers series there is adventure, humor, and a budding romance. When the three members of the Qwikpick Adventure Society learn of a rat with a human face their fate is sealed; they must find a way to visit the dilapidated research center where the rat was seen. The storyline is wacky and inviting yet it leaves readers hanging, the wait for book three best be short. Narrator Lyle shares the tale in report form which is somewhat neatly typed, some on lined notebook paper. The entries are complete with taped in pictures, maps and handwritten notes. Though not a graphic novel this book (and series) will appeal to graphic readers as well as to those who love the Wimpy Kid Series.

Reader had the uncorrected proof of this series title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Angleberger, Tom

Illustrator: Angleberger, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Amulet Books (Abrams)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781419714894

Price: 12.95

Finding Someplace

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2016

Review

Approaching her thirteenth birthday Reesie is concerned about the outfit she is making and getting her hair done for the celebration. Such normal thoughts are lost as Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans separating her family and leaving her stranded with friends on a roof. In one short novel this young lady leaves childhood behind as she suffers the flood, rescue, and relocation. Each character is well defined; readers know the individual attitudes and motivations. Fear and determination are shared by the characters and readers alike, this book pulls you into the action and offers some surprises.

The intended readers are middle school students yet the size of the font gives the book a younger feel. This well written book belongs on school and public library shelves as well as in history classrooms.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patrick, Denise Lewis

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books ( Henry Holt)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805047165

Price: 16.99

Happy Halloween, Witch's Cat!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 22, 2016

Review

A little girl believes that her Mom is a good witch and she, her Mom's special cat and, "together we are just right." When Halloween rolls around, they have to decide what costumes to wear and it turns into quite a task. They visit the costume shop and consider many, but nothing is quite right. What to do? She has an idea that might work, as long as her Mom is agreeable. This benign Halloween story is not the least bit frightening and is perfect for picture book audiences. The most wondrous thing, however, are the illustrations. The author/illustrator uses fabric, foil, and myriad household items, photographs them and then incorporates them into the busy, sparkly pages. The details are most entertaining. This makes for a truly unusual look that will draw in young readers and listeners. Consider this title for your picture book and/or holiday themed collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Muncaster, Harriet

Illustrator: Muncaster, Harriet

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062229168

Price: 15.99

How to Say Love You Out Loud

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2015

Review

As a new student in a challenging high school Jordyn has the opportunity to start fresh and tells a lie of omission. Her decision to not share the existence of her autistic younger brother Phillip removes stress from her school experience. Several characters become intrinsic to the story but it is the relationship between the siblings that is central. The budding romance with Alex is secondary.

This is a coming of age tale for Jordyn and a family saga that reveals some of the social issues involved in school interactions and expectations. Only when Jordyn becomes her brother’s speaker does she grow stronger as an individual. Lessons can be learned about relationships, abilities, and self confidence by reading this little novel. Pair with Cynthia Lord’s Rules for a look at autism in family life.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cozzo, Karole

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads (Feiwel and Friends)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250063595

Price: 9.99

Save Me

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 22, 2016

Review

In her first book Elliott has created a paranormal romance that will interest mystery readers. From the start Cara find herself in strange and unpredictable situations that propel the story beyond romance.

While working on a whale watching boat Cara falls overboard and is saved by a handsome young man who turns out to be her new teacher. Most of the book deals with avoiding an unavoidable attraction that is strictly off limits. But wait, Cara’s best friend seems to be joining an occult group and a new classmate is more than he seems. Teen angst, sexual tension, parent teen relationships, and the presents of angels are all in question in this quick read. Although character development is shallow action twist and paranormal occurrences will hold the attention of teen romance readers who want just a little bit more.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads (Feiwel and Friends)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250061478

Price: 9.99

Charlie the Ranch Dog Rock Star

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2016

Review

Charlie the Ranch Dog sets out to live the good life as a rock star. While enjoying it very much at first, he slowly realizes that ranch life is really the life for him. Being a rock star, with all of its trappings, is just too hard. A rather large type font, short sentences, and not too many sentences on a page make this a good choice for beginning chapter book readers. The length is just right for them as well. Clear, colorful illustrations show just what Charlie is doing as he lives his life as a rock star and as a ranch dog. A good choice for beginning reader shelves.CBRsmld316

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Ree

Illustrator: deGroat, Diane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062347787

Price: 16.99

Lunch, or What's That?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2016

Review

Freckleface Strawberry and her friend Windy Pants are back as budding food critics. They love to eat hot dogs, noodles, grilled cheese, and more. They do NOT love to eat cafeteria food. When Freckleface Strawberry brings her cafeteria food to the lunch table one day, Windy Pants and a growing collection of children want to know what she is eating. She tells them it is her lunch, and with great trepidation, finally tries it and decides she likes it. Expressions on the children's faces tell the story well. Strawberries freckles are particularly notable. Bright colors and lots of white space for clear text are effective. Short sentences and large type font make this very approachable for beginning chapter book readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Julianne

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391924

Price: 12.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Volcanoes and Earthquakes: A Nonfiction Companion to the Original Magic School Bus Series

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2016

Review

The nonfiction companion to the earlier Magic School Bus Presents Volcanoes and Earthquakes is well done and very readable. Scholastic confuses readers by using the same title as the original book but the updated information will satisfy readers. Nonfiction science books need to be current, it is vital that libraries shelve current scientific materials. Volcanoes and earthquakes are covered in the usual Cole and Degen fashion with lots of colorful pictures, text boxes, and student reports.

Most libraries maintain the Magic School Bus titles because of their wide popularity; this companion book will be welcomed by librarians and young readers. It will not last long however as the binding and paper covers are of poor quality.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: Bracken, Carolyn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545685849

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Polar Animals

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 25, 2016

Review

Arctic and Antarctica animals are often confused by students. This companion book to the Magic School Bus Series does a good job on the first two-page spread of differentiating the North and South Poles. The rest of the book however is not as clear. Various animals are pictured and discussed using the trade mark page layout which includes class reports, text boxes, and informational paragraphs.

Individual animal photographs are excellent and the art work is good but sadly not as outstanding as Bruce Degen's. Although the binding and covers are of poor quality this paperback book will be enjoyed by preschool and primary grade students.

Companion to The Magic School Bus Series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien, Cynthia

Illustrator: Bracken, Carolyn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press ( Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 978054568863

Price: 6.99

The Magic School Bus Presents Dinosaurs: A Nonfiction Companion to the Original Magic School Bus Series

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 24, 2016

Review

There can never be enough books about dinosaurs; boys and girls love to learn about the many types of dinos. This companion book to The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs presents information, offers Miss Frizzle facts and contains many illustrations of dinosaurs.

Youngsters who read and those who peruse the pictures will find this book satisfying but they will ask for more in depth and lengthy books on dinosaurs. This is an attractive introductory material on the subject. Put this in grade K-2 classroom collections or gift to a child with interest in all things dinosaurs.

The Magic School Bus Presents Series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: Bracken, Carolyn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press ( Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545685832

Price: 6.99

How to Babysit a Leopard

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This travelogue tells of the exciting adventures of this author/illustrator team as they traveled the globe over a forty year period. Their travel includes many extreme adventures that leave the reader shaking their heads and asking why anyone would want to go to such a place or do such a thing. The book is arranged by continent. Each section includes a number of very short (1 to 3 pages) descriptions of their adventures on that continent, making it easy to pick up and read a few excerpts. Captivating photos, illustrations, and drawings further engage the reader. This book will appeal to young adventurers, biologists, and anyone who would like to be an armchair traveler.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Ted and Betsy

Illustrator: Lewin, Ted and Betsy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596436169

Price: 22.99

Bunnies!!!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 6, 2016

Review

Featuring an adorable monster and four of the cuddliest bunnies you've ever seen, "Bunnies!!!" will be one of your new favorites. This nameless monster goes along saying hi to all that he sees. Until he sees 4 colorful bunnies. Then he gets a little over-excited and the bunnies run away. He chases after them while they hide, and we repeat this process a couple of times. Finally, the bunnies decide to be nice to the monster and play with him, but he gets easily distracted. This is a fun read-aloud to showcase how inflection can change the meaning of one word (bunnies). Kids will enjoy picking the bunnies out of their hiding spots as well. This is a must purchase for picture book collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Atteberry, Kevan

Illustrator: Atteberry, Kevan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062307835

Price: 12.99

Score One for the Sloths

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 6, 2016

Review

While the cover featuring slots in pajamas looks cute and fun, the story itself is very much not. The story tries to make jokes about how sloths only sleep all day, but they fall flat. In the end, a sloth who somehow has all kinds of energy comes in and saves their school from being closed. Lester's books generally feature a moral or lesson, but this one misses the mark on the idea of being an individual. Not recommended.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544324053

Price: 8.99

The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 6, 2016

Review

This story does not live up to the Pout-Pout Fish standards. This was created as a board book, but the text inside is of picture book length. In a format for babies but with text for a pre-schooler, this book doesn't fit in either group.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301897

Price: 7.99

Lovely Old Lion

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2016

Review

Lovely Old Lion is a lovely story about the relationship between King Lion and his grandson Lenny as King Lion shows signs of dementia. Grandpa forgets the rules of the board game, can't remember what a soccer ball is and seems to have thrown his crown away in the trash. Lenny also notices that his grandpa used to look "proud and kingly" and now he looks "worried and tired". When Grandma says Grandpa's not himself today, Lenny thinks "King Lion is still Grandpa!". He defends his beloved grandfather to his friends when he sings the same song over and over. When Grandpa's friends explain to Lenny that the King's brain isn't working as well as it did, the cub is determined to do something to help. By prompting his Grandpa to remember events about his past, Lenny is able to spend happy moments with King Lion even if it doesn't stop his brain from "wearing out". The story deals sensitively with the issue of dementia and the importance of intergenerational relationships. It even shows that encouraging the person to tell stories from the past can be a way to connect. The soft-colored illustrations nicely complement with story with good white space behind text. This would be a nice story for parents and librarians to share with children to gently explain dementia without delving into the issue of death.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jarman, Julia

Illustrator: Varley, Susan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Anderson Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467793100

Price: 17.99

Ten Thousand Skies Above You

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2016

Review

This intriguing young adult novel is told by 18 year old Marguerite Caine who travels to alternate dimensions using the Firebird, her brilliant parents' invention, with the objective of collecting the splintered consciousness of Paul, the love of her life. It is a sequel to "A Thousand Pieces of You" but brief explanations of past events made it understandable even though I had not read the first Firebird novel. The splinters of consciousness have been hidden in the versions of Paul that exist in parallel worlds by the evil Triad Corporation head who wants the Firebird for his own purposes. The main characters change their persona in some way in each dimension as Marguerite searches for the pieces of her boyfriend and questions her ideas about destiny. Readers may wonder how they might act differently in a different universe. Although the splintering of a person is reminiscent of a Harry Potter theme and the rules of travel to the other dimensions seem a little forced, it is an entertaining read. The imaginative elements of the other worlds are a good mix of familiar and fantasy. The fast-paced science fiction story keeps you guessing until the cliff-hanger ending and blends suspense, thrills, and romance so it should appeal to a broad base of high school readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Claudia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062278999

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Day at Snowy Mountain

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 21, 2016

Review

In this paperback reprint, Peppa Pig and family, based on the TV series, take advantage of a snowy day by going sledding, ice skating and skiing. Young readers not familiar with these activities will learn a few simple basics such as needing a sled, riding a ski lift and expecting to fall when skating. The storyline resembles quick TV sound bites as the narrative abruptly changes from one activity to the other without transition. The illustrations are bright bubblegum colors and are static cartoon characters that present as stiff and lacking emotional changes. Readers who are familiar with the TV series will respond to this picture book, but this is not an essential library purchase. The author and illustrator are not identified, although Neville Astley and Mark Baker are given credit for creating Peppa Pig.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Neville, Astley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677411

Price: 5.99

Teensy Weensy Animals

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 21, 2016

Review

This paperback, Level 2 reader, features twelve different animals that are considered among the smallest in the world. After an introduction page, each two-page spread consists of a page on the left featuring the animal's name in a clear decorative font at the top followed by a 4-5 sentence paragraph about the animal. The opposite page is a full page photo of the animal. Some of the photos provide a reference point to the actual size of the animal such as a human hand, a marble or an acorn, while others do not. There is an eight word glossary in the back. The book is lacking a bibliography and a pronunciation guide for the difficult animal names listed, especially since the audience is new readers. The title and photos will provide the shelf appeal.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Joan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545751834

Price: 3.99

The Tale of Rescue

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 26, 2016

Review

At first look, the 100 plus page novel seems to be a lower level chapter book. Beautiful full page water color illustrations followed by three pages of larger script. The vocabulary jumps it up to a much higher grade levels (upper middle school). Some of the vocab. words: placid, sequestered, pungency, expire, and "A bovine thunderstorm." The story is about a cattle dog that rescues a vacationing family in a blizzard. The tale is written from the perspective of the dog. This can be read aloud to younger students with definitions added, and it's a quick read for older students.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Fellows, Stan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763671679

Price: 14.99

Sophie Flufftail's Brave Plan

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2016

Review

The prolific Daisy Meadows (Rainbow Magic series), has another sure-fire hit on her hands. This time the series is Magic Animal Friends. This series is set in the magical land of Friendship Forest. Here the animals talk and magic really does exist. Human friends Jess and Lily brave different adventures in each installment of this fun series. Sophie Flufftail is a brave little squirrel. The evil witch Grizelda enlists the help of the ice dragon to cast a spell on Sophie's family. Lily and Jess help Sophie save her squirrel family. This title is written with simple sentence structure, easy to read font and short chapters. Lovely pencil/pen illustrations a scattered throughout the book, perfectly complimenting the story. Perfect for fans of Daisy Meadows other series. Also, this would be great for kids who love animal stories, magic and for reluctant readers. With its simple and uncomplicated sentence structure and short chapters, this would also make for a good bridge between for readers ready to branch out from beginning readers, but not quite ready for more in-depth chapter books. This series will have a very brisk circulation in most libraries. A solid addition.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Ripper, Georgie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545907415

Price: 4.99

Emily Prickleback's Clever Idea

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2016

Review

A charming addition to the Magical Animal Friends series. Here hedgehog Emily Prickleback needs Jess and Lily's help. The two girls look forward to returning to Friendship Forest for the Rushy River Boat Race. But Grizelda the witch has other plans. She sends her sand dragon to turn the hedgehog family into stone and to ruin the river and the race. Can Jess, Lily and Emily save the hedgehog family or will Grizelda win? There is just enough suspense in this title (and the rest of the series)to make it enjoyable but not too scary. Also, the adorable characters, simple sentence structure, short chapters and lovely pencil/pen illustrations make this a solid addition for reluctant readers and newly independent readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Ripper, Georgie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545907439

Price: 4.99

Ruby Fuzzybrush's Star Dance

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2016

Review

Ruby is a young fox who lives in Friendship Forest with her fox family and all her friends. Ruby and the rest of her family have a magical talent of being able to make the stars light up and dance. It is a beautiful and magical sight. All the forest animals as well as Jess and Lily love to watch when it happens. But Grizelda the witch wants to put a stop to this magical light by darkening the stars and Friendship Forest forever. She sends her black dragon to do the deed. Once again, Lily and Jess come to the aid of their magical animal friends. Ruby Fuzzybrush works with her human friends to save the fox family and the forest. There is suspense here, but just enough to enhance the story and not enough to scare young readers. The pencil/pen illustrations are marvelous. They are at once detailed, adorable and compliment the story nicely. The illustrations are scattered throughout the book and at the beginning of each chapter. This series offers short chapters, larger font, simple sentence structure, adorable characters, and an enjoyable story arc. Newly independent and reluctant readers will love this. But solid independent readers will also enjoy the magical fun. Give to fans of Daisy Meadows, of animal stories, and to kids who love magic but aren't nearly ready for Harry Potter or similar titles. This is a solid purchase for most libraries and will have a very brisk circulation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Ripper, Georgie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545907453

Price: 4.99

Rosie Gigglepip's Lucky Escape

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2016

Review

Grizelda wants nothing more than to completely control Friendship forest and all of its inhabitants. This time she sends in her storm dragon to work some evil magic. The dragon has taken control of the magical windmill that controls all the breezes that enter Friendship Forest. Consequently, guinea pig Rosie Gigglepip and her family are in danger. Lily, Jess and Rosie must not only rescue the guinea pig family, but save the forest from the wicked Grizelda. Adorable animals, good story with just the right amount of tension and lovely, detailed pen/pencil illustrations peppered throughout make for an enjoyable read. The chapters are short. There is simple sentence structure. The font is easy to read. This is an excellent choice for 1st-3rd graders, as well as older reluctant readers. This makes a fun read aloud for the younger crowd as well. A worthy addition to most libraries. And those libraries that do have this series will undoubtedly see a brisk circulation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Ripper, Georgie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545907477

Price: 4.99

Super Social Studies Infographics US Culture Through Infographics

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2016

Review

This book is good for grades 4-6 for teaching about American culture. It has 12 chapters. The first, All-American, looks at Race and Ethnicity, Family, Pet Owners, Language, and where people live through the use of pie graphs. More information on Art, Sports, What we read, Patriotic dos and don'ts, also Landmarks. Vic Kulihin did the graphics.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Higgins, Nadia

Illustrator: Kulihin, Vic

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467734646

Price: 26.65

The Not-So Itty-Bitty Spiders

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

This is the first in a projected New Series called Olive & Beatrix. The series is aimed towards young readers who are done with the early reader books, but aren't quite ready for longer & more detailed chapter books. The stars of the series are twin sisters Olive & Beatrix. Beatrix was born exactly at midnight on the full moon and is a witch. Her sister Olive was born 2 minutes later and is a "normal" child. Olive loves science and Beatrix loves magic. Secondary, but important, characters are Beatrix's talking pet pig Sir Houston (who provides plenty of sarcastic humor), and Olive's best friend & fellow science nerd Eddie. The sisters don't get along and are constantly playing jokes on each other. One day a prank goes horribly wrong and a bunch of giant spiders are created. The Olive, Eddie, Beatrix, & even Sir Houston, have to work together to turn the spiders back to normal size. This book is graphic novel style. It combines text and lots of dialogue bubbles. The font is large and easy to read. The text is not overwhelming for newly independent readers. There is also a plethora of illustrations throughout that help the reader and flow with the story. The illustrations are done in purples, greens, blues and change hues to add to the humor or darker parts of the story. There is plenty of humor is this novel, with a few laugh out loud moments for the target audience, which is 1st grade through struggling 4th grade. The story is fun and mildly scary (especially if you don't like spiders). This is a good choice for fans of humor & fantasy, Geronimo Stilton style books, and Angie Sage's series Araminta Spookie. A worthy purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stadelmann, Amy Marie

Illustrator: Stadelmann, Amy Marie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545814805

Price: 4.99

Sugar, Gummi, and Lollipop

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

Sugar, Gummi, and Lollipop is one of the newest titles in the popular Puppy Place series. Brother and sister Charles and Lizzie and their family love puppies. They foster puppies, take care of them, and help to find them forever homes. In this installment, Lizzie and her friend Maria find three puggle puppies abandoned in a box outside Maria's family's cabin. The girls, along with their families, have to take care of the puppies, make sure they are safe and healthy. The puppies are so cute, but Lizzie and Maria know they can't keep them forever. They have to find them forever homes soon enough. As with the other titles in this series, this one doesn't disappoint. The story is full of cute puppies, friends working together, families. There is just enough tension to make things realistic. There are some sad moments, but Puppy Place is a place where every dog finds a home. This title is good for independent readers who love animal stories. The books are all just under 100 pages, so it is not an overwhelming read for 2nd-4th grade readers. The story is fun and believable. The characters aren't deep, but they are enjoyable to meet. Dog lovers and fans of Animal Ark series will enjoy this one. A good purchase, especially if you have others in the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miles, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545857208

Price: 4.99

Underwater Planet

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

Pirate space cats, treasure maps and under water alien planets are only some of the zaniness that await readers here. This is a fun and action packed spinoff series of Geronimo Stilton. Here we find the Geronimo Stilton of a parallel universe, Geronimo Stiltonix. At the beach Geronimo finds a treasure map that directs him and the space mice to an underwater planet. While exploring and searching for the treasure, the crew is set upon by fur-eating seaweed and pirate space cats, to name just a few. The space cats are after the treasure as well. But it is up to Geronimo and the space mice to get to the treasure first. Will they succeed? As with the original Geronimo Stilton series, this one doesn't disappoint. it has lovable characters, an action packed story line, lots of humor and adventure, and eye popping illustrations and a variety of size and colors of font that will hook young readers quickly. Good choice for 2nd and 3rd grade readers as well as reluctant 4th & 5th graders. Purchase where the series is popular, which is pretty much everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: Facciotto, Giuseppe

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545872430

Price: 6.99

Mouse Overboard!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

Geronimo and his family are on a slow boat to Portugal. They were invited there to trace the journey of noted explorer Vasco da Gama. Who apparently was an ancestor of the Stilton's. Soon after they set sail Geronimo realizes someone is trying to foil their journey. Will Geronimo find out who before its too late. Or will his sea sickness get the best of him? This installment is another winner. The characters are fun and likeable. The story flows smoothly and is entertaining. Humor and adventure abound. This is perfect for reluctant or newly independent readers because the text pops with a variety of font sizes and colors. The sentence structure is not too complicated or overwhelming for independent readers. Great for 3rd and 4th graders. The illustrations are colorful and enhance the story. You even learn a bit about the explorer Vasco da Gama. As with other titles in the series, you do not have to read these in any kind of order. Although not a necessary purchase, libraries should buy if they have the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: Loizedda, Danilo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545872515

Price: 6.99

Make it Messy: My Perfectly Imperfect Life

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

Young adult foodies will enjoy hearing Chef Samuelsson share his background and learn about his rising career. What they may not have known was that Marcus dreamed of becoming a soccer star before he followed his second passion of cooking.

The text is written as though the reader and writer are communicating face to face. Marcus exposes his love of life, family, soccer and food in a personal manner. Readers will gain perspective on the Chef’s motivations and loyalties as they follow along this autobiography of a very positive role model. Pre-teens interested in culinary arts will benefit most but any lover of international cuisine is sure to enjoy this easy read. Eight pictures of Chef Samuelsson are tucked into the pages.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Samuelsson, Marcus

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385744003

Price: 16.99

Doctor Nice

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2016

Review

What might be a typical day at the Doctor's office is full of compassion, caring, and affection toward both the patients and a Doctor of very small stature. Mostly injured in winter sports or suffering the effects of the season a variety of forest animals enjoy the care of a skilled physician.

Written with wit and compassion this story approaches reality. Youngsters will love this as a story time selection appropriate for winter, forest animals, or a Doctor theme. The art work clearly show suffering patients in the waiting room who become animated following treatment. The color pallet is consistent with the types of animals who are brightened up with a human wardrobe. An unexpected twist is guaranteed to delight all readers. Add this to public libraries in the north and donate to pediatrician offices.

The top of the first few pages had not been cut on the copy reviewed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustrator: Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432035

Price: 16.95

Stingrays! Underwater Fliers

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

This paperback science reader will be of high interest for budding marine biologists in grades 1-3. Readers will learn how the stingray finds food while using it's sensors and poisonous barb to keep from being prey for hammerhead sharks. In this edition, stingray gives birth to seven pups which can live up to twenty years. The relationship between cleaner fish and stingrays and humans with stingrays are explored. Unfortunately, the design is uneven with a confusing mix of illustrations by Isidre Mones and photographs interspersed. At one point, the text states that the shark grabs the stingray's tail, but the illustrations show the stingray's body in the shark's mouth. The next page jarringly explains that the stingray got away and is giving birth to pups. The subject matter will make this paperback popular, although the flow of information is choppy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gerber, Carole

Illustrator: Mones, Isidre

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449813089

Price: 3.99

Funny Bunnies Morning, Noon, and Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

This paperback Level 1 reader follows a multi-colored, multi-aged with multi-abilities bunny family as they wake up to breakfast, get ready for a trip to Rabbit Hill Park where they play games, eat lunch and are sad to leave. At home, grandma bunny makes a carrot cake; they go through their evening routine and end up saying good night. The pastel color scheme and the cartoon illustrations present the various situations explained in the simple sentence structured text. The vocabulary focus is on the singular and plural of bunny. The familiar activities presented will support new readers. The only quibble is that the bunnies have "tea"? for breakfast, which works in the rhyme scheme but is not the first choice for a nutritious breakfast for a child. A useful addition for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DiCicco, Sue

Illustrator: DiCicco, Sue

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545676311

Price: 3.99

The Book of Shane

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

To start off with, it is a good idea to have read the original Spirit Animals series as well as the spin-off series Fallen Beasts to better understand and appreciate this book. That being said, some kids will still find this enjoyable even if they haven't read the two series. There is an introduction and a small snippet of information at the beginning of each part that help the novice Spirit Animal reader to enjoy the book on its own. The stories in this book were originally published as an e-series of novellas. In this book you learn more about Shane the Devourer and his family. Shane was the principle foe in the original Spirit Animal series. But he didn't start out that way. He was also a friend at times to the four original kids who summoned spirit animals to protect the world. He went through that ceremony himself. In the spin-off series Shane becomes the King of the conquerors and will try to destroy the spirit animals and the world itself. This is a good choice for strong 3rd grade readers through 5th grade readers. There is lots of action and adventure and thrills. It is also an excellent choice for boys who are reluctant readers. Purchase where both series are already in the collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eliopulos, Nick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545911009

Price: 16.99

Chocolate: Sweet Science & Dark Secrets of the World's Favorite Food

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

The title of the first chapter says it all, the World's Most Perfect Food. This is a detailed,informative, fun, and fascinating history of chocolate. But it is also more than that. The author has woven together an account of chocolate that includes how explorers, scientists, society, industry and children have impacted chocolate. The organization of the book is well done. The author provides a good table of contents and a detailed index. There is also a timeline of the history of chocolate and a list of websites for further reading and information. There are even some recipes in the book! There are many black and white photographs peppered throughout the book that greatly enhance the understanding of the material covered. Although, there a couple of photographs that are not labelled. It may be obvious to many what they are, but younger readers may not know. There are also sidebars of information throughout the book that are both interesting and fun, for example, the science behind why we love chocolate. In the middle of the book there are a series of color photographs depicting various aspects of chocolate and its history. This title is probably best for 6th grade and above. The print is large and easy to read, so strong younger readers who enjoy nonfiction may like this as well. This would also be a good reference choice for teachers to use in the classroom for science, history and even sociology units. A wonderful purchase for larger nonfiction collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frydenborg, Kay

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544175662

Price: 18.99

The Safest Lie

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

This story is written by the author to honor a real World War II spy credited with helping to smuggle food, clothing and medicine into the Warsaw ghetto and successfully smuggling out over twenty five hundred of its children. Nine year old Anna, Jewish and living in Warsaw, Poland is the story's narrator. She tells of having to leave her home, school, parents and friends and assume a new identity in order to escape the impending Nazi holocaust. She is taken first to a Catholic orphanage and later to a foster family, retaining her new Polish name and pretending to be a Christian. The book's short chapters written in under two hundred pages can be read independently by nine to twelve year olds. However, for this age group, World War II and the Warsaw ghetto may signify very little. What Anna's story does make very clear are the pain and the damaging effects of war on children like Anna who survive it. Sadly enough, it is a most timely focus since Anna is as much an immigrant child as those we read about in today's newspapers. At the novel's end Anna is about to leave for Canada to join an aunt she does not know but where she can reclaim her name and Jewish heritage. Teachers, parents and young people with a special interest in the book's setting and time period will find the story a rewarding one. Recommended .

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cerrito, Angela

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823433100

Price: 16.95

Duck's Vacation

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

The fairly sophisticated end pages display a colorful variety of global vacation spots. That sophistication is echoed at the book's end where a note and drawing assure the reader that the duck of the title survived by having an experienced stunt double when needed. Translated from Hebrew, here is a picture book meant to amuse both the young listener and the older reader. By and large it does succeed and is generously helped by the bright and funny artwork done with colored pencils and graphite pencil on paper. The listener is pulled in at the outset by being asked "Who turned the page?" and continues to be addressed by the duck until a boat load of pirates appears. The duck leaves the book, literally, but wait! there is more and it is all fun to see and to hear. A winner, especially for 4's 5's and up and up. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Soffer, Gilad

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/ Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250056474

Price: 1799

Light of Day

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

Light of Day is a stand-alone romantic mystery based on real life challenges of growing up in Miami. Although not a series a previous published title is a companion book, On the Edge takes place in the same city and features two characters seen in Light of Day. Our protagonist Gabby is a spit fire who achieves personal goals and is quick to analyze problems within her community. She is however shocked to realize that she and a friend have become potential victims. While still a high school student Gabby uses her radio show to discuss hard issues.

Van Diepen has written a book that teenage girls will love; it offers romance, edgy reality, parental disapproval, and adventurous night escapades. X is a compelling character who captures Gabby’s heart and those of the readers. Put this into the hands of high school girls who are looking for love and validation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Diepen, Allison

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062303479

Price: 17.99

Geek Girl Model Misfit

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

Our main character must have been a geek in the first book of the Geek Girl series but Harriet has become a somewhat polished (not so much) model who has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime this summer. There are road blocks that almost crimp her style but off she goes to Japan to model for a high-strung designer where she rooms with two other teen models. This book is fluff, it possess some sexual tension and lots of unrealistic situations.

If the sexual attraction was removed and the parental figures were more involved this could be a grade 4-6 novel. Actually the short chapters and the cover will appeal to a younger audience. Perhaps intended for young teens the Geek Girl series is probably being read by pre-teens.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smale, Holly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062333605

Price: 17.99

Temperate Forest Experiments

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2016

Review

THis series is good for students in grades 4-5 with some help, and grades 6-9 independently. The table of contents breaks the book into these sections "Are you running Late" with some guide lines scientific method, science fairs, and safety; "30 minutes or less" with five experiments; " One hour or less" with three experiments; "Two hours or more" with seven experiments. Many of the experiments have more than one idea for a science fair project. The book also contains a glossary, futher reading for both books and websites.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gardner, Robert

Illustrator: Labaff, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766059221

Price: 18.95

Grassland Experiments

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2016

Review

This series is good for students in grades 4-5 with some help, and grades 6-9 independently. The table of contents breaks the book into these sections "Are you running Late" with some guide lines scientific method, science fairs, and safety; "30 minutes or less" with seven experiments; " One hour or less" with four experiments; "One month or less" with four experiments. Many of the experiments have more than one idea for a science fair project. The book also contains a glossary, futher reading for both books and websites.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gardner, Robert

Illustrator: Labaff, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766059276

Price: 18.95

Eva's Treetop Festival

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2016

Review

Branches is Scholastic's new line of easier chapter books. The Owl Diaries is a new series and is part of Branches. I don't like to differentiate between girl books and boy books, but this series is definitely geared more towards young and tween girls. Olive, Eva the owlet, who is the main character in this series, good very well be a tween girl if she wasn't an owl. Presented in diary format, with pink lined notebook paper, Eva writes about her life and her various adventures and escapades. She writes of her likes (school, art, clothes) and her dislikes (her brothers smelly socks), life with her family, and her adventures at school. She learns about friendship, teamwork, perseverance, & cooperation. The illustrations are happy, bright & bold digitally rendered. They will hook young readers, as will the fun story line. Readers will love Eva's busy enthusiasm. Readers will also appreciate the easy to read text, larger font, short chapters and speech bubbles. A fine choice for independent readers who enjoy fun stories about friendship.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Rebecca

Illustrator: Elliott, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545683623

Price: 4.99

Fab Four Friends: The Boys Who Became The Beatles

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2016

Review

Who, how, when, why, and where are all noted in this very informative look about the rise of the musical group. Each Beatles member is introduced in a nature progression, reviewing their childhood, personal musical talents, and their eventual involvement with the group. Little know tidbits are sprinkled in with well established facts that seemly began (for Americans) with their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the USA.

This book contains rich information that is well researched and documents. The art work enhances the text, making this a very attractive collection item. Several impressive back pages contain a glossary of British terms, notes and an author note clearly written by a fan. Fab Four Friends is perfect for a grade school biography assignment but it is destined to be gifted to original fans of the Beatles during the 1960's.

Purchase for all primary school media centers and public libraries

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reich, Susanna

Illustrator: Gustavson, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and Co.)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805094589

Price: 17.99

Cut Me Free

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2016

Review

This young adult title is a gripping psychological thriller that will both shock and mesmerize readers. Cut me free is a story about child abuse and human trafficking and the profound effect on a strong and frail teen. Chariotte is now living a life of freedom from her abusive parents but her keen instincts make her aware that others are being abused.

Although a gripping story of horrible abuse, hope is alive within the pages. Locked doors cannot hold back the terror and fear that abused victims suffer. The author has interjected relationships that reduce the individual horror, making this a readable and often cliff hanging story. Johansson offers up a rare look at the power of the positive and hopeful soul. Add this to public library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johansson, J.R.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300234

Price: 17.99

Woven

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

Nels, a boy from the village of Cobblestown, always wanted to be a knight in the kingdom of Averand, but ends up murdered and becomes a ghost. The only person who can see him is Princess Tyra, the heir to the throne. At first, Nels, the ghost, and the princess seem an unlikely pair. Together they must find an ancient needle that can bring Nels back to life. This wonderful original story will appeal to many readers. It is full of adventure, mystery, romance, humor, and metaphors. It is well written with full- bodied characters. The plot moves quickly. I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this exciting book for readers looking for a unique rich fantasy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jensen, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545685726

Price: 18.99

A Bitter Magic

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

This fantasy is about Cisley's search for her mother, Marina Thummel, who disappears during a magic show while in front of a black mirror. Cisley's Uncle Asa and her mother are famous for their magic shows. Uncle Asa is an illusionist, whereas Cisley's mother really does have magical powers. Cisley lives in a glass castle by the sea and has a pet lobster that she takes for walks. Cole, a village boy, helps Cisley in her quest to find out what happened to her mother. The story is well written and the plot moves quickly. Family secrets add to the mystery. More and more about the characters is revealed as the story unfolds which keep the story interesting. In addition to the mystery, adventure, and romance, there is also a bit of humor. I highly recommend this magical book for grades 4-8.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Townley, Roderick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780449816493

Price: 16.99

Dear Hank Williams

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

This unique approach to historical fiction is set in rural Louisiana in 1948. Tate's class is assigned to write a pen pal over the course of a school year. Eleven year old Tate decides to pick Hank Williams who is not quite famous yet. She and her great-aunt and great-uncle listen to his music on the radio every Saturday night. The book consists of all her letters to Hank Williams. Much is revealed about Tate's life through these letters which read like a diary. There is so much depth to this delightful, yet sorrowful book. The characters are well developed and believable. The unexpected twists and turns keep the story moving quickly. The author's notes and acknowledgements add interesting background to the book. I highly recommend this charming and powerful novel for readers grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Holt, Kimberly Willis

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805080223

Price: 16.99

The Book of Dares for Lost Friends

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - Retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

Val and Lanora are best friends until they start middle school. Val feels left behind as Lanora decides she wants to hang out with the "A" crowd. It doesn't take long before Lanora finds herself in serious trouble. With the help of some new friends Val looks for a way to save Lanora. This novel set in Manhattan has a magical twist involving a black cat and ancient Egypt. At times I found the story difficult to follow, but the interesting characters make this an enjoyable read. The combination of realistic fiction and fantasy works well. This story of friendship will appeal to readers looking for a unique story. This book may also be useful for discussions on bullying. I recommend this novel for upper elementary and early middle school readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelley, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250050878

Price: 16.99

Sky Key: An Endgame Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylo - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

This is the second book in the Endgame Trilogy and would not be considered a stand-alone novel. There are three prequel novellas "The Training Diaries" that accompany this trilogy. Definitely need to read the first in the series to understand the character development and plot.

With that said, it is an interesting plot that has a tendency to jump back and forth between characters sometimes getting confusing and frustrating. There is a lot of descriptive violence associated with a majority of the characters. The plot is similar to most apocalyptic series using the fate of the world in the hands of a select few to either finish destroying it or attempt to save. Definitely need the previous book to understand the character development and how they relate to the plot and each other. Also, placing all the text to the left of the page instead of separating paragraphs made it difficult to follow along.

Recommended reading level would be 10-12 grade due it's violent nature.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frey, James

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062332615

Price: 19.99

Making Pretty

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

Montana, the main character, has finally found a friend that she can relate to, but, it turns out this new friend is going to be her new stepmother, the kicker is that her soon-to-be stepmom is only a few years older than Montana and her sister. Relationships and being accepted in those relationships for who you are not what somebody else wants you to be is the theme of this novel. At various points in the story, this novel will make you frustrated at the complexity of the relationships that have evolved and continue to evolve; the relationships between older men and extremely younger women and how the main character's father, a cosmetic surgeon surgically recreates all of his previous wives into the women that he envisions them to be, including his two daughters.

The novel is character-driven with complex characters and strong development. It is a story of a journey of self-discovery and the eventual understanding that being who you want to be is far more important than being someone else, just for the sake of acceptance. Fans of Sarah Dessen, John Green and Rainbow Rowell will enjoy this book.

Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haydu, Corey Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062294081

Price: 17.99

The Devil's Dreamcatcher

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

Young adults and adults will enjoy this mystery is in hell. "Devil's Dreamcatcher" is the sequel to the "Devil's Intern" and can be a stand-alone novel because of the plot, but reading the first in the series will give you more insight on the character's.

The Devil's accounting office is hiring an intern and 16 year-old Medusa wants that position badly. Once she has gotten the intern position, all hell breaks loose in Hell and Medusa gets involved in a mystery that has been plaguing her since her death. Well developed character development and an interesting mystery plot that makes you think about what might happen to you after death. A quirky spin on heaven and hell combining to solve the mystery of the Devil's dreamcatcher and it had better be solved quickly because if placed in the wrong hands it could be apocalyptic.

Recommended for grades 7-12, adults too!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hosie, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday house

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433902

Price: 16.95

Nightbird

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

Alice Hoffman has created another beautiful and bewitching tale of family, friendship and hope for the future. In the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Twig and her mother sell the most scrumptious baked goods in town, but their lives are as secret as secret can be. All of sudden, the town is talking about a mysterious monster that seems to bothering the quiet small town when Twig realizes that it is her family they are indirectly talking about.

There is romance, curses and magic in this wonderful tale about how friendship and determination can heal wounds, even though those wounds were created a century ago. Self-realization and discovery are the abounding themes throughout and the climax to the story proves its worth with an ending that pulls all the meanings together. Recommended for grades 4-9.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hoffman, Alice

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385389587

Price: 16.99

Forever For A Year

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

Debut novelist B.T. Gottfred has written a first time romance that one can not help but fall in love with. Written in alternating perspectives, Carolina and Trevor share their first meeting, the physical exploration of each other's bodies to yes, even the pregnancy scare to the realization that they can live without one another.

Gottfred has a realistic love story that teens can relate to. The plot and character development is outstanding and you feel as if you are part of the relationship as it progresses. Not many books have both the female and make perspective on what is involved in a relationship -- trust, insecurity of the "I Love You", rollercoaster emotions and intimacy. Warning-- there are explicit sexual content. Recommended age group would be grades 10-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gottfred, B.T.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627791915

Price: 17.99

Becoming Jinn

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

This is the first of what could potentially be a very intriguing series. Azra wakes up on her sixteenth birthday with prettier hair, considerably more well developed than the night before and a sparkling silver bangle on her wrist that can not be removed. She has now been welcomed into the realm of the Jinn and will be required to make wishes for people. But before she can do this, there is training that only her mother and her "aunts" can help her with. One more thing, with pending 16th birthday of one more of the daughters of these aunts, Azra and the other daughters will have their own sisterhood just like their mothers.

Interesting plot that deals with the mystery of the Jinn world where only the women and their daughters are allowed to live in the real world and the males and the women that can no longer grant wishes are banished to another realm. Not all is well within realm of the Jinn and questionings the power of the Jinn by these women in the real world is what will lead to another book in this series. Goldstein is not done, nor is Azra with what she knows.

Female relationships between each other and their daughters, family struggles and secrets and the coming-of-age are the main themes of this novel. Included in all of this is the intrigue of magic and the wishes of others that only can be granted once. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstein, Lori

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250055392

Price: 17.99

Finding Monkey Moon

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2016

Review

This book is a good read aloud for younger students grades preschool through third. Monkey Moon, Micheal's beloved stuffed animal has disappeared at bedtime. Dad and Micheal go travel back over their day to find him. This book is great for older children learning about figurative language grades four through eighth. Onomatopoeia : "hippity-hop, hippity-hop", "an owl gave a soft hoot, hoot." Simile: "their breath fluttering like moths in the cold air" Alliteration: " silent swings... and sleeping ducks, ...sound of a small animal scurrying away." Illustrations are soft edges water color.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pulford, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Wilkinson, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763667771

Price: 15.99

Book: My Autobiography

Reviewed by: Sara Ottomano - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2016

Review

This middle grade non-fiction book is an interesting read for your pre-teens who love books and want to learn about how they came to be. Written from the perspective of a book, the narrative is humorous, engaging, and ambitious. From the spoken word to e-books, this book covers a lot of ground and addresses different ways that books were created. The bold, black-and-white images throughout add depth to the narrative, often supplementing the text with visuals of processes not fully described, such as the steps to make papyrus. One of the only drawbacks of the book however would be its layout. The text is constantly interrupted with images and quotations, and while this could be a technique to draw young readers into a non-fiction book that might otherwise be dry, it can sometimes be a bit choppy. Recommended for pre-teen readers that are interested in the history of the book and bold graphic-novel-like images.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Agard, John

Illustrator: Packer, Neil

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672362

Price: 15.99

Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2016

Review

A tall tale told in a picture book format, this first rate debut will keep readers entertained. The folksy text tells the story about a local hero and his challenge with a new invention. The setting is early 19th century in the Great Plains where change is in the air. Jackrabbit McCabe, a young man who could run as fast as "a squirrel hightailing it up a tree", keeps very busy around town delivering messages and running races. That is, until one day, when something new came to town....the electric telegraph. A competition between the two is set up on who can deliver a message to the next town first. Although Jackrabbit tries very hard, he is no match for this new invention. After his loss, he "feels lower than a snakes navel" until he is appointed as the first telegraph operator of the town and paper boy. The author's note includes a full page of the history of the telegraph and also includes a Morse Code key and a code written in Morse Code for readers to decipher. The old fashioned muted illustrations work well with the folksy text. A great addition to both public and school libraries this book offers storytelling at its best.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rozier, Lucy Margaret

Illustrator: Espinosa, Leo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780385378437

Price: 17.99

Backyard Witch: Sadie's Story

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2016

Review

Sadie's Story is the first book in a great new series aimed at children who are just becoming independent readers. With short chapters, plenty of charming black & white illustrations to highlight the text, this series will appeal to readers of Clementine, Ivy and Bean, and Digby O'Day.

Left back home, while her two best friends are away together, Sadie is feeling out of sorts and lonely. Alerted by Wilson, her cat, could it be smoke coming from her playhouse roof? A touch of magic perhaps? Smoke indeed, provided by a friendly, endearing witch. A kindly witch who would love to be her friend. A friend who has many important life lessons and hobbies to share.

Young readers who have felt left out will immediately relate to Sadie. This book also provides interesting information on bird watching, which is one of the activities encouraged by the friendly backyard witch. The back pages include information on bird watching and encourage readers to start a journal and try it out.

A strong recommendation for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Christine, Hepperman

Illustrator: Marcero, Deborah

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062338389

Price: 16.99

Pete Makes a Mistake

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2016

Review

Come to my party! That's what Rose Pig wants all her friends to do. Rose has filled out all the invitations. But she asks her brother Pete to deliver them for her. And Pete tends to be a little forgetful. And, of course, Pete forgets to deliver an invitation to Gert. Gert feels left out and Rose doesn't know why Gert didn't come to her party. Things are resolved happily in the end. This is a pleasant story about friendship, misunderstandings, and forgiveness. The illustrations are done in pen & ink watercolors.The shades are bold pastels and they are happy. The text is easy to read, large font. There is minimal text per page, short sentences and repetition of many words. This is a good choice for Kindergarten and first grade readers, and slightly older kids who are struggling. This title could be used as a jumping off point for discussion about misunderstanding, forgiving people's mistakes and friendship. A good purchase for libraries needing more easy reader books and books on friendship.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823433872

Price: 14.95

Go To Sleep, Monty!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Max has his first new puppy and he has named him Monty. It is Max's job to attend to all Monty's needs. Monty shouldn't be too hard to take care of, right? Max is in for a big surprise, especially on Monty's first night. Monty "howled and he hooted, and he yapped and he yelped, and he wailed and he whined, and he sniffled and he snuffles, and he...peed on the floor!" Poor Max is beside himself. What to do? With oversized and simple illustrations, colorful and perfectly complementing the text, this will be a great addition to picture shelves everywhere and might serve as a good lesson to children begging for that first pet!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Geyer, Kim

Illustrator: Geyer, Kim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Andersen Press USA

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793117

Price: 17.99

Playing Pro Football

Reviewed by: Jill hooper - Freeport Middle School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

This comprehensive overview of being a professional American football player is engaging and well written. Students will find it interesting because it does reference many of the league's well known current players, and includes many color photographs. The layout of the book is manageable and eye catching. This book includes a glossary, quotes, diagrams and a list of additional resources. This 64 page book is a great addition to an upper elementary/middle school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bowker, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467738446

Price: 20.04

Mr. Hare's Big Secret

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Mr. Hare is very hungry. He is beneath a big tree and needs to come up with something to eat. As hares are very clever, Mr. Hare devises a plan to get some big, fat, juicy snacks to eat. One does not realize until the end of the tale, what this plan was. It involves tempting other animals with a secret, dancing, and a repetitive narrative that little ones will catch on to quickly. The illustrations, though, are the piece de resistance of this book. The hare, the mouse, the fox and all the other animals depicted are absolutely outstanding and make this book exceptional. It is also a wonderful readaloud because of the catchy repeating and collective text that remind one of the game 'I packed my grandmother's trunk' played on long family car trips. This is definitely one to consider for public and private collections alike.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dale, Hannah

Illustrator: Dale, Hannah

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538564

Price: 16.99

Troto And The Trucks

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Troto is a little car and he is happy simply to travel about. One day he finds himself in Cactusville, a western town that is full of big trucks, Big Red, Big Blue and Big Yellow and they find Troto hilarious because he is so small. They laugh at Troto and his feelings are hurt He challenges the Big Trucks to a race to show what he is made of. The themes of bullying and hurt feelings are touched upon and handled in a gentle fashion. The big trucks wear taunting expressions depicted by the rather evil smiles formed by their grillwork, where poor Troto's expression is sad and a little frightened. Cactusville lives up to its name as the landscape is desert and cacti with many mountain formations and the vehicles kick up lots of dust. This will be a good choice for truck lovers everywhere and to introduce the topic of bullying which might open up a conversation around this subject.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shulevitz, Uri

Illustrator: Shulevitz, Uri

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374300807

Price: 17.99

Another Day

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Great read for teens who are looking for the real thing. Best quote: " Girls who fall in love with lost boys, get lost themselves." Rhiannon has a "bad" boyfriend, Justin. He's better than no boyfriend, or so she thinks. Then one day he asks he to skip school and they can do whatever she wants. He is attentive, not angry. He's thoughtful, he's amazing, they talk about everything instead of just having a "physical" relationship. Too perfect to be true... Okay so Justine really wasn't himself that day. An alien takes over someone else's body just for a day. Its name is A, and it's in love with Rhiannon. She learns about real affection Vs. just physical stuff. She rethinks gender roles. Sometimes A is female, sometimes A is male, and sometimes A is not attractive, but it's always A. Good for older students due to some language, sex, drinking, drugs, and skipping school.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Levithan, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: alfred a knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385756204

Price: 17.99

Officer Panda Fingerprint Detective

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Officer Panda is on the job at 3:00 PM, the beginning of his shift. He has noticed something unusual is going on and is investigating. Keeping his log of what he discovers and where and when, he finds that there are suspicious fingerprints everywhere. Where are they coming from and what do they mean? They are even in his own house! He reaches a hilarious and obvious conclusion about these prints and the reader will be amused. Anyone feeling guilty? Young ones will have fun locating fingerprints on the pages. The illustrations employ lots of black and white and a lot of white space. The text follows Officer Panda's log entries and characters speak in cartoon bubbles. Fun Facts About Fingerprints show up at the end of the book and introduce young readers and listeners to the history of and information about fingerprints. This is a good book to consider for your shelves as it is not only a picture book but also a science book from which children will learn.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crowley, Ashley

Illustrator: Crowley, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062366269

Price: 17.99

Rules for Stealing Stars

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

A far less than perfect home life is the norm for Silly and her three older sisters. Their mom is an alcoholic who can be very cutting with her comments to the children, depending on her mood. Eleven year old Silly often feels isolated from her sisters. And, now that they have moved into her Mom's homestead, her mother's moods are getting worse. Typically, Silly had not been the brunt of her Mom's harshness, but this too has changed. Fortunately for Silly, this change has brought her closer to her sisters who now include her and share their big secret. The big secret involves a bedroom closet that is no ordinary closet. A magical closet that turns into a portal. Here the girls can go on adventures to worlds of their own creation. Everything is not always perfect, even in this magical world and the sisters at times pull apart and relationships are strained. Yet ultimately, the love a family has for each other prevails. The sisters' pain feels authentic and their complex relationships also ring true. A compelling and interesting mix of realistic fiction and fantasy make this book a must read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haydu, Corey Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062352712

Price: 16.99

A song for Ella Grey

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

A modern twist on an ancient tale of doomed lovers, this is one of the most unusual YA books I have reviewed. Based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, there is plenty of passion, darkness, beauty, despair and joy. The modern day teenagers engage in a range of sexual relationships, participate in plenty of drinking and swearing with a minimum of adult supervision. The text is beautifully written and draws you in to the teenage world of first loves, jealousy, rebellion, heartbreak and longing. This book will appeal to sophisticated readers with an interest in mythology and books with a literary twist. This story is not a fairy tale love story. It has many dark and strange elements that include a death by snakebite and a dramatic death in the end that is difficult to read and harder to comprehend. This haunting, tragic love story is likely to be controversial and is not for the faint of heart. For higher level high school students. As a side note, this book did win The Guardian's 2015 children's fiction prize in the UK. Children's writer Lynne Reid Banks was horrified by the content and was upset that this book won a "children's" book award.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Almond, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction,folklore

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780533533590

Price: 16.99

Better than Perfect

Reviewed by: Sara Ottomano - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

This coming-of-age story about a teen struggling with perfection was a promising but ultimately unfulfilled novel. Geared towards teens in grades 10-12, this novel addresses the stresses of college applications, the pressure to know what you want to do with your life, and mental health issues. The main character, Juliet Newman, is a senior in high-school that is struggling to cope with her mother’s overdose and parents’ separation; the two major events that fracture her perfect life. Unfortunately, her life to begin with is unrealistic and causes the reader to not sympathize with Juliet’s plight. The protagonist is incredibly privileged, rich, and intelligent. She is a 3rd generation Harvard legacy, has maids, describes being comfortable as being in a cashmere sweater, lives in large house, got a car for her 17th birthday, got a perfect 2400 on her SATs, and has stable, four-year relationship with a boyfriend that is also all the above, just to name a few. While this could have been a technique to contrast with her eventual break from perfection and acceptance of non-perfection, the break was actually too perfect in its own way. She found an intelligent, foreign, attractive musician with whom she cheats on her boyfriend (twice, and never sees repercussions) and it is discovered that she is magically perfect at singing. (She literally gets praised for her rendition of Happy Birthday at a sound check which is extremely improbable given that the song is 9 notes and only maybe one person has made it musical.) So even in breaking from her planned path in life, she finds an equally perfect alternative. While this may appeal to teens actively questioning their path in life, it will not resonate with many due to its unrealistic characters and situations.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Kantor, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062279231

Price: 14.42

Fans of the Impossible Life

Reviewed by: Sara Ottomano - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

This realistic YA fiction will appeal to 10-12th graders who enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In this novel, three different characters navigate complex social and mental health issues. While it is noble to attempt to address all of the issues, since there were so many, it often felt as if none of them were properly dealt with. The writing style was also difficult to navigate; each chapter has a different point of view which causes a choppy reading. Nonetheless, the characters were developed, diverse, and complex.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Scelsa, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062331755

Price: 17.99

Dragon's Beware!

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Claudette is back in Dragons Beware! the anticipated sequel to the graphic novel, Giants Beware! When Claudette's father leaves the village of Mont Petit Pierre to fight the evil sorcerer Grombach, Claudette, Marie and Gaston refuse to be left behind. The trio embarks on a quest to recover a sword from the dragon Azra's stomach and defeat the evil sorcerer Grombach. Witty dialogue, fast-paced adventure, and bold illustrations is sure to make Dragons Beware a hit with readers in grade 2-5.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosado, Rafael

Illustrator: Aguirre, Jorge

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596438781

Price: 14.99

Sydney & Simon Go Green!

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Peter and Paul Reynolds are known for their picture books about creativity. This time the brothers have teamed up to create an early chapter book about the environment that is part of a new series featuring mice characters, Sydney and Simon. While on a field trip to the aquarium, Sydney learns about how trash harms sea turtles. Sydney enlists the help of her brother, Simon, to write and record a song about reducing trash and going green.

The whimsical illustrations and size of the book (similar to a leveled-reader) may be deceiving for young readers. There is a considerable amount of text on each page, and the complex vocabulary (ex: biodegradable, decomposing, and percussion) could make the story challenging for emerging readers. The book might work better as a read aloud in a classroom or at bedtime. Despite the didactic nature of the story, students will enjoy the story of how two people (or mice) can have a big impact on the world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Paul

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896771

Price: 12.95

A 52-Hertz Whale

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

A delightful epistolary novel told entirely through email correspondence, mostly between James, a high-school student obsessed with whales, and Darren, a recent college grad trying to make it as a documentary filmmaker in Hollywood. James is upset when a whale he follows online separates from his pod so he tries contacting scientists at a marine conservancy. After receiving no response, he emails Darren, who had volunteered in James' middle school resource room. With his girlfriend having recently dumped him, James has time to reply. As readers will easily predict, not only does Darren help James -- advising him on navigating high school, romance, and changing friendships -- James ends up helping Darren just as much, even providing inspiration for a documentary film.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sommer, Bill and Natalie Haney Tilghman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467779173

Price: 18.99

The Emperor of Any Place

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

Evan finds a mysterious hand-written book in his father's office after his father's sudden death. Evan has never met his grandfather "Griff," so things are tense when Griff arrives to help. The mysterious book was written by a Japanese soldier and a US soldier who were stranded together on an island during WWII. There is some mystery as to Griff's connection to the soldiers. The book alternates between Evan's life and the tale of the stranded soldiers. With just a hint of supernatural elements, this excellent story of family and grief teaches readers that things aren't always what they seem.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wynne-Jones, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669737

Price: 17.99

The Dead I know

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

In this psychodrama, Aaron Rowe is clearly struggling -- with nightmares and sleepwalking, the worsening dementia of his "Mam," his difficulty communicating with the living, and his bullying caravan park neighbors. John Barton (the JKB of JKB Funerals) takes Aaron under his wing -- buying him a suit, lending him a tie, and showing him the ropes of retrieving bodies, building coffins, preparing bodies for burial or cremation, and holding services for families. As Aaron learns to trust John, the nightmares begin to loosen their grip. This is a story of loss and love that will stay with readers long after they finish.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gardner, Scot

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544232747

Price: 17.99

The iPhone that Saved George Washington

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

Mel and his two classmates are the "Left Behinds" -- the three students who did not go home from boarding school over the winter holiday break. While on a school trip to watch the reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Day, he and his friends suddenly find themselves face-to-face with a very dead General Washington in 1776. They must use their knowledge of American History and their wits to put things right and get back to their own year. A silly but fun time travel adventure that leaves the door open to subsequent adventures.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385390569

Price: 16.99

Kid Owner

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Improbably, middle-schooler Ryan finds himself the new "kid" owner of the Dallas Cowboys after the sudden death of the father he never knew. Football fans will enjoy reading about Ryan's efforts to get more playing time on his middle school football team and his interactions with Cowboys' coaches and players. The book leads up to an exciting game with a rival team led by Ryan's stepbrother (he never knew existed). Although Ryan lets his celebrity status get the better of him for a while, in the end he realizes who his true friends are and ends up doing the right thing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062293794

Price: 16.99

Lost in a Mountain

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Survival in the mountains may depend on having the correct equipment, a map and food items. This interesting book covers four experiences of people becoming lost while climbing, driving in or flying above the mountains. Each slight entry highlights what made the outcome positive, making survival possible.

One map is included which notes major mountains but fails to tag the location of each survival story. The color photos enhance the presentation and the scrapbook page design is attractive. Some readers may shy away from the details of the Andes Mountain plane crash but everyone will cheer when survivors of all four incidents are found. The author has provided two pages of useful after matter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldish, Melsh

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bear[ort Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627242929

Price: 26.60

Woodford Brave

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Life on the home front is never easy for military service families. Cory Woodford is dealing the best he can by emulating his brave father and grandfather. During the summer of 1943 Cory is faced with situations that are new and challenging. He must cope with the fear of losing his best friend to the neighborhood bully while his understanding of gender roles undergoes fire. All these struggles fit into a background where Cory believes that all Germans are bad and those in America must be spies.

Woodford Brave is well written and fantastically illustrated. Modern readers will enjoy learning about the everyday life of four children on summer vacation in the 40’s even as they wonder how the kids managed without technology. Children with parents or relatives currently stationed in a combat zone will identify with the fear Cory is experiencing. Add to public libraries and to intermediate school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Marcia THornton

Illustrator: Whipple, Kevn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Calkins Creek (Highlights)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629793054

Price: 16.95

5 to 1

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

In 2054, women have retaliated against men in a manner to guarantee the value of their daughters. Outnumbered by boys by a ratio of 5 to 1, girls now have the upper hand in choosing their mates. At age 17, they are presented with a choice of 5 boys in a contest that will determine the fate of the boys. Those not chosen as mates are sent to guard the wall of the city, in a hidden fight often leading to death. Into this lion's den are sent Sudasa, who's grandmother was one of the women who instituted the new system, and Kiran, a boy who only wants to escape.

Although the contestants are disguised and anonymous, Sudasa figures out that the game is rigged, and her grandmother has arranged for her cousin to become her mate. Rebellious, she is drawn instead to Kiran, much to his chagrin.

Told in two voices, Sudasa's version is told in free verse, while Kiran's version is in prose. Sudasa's poetry includes symbols with some words, for instance "n#mber" and "$price" which can be disconcerting at first. Through the two voices, we see how each views the other as well as the tests that determine their future.

This dystopian look at gender issues offers no solutions, as the unscrupulous manner that power can be wielded remains the same. Boys now face the restrictions previously placed upon girls. Women of power wield their will in a similar manner as men in more traditional societies. Limitations placed upon those in the lesser classes are likewise familiar. Abortion of male fetuses is alluded. Perhaps with discussion, readers may discern that it is power that corrupts, and wanting success for family members blinds the powerful to true equality.

Slightly reminiscent of the Hunger Games, with its winners and losers and certain death for the weak, this dystopian look at gender issues will entertain but not enlighten.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bodger, Holly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi / Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385391535

Price: 17.99

Boy's Best Friend

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

George and Lester are conducting science experiments testing whether their dogs can predict when they are headed home. The experiment is one advocated by Rupert Sheldrake, listed as co-author as well as a character in the novel.

Both boys obviously love their dogs, and the front and back cover with appealing dog faces will easily sell the book to readers. However, flaws exist in the text.

Despite both boys knowingly conducting the same experiment, they spend very little time together discussing it or their relationship with their dogs. Indeed, it is George's younger sister that makes the first connection with Lester. And she invites him over to help with the chore of gathering caterpillars rather then to go to the fair afterwards.

Extraneous ideas are introduced which don't add to the story, such as questions about homing pigeons. Despite being focused on a science experiment, the scientific process is minimized which limits the book's usefulness in the classroom. George's class report lists his discoveries having more to do with life rather than his specific experiment with his dog. For instance, he lists that he learned he could "win a bet with his brother." The inclusion of both boys' logbooks shows Lester as the more thoughtful, scientific observer, but readers will miss this if they skip the endnotes.

Although told from George's point of view, the story is more about Lester's adaptation to his move to Cape Cod. He has recently moved from Denver, and misses his old home deeply. His parents remain oblivious to his pain.

The target audience is boys, with a description of peeing in the opening pages. George notices that his last name includes the word "ass" which may offend some readers. Lester seems younger than 6th grade, playing hopscotch and remaining playful in the lunchroom. An additional purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Frances Foster Books / Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374380083

Price: 15.99

Talkin' Guitar: A Story of Young Doc Watson

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

A picture book biography focused on the childhood of musician Arthel "Doc" Watson. Young Arthel absorbed the sounds he heard around him. Whether the whistle of the train, mooing of a cow, or wind and rain through the trees, it all was music to the young blind boy. Perhaps it was his blindness that enabled him to listen more closely. With much practice, he learned to create the sounds himself.

Beautiful illustrations plus colorful language make for a complete package.

The cadence of the text is reminiscent of the folk tunes Watson loved. Melodic language illustrates descriptive comparisons and provides vibrant examples for teachers. His first notes on harmonica sound "like a wildcat howling," and his first notes on banjo are described as sounding "like a rusty door hinge." Both are accompanied by illustrations depicting his dog and cat fleeing from the discordant noise. Yet he "keeps on practicing" in a message of determination that allows him to rise above any restrictions that his blindness might generate.

The package is further enhanced by details included in the watercolor illustrations. The blue mountain lands and the Appalachian boy with the guitar are highlighted. Illustrations frequently depict a cat, lending support to the line "Arthel had ears like a cat." The two page spread of black with the words "Maybe it was because he was blind" is a stark portrayal of the world Watson inhabited.

Music teachers and language arts teachers will want to add this biography to their repertoire. Strongly recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gourley, Robbin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544129887

Price: 16.99

The Sleeper and The Spindle

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

This short, intricately illustrated tale riffs on fairy tales and folk literature, turning Sleeping Beauty on her head in unexpected ways. A queen of a small kingdom, ambivalent about her impending marriage, sets off with three dwarves to save the land from an insidious sleep sickness that is spreading, leaving those effected by it in a sort of trance from which they never wake. Evenutally pursued by the sleeping in scenes reminiscent of zombie hordes, the group makes its way to a tower where they find a sleeping young woman and an old crone. What follows is a cleverly triumphant reworking of traditional tales that nods to both Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and one that constructs a satisfying sense of agency for each of the women involved. Teen and adults who favor fairy fale reboots will love this and its succint evocative writing will spur the audience on. Riddell's lovely and precise black and white line drawings are embellished with gold accents and compliment the tone of this short story. Previous knowledge of the traditional tales that are referenced will add some depth for readers, but is not a necessity. A playful and wise offering, beautifully illustrated by Riddell and written by master storyteller Gaiman.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Riddell, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy,folklore,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062398246

Price: 19.99

The Guild of Geniuses

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

The artwork is the star of this silly, frenetic story that is hardly a story. The monkey Mr. Pip is best friends with the actor Frederick Lipton. Mr. Pip makes Frederick a simple, but heartfelt birthday gift, which he then is afraid to give to Frederick due to all of the other amazing gifts that he has received. Rather then trying to figure out what is wrong with his friend, Frederick pawns him off on the Guild of Geniuses and disappears for two weeks to work on a movie. The Guild of Geniuses, each with a different specialty, tries various ridiculous things to cheer up Mr. Pip, but nothing works until Frederick returns and spends time with his friend and receives and appreciates his gift. The illustrations are lush with detail and the zany robots and richly drawn scenes will be fun for young readers, but the pedestrian storyline won't resonate for too long.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Santat, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780439430968

Price: 17.99

Who Needs a Bath

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

The second book by Mack starring Bear and Skunk (Who Wants a Hug? is the first), this title doesn't have the same punch. Once again, cheery Bear wants to do something nice for Skunk, this time instead of trying to hug him, he wants to throw him a surprise birthday party. But Skunk smells bad so Bear would like to convince Skunk to take a bath before the party. This idea is much with full resistance by the stinky skunk, who manipulates every attempt by Bear to get Skunk to wash with cackling derision and ends with Bear in the pond each time. Finally, Bear blurts out that no one will come to the party of a smelly fellow, letting out the secret. Luckily, it is overheard by the other animals who decide that a pool party in the pond is the best idea. This leads Skunk to enter the pond in grand, clumsy style - with a boing, an oof, a swoop, a yikes, and a big SPLASH that he declares, "Awesome!". While the spirit of the story is good, Skunk just comes off a mean guy who pushes his friend to almost hurt himself and then laughs at him. Why can't Skunks friends accept that he is smelly? The book almost works, but since the playfulness can come off cruel, I can't endorse putting this book into a collection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Mack, Jeff

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062220288

Price: 17.99

Power Down, Little Robot

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

Using robot-related terms throughout, Staniszewski creates a sweet bedtime story for the robo-obsessed, though those not obsessed with robots can enjoy and relate as well. With plenty of white space on the pages, illustrations that are very clear and clean, and stall tactics directly coordinated with things that all children try to escape going to sleep, children and parents will enjoy this book and it would be a solid addition to a robot or bedtime collection in any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Staniszewski, Anna

Illustrator: Zeltner, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791250

Price: 16.99

The Murdstone Trilogy

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

With black humor, Peet gives a grand send-up in his final novel. Peet's writing is luminous and his story is scathing and real and funny and twisted. Philip Murdstone is a serious novelist who has hit a wall - his writing style is not selling and his agent has a suggestion to get him back in the game: fantasy. He must write a fantasy novel with all of its tropes and conventions. This idea is vile to Murdstone, but on a drunken afternoon on the Moors, a voice comes to him and offers him a story and he takes it and delves into it and at some point the story becomes snarled together, what is real, what is story? In the end, can Murdstone escape his own story? The most difficult thing about this book is going to be finding the audience. The language is difficult, so only your stronger readers will stick with this, and it is dark humor merged with fantasy, so your high fantasy readers might not love the despair that is mixed in, and your lovers of satire might not love the fantasy passages. It would be good for adults who appreciate both fantasy and satire. Peet is a talent gone too soon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Peet, Mal

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681845

Price: 18.99

Fluffy Strikes Back

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Fluffy is a cat that is charge of protecting the world from aliens, and those aliens look a lot like insects. When the aliens invade his headquarters it is up to him to save the day. The drawings in this graphic are great. They do a great job of telling the story. The text is simple for the most part which will be nice for new readers. The story itself is ok, but not as good as Spires’ other series Binky. Fluffy just isn’t as funny and his adventure seemed to drag a bit. Fans of Binky will want to try this one and will probably like it, but not as much as the Binky series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spires, Ashley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771381277

Price: 15.95

Babymouse Goes for the Gold

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is the 20th Babymouse adventure and perfectly time for summer Olympics year. In this volume Babymouse has to join a sports team. She decides to go out for the swim team and finds out what it means to be part of a team. Babymouse’s imagination adds quite a bit of fun to this graphic novel. It makes the whole story silly while looking at topics that middle grade students can relate to- fitting in and not letting a team down. Readers will laugh at Babymouse and what she does but will also empathize with how she feels. Great graphic novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780307931634

Price: 6.99

Basketball Superstars 2016

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This book gives a 2-page spread to the top 14 NBA players. Each page has a photo of the athlete, the team they play on, their height and weight and college they went to (if they went to one). A cool bullet at the bottom called “3 Points” highlights three facts about the player that is unique to their game stats. This will be a big hit with basketball fans looking for a quick read about their favorite top players as well as a solid introduction to the top NBA players for readers new to basketball.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelley, K.C.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054590374

Price: 5.99

Volcano Blast

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2016

Review

This is #4 in the series Disaster Strikes. In this book, three kids have to deal with trying to survive a volcano eruption on an island of the Alaskan coast. Twins Noah & Emily, who live in Hawaii with their father, are forced to move temporarily, to Alaska. Their father is a scientist, a volcano expert. And he must go to Alaska to study volcanoes. Emily is thrilled at the prospect. But her brother Noah is not happy about the move. The family of three head for a remote island off the coast of Alaska to do some research and exploring. They are ferried to the island by Alex, who's father owns the boat. Once on the island the twins' dad gets to his work. The three kids go off exploring. That is when the volcano erupts. The kids have to rely on each other to escape the hot lave and ash. They fight to survive, get back to the boat, and to reunite with their fathers. There is some basic information at the back of the book about volcanoes. It could peak the interest of some kids to do further reading on the subject. This is an easy to read chapter book for 3rd & 4th graders, or those readers who are struggling. The chapters are short. The text is easy to read and the font is larger. There are some pencil illustrations scattered throughout the book. They don't do anything to enhance the story. But they do provide a break in the reading and may be of some interest to kids. Give this title and others in the series to fans of the I Survived series and kids not quite ready for Gordon Korman's Kidnapped, Dive, or Island series. This is a story of friendship, adventure and survival. A good purchase for most libraries. And a great purchase for libraries needing more boy-friendly books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kennedy, Marlane

Illustrator: , Scholastic

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545530477

Price: 4.99

Paddy and the Puppy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2016

Review

This is #3 in this sweet series set in the Misty Woods. Here each animal has a special job to do and all animals are magic and have sparkly wings. Paddy the puppy's job is to fly around spreading pollen everywhere so that the flowers can grow. Here, all the animals are friends and nothing truly bad ever happens. The stories are happy, adorable, and mildly adventurous. The text is large font, double-spaced and very easy to read. The pen/ink illustrations are whimsical and are a good addition to the flow of the story. This is a perfect series for fans of Daisy Meadows' Magical Animal Friends series, or anyone who enjoys animal stories with a little fun fluff. The only drawback to this book makes it a bad choice for library collections. There a puzzles, pictures to color and more in the back of this and the other titles. This series is more suited for bookstores and private bookshelves. This is a perfect choice for birthday presents or other holiday occasions. Lovely, but not suited for libraries, unfortunately.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Small, Lily

Illustrator: Jones, Kirsteen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791434

Price: 5.99

A Study in Charlotte

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Charlotte is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes. And she has inherited his knack for solving crimes/mysteries. She is also a teenager that is having issues with a drug problem and gets sent to the US to boarding school to get it together. At her boarding school she meets Jamie Watson, and yes, he is the great-great-great-grandson of James Watson. The 2 teenagers become friends, sort of, and then find themselves thrust into a murder mystery with them as the lead suspects. Charlotte is a smart, intelligent, prickly teenager that also has a drug problem. She finds clues in the strangest of places and then uses them to solve all kinds of parts to this murder/mystery. Charlotte is not necessarily a really likeable character but that actually adds to the story. Jamie on the other hand, is a very likeable character and a great sidekick to Charlotte. This is a terrific murder mystery with the twist of the Sherlock Holmes- Watson dynamics woven through out.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cavallaro, Brittany

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062398901

Price: 17.99

The Lincoln Project

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Four children get a note to meet a mysterious wealthy woman, Miss Z. She wants them to travel back in time to get photos of famous events for her. In this first volume they need to travel back in time to Gettysburg and take a photo of Lincoln giving his famous Gettysburg address. But the travel doesn’t go smoothly and the 4 might not be able to get to their own time let alone get a photo of Lincoln. This feels like an older version of The Magic Tree House series. The children in this story have different personalities and each has something Miss Z felt would add to the group. Sometimes the qualities were annoying and you had to wonder why that child was chosen for the group (especially Julia and her obsession with money). It also was a bit hard to believe that parents would let their children go to a strange women's house to do anything at all. Still, the adventure was filled with action and interesting facts about the time period. In one scene they get to meet Lincoln's son Tad and it turns out he was a bit of a rascal in real life and plays that role in this story. Readers that like a bit of history in their fantasy books will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062374417

Price: 16.99

Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Julius is a zebra that gets, along with some other animals, captured by Romans and taken to their Colosseum to be trained to be gladiator. The thing is most of the animals think they are going to see a circus. Boy are they surprised when they end up fighting humans in the arena! This humorous is pretty silly. There is lots of slap stick comedy in here with some hilarious drawing to go with it. The reader does have to get past the idea that a zebra could hold a sword with its hoof, but then again, a talking, 2 legged walking zebra is just as much of a stretch. The cool thing about this book is that tucked in all that silliness are actual nuggets of Roman history and a glossary to explain some of the terms used is included at the end (and it's actually pretty funny to read). Even the pages are numbered with Roman numerals and that gets explained too. Readers that like humor with a large dose of far-fetched fantasy and action will like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Northfield, Gary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978076367853

Price: 15.99

The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is third book in the Princess in Black series. In this volume Princess Magnolia has to ward off a group of bunnies that are wreaking havoc on the kingdom. And these bunnies aren't your sweet gentle ones, they are terrible eating machines that only Princess Magnolia's alter ego, the Princess in Black can stop. The drawings are terrific as always, funny but cute at the same time. Young readers will love this and enjoy the princess's adventure that is silly and has action. The solution to the problem will not be what they expect which adds to the interest of this book. The overall plot of the story is not as entertaining as the first volume but it is still fun and readers of the series will definitely enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon & Dean

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665135

Price: 14.99

Glass Sword

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 15, 2016

Review

The second installment to Victoria Aveyard's fantasy series, Glass Sword details Mare Barrow's quest to gather an army of newbloods - those with Red blood who posses Silver abilities - before the new murderous king eliminates them first. After narrowly escaping her own execution; Mare, Cal (the now exiled Silver prince) and her friends recuperate at the camp of the Scarlet Guard, but Mare quickly realizes that she can not trust anyone. Battling feelings of overwhelming isolation, Mare turns to Cal for support in her quest. However, as Mare's ambition to recruit newbloods grows, so does the number of people she has killed and she becomes eerily similar to the dictator she is trying to overthrow. Though her companions are concerned, Mare's ambition will not be curbed.

Although the action lags at times, readers will be pleased with the next installment in the Red Queen series and Mare’s character development. With a cliffhanger ending and the promise of two additional books to come, readers in grades 9-12 will quickly devour this title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310668

Price: 19.99

Between Us and the Moon

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Rebecca Maizel's book "Between Us and the Moon" is a story about Sarah, an astronomy-loving teenager (a soon-to-be Junior in high school) coming of age over the summer. Her boyfriend breaks up with her (basically because he was cheating on her, but he says it's because she doesn't experience things, she just watches them, which really bothers her. She spends her summer on vacation with her family at a touristy beach town. Feeling like she's missing something and constantly in the shadow of her more popular sister, Scarlett, scientist Sarah decides to conduct "the Scarlett Experiment" where she dresses and acts like her sister would to see if it makes a difference. She ends up lying to a nice college guy named Andrew, saying that she's 18 and going to MIT in the fall. They end up in a relationship. Coming of age happens, and in the end she has to reveal that she lied.

Honestly, I found Sarah hard to empathize with and kept getting mad at her for all the terrible decisions she made. It made it hard for me to enjoy the book, especially since Andrew was such a nice guy. Some teens may enjoy it, but I think many will find it frustrating.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Maizel, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062327611

Price: 17.99

Vendetta

Reviewed by: Kate Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 18, 2016

Review

I didn't have high hopes when I read the blurb on the back that this was a "vibrant new twist on 'Romeo and Juliet,'" but this book actually ended up being fun and keeping my interest. This YA book is about Sophie, a teen working in a diner whose father is in jail for killing a man. A new family moves to town with five boys, one of which, Nicolai Falcone, ends up befriending and falling in love with Sophie before finding out that her father killed his father. The Falcones are involved in the mafia, as is Sophie's father, so there's a decent amount of action and angst among the romance. Not a must-buy, but I do think many teens will enjoy this book. It is a nice twist on Romeo and Juliet that doesn't over follow the the plot of its predecessor.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doyle, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545699822

Price: 18.99

Night Owl

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 18, 2016

Review

Young Night Owl stays up late, watches the sunset and the moon rise. Then she starts wondering where Mommy Owl is. She hears lots of different sounds, none of which sound like Mommy. There's tooting and chirping,croaking and tapping. Then a thunder storm rolls in and that is really noisy. Will Night Owl find her way home to Mommy? The illustrations are quite nice, with the dark night depicted in a deep purple. Little ones will have fun finding the somewhat hidden creatures and machines that make the different sounds. The pictures are spot on and complement the text very well. The book is built very sturdily to withstand little hands (and mouths?) and the font of the text is just the right size. This will be a good addition to boardbook collections everywhere, public and private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yuly, Toni

Illustrator: Yuli, Toni

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250072917

Price: 7.99

Farm Days

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 18, 2016

Review

This sturdy board book follows Tractor Mac through his varied tasks on the farm. He plows, harrows, plants, etc. Each task creates a result: Plow and the land is turned over, harrow and you break up the soil. Children will learn that every endeavor produces a certain outcome. Tractor Mac wears a smile throughout his day and the illustrations are lovely and rather old-fashioned. The text highlights the action words in bright red. There are lots of farm animals around enjoying all the activity. This is one that many youngsters, perhaps especially boys, will reach for time and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374301170

Price: 5.99

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 20, 2016

Review

Often the sequel to a wonderful book turns out to be not so wonderful. In fact, sometimes they are a disappointment. In this case, the extreme opposite is the case. This one surpasses the first in the series, hands down. Kyle and his teammates are set to defend their title of the winners of the Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library contest by competing with regional teams from all over the country. The team that wins will all glean a paid college education. There are those who would like to bring Kyle's team down and some local folk who are wanting to take over the library and run it with a board of trustees. These folks do not think that the library should be a place to have fun, to play video games, interact with holograms of famous librarians and others, have shelving and book cart races, and use those fabulous hover ladders that whiz one up to the correct book or section that one is looking for. And, of course, there are those books in the library that simply should not be there, that should be banned! Following clues and solving puzzles involving the dewey decimal system and lots of great children's books keeps the reader extremely enmeshed in the story. This tale delves into many serious topics including patron confidentiality, the right to information, and the fact that is often difficult to, ultimately, do the right thing. An unexpected twist at the end wraps this reading experience up in a perfect bow! Get it! No question about it. PLEASE CONSIDER FOR CREAM!!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grabenstein, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510409

Price: 16.99

Mouse Scouts

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 20, 2016

Review

This first in an adorable new series will entice lovers of Ivy & Bean and other series of that ilk. Violet and Tigerlily are friends who are about to progress from being Buttercups to join the ranks of the Acorn Scouts. They are extremely excited. They will now be able to sport the Acorn Scout uniform which includes a snappy acorn cap. When they meet the scout leader, the severe Miss Poppy, they are a bit taken back. On the first day, they learn that along with their regular meetings and endeavors, they will have an extra summer project to undertake. They must plant a garden, weed it, tend it, water it, and reap the harvest. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. It is a lot of work and they battle bugs, slugs, raccoons and lots of other impediments along the way. Readers will learn a great deal about gardening in this lovely tale, along with how to best share tasks around a single goal. Amusing illustrations in black and white add to the appeal of this genesis of the series. One can even learn the Acorn Scout song. I am sure there are lots of young readers that will gravitate quickly to these yummy new cast of characters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dillard, Sarah

Illustrator: Dillard, Sarah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755993

Price: 12.99

Into The Waves

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2016

Review

This is the 11th in the Disney series about best friends Kate, Mia, Lainey and Gabby and their adventures in Never Land, a magical place filled with various fairies with distinct magical powers. When Lainey gets her first pet, a goldfish, she is thrilled and wants to take Sunny to Never Land to show all her friends.. Unfortunately, Sunny is inadvertently set free into Havendish Stream which leads to Wough River on to Mermaid Lagoon, through scary and dangerous waterways. Now they are on a rescue trip, hoping to bring Sunny back home. With the help of Rani, the water-talent fairy, and various fish and creatures they meet along the way, the friends are determined to bring Sunny safely home. Black, gray and white illustrations complement the text well. Young readers will learn about friendship, collaboration, and having to make tough decisions. Readers of The Magic Treehouse series and all series by Daisy Meadows, Lily Wood and the like will fall in love with this series about friendship, adventure, and enchantment and will be eager for the next installment to become available.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thorpe, Kiki

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736435253

Price: 5.99

Colors

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2016

Review

This simple concept book will catch the eye of very young children. Colorful photographs illustrate colors of various animals in their natural habitats. The very colorful tree toad on the cover will immediately capture the reader's eye and draw them into the book. Colors throughout are vibrant. The photographs will lead to further discussion. The board book binding will make it hard to circulate, but it is a good choice for lap sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vendittelli, Marie

Illustrator: , Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544512641

Price: 7.99

Numbers

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2016

Review

Very colorful, close up photographs of animals, mostly in family groups will catch the eye of young readers. The numbers are shown very large and clear, with an interesting fact about the animal or its family underneath. The pictures and facts are such that they will encourage conversation and questions from its young readers. A fun way to practice numbers with young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nouvion, Judith

Illustrator: , Various photographers

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544512658

Price: 7.99

The Tin Snail

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

The Tin Snail takes place in France at the start of WWII. Angelo and his dad are trying to build a car that will be save their business. They come up with a design that they think will do it but have to build it in secret or the Germans will steal their design. And when the Germans invade France, that is going to be almost impossible. This book is based on an actual car that the French built and hid from the Germans during WWII. The main character,Angelo, does things that will have you laughing, especially when it comes to his test driving episodes. You will find yourself rooting for the French underdog as it takes on super power Germany and its car designer, Dr. Porsche. The simple black and white drawings do a great job of capturing what happens with just the right amount of humor. This book will be a hit with readers that like historical fiction, cars, humor, a happy ending or a combination of any of the above.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McAllister, Cameron

Illustrator: Usher, Sam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553536386

Price: 16.99

Aaron and Alexander

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 11, 2016

Review

With his signature watercolor drawings and muted palette, including lots of brown, Don Brown illustrates the rocky and complicated relationship between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Starting with their births, Brown walks a young reader through each man's life and explains how they ended up facing one another with pistols drawn (more detail could have been added surrounding the duel, the subtitle on the cover is "the most famous duel in American history" after all, and only 7 pages of 32 discuss the duel). The biggest drawback is how similar the two men look in Brown's drawings - this may be difficult for young readers. Another slight critique is how few dates are used in the book. There is an author's note that explains a discrepancy in Hamilton's birthdate, but this book would have benefitted from a timeline in the back with three congruent lines: Hamilton's life, Burr's life, and what was happening in US history during their lifetimes. As it stands, it is unlikely that a young reader will pick this book up idly, but it is a great book to use in a class studying revolutionary-era US history.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Don

Illustrator: Brown, Don

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439986

Price: 17.99

My Second Life

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 24, 2016

Review

Fifteen-year old Ana has always known that she has lived before. She died at 22 and now cannot bond with her current mother. She misses her first Mom and Dad terribly. A chance meeting with a woman who seems familiar to her leads her to discover facts about her first life that are disturbing to say the least. She believes she was responsible for the death of a 6-year old girl named Catherine when she herself was very young; only 9 years old, and the woman she recognizes was Catherine's mother. Ana is guilt-ridden Everything in her life is put on hold as she is engulfed by glimpses of memories of Emma Trees, her first incarnation. Ultimately Ana meets Emma's parents and the unexpected truths are revealed. This is a refreshing change from the typical young adult books that seem to revolve around werewolves, super powers, and post-apocalyptic scenarios.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bird, Faye

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374348861

Price: 17.99

My Seventh Grade Life in Tights

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Dillon is a 7th grader in a dance group with some friends. He feels like he is the worst of them all and would really like to get help with his moves. But the girl in charge of his dance group (the one he has a crush on) thinks studios and dance lessons will cramp his dance style and the rest of the group agrees with her. Dillon is torn about that, but when the chance comes to win free dance lessons in the studio, he goes for it even though his dance group might think he is traitor. This book is definitely about dancing but even more so about being honest with your friends. Dillon dilemma seems very real- do you do what your friends want or do what you want? However, the quarterback's issue that runs in the background of the story, didn't really add much. It felt like it was thrown in just to balance out the expectations of what people expect from a male dancer and from a male football player. Still this is a fun read that many middle schoolers will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Benjamin, Brooks

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553512502

Price: 16.99

Hour of the Bees

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Carol is the main character in this story and her family is going to spend the summer helping her grandpa Serge move from his ranch into a retirement home. Almost as soon as they get there, grandpa Serge begins to tell Carol stories about a magical black tree that used to be on the ranch and how the bees that only she can see are a sign that the tree might return. This story starts out slowly. The family and its issues just seem ordinary and don't really pull you in. But once Carol’s (Caro-leen-a as her grandpa calls her) grandpa starts telling stories about the magical tree, it is almost impossible to put down. The way the stories in the book weave back and both between life on the ranch and life with the magical tree makes it hard to tell what is real and what is imaginary. And the relationship that develops between Carol and her grandpa is both heartwarming and heart breaking. A terrific book, a definite contender for cream of the crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Eagar, Lindsay

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679224

Price: 16.99

The Buccaneers' Code

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 25, 2016

Review

The third book in The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates, The Buccaneers' Code finds pirate Hilary Westfield on a course to defeat the current corrupt league president and become the new president. It's quite a challenge, and the rules certainly seem to all go against her, but Hilary finds unique ways to complete her goals. The author provides enough detail that you needn't have read the rest of the series first. A fun book for adventure lovers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carlson, Caroline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062194398

Price: 16.99

The Remarkable Journey of Charlie Price

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2016

Review

Charlie has lost a mom to cancer. When a portal to another world opens his little sister Imogen and he go thru it to find their mother there. It is wonderful at first, but then Charlie senses something is wrong and has to figure out how to stop Imogen, his friends and himself from being trapped there forever. Even though this is a fantasy, it does a very good job of looking at how children feel about losing someone they love. Charlie's reaction to the grief counseling at school is so honest, that kind of therapy just doesn't work all the time for everyone. And yet, bits and pieces of it sink in when he really needs it. And the way he deals with the importance of keeping memories, both good and bad, is something everyone should think about.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Maschari, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062380104

Price: 16.99

Cake Pop Crush

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2016

Review

Ali is a middle-schooler who has grown up baking. Her family owns a small bakery called Say it with Flour. Her Mom died when Ali was just nine years old and her father has lost his spark for life and any incentive he might have had for trying new things at the bakery and business has been slow. Then Perk Up, a franchise with stores all over the country, pops up across the street. Not only do they sell gourmet coffees but they also sell pastries. A new boy shows up at Ali's school; he is Perk Up owner's son,Dane, and he is Ali's age and is cute and nice, and also a darned good baker. He is determined to be friends with Ali. What is Ali to do? Say it with Flour is finding it difficult to even make ends meet. Ali, however, has a specialty called Cake Pops and she begins selling them at their bakery. When Ali's grandmother gives Ali her Mom's own recipe book, Ali prepares for a bake-off with Dane that may mean the difference between Say it with Flour flourishing or shutting it's doors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Suzanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545857345

Price: 6.99

The Three Little Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2016

Review

This is a by the book retelling of the familiar fairy tale. The very colorful, digitally rendered illustrations with a few slight twists on the original make this version. The wolf is seen driving around in a food truck wearing a chef's hat and carrying a fork. One of the pigs is a girl. Teachers using Lucy Calkins to teach reading and writing are asking for multiple versions of fairy tales, particularly The Three Little Pigs. This will be a good addition to your collection for them.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

None given, None given

Illustrator: Bryan, Ed

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763686550

Price: 9.99

Superhero Dad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

From Super Snoring to Super Breakfast to Super Funny to much more, Dad is a hero in the eyes of his young blond son. Vibrant illustrations will attract readers who will laugh at the boy's antics. Even the boy's bedroom is decorated with superheros. The dog who appears on every page reacting to what is happening adds to the fun. Text is mostly rhyming, and a bit forced in places. Overall, a fun book for young boy's to share with their dads.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Knapman, Timothy

Illustrator: Berger, Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763686574

Price: 15.99

Lady Liberty's Holiday

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2016

Review

Lady Liberty's arms ache, she has a stiff neck, and has had a cramp in her leg for a decade. She is tired of looking at the same view. She feels blue despite being green. At the urging of her pigeon friend, Moe, she walks off her pedestal and sets off on a lighthearted romp to see the sights around the United States. Visual humor abounds as she is shown traveling the country. The photobomb at Mount Rushmore is particularly funny. Readers will see many famous sights and get a feeling for their grandeur and size when compared to Lady Liberty. Meanwhile, back in New York, the mayor is considering canceling the Fourth of July because Lady Liberty is gone. Moe comes to the rescue, she returns, and the holiday goes on as planned. This would be a fun book to use as an introduction to state and region studies.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arena, Jen

Illustrator: Hunt, Matt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553520675

Price: 17.99

Beachy and Me

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Pixie Picklespeare lives alone in a lighthouse on an island. She is BORED of the same old thing every day until a huge, very blue whale washes ashore. He manages to return to the sea on the next high tide, and he and Pixie have rollicking good adventures in the sea. Text is rhyming, adding a bouncy feel to the romp. Colorful digital illustrations are eye catching. There is a good feeling of friendship. Cute and catchy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Staake, Bob

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385373142

Price: 16.99

Nettie & Nellie Crook: Orphan Train Sisters

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 1, 2016

Review

An excellent historical fiction chapter book that recounts the true story of twin sisters who were part of the orphan train movement in the early 1900's. This heartfelt story will keep readers captivated as the young sisters are forced to leave their dysfunctional home in New York City and move into an orphanage. Life at the orphanage is tough but at least the twins have each other and know what to expect. Without advance notice, they find themselves chosen to be sent off on a train headed west -- an orphan train. On their travels through small towns, they will be on display for prospective parents who are looking for children to adopt. Will the sisters be able to stay together? Will their lives be better or worse? The bond between the two sisters is strong and readers will find themselves rooting for the two on their journey to find a forever family. Funny at times to downright despair, the writing feels authentic and realistic. The B&W illustrations and B&W actual photographs of the girls add a great deal to the story. This series will be a strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Abbott, E.

Illustrator: Hansen, Clint

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250068354

Price: 15.99

A New Arrival

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

The animals who live in an apartment building at 24 Sprout Street are excited when a new neighbor. That she is from Hawaii makes it even more exciting. Mililani settles in slowly, getting to know her new neighbors, all of whom have their own dilemmas and personalities that shine through as friendships are made. It is a nice story of friendship, and a good transitional chapter book, given its small size and ample illustrations. A quiet and charming story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alter, Anna

Illustrator: Alter, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755627

Price: 12.9

Bunny Dreams

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2016

Review

When bunnies go to sleep of what do they dream? Do they dream of only giant carrots? Apparently not. Bunnies are able to do spectacular things in their dreams. They can fly, they know the alphabet,they know their numbers and they all have names beginning with B. These nonsensical dreams will tickle young readers and listeners no end. With illustrations of multitudes of soft plump bunnies with alphabetical wings and bumblebee like colorations, complementing the text and employing lots of white space, this makes for a great bedtime tale for little children and little bunnies alike.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCarty, Peter

Illustrator: McCarty, Peter

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805096873

Price: 16.99

Pax

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

Peter, a young boy, rescues and raises a young fox he names Pax. They are inseparable. Peter's father is going off to war and forces him to return Pax to the wild. Peter is sent to live with his grandfather and is now 300 miles from where Pax was left. Pax isn't used to being alone and has much to learn. The chapters alternate between Peter and Pax telling this fable like story. It is beautifully written. Several themes are explored including friendship, loyalty, grief, war, and the environment. The black and white illustrations capture the emotional impact of the text. This wonderful book could lead to many discussions with young readers. I highly recommend this powerful and touching story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pennypacker, Sara

Illustrator: Klassen, Jon

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062377012

Price: 16.99

A Bandit's Tale: The Muddled Adventures of a Pickpocket

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

Eleven year old Rocco Zaccaro arrives in New York City in 1887. He is forced to work as a street musician by the padrone who brought him from Italy. Rocco's parents were promised $20 a year for four years as long as Rocco continues to work for the padrone. The conditions that Rocco and the other children must endure are deplorable. Rocco finds another way to earn the required $1 day, though it is dangerous if he is caught. This well written story is told from Rocco's point of view in a style called a picaresque novel. Black and white photographs from the time period enhance the well written text. The author beautifully blends fiction and real events making this story engaging and full of adventure. Actual people are included such as the social reformer, Henry Bergh who is remembered for his commitment to helping children and animals after witnessing their cruel treatment during his travels. Phrases from the 1903 "Autobiography of a Thief" are used throughout the book adding authenticity to the way pickpockets spoke at the time. I highly recommend this book because of its wide appeal to a variety of readers and for classroom use.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385754996

Price: 16.99

The Magic Mirror: Concerning a Lonely Princess, a Foundling Girl, a Scheming King and a Pickpocket Squirrel

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

This delightful middle grade fairy tale is full of twists and turns. Margaret, the young heroine, is a foundling who uses a crutch because of a twisted foot. She is given a magic mirror which reveals to her a man she believes is her father. Margaret encounters a variety of characters on her quest. Some are helpful and friendly, some are amusing, and another is quite villainous. A map is included showing the routes of the various characters. This novel is well written and the characters are well developed. Mistaken identities are a large part of this charming story. Readers will enjoy the humor, adventure, romance, and intrigue.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hill Long, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553511345

Price: 16.99

The Girl from Everywhere

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Nixie is a time traveler. She has traveled everywhere both real and mythical by using maps that the ship she is on can travel to. Her dad, the captain of the ship, is in search of the perfect map that will take them back in time to a place where Nix's mother was alive. Her dad hopes to save her mom from dying and will do anything to get there, even if it means putting his ship and everyone on it at risk, and that includes Nixie. The use of maps to travel to all kinds of places was really interesting. The adventures they have when they get to their destinations were always full of interesting excursions and the connections to things that happened in the past or are part of myths and stories was very clever. Unfortunately, sometimes the details of the travel weren't fleshed out enough which would have added a lot to understanding what exactly was going on. The other piece that got in the way of an otherwise very good fantasy was the love triangle. Nixie and one of her crew Kashmir, are definitely drawn to each other, but when another young man, Blake, from the island they are visiting falls for her, it feels totally unnecessary to the story. She and Blake spend so little time together that the sudden romance between the two seems a bit unrealistic. Still this is an interesting time travel piece and if you are a map aficionado you will like this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heilig, Heidi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062380753

Price: 17.99

I Spy on the Farm

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

The board book edition of this 2012 picture book publication is a real winner for our youngest readers. The I spy with my little eye... with the circle cut outs and noisy farm yard animals is sure to delight little ones again and again right to the very last page.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gibbs, Edward

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763685300

Price: 7.99

Buster and the Very Shy Dog in the Great Bone Game

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 14, 2016

Review

Buster, a sweet little puppy, is taught the ways of the dog world by Phoebe, a wise older dog.

A level three aimed at young readers who are reading independently, this humorous story will resonate with dog lovers. Told in two short chapters, this book is a strong stepping stone to longer chapter books.

The illustrations done in ink and watercolor are plentiful and will help young readers fully comprehend the text.

The mystery of the disappearing bones along with the training of the bones will keep kids laughing while learning about the benefit of having friends.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bechtold, Lisze

Illustrator: Bechtold, Lisze

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Green light readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544668478

Price: 12.99

Digger Man

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

The board book edition of this 2003 picture book publication makes a good transition to a board book. The little boy loves diggers and everything they can do from digging a pond to making a hill. Soon he's going to buy his very own digger and teach his little brother to be a digger man too. Bright colorful illustrations and brief text make this the perfect book for our future excavators and their little hands.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zimmerman, Andrea

Illustrator: Clemesha, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627794442

Price: 7.99

This plane

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

The board book edition of this 2000 picture book publication makes a good transition to a board book. The bold illustration will keep our junior aviators captivated for hours. The very simple text states precisely what the plane is or is doing and the end pages show planes from the beginning of flight, the Wright Brothers first successful airplane to the first supersonic passenger airplane. Let's fly!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

collicutt, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux books for young readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374359874

Price: 7.99

Galapagos Tortoises: Long-Lived Giant Reptiles

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

Part of the Comparing Animal Traits series. Readers get an introduction to the two types of Galapagos Tortoises, domes and saddlebacks. As the series title suggests, Galapagos Tortoises are compared to numerous other reptiles from around the world. Some entries include a full page "Compare It!" chart which repeats information from the text and may appeal to more visual students. Some comparisons, such as with the Desert Tortoise, include more similarities than differences. All the reptiles mentioned are included in a final summary chart comparing traits. Loaded with color pictures including close-ups, and "Did You Know" callouts, this title will appeal to browsers. Yet there is enough information to satisfy young report writers.

A general listing of reptile traits is included in the text, yet there is no entry in the glossary for "reptile." Science terms such as "species" and the classification of all the comparison animals as reptiles is not included, which may disappoint some teachers. Although Lonesome George is mentioned in one of the "Did You Know" callouts, his island is not depicted on the map.

Selected Bibliography and Further Information include both book titles and websites. An index and table of contents round out this entry. Curiously, the map is not listed in either the table of contents or the index. Students will need to surmise its location based upon the chapter titles. Overall, a recommended resource for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467779821

Price: 26.65

Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

The second book about Hilo from Winick is just as winning as the first. Wonderfully fun, with fantastic characters and pop-off-the-page illustrations, this series about a robot boy who dropped from the sky into D.J. Lim's life is an easy sell to elementary-aged readers. This book starts where book 1 ended, with Hilo stuck in a void. Not to worry, he manages to eject himself, in pieces, back to Earth. However, many other robot monsters also eject themselves out of the void. Hilo, together with D.J., his friend Gina, his little sister Lisa, and a warrior cat take on these menaces "wonking" each back to its world. The book ends with another fantastic cliff-hanger that will have young readers waiting with bated breath for the next installment. Appealing to readers of any gender who like funny dialogue and lots of action. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Winick, Judd

Illustrator: Winick, Judd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385386234

Price: 13.99

Comics Squad: Lunch!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

A collection of stories from some of the most well-known graphic novelists working today centered around lunch in elementary school. Jarrett Krosoczka, Jeff Brown, Jason Shiga, Cece Bell, Jennifer & Matthew Holm, Nathan Hale, and Cecil Castellucci & Sara Varon, along with the Schultz Studio offer short stories that illuminate the frustration, silliness, smelliness, and awkwardness of lunch in the elementary cafeteria (or cave or battleship). Using touches of yellow among black & white illustrations, many of these short glimpses into how complicated lunch can be will resonate with young readers. Jason Shiga's choose-your-own-adventure style offering is a stand out though emerging readers may have trouble following along. A solid addition to an elementary graphic novel collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer L.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553512656

Price: 11.36

The Bear & the Piano

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This picture book, the first for Litchfield, is lovely. It immediately pulls the reader into the story in all of the right ways. The story is simply, but well-told. The illustrations, rendered in mixed-media, are perfectly aligned with the story and include details to satisfy your art-loving young readers. And the ending, a lesson in friendship and the importance, power, and joy of home, is deftly delivered. Highly Recommended for all collections. Cream of the Crop nominee.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Litchfield, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544674547

Price: 16.99

This is Where the World Ends

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

A YA story for your upper grade readers. Told in alternating chapters, it's the story of a boy and a girl and a mysterious disappearance. The boy gets the "After" chapters, in which he desperately tries to remember what happened, and the girl gets "Before" chapters, bringing the reader into the story and, eventually, setting up the scene for the reveal. The book touches upon very mature themes including suicide, bullying, and rape, and weaves a thread of fractured fairy tales through the journal of the girl (these are artfully rendered and add some added depth and interest to the reading). The book could leave a weaker reader confused as he or she struggles to understand the perspective of the addled boy as he pieces the story together, but those sticking with it will be rewarded with a gripping story that captures the misdirected belief in fairy tale romance and the consequences of actions.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zhang, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062383044

Price: 17.99

When Spring Comes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

From the thoughtfulness of the endpapers, to the perfectly-chosen ideas that capture the coming of Spring, husband-and-wife team Henkes & Dronzek have created a winning picture book. Wonderful imagery and language provide a window into the Spring season. There is even a nod to the fact that Spring can change its mind and drop some unexpected snow on the newly blooming Spring flowers, something to which our Maine readers can relate. The book covers not only the things that will happen to the Earth, but the things that a child will experience with all senses. A fantastic addition to collections that include seasonal books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henkes, Kevin

Illustrator: Dronzek, Laura

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062331397

Price: 17.99

Mystery of the Missing Fox

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

Mystery of the Missing Fox is the third book in the Cooper & Packrat Adventures. Like the first two stories, this one is set in the Maine woods that belong to Cooper's family where they run their campground. The exciting discovery of a fox caught in an illegal trap on the campground's land followed by a sudden accident Cooper's dad experiences open the story. Before the book ends readers learn much about the lives of foxes, the complicated feelings of a caring family, and the affects on the close friendship between three boys when a fourth friend, a girl, is added to the trio. Frequent black and white sketches, often comical ones, enliven the two hundred pages of text. Each of the thirty one brief chapters begins with a pertinent fact about foxes. Readers also learn about Items such as a motion-sensor camera with a memory card that records, as in this book, the fox kits' activities when no humans are there to watch them. The book is recommended as lively, informative, middle grade fiction to readers of nine to twelve year olds of both sexes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wight, Tamra

Illustrator: DiRocco, Carl

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939017

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Hillary

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton could have been great with a little more editing. While it is clearer to an adult why you might begin a picture book about Hillary with other examples of strong women, it would have made much more sense to this librarian/reviewer to begin with women of more relevancy: Eleanor Roosevelt, Barbara Jordan, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, etc. Instead, the book begins with Queen Elizabeth, Joan of Arc, and Rosie the Riveter, who isn't even a real person, and these seem like odd choices and beg some explanation to younger readers. I would begin reading the book at the title page and skip the comparison page.

That being said, the story highlights Clinton's perseverance, smarts, and dedication to the people that she serves. Never directly using the terms "Democrat" or "Republican," it is clear that the author thinks highly of Clinton and her political leanings and moves (a view reinforced in the Author's Note). Colon's warm, watercolor illustrations give the book a family-photograph-album feel. It might have been nice to include a photograph in the author's note for young readers who appreciate seeing the person "in real life". On the whole, a nice addition to a biography section though it will have more impact in the hands of a teacher or librarian who can provide additional context to parts of the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, Jonah

Illustrator: Colon, Raul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553533880

Price: 17.99

Black? White! Day? Night!

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

This sturdily bound picture book introduces more than a dozen pairs of opposites and much more on its colorful pages. Its author has been referred to as " the queen of the concept book" A variety of sizes and different placements of die-cut pages makes absolutely clear pairs of opposites such as black, white. Young preschoolers, the twos and threes, are both surprised and intrigued by the cleverly cut pages and the book may become a participation one with spontaneous answers given to examples such as happy? sad! Fours, fives and sixes recognize still more pairs of opposites, but, what about the opposite of mountain or extraordinary? Is a dog with bright pink paint the opposite of clean? Can black be both the opposite of white and of ...nothing? There is much to question and discuss on these pages for six and even seven year olds such as addition and subtraction using four fingers or the meaning of words like enormous. This concept book is recommended to librarians, teachers and parents for sharing with ages three through six or seven years.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Seeger, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722545

Price: 14.99

The Storm

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

Miyakoshi's first book, published in Japan in 2009 and translated into English for the first time in 2016, is a striking story about a child's disappointment at the coming storm threatening a promised trip to the beach. With her signature charcoal drawings filling the page with stunning detail (see also The Tea Party in the Woods), Miyakoshi captures the sadness of the child, the power of the storm, and then the joy, with a surprising pop of color, of a clear morning after the storm has passed on. A wonderful read-aloud on a gray, rainy day.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustrator: Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771385596

Price: 16.95

In The Game

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

When Kate inadvertently goes to soccer practice with some lingering fairy dust from Never Land on her and flies up into the air to block a goal, the coach puts her in as goalie for the first game of the season against a rival team that is very good. Kate now has to make a decision about crossing over to Never Land by herself to procure more fairy dust, as she and her three friends have promised always go to Never Land as group. Will she let down the team or her friends? It is very difficult to decide what to do and whether or not using fairy dust will be cheating. The smattering of illustrations in shades of black and gray fit perfectly with the text and will delight readers. This twelfth book in the Never Land series is filled with magic and adventure and will be devoured by the multitudes of youngsters that adore this series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thorpe, Kiki

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736435277

Price: 5.99

An Unofficial Guide with New Facts and Commands Minecraft

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This book is not endorsed by Microscoft or Minecraft. It's the unofficial version of a young man who both plays and shares his ideas on Youtube under his alias Concrafter. He has created a book using snapshots and hints - 107 of them. Besides just Concrafter, six other youtubers will share their advice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

na, Concrafter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Fewer and Friends/ Macmillan

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250105660

Price: 12.99

Amelia Bedelia by the Yard

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2016

Review

Oh dear...Amelia Bedelia loves her yard and her parents are going to have a yard/garage sale! Can she keep them from selling both her yard and garage?This funny, level one book, with short sentences and familiar words, will delightfully entertain beginner readers.

Amelia is up to her usual antics that include digging up her Mom's flowers for a yard sale customer who is looking for plants to literally throwing in a yardstick when requested. Amelia and her family work their way through the sale to successful clean out the clutter.

The plentiful illustrations are colorful and playful and work well with the simple text.

Another winner in the Amelia Bedelia series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062334282

Price: 16.99

We Came to America

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This book could not come at a better time. Faith Ringgold speaks to the reader of all who have come to America and why they came. She speaks of those who came in chains and were deprived of everything including their names. She speaks of those who came to escape injustice. She speaks of those who came to find a better way of life. In this ode to the immigrant, she speaks to what they have brought to this country and how America is better for their coming. While the text is short and poetic, Ringgold's large, colorful illustrations express the diversity that makes America great. This is a must have for libraries large and small. this can be used as part of a unit on diversity or immigration along with Coming to America by Betsy Maestro, I'm New Here by Anne Sibley O'Brien, My name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits and Who Belongs Here by Margy Burns Knight.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ringgold, Faith

Illustrator: same, same

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-0517-70947-4

Price: 17.99

Not so Ordinary (brain benders)

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This book utilizes easily accessible household item to create mind-bending puzzles. Helpful tips on doing the tricks are included in the back. Answers to the puzzles are also included along with an index in the back.

There are individual challenges such as making a ghostly third finger appear to float in front of your face, to games for groups involving pencils and coins.

The author is an expert on brain training, and this books reflects his expertise. Detailed diagrams and clearly written instructions make the puzzles easy to follow. Children will have fun using ordinary items such as paper, cards, pencils, bananas, uncooked spaghetti, and coins, to create challenging tasks and interesting puzzles.

For kids who enjoy a brain challenge now and then, this book will not disappoint.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Dr. Gareth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467763479

Price: 14.70

Fabulous Frogs

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

Did you know that there are over 5,000 kinds of frogs? Martin Jenkins introduces our youngest readers to the world of frogs. His introduction gives the reader some basic information about frogs and then he focuses on several types of frogs- the largest, the smallest, and a host of just plain strange frogs! Hopgood's large, realistic illustrations bring these amphibians to life, they seem to hop off the page! Jenkin's text is simple and informative- a sentence or two,that will leave the reader wanting to know more , so he has added a short paragraph about the featured frog on each page. In the back of the book, there is an index and websites for more useful information. this picture book is a great for those budding herpetologists and for the curious. It will also fit the STEAM curriculum.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Martin

Illustrator: Hopgood, Tim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-07636-8100-5

Price: 16.99

Grandad's Island

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

A picture book that lovingly and gently handles loss. Syd visits Grandad's house any time he likes. One day, he finds Grandad in the attic, a place Syd has never been, and a place where Grandad keeps all of his treasures from his many adventures. Grandad reveals a secret door and through it is a giant ship which Syd and Grandad use to travel to an island. It is beautiful and vibrant and filled with amazing creatures, all beautifully drawn by Davies. Syd wants to stay forever, but he knows that he has to go back. Grandad, however, decides to stay, sending Syd home alone. The next day, Syd goes to Grandad's house and finds, not only that Grandad is gone, but the secret door is as well. Syd is sad, but feels better knowing that Grandad is in a happy place. A great book for young readers dealing with the loss of a loved one. The illustrations are digitally rendered and add much to the story, keeping the reader turning the pages. Highly recommend. Cream nominee.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690052

Price: 16.99

Stories from Bug Garden

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

Long forgotten, a garden lays quiet, unoccupied, until, one by one, they come. There is ladybug, butterfly, horsefly, dragonfly, bee, and others, and as they appear, their story is told. The reader meets each inhabitant and learns how the garden becomes home. There is a story on each page that is descriptive and easy to read, whether aloud or by an individual reader. Each story adds to the story on the previous page. Illustrations are delicate and fun. They allow the reader to feel like he is in the garden listening to each story. There are lots of stories about insects and gardens, but this book puts them together in an light, whimsical rendering. this would work well with units on gardens, insects and storytelling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Moser, Lisa

Illustrator: Millward, Gwen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-0-7636-6534-0

Price: 16.99

Stickiest, Fluffiest, Crunchiest: Super Suplatives

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

On the whole, Jane Brocket's concept books are fabulous teaching tools; this title is similarly useful. With lush, full-page photographs of food, the book illustrates many "est" words: gooiest, smelliest, flakiest, wobbliest to name a few. As a read-aloud, children may have strong reactions to the images, all of which are bold and colorful. By the time they reach the end of the book, the concept of superlatives should be pretty clear to young readers. Hopefully, it will also be time for lunch.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brocket, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467792417

Price: 26.65

Loose Tooth!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

Freckleface Strawberry has a very loose tooth and she doesn't want to lose it just anywhere. She wants to lose it at school so that she can get a nice tooth necklace like all of the other kids (and her big sister). With simple, clear prose and bright illustrations, Moore and Pham have created a wonderful series for emerging readers with a relatable, lovable character. Highly recommend this title and the Freckleface Strawberry series in general.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Julianne

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391986

Price: 12.99

The Great Pet Escape

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

The scene: Daisy P. Flugelhorn Elementary School. The heroes: three fluffy friends who have been trapped and turned into school pets. The villains: one snarky mouse (also a school pet) and her mice minions. The time: after hours. George Washington the hamster, GW for short, is a 2nd grade school pet, but he longs for freedom and to reclaim his life on "the outside" with his two best friends, Barry, a rabbit, and Biter, a guinea pig, also relegated to the embarrassing status of school pets. GW does bust out and he's off to jail-break his friends, but his actions are not met with the joy and gratitude that he anticipated. Barry and Biter are comfortable, even happy, with their new lives. Unfortunately, their reunion is cut short by Harriet the evil, and very bossy, 3rd grade pet mouse and her mice minions. With the help of the 5th grade pet, Lucinda the snake, Harriet is looking to make mischief and has no time for the three friends. She locks them up and heads to the cafeteria to wreak havoc on tomorrow's lunch. Chaos and silliness ensue and elementary readers will be on the edge of their seats as the friends try to stop the ill-intentioned rodents. Filled with humor, action and plenty of cute, fuzzy mammals (and one mouse-hoovering reptile), this graphic novel is a hit. Hopefully, there are more adventures in store for these pets on the loose.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jamieson, Victoria

Illustrator: Jamieson, Victoria

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627791069

Price: 7.99

The Sky Stirs Up Trouble Tornadoes

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This book would be appealing to a child aged 3 to 8. It explains the science behind tornadoes from how they are formed to what to do when you may experience one. The author who is a meteorologist compares a tornado to baking a cake. There are 4 ingredients necessary for a tornado to form and if any of these is missing it will not happen. The same is true in baking a cake, if any ingredient is missing it will not really be a cake. Safety is explained in a way that will be educational without being frightening to a young child. A cake recipe is included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jensen, Belinda

Illustrator: Kurilla, Renee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467779609

Price: 25.32

This is my dollhouse

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This beautifully illustrated picture book is the story of a little girl who has a dollhouse that she made herself from a cardboard box. She enjoys using her imagination when she plays with her dollhouse. When she visits a friend she sees that the fried has a beautiful dollhouse. They play with it, but it isn't as much fun as hers. However she is ashamed of her dollhouse and when her friend visits she tries to hide it. Eventually the friend sees the dollhouse and they enjoy playing with it. I'm not sure if a 5 year old girl would feel embarrassed about a toy that she felt was inferior to a similar toy that a friend had. I find that premise difficult to relate to. This book would be interesting to a 4 to 8 year old child being read to. If the book is not covered as it would be in a library, the inside cover has instructions on how to make the dollhouse and some of the items in it. That is a plus.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Giselle

Illustrator: Potter, Giselle

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz Wade books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553521535

Price: 17.99

Before I leave

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This is the story of a little hedgehog who finds out that she and her family are moving. She is not happy about it because she doesn't want to leave her best friend. Before she leaves she plays with her friend one last time. When we see her at her new home we find she has many reminders of the friend she left behind and they continue to keep in touch. This is a very sweet story and the illustrations are beautiful. There is much detail in the illustrations so that a parent and child could linger and find many things of interest. The topic of moving is written appropriately for a child of 3-6 years old.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bagley, Jessixa

Illustrator: bagley, Jessixa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring brook press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626720404

Price: 17.99

Fairy Tales for Mr. Barker a Peek-Through Story

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

The story opens with Lucy reading to her dog, Mr. Barker in her fairy tale themed bedroom. Mr. Barker gets bored, so he jumps through a cutout window. Lucy follows him into the Three Little Bears House where Goldilocks is enjoying a bowl of porridge. Lucy warns her that the bears are coming and tells her to come along. They leave through a cutout door, ending up in the Three Little Pigs straw straw house. They go along through more fairy tales, collecting more familiar characters until they all end up safely in Lucy's bedroom. At each stop, Lucy asks "Where are we?" Children's knowledge of the tales represented will enhance their enjoyment of the story. Pages are very thick paper. Visual humor abounds, making the illustrations great fun. At the Three Bears' House, burner knobs are marked "too hot" and "too cold" and a wall plaque reads "Home is Where the Porridge Is." A fun read that young children will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ahlberg, Jessica

Illustrator: Ahlberg, Jessica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681241

Price: 15.99

Golden Boys

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Written with a subtle touch this Australian novel is both unnerving and riveting. When a new family moves into a middle class neighborhood the local preteens and teens are envious of the sparkle created by new bikes and a pool. As the older son, Colt is aware that not all is right as his father develops relationships with the neighborhood youth. The story is told for three vantage points, that of Colt and two siblings living in a home ruled by an alcoholic father.

The story feels like another coming of age YA book until minor incidents begin to sound warning bells. The author crafted this subtle story of abuse by offering small kindnesses and building till the neighborhood bully reveals the depth of the betrayal. Readers may come upon the truth in different spots within the text but each will face the horror of realization. An excellent book for older YA discussion groups, and father son book clubs. Add this to YA book collections in public libraries as well as to high school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hartnett, Sonya

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679491

Price: 17.99

Peas and Carrots

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Just like mixed vegetables new foster sisters do not always blend well. Dess has been moved to a stable and loving family where her younger brother has already been placed when their mother goes into protective custody. As a teen she has to deal with her own hostility, resentment and low expectations of this placement. With the gentle support of the foster family members Dess does establish a positive bond with her new family and her foster sister Hope.

Davis takes on a powerful situation, adding several layers of a troubled past. Her adult characters almost seem too good to be part of the foster system yet this story reminds us that society does indeed have lots of good people and loving families. Both teens are portrayed with some passion, a degree of humility, and enough compassion to make the situation and book work. Teen girls will enjoy this look into the minds of teens facing seemly insurmountable issues.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davis, Tanita S.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553512816

Price: 17.99

Crocopotamus: Mix and Match the Wild Animals!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

What fun! Seven attractive wild animals can be combined over and over to create silly creatures with funny names. Not only are the animals alluring Murphy has offered an abundance of white space to set off the picture for infants and toddlers. The shades chosen allow for easy mix and match and may stimulate some giggles. Most important the right side pages and left side pages were crafted to result in each animal matching up exactly. This book will offer hours of fun for the younger set and may inspire young artist. Make this a gift book for first birthday parties and add to all public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Mary

Illustrator: Murphy, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewich Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681029

Price: 8.99

My House

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Barton's bright colors, bold text and delightful illustrations make this a winner for toddlers. Jim the cat takes readers on a tour of his house through various rooms while high lightening features recognizable to his audience. Shape and size of the illustrations help to identify the many items seen on each page. Readers meet Jane as she feeds Jim his dinner and are aware of their mutual affection. By the time Jim announces that he likes his house there is no doubt that this book will be well read and loved. The bold font makes this an excellent book for early readers who appreciate color and personable cats. Public libraries must add this to their collection of books by Barton and My House belong in all K classrooms.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Byron

Illustrator: Barton, Byron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978006233703

Price: 16.99

All We Know

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 17, 2016

Review

Such a fetching and informative book for preschool and early grade children, this title introduces the seasons in a lovely and appealing manner. Readers will experience visual clues to the season changes and learn some basic science relating to the transformation. Best of all are the wonderful illustrations that draw children and adults into the subtle action. Throughout there are animals who frolic in their environment and are admired from appropriate distance by the adorable featured child. Early readers will find the fold large and text simple for their reading pleasure.

This is a book that grandparents are sure to love and will want to share with their little ones. Public libraries will have a hard time keeping All We Know on their shelves.

Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ashman, Linda

Illustrator: Dyer, Jane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780061689581

Price: 17.99

Mr. Owl's Bakery

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 17, 2016

Review

Having originated in Korea this title is illustrated by Yang in a new and pleasing style that will be appreciated by American children. There is lots of movement across the page as Mr. Owl tries to figure out why he is constantly short two donuts. Readers will know of one thief but a surprise is later delivered that reveals two culprits. As the storyline evolves there are opportunities to count and to use mathematical skills. The illustrations are silly and explosive, using lots of orange, blue and red.

Primary math classrooms will find this book useful and art teachers may want to present this art style to their classes. Make a gift to any promising primary grade mathematician.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Ji-hyeon

Illustrator: Yang, Hye-won

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781925247343

Price: 18.62

Book Thief

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since this amazing book has been published. But this edition is, in fact, the special 10th anniversary edition. It has a newly designed dust jacket that looks like the faded, water-damaged pages of the books that Liesel steals. It is stark & effective. There is some fascinating bonus material included in this edition. There are page's from Zusak's writing journal & working manuscript. There is also an interview with the author. This bonus materials helps the reader to understand why this book was written and how it was written. You are able to glimpse a tiny bit of the mind of an author at work. The text of the story has not been altered in any way. The writing is still brilliant & lyrical & compels the reader forward. Death is the narrator throughout. The setting is 1930s & 1940s Germany. Foster child Liesel goes to live with a family in Germany. She begins to steal books even before she knows how to read. Once she learns how to read, she steals books to save them from being burned by the Germans. She steals books because she loves them. She steals books to read them and to share them with her foster family and her small group of friends which include the mayor's wife, a Jewish boy & a boy named Rudy. She steals books to survive. To Liesel, books are treasures. They feed the soul and can heal it as well. Things become even more dangerous when Liesel's foster family hide a Jewish boy in Nazi Germany. This is at once a heartbreaking & inspiring story. The only fault I can see with this edition is it's price of $19.99. That is a high price for a title that you can get in soft cover for $7.79. Still, it is sturdy and a well-crafted edition. Libraries in need of extra copies or replacement, should consider this edition. It is beautiful. It would also make a wonderful gift. As with the other editions, this title is best for strong 7th grade & above. It would also work well in a unit on WWII &/or Nazi Germany. This is a must read and all libraries need this title in their collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zusak, Markus

Illustrator: White, Trudy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knoph

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101934180

Price: 19.99

Half Magic

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

It's summer & three siblings are bored silly. Jane, the eldest wishes for something fun for them to do. She then finds a coin and soon discovers that it is a magic coin. Well, only half magic. It seems that the coin will grant wishes, but only half of a wish. The children don't discover this until after they make a wish. A series of misadventures & amusing chaos ensue. The children have to learn how to use the coin properly, and fast. They also have to figure out how to fix all the half granted wishes. Edward Eager writes with an engaging style. The flow of the text pulls the reader straight into the world of Half Magic. This is a fun, action packed, classic that is a joy to read. It will leave a smile on most readers' faces. Half Magic is the first in the Magic Tales series. This title is the perfect choice for grades 3-6. It is magical adventure with a strong dose of humor. This edition is a paperback reissue with new cover art done by Peter Fergusen. The new cover is well-conceived and very detailed. If your library is in need of extra copies or replacement copies, purchase this new edition. It is lovely. Aside from the new cover art, there is also an introduction by Alice Hoffman. It is helpful in understanding the author, the story and the characters. An excellent purchase for libraries in need of fresh copies. The new cover art may also be able to pull some new readers into the world of Magic Tales. Let's hope.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Eager, Edward

Illustrator: Bodecker, N.M.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544671720

Price: 6.99

Challenger Deep

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

This National Book Award Winner is finally out in paperback. This is the story of Caden Bosch. He lives in two worlds. The first is the one where his family, friends, & high school. Caden suffers from OCD & paranoid schizophrenia. He does his best to deal with it and tries to lead as normal a life as possible. He even has some people fooled. In his other world Caden is part of a pirate crew that is journeying to the deepest & darkest part of the ocean (Challenger Deep). In this world Caden is also paranoid. Soon the two worlds collide and Caden's paranoid schizophrenia takes over. His parents are left with a choice in order to help and save their son. This is a well-written, lyrical, moving, stark and honest portrayal of living with mental illness. The author lends much authenticity to the story due to his own son's diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. The author's son also provided the illustrations in this novel. Challenger Deep is an important book that delves honestly & realistically into the mind of a teen living with mental illness. Those who read it will gain a better understanding of what it is like to deal with a mental illness and therefore become more empathetic and patient when dealing with those who suffer. It may also provide hope & a catalyst to seek help for those who suffer from mental illness. Challenger Deep is best suited for grades 7 and above as well as adults. This book would be ideal in a high school class on mental illness as a discussion starter. Those libraries that already have the hardcover edition should buy at least one copy of this paperback edition so more patrons can read it. All libraries should have this title in their collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shusterman, Neal

Illustrator: Shusterman, Brendan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780061134142

Price: 9.99

Stick Cat: a Tale of Two Kitties

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

So after six titles in the Stick Dog series, the author is finally giving cats their due. Stick Cat is not your typical city cat. Sure he loves to nap & hunt pigeons. But he also likes adventure. Someone is trapped in the building across the alley. Stick Cat must save him. That is, if he can figure out a way to get over there. You see, he lives on the 23rd floor so he can't just walk out the front door and across the alley. Will his odd, but likeable, best friend Edith help him or unwittingly hinder his efforts to rescue the neighbor? The characters are silly, endearing, likeable & fun. The simple stick figure like drawings are done in black pen on notebook like paper. The illustrations perfectly compliment the story and greatly add to the humor. The writing is light, humorous & fun to read. The author definitely knows how to write & draw for kids. Give this title to fans of Stick Dog & Diary of a Wimpy kid. Kids who read this book may be encouraged to try their hand at writing & illustrating a graphic novel, what with the simple stick figure drawings & light & humorous text. A fine & fun addition to most library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: Watson, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062411006

Price: 12.99

Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

Poor Bad Kitty. He is not feeling well. Normally, Bad Kitty has an extremely robust & healthy appetite. He also has a great deal of energy and sass. But not now. Bad Kitty must go to the dreaded & awful VET!! Oh no! Panic & humor ensue. It takes bribery, cajoling, & finally trickery to get Bad Kitty into the cat carrier. And once at the vet he is not a very cooperative patient. But the visit is eventually a success and Bad Kitty finally gets to go back home. But not before he has a very bad dream where he thinks he has to be nicer to the dog. Chaos & hilarity ensue. Poor Bad Kitty. He is so misunderstood. This installment in the popular series does not disappoint. The illustrations are spot on showing Bad Kitty's emotions & his desperation; Uncle Murray's frustration with Bad Kitty; & the fear and panic of going to the vet. The illustrations are pen & ink with black & gray tones & white. The thought bubbles are hilarious. As are Uncle Murray's fun facts chapters and Bad Kitty's dream foray into kitty heaven. If you have this series, purchase this title. Most libraries should have Bad Kitty in their graphic novel collection. Bad Kitty is well drawn, well written, & laugh out loud funny. My only complaint is that it tends to give cats a bad rap. Give to fans of Big Nate, Origami Yoda & Geronimo Stilton.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439771

Price: 13.99

The Jungle Book

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2016

Review

This is a lovely reissue edition. But I can only think that the reason it was released in 2016 is to coincide with the 2016 live action movie release of the Jungle Book. This edition states that it is the "first U.S. hardcover edition in this format". But that is only a technicality. This particular reissue edition is beautifully illustrated by Nicola Bayley. The illustrations are done in colored pencil. They are vibrant & detailed. But this reissue edition was originally published in the U.S. in 2005 with Nicola Bayley's illustrations. This 2016 reissue of the 2005 reissue is nearly identical. The colors used on the cover and in the decorative trim on the inside pages are brighter. And the pages are mostly a crisp white. In the 2005 edition, the cover and decorative trim are darker and the pages are a taupe like color. Also, there is a brief word from the illustrator in the 2016 edition. Otherwise the two reissues are the same. It is still a timeless classic of a story about a boy named Mowgli raised by animals in the Indian jungle. Purchase this reissue edition only if you don't the 2005 edition or if you need a replacement. This would make a lovely gift for someone who loves this story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kipling, Rudyard

Illustrator: Bayley, Nicola

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763687861

Price: 17.99

Cat Nap

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2016

Review

It's 12:00 noon and all Cat wants to do is take a nap by himself. All Kitten wants to do is play with Cat. The rest of the book shows cat doing everything he can think of to ditch Kitten. But Kitten will not be put off that easily. The illustrations are done in, what appear to be acrylics & ink. Most are double spreads. They are bold & simple, showing just the right amount of detail for the story. The colors are mainly blues, browns, black & white, with a splash of red strategically placed here and there. The illustrations also carry the text nicely. You can see the happy & playful expressions on the Kitten and the look of frustration & the desire to be left alone on the face of the Cat. There is only one or two sentences per page and the illustrations match each time. The text is clear, simple & easy to read. With the simple and direct sentence structure & minimal text per page this would make a good early reader for kindergarten & first grade. It would also be wonderful for a cat-themed story time, one on one reading or even at bedtime. In a pre-K & Kindergarten classroom, it would be useful as a story time to introduce the concept of opposites. For story time settings the book is a bit small, but the size & boldness of the illustrations more than make up for that. The only weakness I can find in this, and I had to really stretch for it, is on the 6th page of the story where the Kitten is sitting on the Cat's head. The Kitten's mouth looks like it is broken & just hanging there. I think it is just a part of the illustrators style (not always connecting lines). But still, in this particular instance it was a bit creepy for me. Otherwise, this is a must purchase for all libraries. It is fun, engaging & the perfect package for story and cat lovers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yuly, Toni

Illustrator: Yuly, Toni

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250054586

Price: 16.99

The Smell of Other People's Houses

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This satisfying debut novel, by a native Alaskan, will challenge the romantic views that pervade literature about Alaska. The focus of the story is on four young adults living in Alaska, right after it becomes a State in 1963, who find their difficult and diverse lives intertwine as they each seek family connections, forgiveness and hope. Themes of poverty, grief, alcoholism, mental illness and teen pregnancy are explored through a multiple cast of characters in the demanding harshness of Alaska. Hitchcock's settings and details of the interrelationships between nature, human survival and tradition bring a richness to this compact novel. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hitchcock, Bonnie-Sue

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497786

Price: 17.99

Yaks Yak Animal Word Pairs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

Young animal lovers will become word lovers with this delightfully illustrated picture book on homographs. As explained in the back matter, homographs are words that are both spelled and pronounced the same with different meanings. Each of the eighteen animals whose names have a different meaning cover a two-page spread. "Yaks yak", "Bugs bug bugs", "Steers steer". The second word's meaning is written as an equation, "to steer= to guide", and is subtly part of the illustrated details. Reinhardt' s watercolor and ink illustrations bring a whimsical sophistication to the simple text with action, movement and layers of humor. Word lovers=lovers of this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Park, Linda Sue

Illustrator: Reinhardt, Jennifer Black

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544391017

Price: 16.99

Balto of the Blue Dawn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This is the 54th installment in the popular Magic Treehouse Series. Osborne provides a two-page prologue about Jack and Annie's history with the treehouse and the magic that Morgan Le Fay and Merlin use to assist Jack and Annie on their missions. The prologue will equip new readers to the series. This episode sends Jack and Annie to the Territory of Alaska in 1925 with magic gold dust to give them special skills and stardust to erase the memory of everyone they come in contact with during the mission. They find themselves in Nome, Alaska where a diphtheria outbreak is claiming many lives. The master musher, Gunner Kaasen, is coming with special medicine, but he has been delayed due to a blizzard. Jack and Annie ask for the skill of being a musher and they are able to track Kassen with his lead dog Balto down and help him get the medicine through. Readers will learn about husky dog behaviors, the extreme weather in Alaska and enjoy the different ways that magic is used to help history. Osborne provides historical facts and the controversy surrounding Kassen and Balto's trek in an Author's note in the back.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510850

Price: 12.99

The Safest Lies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This is a first rate thriller for teens who love suspense, fast-moving action and a bit of romance mixed in for good measure. Seventeen-year-old Kelsey has lived all of her life in a house with an extreme security system, even a panic room, and has never seen her agoraphobic mother outside of it. All her protective behaviors and low profile are shattered when Kelsey is in a horrifying accident that puts her identity in the news. She is saved by a volunteer firefighter Ryan, who becomes her love interest, but harbors secrets of his own. Kelsey comes home to find her mother gone, possibly kidnapped, and realizes her mother was not the only target. Readers will feel the panic, learn the workings of the panic room and will be left breathless from the dramatic action scenes.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miranda, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553537512

Price: 17.99

The Girl in the Tower

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

Queen Bogdana, who is secretly an evil witch, will do anything to become beautiful. She has locked minstrels, Nuri and her daughter Violet, in a tower until Violet turns eleven in order to use a strand of Violet's hair and combine it with a hummingbird feather to become beautiful. Over the years, Nuri and Violet make elaborate tales of adventure to keep their spirits up and Violet's friends and the hummingbirds, who frequent the secret garden, try to keep her safe. When the queen discovers the garden, she takes Violet into the castle to make her a princess and sends Nuri back into the world. There are a few surprise who's who in the ending. Young fairy tale lovers will enjoy this story, although the various characters feel flat or one dimensional at times.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schroeder, Lisa

Illustrator: Ceccoli, Nicoletta

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805095135

Price: 16.99

Hurry Up, Alfie!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2016

Review

Alfie is an energetic alligator who is still in his pajamas when his mother asks him to get ready to go meet his friend Bert in the park. As mom patiently gets breakfast ready, tidies up the toys, and periodically checks on Alfie's progress, Alfie does everything available to him for inquiry, play, and bother the kitty. Everything except get dressed, that is! Parents with distracted, busy children will sympathize and appreciate the circumstance and may use this picture book as a way to open up discussion. Walker's illustrations are a mix of ink and collage. The background wallpaper of the house lends an extra dose of busy to the scene. The text consists of the dialogue between mom and Alfie in text boxes that resemble torn strips of paper. Although the appreciating audience may be the parent, the many details in the illustrations will inspire a second look and a giggle or two.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Anna

Illustrator: Walker, Anna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544586543

Price: 14.99

Alfie's Lost Sharkie

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2016

Review

Alfie, the energetic, boisterous alligator is back in this second picture book and he wants to find his toy Sharkie before going to bed. He describes Sharkie to his mom and looks outside, asking a bug while hanging upside down in a tree. As he takes a bath, listens to a story and brushes his teeth he continues to wonder where Sharkie might be. Only after gathering a few toys, every one that he owns probably, does he find the blue toy waiting for him in bed. Alfie is satisfied until he asks: "Where's Bunny?" Walker's illustrations are a created with ink and collage. They add the humor to the straight forward dialogue between mom and Alfie. The busy wallpaper and colorful quilt found in the first book shows up consistently in this one. Fans of Alfie will want this story about a distracted bedtime routine.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Anna

Illustrator: Walker, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544586567

Price: 14.99

The Land of Forgotten Girls

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 26, 2016

Review

Recommend for Cream Consideration for grades 5-8. Twelve-year-old Soledad (Sol) and her younger sister Ming live with their mentally abusive step-mother Vea in Louisiana after immigrating from the Philippines. Sol's strong voice reveals her struggles to make a safe space between the harshness of their real life existence and the in-between for Ming and herself. The in-between is that place where the strength of fairy tales allows them to exist and grow stronger to deal with the next steps of grieving over the death of their sister and mother, abandonment by their father who has fled back to the Philippines and slight glimpses of hope along the way from unexpected friendships. Kelly masterfully intertwines various folktales and stories with the blossoming of Sol's understanding of her inner self as Sol, Ming and friends explore the neighborhood junkyard, corner store and interact with a diverse cast of neighbors. Racial issues are touched upon through Sol's thoughts on skin color, friends reactions to various students and Sol's matter of fact descriptions of her neighbors, but are not the focal point of the story. Kelly provides some magical moments where communication of the heart transcends language.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062238641

Price: 16.99

The Hunted

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2016

Review

The sequel to The Living, The Hunted finds the survivors of the deadly earthquake and subsequent rampaging disease back in the continental U.S. and trying to reach the scientists in Colorado with the cure for Romero disease, which is killing large swathes of the population in the wake of the earthquake. The group (three young adults and an older man) has to battle rogue biker groups, hot sun, very little food and water, and being tracked by a deadly private company on their way to try and save the country.

De La Pena has woven a fast-paced adventure with the horrors of a dystopian society, but with a premise that seems terrifyingly possible this day in age. A great addition to any library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

De La Pena, Matat

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385741224

Price: 17.99

Read Me Like A Book

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2016

Review

Ashleigh is seventeen and her life is a mess. Her parents argue relentlessly, she and her best friend, who often leads her astray, are growing apart, her boyfriend, Dylan, who rids Ashleigh of her virginity, turns out to be shallow, and school stinks. Then, boom, a new English teacher comes on the scene and absolutely everything changes. Miss Murray really seems to care about her students and becomes a mentor for Ashleigh, insisting that Ashleigh can excel in her studies and should aim high for her future. Suddenly, Ashleigh is intent on pleasing Miss Murray and English class becomes the highlight of her life. This fast-paced novel for young adults deals with burgeoning and confusing sexuality in a sensitive fashion and reaches a believable conclusion for most concernd.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Liz, Kessler

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,all ages,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681319

Price: 16.99

Bathtime with Theo & Beau

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2016

Review

The adorable duo of Theo and Beau are back in another photo essay, this time about bathtime. There is little to no literary value to these books, but the photos of toddler and his dog are epically cute and not to be missed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shyba, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250059079

Price: 16.99

Who We Are! All About Being the Same and Being Different

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2016

Review

Who We Are! is a hybrid educational text and picture book with lovely illustrations that perfectly match the text. However, the text on each page is overwhelming for the picture book format. There are large paragraphs of text on each page, some featuring really difficult vocabulary. There's also dialogue on each page from the two kids featured. While it is a worthy topic, and shares some really great educational points in regards to equality, it doesn't quite hit the mark of being an excellent book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harris, Robie

Illustrator: Westcott, Nadine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669034

Price: 15.99

Robots

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This Level 2 Reader is all about robots. There is a table of contents at the beginning to give a glimpse into the different types of robots discussed as well as a glossary of terms at the back of the book explaining a variety of words used. But what really makes this book a great choice for libraries and schools is the book’s format. Each section of the book has large text and plenty of colorful photos to really give the reader an idea of what the robots being talked about look like. Another great feature is the “new word” bubble. These bubbles give the pronunciation of a word and the definition so young readers can learn this as soon as they see the word and not have to wait or take the time to look it up elsewhere. The only thing that would have improved the book would have been a paragraph mentioning the need to use robots ethically and to keep that in mind when developing them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tuchman, Gail

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545891387

Price: 3.99

Snail & Worm

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This early chapter book has 3 short stories about and earthworm and a snail. The 2 are friends and the problems they face are ones that children might face as well, but when it happens to a snail and earthworm the results are pretty funny. A great feature of this book is that the conversations between the 2 friends are in different colors making it easy to tell which of the characters is talking. The plot is east to follow but always ends on a silly note and might even surprise the reader a bit, not always easy to do with a short early chapter book. This would be a great addition to an early chapter collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krugler, Tina

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544494121

Price: 16.99

Drew the Screw

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is a fun early reader. The illustrations are big, colorful and engaging. The almost all of the text is simple and easy to follow, just right for a new reader. There is one word, measures, that seems a bit out of place compared to the simplicity of the other words in the story. Fortunately the sentence it is used in gives a hint as to what the word is so a new reader could probably figure it out. On the whole this is a great early reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cerato, Mattia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823435401

Price: 14.95

Beatrix Potter & the Unfortunate Tale of a Borrowed Guinea Pig

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2016

Review

The author of some of the most beloved picture books, Beatrix Potter, is the subject of this particular picture book. Hopkinson has taken several facts from the published "The Journal of Beatrix Potter" and added a few of her own details to tell an adorable story about Beatrix as a child and her love of animals. Children and parents alike will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385373258

Price: 17.99

Queen of Hearts

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2016

Review

This re-imagined Alice in Wonderland, where the familiar character names represent new characters; provide readers a more sympathetic perspective on the Queen of Hearts. Princess Dinah is soon to take over the throne and become the Queen of Wonderland. Her black-hearted father the king and his calculating assistant Cheshire provide a variety of obstacles, some involving life and death situations, to keep her from taking the throne. Her brother Charles, the mad hatter, is the only person who supports her future reign. There is darkness to this suspenseful tale with betrayal, torture and hatred woven among the moments of secret romance, secret tunnels and a startling cliff hanger ending. This is a planned trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oakes, Colleen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062409720

Price: 17.99

Burn Baby Burn

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2016

Review

In the summer of 1977 in Queens, NY as serial killer Son of Sam terrorizes the city, Cuban-American Nora yearns for her upcoming eighteenth birthday and the chance to escape. She shares a cramped apartment with her mother and brother, whose increasing violence is often directed at Nora and their mom, who continually makes excuses for him. Nora's intelligent resourcefulness has not escaped the notice of her boss at a neighborhood deli and teachers at her high school, who are clearly rooting for her. Her social activist neighbor Stiller and her best friend Kathleen's caring family also provide some respite, but Nora is still stretched in a difficult position between her desire to make a life for herself and her feelings of responsibility to her family. Medina excels both at developing nuanced, sympathetic characters and creating a detailed setting in time and place in this work of relatively recent historical fiction. The heat and tension of the city are palpable and readers will ache for Nora's struggle and hope that she won't lose her shot at a relationship with a cute co-worker due to the complications that arise with her attempts to keep her family's secrets. This is a smart, multi-layered coming-of-age tale that also explores issues of ethnicity and class that older teens who've enjoyed titles such as Rainbow Rowell's ELEANOR and PARK and Benjamin Alire Saenz's ARISTOTLE and DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE will favor.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Medina, Meg

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763674670

Price: 17.00

Tru and Nelle

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2016

Review

This winning historical novel imagines the friendship between authors Truman Capote and Nelle Harper Lee as it might have been in 1930's Alabama when they were at the ages of seven and six, respectively. Weaving in details that will be familiar to readers of Lee's classic TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Neri also impressively includes plenty of adventure that will appeal to younger kids as they are drawn into this story of two misfits with considerable family difficulties playing sleuth, standing up for one another and eventually facing down the KKK.

A funny and suspenseful tale that also includes several short stories as they might have been written by the young characters and an author's note, this short novel will find an audience with younger readers who appreciate a good mystery, as well as with those of all ages familiar with Capote and Lee's history.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Neri, G.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544699601

Price: 16.99

Flawed

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

This is about a society that punishes people by actually branding them with a hot iron if they are flawed. Flawed I doesn't mean stealing or killing someone, it's when you do something "society" (which is really the powerful Guild/ court) doesn't believe in- like taking your sick child to a better hospital, telling a lie about something, questioning laws or just helping someone that is Flawed.

This is not a fast paced book. It takes it time getting the point across about what being flawed means, but that is perfect because it gives you a chance to think about it yourself. Celestine, the main character was decent, but not super believable. It was great how she stood up for what she believed in, not because she planned to do something to help the Flawed or wanted anything out of that, but because it was the right thing to do. But I had a hard time with her obsession with the guy in the cell next to her- she hardly knew him but she still wanted him to approve of her and seemed more to care more about what he thought than what her own family thought. Still, this is a very interesting dystopian novel that will keep you reading until the end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ahern, Cecelia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250074119

Price: 18.99

The Way Back to You

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2016

Review

Grief is an overpowering emotional that manifest itself differently in the lives of the two main characters. Cloudy lost her best friend when Ashlyn died, yet she seems to be dealing. It is much different for Kyle who lost his girlfriend and is obviously suffering. These young people reveal their pain while on a road trip together in search of Ashlyn's donor recipients. Andreani and Scott have given us a quirky and sad coming of age story that will tear at the heartstrings. The plot line is new and fresh but the situation and opportunities that lead to the road trip are a little unrealistic. A dusting of romance adds to the readability of this realistic novel. Teen girls will find this novel irresistible. Add to high school media centers and to public library YA collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Andreani and Scott, Michelle and Mindi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062386304

Price: 17.99

Suffer Love

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2016

Review

"Do not judge a book by the cover; may be good advice but in this instance the cover is spot on. We see two young people entangled in a romantic relationship surrounded by the all the dust and detritus of the universe. While some may see stars, Sam and Hadley are clearly aware of their dysfunctional families, strong loyalties and the clutter of emotion which surrounds them. Sexual tension is tangible yet the story is not predictable.

Blake offers a complicated love story that she nurtures with strong character building. Secrets and a few surprises will tantalize readers who may find it difficult to put the book down. Add to young adult romance collections and wait for readers to demand more books by this new author.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blake, Ashley Herring

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544596320

Price: 17.99

Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Packed with action, this second installment of the mercenary for good, Delilah Dirk, does not disappoint. Gorgeously rendered with rich drawings in a realistic palette that almost speak for themselves, the story pits Dirk against Jason Merrick, major in the British Army and all-around blackheart. Merrick tries to pin espionage and treason on Dirk's good name, so she, along with her wonderfully capable and steadfast companion Mister Selim, does what any proper adventurer does, hunts him down and duels him with her sword. There are explosions, horse chases, even high-society balls, and all combine to make this an entertaining read. However, due to all of the dialogue and the richness of the illustrations, this is not a quick read. It should be savored and it will be by serious graphic novel fans. There is an author's note explaining that the book is set in a historical time, but that it is one part historic, one part imagination, and one part Delilah Dirk.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cliff, Tony

Illustrator: Cliff, Tony

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721555

Price: 17.99

Too Big to Hide

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

Book 2 of the Dino Files, these books appeal to readers ready for more than the easy-reader-style books. Short chapters, each 6 or 7 pages and with edge-of-the-seat cliff hangers at the end of each, will challenge an elementary-level reader, as will some of the dino vocabulary, but they are manageable and the cliff-hangers keep the pages turning. The story continues where Book 1: The Mysterious Egg left off. Frank Mudd, self-proclaimed future paleontologist, is now raising an actual baby dinosaur and, as we learn in this book, he is not the only one. The dinosaurs are adorable and add a playful component to the story. It is worth explaining to young readers that these are fiction because it can be a little confusing to a careless reader who believes that dinosaurs and people did or could co-exist. The illustrations are cartoonish with bobble-head humans, but all of the scenes that warrant a pictorial explanation were included. A solid series for dino-loving readers and a fun read-aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521948

Price: 9.99

The Hunt for the Secret Papyrus

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

Another Special Edition of Geronimo that includes 110 pages of the primary story about a rediscovered Egyptian papyrus, and 80 pages of a second mystery involving the Cat Gang; it's two for the price of one. In typical Geronimo fashion, our hero bumbles his way through the story, stumbling on the mystery and getting caught in the action. The elusive black papyrus holds the secret of eternal youth and Professor Sandsnout has made a machine to unroll the very delicate document so that it can be read. Many mice in New Mouse City want to know the secret, but who wants it enough to steal it?! With the typical colorful, multi-font typeface and bold illustrations, these books appeal to emerging readers and lovers of adventure stories. There is nothing new here, but for fans of GS, this is an action-packed, silly mystery/adventure and they will enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545872508

Price: 14.99

The Shadow Queen

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

From the author of the Defiance series, C.J. Redwine has written another excellent dark fantasy. "The Shadow Queen" is loosely based on "Snow White" -- a young princess who has lost her kingdom to an evil step-mother. Princess Lorelei has long been thought dead, especially when everyone in the King's Court watched her father's castle crumbled on top of she and her brother. As long as she doesn't use her magic, they will be safe, but something has happened and Lorelei along with her friends from Eldr, regain what is rightfully hers and avenge her family.

Wonderful retelling of "Snow White" with magic on both sides, love aspect with a young king from a foreign kingdom who turns out to be a dragon; who in turn is captured and controlled by the evil queen to become the huntsman. This first in the series is action packed and well developed with complex characters and plot, even though it sounds familiar. Anyone who is into the Retelling Genre and major fans of fantasy will get hooked by this new series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Redwine, C.J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062360243

Price: 17.99

I Love You Already!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Bear and Duck are back (their debut came in Goodnight Already!). Bear looks forward to a quiet morning alone, but Duck is restless and is looking for some company. Duck is quite persistent and despite receiving many no's, he insists that Bear take a walk with him. In classic extrovert/introvert fashion, Duck (the extrovert) needs to talk everything over and get affirmation from his friend that he still likes him and Bear (the introvert)needs to be alone sometimes or, at the very least, can be quiet even when spending time with his friend and doesn't need to overthink or explain everything. The colorful pages and bright illustrations are appealing, and Davies uses different typefaces for both Duck and Bear so readers can see the give-and-take between the friends. This can be a fun read-aloud to help young readers identify when it's good to listen to what our friends are telling us and to reinforce that messages that if someone doesn't want to play right then, it doesn't mean that they love their friend any less, and that it would be helpful to share a little more with our friends so that they know how we feel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062370952

Price: 17.99

Chuck and Woodchuck

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Chuck's pet woodchuck, brought into school on the first show-and-tell day, is talented and friendly. At the children's insistence, the teacher agrees to let him come to school every day with Chuck. Through Woodchuck, Chuck is able to conquer his shyness and become friends with Caroline, another first grader. A warm, simple story that shows how small kindnesses can make another person happy and eventually lead to a really great friendship. A nice read-aloud with some wonderful opportunities for predictive deduction (Caroline's head is cold, woodchuck shares a hat with her; Caroline's cupcake falls on the ground, woodchuck shares a clean cupcake with her, etc.). The bright illustrations with almost gender-neutral drawings of the kids (they are more geometric in shape and wearing very gender non-specific clothing) are quirky and engaging. A lovely story about acceptance, friendship, and the power of a friendly woodchuck. This book will fit into any collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763675240

Price: 15.99

The Whale

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

Oversized, gorgeous book, essentially wordless though bookended by newspaper clippings that provide the background and final outcome of the story. The elusive spotted whale is believed to be a myth, but one boy and one girl are determined to find proof of its existence. Using instruments, ingenuity, and, ultimately, teamwork, they persevere and acquire the needed proof. Great for STEAM units and story writing, plus absolutely stunning to look through, the Murrow siblings have a winner here. Recommended for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murrow, Vita

Illustrator: Murrow, Ethan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679651

Price: 17.99

Teen Frankenstein

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

This fast paced, horror novel is the first in a new trilogy by Chandler Baker called High School Horrors and is a modern makeover of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". Fans of R.L. Stine's "Fear Street" series will enjoy with it and promising to be a notch above.

In her private laboratory, in what appears to be an old tornado shelter, in the small town of Hollow Pines, Texas, Tor Frankenstein aka Victoria is a science wiz and could win a Nobel Prize only if she could tell everyone about the guy she accidently killed in the rainstorm and managed to bring him back from the dead. Her best friend and probably only friend, Owen is there to support in whatever she needs including the creation of Adam, Tor's dead but seemingly alive guy. But, Adam isn't the only secret being kept in Hollow Pines, dead bodies keep popping up with body parts grotesquely missing. Towns people are starting to question the connection between the appearance of Adam and the dead bodies.

This novel is appropriate for grades 6-12. There are some gory parts in the story dealing the dead bodies and their descriptions, but overall a very promising introduction to a new series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Baker, Chandler

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250058744

Price: 17.99

A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

15 of some of Young Adults most notable authors have written short stories about young women that are bank robbers, deck hands, mediums, schoolteachers and more. The stories are arranged in chronological order starting with 1710 to 1968. The main characters are strong young women who represent a multitude of social wants, needs and desires. At the end of each short story are notes from the author on why they chose the time span that is the basis of their story and the researched that they went through to be as historically accurate as possible.

This would be suited for readers in grades 7 up. Fans of historical fiction and stories that provide inspiration and encouragement would definitely enjoy this book. Along with fans of Marissa Meyer, Kekla Magoon, and Katherine Longshore, just name a few, would find these stories fascinating.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spotswood, Jessica (Editor)

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678487

Price: 17.99

Fell the Fear

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

This is the four in the Ruby Redfort series and wonderfully sassy, adventurous and action packed. Ruby is a 13-year-old genius at cracking code and works or is trying to work for a spy organization know as Spectrum. Ruby's biggest problem is that she is fearless and thinks that she is invincible. Though she has come many times, too many to count, she has always cheated death. But, there is a mystery afoot in town and she steps in to solve the mystery, but finds out that doing it her way might not always be the best way.

The sketches in the book are of the various clues to the puzzles that Ruby locates in order to help solve the mystery. The actual puzzles and codes created for the story were done by a noted mathematician making this mystery novel a good choice for STEM reads. Recommended for grades 4-9 and could easily be enjoyed by both girls and boys.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Child, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763654702

Price: 16.99

Super Sharks

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This level 2 reader in the "Icky Sticky" series will draw the shark-obsessed emerging reader. Focusing on the biggest and baddest of all sharks, this slim volume is chock full of facts and photos. It is a tough series to put in a public or school library due to the stickers contained inside as it could be difficult to refrain from sticking them in the book. This reviewer's recommendation is to either remove the sticker page before circulating, or actually going through and affixing the stickers so that the student can see the additional images. It would be a great book to use as a give-away. With information about the senses of a shark, especially as they relate to how amazing they make these creatures, and short write-ups of the very toughest and deadliest of the species, this book will delight shark lovers, and possibly frighten the faint-of-heart. It is not an essential purchase, but for its price point it could be worth putting a copy in a library servicing elementary-aged readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Laaren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545872317

Price: 4.99

The Last Place on Earth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

The cover on this YA novel will draw the reader to it, a pleasing font and an image of a gorgeous starry sky in the mountains with an inviting fire beckoning the reader to come and sit by that fire and find out where the Last Place on Earth is. Only that is not quite what the book delivers. The novel starts with a familiar trope, girl notices that her friend is missing; the reader finds out there was some sort of confrontation or drama the night before said disappearance then there is a clue asking the girl to "Save" the friend. Classic follow-the-clues story with a possible romance, right? Sort of. The Last Place on Earth is not quite the campfire under the stars. This one has a twist. The missing friend comes from a family of "preppers" who are sure that the next apocalypse is at hand. At the first perceived threat of a coming plague, the family packs up and goes into survival mode, hiding in a remote area (the last place on Earth?) and living off the land (with many pre-selected, stockpiled supplies). The boy, Henry, was almost joking when he left his "Save Me" note, and is surprised when his friend actually finds him. This book has a fantastic voice in Daisy, the main protagonist; she is snarky and observant, and clear about her abilities and short comings. It was difficult to accept that when she followed the trail of her missing friend, going missing herself, that her mother accepts the "nature camp" story. I felt that more perspective was needed. What were other characters thinking, particularly Henry? What was happening back in the world that the preppers were fleeing? The book is very much aimed at a YA audience, there are mentions of drinking and mild drug use and mention of sex and dating, and was just suspenseful enough to hold interest but suffers from a lack of identity.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Snow, Carol

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627790390

Price: 16.99

I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This is another hit in the "I Survived" series. Set on the Hindenberg on what turns out to be its final flight, 11-year-old Hugo is excited to be on the huge zeppelin as it travels across the Atlantic Ocean. Clearly Tarshis has done her research and she effortlessly weaves it into the story, offering a glimpse into the workings of these impressive machines and a window into the history of the day with the presence of Nazi officers onboard looking for a spy. She does this while crafting an entertaining story that is fast-paced and that introduces characters we quickly care about. At one point, I had to remind myself that it is called "I Survived" because the ending is incredibly suspenseful and I didn't want anything to happen to Hugo, his family, or his friend Marty. This series, this book included, is an excellent way to hook mid-elementary-aged readers on history and on reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tarshis, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545868600

Price: 16.99

One, Two, Three, Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

The nursery rhymes in this board book were previously published in one of two collections edited by Opie and illustrated by Wells. Lap sitting toddlers will recognize many characters they know from Well's series children's books. Felix, Max, Ruby, and Mother Goose herself make cameo appearance in this colorful rendition of traditional nursery rhymes. While the emphasis of this collection is numbers there are a couple less known rhymes included.

With typical Rosemary Wells's illustration this colorful book will be enjoyed by toddlers and their caregivers. Perfect baby shower or new baby gift. The cover reminds me of the Little Golden Books of yesterday years.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie (Editor), Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763687663

Price: 8.99

Up to This Pointe

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This book is about a teenager named Harper that has planned on being a ballerina since she was really little. But when something happens to change that, she decides to go to Antarctica and study for a semester. This is a totally random move because Harper's not really into science and knows nothing about what she'll be doing there. Harper is a totally believable character. She gets her heart broken and is just so lost that all she can think about is leaving everything behind which is what many people in a similar situation would do. I don't know too much about being a ballerina but this story seemed to capture what trying to be one might be like. My favorite parts of the story though, are when Harper is in Antarctica. The description of the station and the way life works there was fascinating. It's harshness and beauty where almost a of mirror of the ballet world she left behind.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Longo, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553537673

Price: 17.99

Chicken in Space

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

Zoey the chicken dreams big and when she gets an idea, she makes it happen. Now, she wants to travel to outer space. Her friend Sam the pig just wants to eat pie. Sam agrees to accompany Zoey on her attempt to get to space, and the two do find success as they travel in a basket into what they call space due to Zoey's positive outlook and vivid imagination. Young readers will laugh at Sam's yearning for pie and at the fact that *they* know Zoey and Sam are not really in outer space. And they will cheer for how far they do make it (and the pie that waits for Sam at the end of the adventure). Digital illustrations perfectly capture the heart of this persistent, adventurous chicken and her first mate. Hopefully, there will be additional Zoey and Sam stories!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehrhaupt, Adam

Illustrator: Kober, Shahar

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062364128

Price: 17.99

Fresh Delicious: Poems from the Farmer's Market

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

Summer fun at the farmer's market is packed within the pages of this poetry collection. Moms and youngsters will laugh as they page through the silly rhymes accompanied by cute and artsy illustrations. Most poems are short, presented on independent pages so the art complements that specific poem. There are however poems that will not resonate with small children requiring explanation (basil and purple hull peas).

Latham has included six vegetarian recipes that will appeal to young readers. Mom's may not appreciate the sweetened condensed milk in the ice cream recipe but I imagine it is tasty.

Add where poetry collections are popular with readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Latham, Irene

Illustrator: Moriuchi, Mique

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: WordSong (Highlights)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781629791036

Price: 16.95

The Nameless City

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This graphic novel includes the very best of the elements that make a great graphic novel: gorgeous illustrations, attention to detail both in illustration and story, clearly delineated characters, and an engaging, entertaining plot. This fantastically drawn, appealing GN will be a hit among any age readers. The Nameless City, called that because it is oft-conquered and the name changes depending on the victors; the natives don't have a name for it as they grow weary of having to learn a new name with each new victor. The story centers around Kaidu, a young man who is one of the current victor's people, the Dao. He has been brought to the city to train as a soldier so that the Dao can continue to hold the city from one of the many surrounding peoples who would seek to conquer it next. When he loses his way in the city, Kai meets a young native woman named Rat. The two strike up a friendship, a highly unusual thing since conquerors and natives do not intermingle. Wonderful scenes of Kai and Rat navigating the rooftops of the city ensue and finally, political intrigue brings the action to a suspenseful conclusion. There is a neat resolution at the end, but with an opening for a continuation and a promise of a Book 2 (coming April 2017). This will draw in all GN readers who will wait with anticipation to see what happens next in the story of Kai, Rat, and the Nameless City. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hicks, Faith Erin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721579

Price: 21.99

Playing from the Heart

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

On the surface, this is the story of a boy a piano. Raj finds the piano and plays it for the joy of it. When his father hears him play, he gets Raj a teacher and the boy eventually learns to play well, but the joy goes out of playing. When his father is old and ailing, Raj returns home and rediscovers his love for playing and he learns that one not only plays for joy within, but to bring joy to others. As one delves deeper into Reynolds's story and muted watercolor illustrations, there is more story to be discovered. Contemplative and nostalgic, this is the story of how children tap into youthful creativity and joy with an ease that gets lost as we age and that it can be tapped into again, even when we are older, if we give into the creativity and play/draw/create from the heart. It is a beautiful story that will resonate with children who understand the ease of that youthful creativity, but also with parents who understand what it is to miss the noise of their little ones. The end may bring a tear. A nice addition to a library collection with other Reynolds books, but one that may have to be placed in hands or read aloud and discussed in order to plumb the depths of the message.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678920

Price: 15.00

Bob and Flo Play Hide-and-Seek

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

Any parent who has played hide-and-seek with a toddler will chuckle along with this book. At preschool, the children, all adorable penguins in this case, decide to play hide-and-seek. Bob hides. He is quickly found by his friends and told to find a better hiding spot. He is successful in his 3rd attempt; in fact, he has hidden so well that he has to jump out and let his friends know where he is. Again, adults reading the book will relate to the the idea that children are the most obvious hiders in the first place, but when they do actually hide well, other children, who are generally terrible seekers, will not be able to find them. Children will appreciate the simple, colorful drawings, minimal text, and adorable characters enacting a common and familiar game. Excellent for pre-k readers and listeners.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544596313

Price: 16.99

Gator Dad

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

Brian Lies deviates from bats to celebrate the challenges and joys of single/stay-at-home fatherhood. Lies's masterful acrylic paintings are the star in this homage to all that a dad is: protector, fort-maker, climbing "structure". The prose is not as winning as his bat books, but the love and engagement shine through the illustrations. Young readers will recognize many of the dad moves in this book, though the book feels a bit skewed toward the adult perspective and would be a lovely gift for any dad. Kids do love gators, and this would circulate based on that, but I can't see a child checking this out over and over. A non-essential purchase though nice to add if you have all of Lies's other books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lies, Brian

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544534339

Price: 17.99

The Journey of Seeds

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 12, 2016

Review

A concise non-fiction picture book about seed propagation, employing simple vocabulary that preschool and very young grade school kids will understand and featuring muted but appealing watercolor illustrations. Examples of where seeds can be found in different plants, and the methods by which they spread -- such as by wind in the case of dandelions and maple seeds and by being carried both on the coats of animals (when they cling to coats as prickers/burrs) and being deposited in their dung, are among those concepts discussed. Concluding with those seeds that reach the soil growing and producing new seeds, the cycle is very basically explained. Including a short list of questions and writing prompts at the end, this is a solid offering that will work well in homes and classrooms for very young children, though it covers territory that is already well explored in children's picture books, such as Diana Hutts Aston's gorgeous "A Seed Is Sleepy."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Choi, Soo-bok

Illustrator: Jang, Wal-goong

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big & Small/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781925247435

Price: 26.65

Twenty Questions for Gloria

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 12, 2016

Review

Fifteen-year-old Gloria is questioned by DI Ryan, a sympathetic but persistent police detective after she emerges after disappearing for weeks with Uman, a boy who'd mysteriously appeared as a transfer student at her conservative English high school, amicably challenging the teachers on their rules and immediately making it clear that he was interested in Gloria, who is smart and curious, but has been sleepwalking through the past few years of her life.

As DI Ryan puts a series of twenty questions to her over the course of several days, readers learn that Gloria and Uman disappeared together but only Gloria has returned and are unsure until the very end what happened to Uman, who the police suspect had abducted her, or at the very least manipulated her into running away.

Told as a series of flashbacks from their time together, this is a suspenseful and thoughtful novel about the nature of growing up, first love and the fear many teens have of losing some part of themselves as they age. Gloria and her family are realistically painted characters and her emotional attachment to and easy, clever banter with Uman is believable and sweetly real. As they stumble into increasingly dangerous situations, which is compounded by the racism Uman faces due to his Turkish Arabic background, readers will hope for their safety even as they fear the worst.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bedford, Martyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553539394

Price: 16.99

Space Boy and the Space Pirate

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 19, 2016

Review

Science fiction meets graphic novel, Space Boy and the Space Pirate is a successful blend of genre. In addition it is silly, imaginative and appealing to male and female readers. Niko, aka Space Boy, has constructed a rocket which quickly converts to the real thing when an emergency arises. Readers are destined to enjoy the ride.

While the story line is captivating it is the development of the crew members and Space Pirate that makes the book a winner. Typical childhood play is emphasized and sibling relationships ring true. What little sister wouldn’t blast off in the rocket leaving her brother stranded on Zorg?

Newbecker's illustrations are perfect for the picture book. His use of color works to highlight small details hidden among the frames. Young readers will adore the animal life on Zorg and giggle as Captain and crew spacewalk back to Planet Home. Add to all public libraries and to primary media centers collections.

This is the second Space Boy book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Regan, Dian Curtis

Illustrator: Newbecker, Robert

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789568

Price: 16.95

Builder Mouse: A Story of Friendship, Creativity, and the Fine Art of Compromise

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 12, 2016

Review

Builder Mouse is cleverly constructed and illustrated to show how life imitates art. An architect at heart, Edgar builds lovely structures using leftovers, leftovers his friend Toby enjoys eating. In search for appreciation Edgar ventures into the world (probably London). Eldarova uses the city environment to show her readers how life impacts her characters.

From the framed postcards hanging in the mouse home to the facade of the art museum this book makes use of art to enhance the story line. The faces of the many mice show their emotions, they are adorable. This is also a good story about friendship and compromise. Libraries and art classrooms would make good homes for copies of Builder Mouse.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eldarova, Sofia

Illustrator: Eldarova, Sofia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544357662

Price: 16.99

Bone Gap

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 12, 2017

Review

A 2015 novel, released in paperback in 2016. It is worth adding a second review for this original story and strong writing. The town of Bone Gap is a place where the mundane meets the extraordinary and things can fall into the gaps if you don't know where to look. The story is tied to the metaphor of corn: life-sustaining, dense, whispery, mysterious, solid. The book takes place over four months and centers around a missing girl, Roza, a newcomer to Bone Gap, and the two brothers who take her in when she appears to them battered and bruised. Older brother Sean, strong and silent, is beloved by all and can do no wrong, and seems to have lost his heart to Roza. Younger brother Finn is accepted in the way that small towns accept their misfits; he is unusual and beautiful and a bit lost. He, too, loves Roza but as that of a sister and a savior, recognizing that she has brought happiness to his stoic brother. Finn is the only witness to the disappearance of Roza and he can't seem to describe the abductor beyond how he moved and that he drove a black SUV. He could not even be sure that Roza didn't go with him willingly, a fact that haunts Sean and convinces the town that Roza doesn't want to be found. But Finn persists, and with the help of the corn and a bee-loving girl, Petey, he ventures into the biggest gap of all to bring Roza home. There are echoes of the Persephone myth as Roza exists in a netherworld, where she is worshipped for her beauty and kept like a bird in a cage. Like Persephone, Roza eats only the merest of food and longs to escape back to the world of light and warmth. Unlike Persephone, if Roza can be won away from the devil who has taken her, she is free to live in the safety of the ordinary world. This book requires a mature reader and those who love to follow the threads of a story, pulling them apart, weaving through all of the different perspectives, and piecing them together again to glimpse a tapestry of story that is not easily forgotten, will love and appreciate this one.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ruby, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062317629

Price: 9.99

Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2016

Review

Swatch is an endearing child who deeply appreciates vibrant colors, so much that she tames them in jars. The story brought to mind the summer nights I chased and trapped fireflies. Behind the adorable illustrations and lovely hues there is a moral in this story; living things should not be trapped and many do not want to be tamed. Yellowest Yellow teaches Swatch the all-important lesson leading to her decision to release the color collection to the world.

Denos has illustrated books for other authors, this is the first she has written and illustrated. I cannot wait to see what she offers the picture book world next. Add this to library collections and gift to children who love art.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Denos, Julia

Illustrator: Denos, Julia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062366382

Price: 17.99

The Fairiest Fairy

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

This book about a less-than-perfect fairy will appeal to young readers, and with its singsong rhyme, it makes a nice read-aloud too. Beardshaw's illustrations are lush and vibrant. The young fairies all have a unique look and a nice healthy body type. Betty is a fairy who can't get anything right. She is no good at sprinkling dewdrops or opening flowers or painting rainbows. But she is good at helping others: Rabbit with the thorn in his paw, Blackbird who is too afraid to fly, and Butterfly with his tangled laces. And thanks to her care and kindness, these creatures befriend Betty and then help her with her fairy duties allowing Betty to win the honor of the "Fairiest Fairy" at the Fairy Ball. With its bright cover, gorgeous illustrations, and popular topic of fairies, along with a message of kindness, persistence and friendship, this book will be well-circulated in any collection with young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Booth, Anne

Illustrator: Beardshaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763686598

Price: 15.99

Paper Wishes

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Manami is a young Japanese girl living in the United States in the 1940s. When war breaks out with Japan, she and her family are forced to relocate to one of the internment camps set up by the government for Japanese citizens. In doing this, families were forced to leave and often lose their homes as well as leave loved pets behind. Manami has to leave her dog behind and is devastated. She is desperate to find a way to have him join her at the camp so she releases letters into the wind hoping he will see them and know to come find her. This is a sad but honest portrayal of how Japanese Americans were betrayed by their own government during WWII. The sadness and problems the internment camps caused is simply laid out and lets the reader visualize and imagine just how horrible it was. It also is a great look at how punishing a whole group of people for something others of the same race or religion has done is so unjust, a very timely topic for the times.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sepahban, Lois

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374302160

Price: 16.99

Arrows

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 15, 2016

Review

Aaryn, the son of Cupid, is trying to shoot both Karma and Danny (high school teens) with his arrows so that they will fall in love. Sadly, his second arrow is faulty and only Karma falls in love. Aaryn and his mentor hide their mistake and Aaryn becomes a full Cupid. However, the truth is revealed about a year later and Aaryn must become human and intervene in the mess that was realized because of his mistake in order to win back his cupid creds. Karma now has Danny's baby girl and is still madly in love with Danny, who could not care less. He only wants to get out of paying child support. He has cheated on Karma and is not at all involved with little Nell. So, this whole concept seems like it might make an interesting story, but this just does not seem to hold together. The issue of teenage pregnancy is handled a bit too lightly. I did enjoy the twist of an ending, but otherwise it i snot a book I would recommend.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gorzelanczyk, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510447

Price: 17.99

Feminism: Reinventing the F-word

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 19, 2016

Review

"Feminism: Reinventing the F-word" by Nadia Abushanab Higgins is a good intro to both the history of feminism and how feminism is relevant in today's world. It is a quick read and doesn't really get in-depth about any of the topics covered (including abortion, inequality in wages, violence towards women, transgender issues, and more), but it's a good primer. I thought that the layout of the book made it eye-catching and easy to read. It's a good addition to your Young Adult nonfiction section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Abushanab Higgins, Nadia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467761475

Price: 19.99

What Happens Now

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 21, 2016

Review

What Happens Now is at first glance a simple teen romance. But what lies below the surface is a poignant tale of recovery, trusting yourself, and female empowerment. Ari is working on her mental health after having been caught cutting herself, while also having to deal with a stressful family situation, and a first infatuation with a boy. Camden comes into her life after a year of watching him from afar, and for a while Ari depends greatly on him and his friends to help her feel better. But in the end, Ari embraces her own power and cuts ties with them in order to preserve her mental health. However, the kind author gifts us with a happy ending anyway. An excellent purchase for all teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Castle, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062250476

Price: 17.99

Places No One Knows

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 26, 2016

Review

Yovanoff has crafted a poignant tale of life and love. Waverly spends her days putting on a fake face for everyone in her life, while at night she runs her feet ragged instead of sleeping. Marshall spends most of his time high or drunk while trying to escape his terrible family situation. They've admired each other from afar, until one night Waverly dreams herself into Marshall's room. This is the only supernatural element in the story, and it takes a back seat to the developing relationship of the teens. Yovanoff's writing pulls you right into the characters' lives, and you will want to stay there and finish the book in one sitting.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yovanoff, Brenna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553522631

Price: 17.99

Assassin's Masque

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 26, 2016

Review

This is the third Palace of Spies novel where the seventeen-year-old heroine, Peggy Fitzroy, lady-in-waiting and spy for the Princess of Wales, must deal with each societal requirement and uncover the various threads of a dangerous Jacobite plot that seem to intersect with her distant family. Peggy has acquired royal permission to bring her cousin Olivia to court. As individual allegiances are questioned, Peggy must rely on Matthew, her romantic interest, Olivia and her newly introduced father to save her as she falls out of favor with royalty and finds herself a prisoner in the home of a dangerous family. Fans of the series will enjoy this next installment where history meets suspense and wit. New readers to the series are brought up to speed with a prologue that provides historical details and insight into Peggy Fitzroy's confusing family line and will be assisted with the foreshadowing chapter headings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zettel, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544074088

Price: 17.99

Girl Against the Universe

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2016

Review

Bad things have been happening around Maguire for years. She's convinced that she is bad luck and therefore, it's unsafe for her to be around other people. She won't ride in cars with anyone besides her mom, she stays out of public, and she doesn't have any friends. However, with a new hometown and a new psychiatrist, sh'’s starting to re-join the real world. Jordy is a tennis star who lives only for tennis and is seeing the same psychiatrist to help try and balance his life. Together, they work on making each other stronger, and they fall in love in the process. The pace of the story moves along rapidly, with just the right amount of detail to keep the reader wanting to know what happens next. The end material includes an author's note regarding mental illness and how to get help if you need it. Highly recommended for teen/young adult collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stokes, Paula

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062379962

Price: 17.99

Little Honeybee

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2016

Review

A lovely large format board book that will benefit toddlers learning to count. Little Honeybee preforms a simple task in a larger than life manner. Little ones will enjoy the bright colors, pretty flowers and animal life but most of all they will love the many flaps, several per page. This is an attractive book that will appeal to older siblings and adults who have the opportunity to read aloud to a small child.

The animals reminded me of those created by Maine illustrator Ipcar. Jane Ormes is the only name on the book cover, nowhere on the review copy was a different author mentioned. Yet Amazon has the author listed as Katie Haworth. Add to libraries where lift-the-flap board books are collected and gift to new mothers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ormes, Jane

Illustrator: Ormes, Jane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big Picture (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763685317

Price: 15.99

Let's Go to the Hardware Store

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2016

Review

The story line has this situation portrayed just right. Upon moving into a new, older home Dad needs tools to work on this fix-it-upper. A visit to the local hardware story become an enchanting environment for education. Rockwell takes readers on a tour of the store, while her text teaches children about tools. Iwai gives the pages life while adding to the experience by illustrating various types of tools including hammers, screwdrivers and nails. Although predictable it is amusing that Dad forgets what Mom requested.

Both a boy and a girl are shown enjoying this outing with Dad, hardware stores are indeed fun for everyone. A combination of an informative believable story and attractive detailed illustrations make this a winner for all public libraries. Great book for Dad to read with his youngsters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockwell, Anne

Illustrator: Iwai, Melissa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805087383

Price: 16.99

The Stone Warriors

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

In this fourth book of the Tombquest series, twelve-year-old Alex and his friend Renata find themselves in an unknown city as they are targeted by shadows from the underworld. Although the immediate background is explained for new followers of the series, young readers will want to start at the beginning for some character development. The power of the amulets assist Alex and his group as they battle mummies, death walkers and earthen shades as they try to retrace the clues his missing mother left for them. As they are reunited briefly, Alex learns a stunning truth and then is captured for the cliff hanging ending. The plot is formulaic in structure with Northrop adding rich descriptions of atmospheric details throughout. Scholastic provides a code in the endpages that allow readers to access a Tombquest game.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545871082

Price: 16.99

Doom at Grant's Tomb

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

This is the third book featuring the photographic-memory-whiz Eddie who provides the NYPD, and in this story the FBI, clues to solving the latest planned art heist by the international criminal that escaped in the first book. Readers are immersed into a dangerous, bomb laden puzzle involving landmarks that targets Eddie by name on page one and the action doesn't stop. With the help of his computer-savvy friend Jonah, Eddie uses his drawing talent to identify people in crowds, decipher information that the NYPD is hiding from him and problem solve his release as a hostage. Although the contrived storyline promises potential violence, there is nothing graphic and situations are averted. Future true crime lovers will be developed here. Calo's black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and they represent the portraits of individuals that Eddie draws. A multicultural cast is represented. Just as readers believe that the crimes have been solved, a new threat appears to usher in a possible book 4.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Marcia

Illustrator: Calo, Marcos

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544582606

Price: 16.99

I love Cake! Starring Rabbit, Porcupine, and Moose

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Cake lovers unite or at least share. This is the lesson sweater-clad Moose learns while he helps celebrate his friend rabbit's birthday. Sauer employs the device of a narrator that sets the scene with a simple sentence and then the three friends each add their comments that provide the dry humor of the story. Rabbit invites her friends to her birthday party and they focus on the different activities, except Moose, who is fixated on cake. When he ruins the party by eating all the cake, Rabbit gets "hopping mad" and Porcupine gets "prickly". Moose solves the dilemma at home by making a new cake and the last picture has the friends, in sweaters that Moose loves, sharing the cake. Rozelaar's cheerful illustrations are created with brush, India ink and photoshop for this humorous, friend-filled treat of a story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauer, Tammi

Illustrator: Rozelaar, Angie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062278944

Price: 17.99

Clark in the Deep Sea

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Alley has authored a set of seasonal pictures books featuring one of four siblings and imaginative play. This sweet story focuses on Clark during the spring. It's raining and the siblings are entertaining themselves on the front porch. When Gretchen, the youngest, wants to play circus and her teddy bear accidentally flies off the porch, the siblings revert to imaginary play and the front yard becomes a turbulent ocean. Clark leaps into deep-sea gear, the dog becomes a furry shark fish and other items in the yard become sea dwelling obstacles to teddy bear's safe rescue. As the sea patrol of older siblings arrive in a submarine, they bravely pull everyone, including four colored fish that were part of Gretchen's toys, to safety. The cheerful and colorful illustrations are done in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, ink and pencil. The smaller book size is perfect for younger readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R. W.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547906928

Price: 14.99

Gretchen Over the Beach

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Alley has authored a set of seasonal picture books featuring one of four siblings and imaginative play. Gretchen is the star of this summer story, although she doesn't feel like the star. The family is taking a trip to the beach and the older siblings leave Gretchen and her roly-poly toys on the sand to head for the water. No one seems to listen as even her hat flies away in the breeze. For those readers familiar with the other books, imagination saves the day and soothes Gretchen's frustrations. As her hat blows in the breeze, she grabs the ribbon and is swept up into her hat, along with the roly-polys, and they go on a flying adventure with a seagull. As the older siblings come back to shore, Gretchen is found in small tide pool, wet, ribbon-less with a big grin on her face. The cheerful and colorful illustrations are done in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, ink and pencil. The smaller book size is perfect for younger readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R. W.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547907086

Price: 14.99

Moo Bird

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

Moo bird is a story about a baby bird that moos and can't find anyone else that does. This is a fun graphic novel style early reader. It has a nice story line that is funny and cute illustrations to go with it. The one part that might be tough for new readers is the format. Instead of reading from top to bottom, a few of the drawings have you read along the top of the page and then jump across to the top of the page on the other page in order to finish reading the entire text box. With the simple text and drawings, it is hard to tell that this is the direction the author wants the reader to follow.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Milgrim, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545825023

Price: 3.99

Demon Dentist

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

This is about a boy, Alfie, that's terrified of the dentist so never wants to go. Unfortunately, his teeth are rotting so something has to be done about it. The new dentist in town is totally game for taking care of them. But, she is not the dentist she seems as Alfie is about to find out. This book is full of great illustrations that capture the evilness of the dentist but still manage to get across a bit of humor. The story itself is full of crazy scenes and unbelievable stuff but it just makes the scary parts silly so they aren't quite so scary. This would be a good choice for reader that like illustrated books with a bit of slapstick comedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walliams, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062417046

Price: 16.99

Friday Barnes: Girl Detective

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Friday Barnes loves to solve a good mystery, and she is good at it. When she solves one dealing with a dishonest banker, she earns a rewards and uses it to send herself to the best school in the country. Once there, she begins to solve all kinds of mysteries including the one dealing with the monster in the swamp. This is fun detective book with some great lines in it. Friday is clever and confident. She is not a particularly likeable person to those around her but she doesn't care. She finds clues no matter how small and uses them along with her powers of observations to solve all the crimes and mysteries she comes across. Most of the other characters are not as bright as she is and the adults are either slow, criminals or spacey. Ruby Redfort readers will like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spratt, R. A.

Illustrator: Gosier, Phil

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722972

Price: 13.99

Owl Diaries: A Woodland Wedding

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Eva the owl and her friends help their teacher get ready for her wedding day. This is the 3rd book in the Owl Diaries series. The first chapter did a great job of introducing the main character of the story, Eva (the one writing the entries in the diary), so even though I had not read the others in the series I knew what was going on. The print is clear and easy to read which is great for a new reader. The speech bubbles are in different colors so if you aren’t sure which bubble belongs to who, that really helps. The story line was ok, seemed very typical and a bit stereotypical. Still, young girls that like reading about weddings and dressing up for them will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545825580

Price: 15.99

My Brilliant Idea (And How It Caused My Downfall)

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Serious goof-off Jack Dawson dreams up a fabulous idea for an app that he's sure will help students avoid being caught spacing out in class. To make it a reality, he needs to enlist the help of the only student at his high school with the coding know-how to help him create it. The problem is that she hates him and so Jack embarks on a hijinks-laden plan to convince her that becomes increasingly complicated with each step until the plot almost collapses under its own weight. Funny and snarky UK-flavored witticisms (the Scottish author is also a musician who was part of the rock band Belle and Sebastian) abound and will be appreciated by Anglophile teens. A lack of character development will distance readers, however, and this rift will only be widened by Jack's not entirely sympathetic persona. Die-hard fans of UK comedy may favor this one, but it's unlikely to garner wide appeal.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

David, Stuart

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544699618

Price: 17.99

When the Sun Shines on Antarctica: And Other Poems About the Frozen Continent

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Animals of the Antarctica are given their rightful place in children's literature by poet Irene Latham. Children who love seals, whales, penguins and birds will page through this book over and over. The poetry provides comforting and surprising reveals while the text blocks add factual information. Wadhams's illustrations are full of color and depth even in this mostly barren environment. Her use of green, coral and blue on the surface of the ice adds to the appeal of the lovely blue and purple ocean.

I take issue however with the two page spread of a humpback whale. This illustration is far from being anatomically correct, even budding marine biologist will find the flippers and tail small and note the location of the whale's blowhole. This book will be helpful for school projects and appreciated by language arts teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Latham, Irene

Illustrator: Wadham, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467752169

Price: 19.99

Bears in a Band

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

The fifth book featuring cuddly cubs (Bears in Chairs series) is adorable like the previous titles. The author and illustrator have portrayed the behavior of any small child who sees a music makers sitting on a chair. What toddler can resist making their own sweet sounds with musical instruments? Other than a moment of concern when the little ones wake Big Brown Bear the book focuses on the desired outcome of working together.

Large font size and simple language provides the opportunity for preschoolers to practice their reading skills. A successful text is complimented by adorable and colorful illustrations. Lots of white space surrounds the bears who are highlighted by their shadows. The use of yellow, blue and some green occasional backgrounds contributes to the pleasure of readers. Add to public and primary school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681470

Price: 15.99

Maisy's Field Day

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

In classic Cousins' style, Maisy introduces preschool readers to the concept of field day in this "A Maisy First Experiences Book". Maisy and her friends participate in the egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow and sack race, the three-legged race, ring toss, tug-o-war and a dress-up race. There are two teams that both experience success and failure. Healthy snacks are provided during break. Cyril and the gator run the dress-up race in skirts which is refreshing. In the book design, the pages that have the dark blue sky make the text difficult to read. due to the full cast of characters participating, new readers to the series may have to scrutinize the illustrations to understand who is who. Useful for preschools planning a field day activity, story times and lap reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763684419

Price: 12.99

Ruby Rose Off to School She Goes!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

While getting ready for her first day of school, Ruby Rose dances while she eats, brushes her teeth dancing and incorporates it into everything she does. Her mother gently reminds her that learning to sit still is part of school. Throughout the day Ruby dances through story time, art, PE, media center and lunch with each adult, identified with their role, reminding her that there is no dancing at school. At the end of the day, a mishap with the ant farm in the classroom provides the punchline to the story when Ruby Rose returns home. Throughout the text various types of dance and specific steps are incorporated. Ohi's pastel colored illustrations are spot-on in the beginning of the story showing Ruby's dancing moves with action and placing the background in gray sketched lines to keep the focus on her. A variety of skin tones are presented in the school cast. Unfortunately, a variety of facial expressions are lacking. The larger concern with this picture book is the premise. Ruby Rose comes off as a dance lover who does not listen. The adults are presented as negative, inflexible and lacking in skill to divert Ruby's need to dance in constructive ways. There are numerous first-day-of-school stories that present humorous ways to ease children into the new routine in a more positive way. Shuffle ball change over to one of those.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Rob

Illustrator: Ohi, Debbie Ridpath

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062235695

Price: 15.99

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

Maybe Something Beautiful is a fictionalized biography that lifts the spirit of all art lovers. It is a rags to riches story where a little girl and a mural painter change the appearance and rhythm of an urban community. Mira's love of drawing and art supplies expresses how one person’s addiction to color can impact an otherwise gray environment. With the turning of each page the reader shares the joy of creating something beautiful.

Mira is an endearing young artist, her joy is transported in both text and illustrations. Once the artist is introduced the book takes on a more hurried feeling where community members are anxious to join the project. The illustrations are bold, bright and full of enthusiasm. I only wish that more information was provided about the original story; this could have been a true picture book biography. Add to primary school and public libraries. This book would make an excellent gift to an art teacher or a policeman in any community.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Campoy and Howell, F. Isabel and Theresa

Illustrator: Lopez, Rafael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544357693

Price: 16.99

Flying Frogs and Walking Fish

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2016

Review

Have you ever heard of a walking octopus or tiptoeing bat? A crab that can climb trees or a jet-propelled fish? Caldecott honor-winner Steve Jenkins and co-author Robin Page have once again found fascinating and unusual elements of the animal world to share with the youngest animal enthusiasts. Flying Frogs and Walking Fish focuses on animals that move in unusual ways. Written in expository nonfiction, Jenkins uses his signature torn- and cut-paper collage illustrations to bring each animal to life in great detail and with vivid colors. In their familiar writing style, Jenkins and Page have divided the book into sections by type of movement. Each section is introduced with a full page spread dedicated to one animal followed by a page featuring several other animals that also move in similar ways. The nonfiction features in this text include subject headings and animal names are in bold type. There is a biography with additional reading suggestions and an appendix at the end of the book featuring a brief paragraph about each animal in the book, giving a little more information, including habitat, size and description.

A beautiful and informative addition to Jenkins’ unique and appealing animal informational texts. An engaging nonfiction addition to an animal storytime. This book would also be a great starting point for an animal research project. Recommended for animal enthusiasts in prekindergarten through 3rd grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544630901

Price: 17.99

Meet a Baby Lemur

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2016

Review

Meet a Baby Lemur, part of the Lightning Bolt Books, Baby African Animals series, is an interesting expository informational text that is perfect for elementary readers. It covers the life-cycle of a lemur from birth to adulthood. The bold headings, vivid photographs (taken from several different sources), informative text boxes and short simple sentences, filled with useful facts are ideal for young researchers. The text includes several facts that are framed with the young reader in mind. “Each baby lemur measures about 4 inches (10 cm) long, smaller than your hand. Their parents are about 17 inches (43 cm) long. That is the size of a house cat.” Other nonfiction features included in the this book are table of content, subject headings, text boxes, diagram, glossary, index and biography. In writing this book, Bell consulted with animal expert Dr. Mark C. Andersen from the Department of Fish Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University and Lemur expert, Chris Smith from Duke Lemur Center.

Both the fascinating content and reading level are a perfect fit for the youngest researchers. Recommend for students kindergarten to 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Samantha

Illustrator: , photography - various

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467779722

Price: 26.65

The Key to Extraordinary

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Emma can’t wait to have her destiny dream. All of the women in Emma’s family, known as the Wildflowers, are extraordinary. Reaching back to the American Revolution, each Wildflower has received a destiny dream showing them how they are meant to make a difference in the world. While waiting for her own special dream, Emma gets caught up in a fight to save her family’s bakery, the Boneyard Cafe, and a mystery in the town’s graveyard. Then when her destiny dream finally comes, it points to a treasure that Emma thinks could be the answer to all of her problems. With the help of two good friends, the Book of Days (a record of all of the Wildflowers destiny dreams), magical talking flowers and a mysterious singing ghost, Emma sets out the find this legendary treasure, save the Boneyard Cafe, and fulfill her destiny.

A sweet, quirky adventure with a dash of magic to bring out the extraordinary. Lloyd once again brings us a her fanciful writing style; sweet, courageous, strong characters; and the conviction the everyone can make a positive difference in the world. This mystery adventure is a must for any children’s junior fiction collection. Recommended for grades 3rd through 6th.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd, Natalie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545552745

Price: 16.99

Chicken Lily

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Careful, patient and shy, Chicken Lily is good at a lot of things, like coloring, putting puzzles together and playing hide-and-seek. But when it comes to taking chances, like trying new foods or raising her hand in class, Chicken Lily is a chicken. So when her teacher, Mrs. Lop announces a whole class poetry jam, Chicken Lily starts making excuses to get out of it. However, with patience and kindness from Mrs. Lop and poetic encouragement from her friends, Chicken Lily faces her fears and becomes a little bit braver. Mortensen uses clever wordplay to brings humor and gentleness to the story, making it relatable to young readers. Crittenden’s soft, calming pastel illustrations, created in watercolors, pen and ink, match Lily’s careful, gentle personality perfectly. The puns and wordplay as well as the theme of overcoming your fears makes this book ideal for a classroom read-aloud. Recommended for pre K-2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mortensen, Lori

Illustrator: Crittenden, Nina Victor

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791205

Price: 16.99

Hot Rod Hamster Meets His Match

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Hot Rod Hamster is back for another adventure with his friends in Hot Rod Hamster Meets his Match, the latest in the Hot Rod Hamster easy reader series. Hot Rod and his friends are hot so they head to a waterpark to cool down and have a wild time. The gangs starts with a visit to the splash park but Hot Rod soon gets bored and sets off to the waterslide for his wild adventure. Lord’s use of word bubbles to give her characters voices without adding a lot of extra text, as well as using simple words makes this an ideal series to share with beginning readers. One of the best features of this book is the opportunity for reader participation. Throughout the story, the narrator asks questions like “Striped tube. Bright tube. Race tube. White tube. Which would you choose?” giving the reader the chance to be part of Hot Rod’s adventure. Anderson’s bright, colorful and friendly illustrations, created digitally, are the ideal compliment to this story. Easy reader, recommended for pre K - 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lord, Cynthia

Illustrator: Anderson, Derek

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545825924

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Empty Places

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Life in a coal mining town during the depression was a brutal existence. This coming of age historic fiction story is told in the voice of thirteen year old Adabel who has experienced memory loss, cruelty, and abandonment. While this sounds depressing the honesty of the story line and existance of well-developed characters makes this a strong read. Wiechman uses the local Kentucky dialect; her wordsmith abilities shine as various family and community members interact. Readers will feel the emotion throughout the book as they cry and cheer for Adabel's family

The back pages hold factual information, authentic photos from Harlan County as well as a bibliography and picture credits. This was a well-researched project and will be useful for school studies concerning the Depressions. Add to intermediate/middle school and public libraries where librarians can give to readers of historical fiction and to those who love works by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wiechman, Kathy Cannon

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Calkins Creek (Highlights)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781639794518

Price: 17.95

The White House: A Pop-Up of Our Nation's Home

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

It is difficult to evaluate this pop-up book as it appears to be two books. Sabuda's paper craft work is original and exciting; the White House comes to life as the interior and exterior jump on to the page. The use of string is outstanding on the first page where the North Face of the White House is being constructed. There is a problem however when readers attempt to view the Oval Office; the side panels do not work effectively. The poem written by Richard Watson Gilder is rather dreary for young readers but would be useful in a middle school environment. This book would work better for children if there were more facts. Families and schools planning to tour the White House would appreciate this book. Collectors of paper craft books will want to purchase The White House but libraries might pass.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sabuda, Robert

Illustrator: Sabuda, Robert

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545540896

Price: 20.99

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

Twentieth Anniversary Edition

Lilly loves school! She loves the pointy pencils and squeaky chalk, and most of all, Lilly loves her teacher, Mr. Slinger. At home, she even pretends to be Mr. Slinger when she plays school. Lilly loves school! That is until one morning when Lilly comes to school especially excited with some new special things to share: movie star sunglasses, three quarters and a purple plastic purse. Lilly really can’t wait to show everyone her new treasures, but Mr. Slinger repeatedly tells Lilly “not now” and then ends up taking them away. Lilly lets her anger get the better of her and she draws a picture of her “BIG FAT MEAN MR. STEALING TEACHER!” and slips it into his bag. When Lilly gets her purple plastic purse back at the end of the school day, she finds a kind note from Mr. Slinger inside. Lilly regrets her actions and must figure out how to apologize to her teacher. Henkes fantastic illustrations, in watercolor paints and black pen, as well as his clever use of panels and dialogue keep the reader enthralled. This twentieth anniversary edition includes a foreword by Kevin Henkes. This book would be a great addition to a Kevin Henkes author study, a welcome to school read-aloud or a story time about classroom rules. Recommended for pre-K - 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henkes, Kevin

Illustrator: Henkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062424198

Price: 17.99

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

Another of the "Sing Along With Me!" series.

The well-known song is presented on board book pages with moveable illustrations. Children can insert their finger into a ring to raise and lower the cow's head or rock the horse, pull tabs to reveal hidden animals, or rotate a wheel to show animals running. The sans serif font is clear, and may inspire new readers to try their hand at reading.

The digital illustrations use soft colors and are child friendly. The farmer is a dog wearing overalls; typical farm scenery such as a scarecrow, cornfields and a tractor are shown. Additional animals are depicted besides the ones specifically mentioned in the four verses, enabling families to continue singing.

Children may be confused by some pages. It is only by sliding the tab that the pig is seen, and the sheep are small figures interspersed with other animals on a rotating wheel.

Although the moveable pieces themselves are thick, the actual top layer of the page in which the moveable part is set is thin and could easily be torn.

Best used in a one-on-one situation, this interactive book will appeal to children desiring a tactile interaction with their book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Huang, Yu-hsuan

Illustrator: Huang, Yu-hsuan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow LTD

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763686529

Price: 8.99

Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

Reprint of the 2000 title with new color by Jose Garibaldi.

The nefarious Professor Poopypants has infiltrated Jerome Horwitz Elementary School. Laughed at because of his name, he gets revenge by shrinking the entire school with his Shrinky-Pig 2000 invention, and forces everyone to take new names using his own formula. George and Harold, aka Fluffy and Cheeseball, activate Captain Underpants, aka Buttercup Chickenfanny, to save the day. Children will love the irreverence of the names.

The drawings are the same as the original version, but are now filled with bold color, making some of the pranks played by George and Harold easier to discern. Drawings on every page break up the text, which will reduce the stress of struggling readers.

In this age of increasing awareness of the need for diverse books, it is nice that George, an African American boy, is introduced as the "kid with the tie and the flat-top," while Harold, who is white, is introduced as the "kid with the T-shirt and bad haircut," (p. 11) and that George is the brains of the operation.

A table of contents called "Chapters," "Fun Facts," and "Professor Poopypants's (sic) Name Change-O-Chart 2000" are new additions. A perennial favorite, libraries will want to update their collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Garibaldi, Jose

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545871877

Price: 9.99

Into the Dim

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

When a time-travel adventure meets a romantic historical novel it has to be a good interaction. As a new author Taylor has delivered an opening punch well worth her entrance into satisfying YA literature. Hope has been sheltered and home schooled by her academic mother, until Mom disappears in an earthquake. Fast forward to Hope's trip to meet relatives in Scotland where she discovers a room of historical costumes and learns the family secret. This background lays a base for an action packed adventure that is well written and full of details about the 12th Century. Taylor provides historic facts, names, and dates that support the action making the reader open to time travel. Although far fetched, the storyline is believable and the characters genuine. Hope's relationship with her cousins and romantic interest are well developed and fresh. At the risk of being a spoiler it is necessary to add that Hope leaves phobias behind as she evolves into a brave, confident young woman.

Add this to middle school and public libraries. Readers will be clamoring for the sequel in spring 2017.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Janet B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544602007

Price: 17.99

The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Teele's middle grade humorous adventure is written in the style of Lemony Snicket. Certainly meeting the youthful characters in a coffin shop is unusual but things normalize as John and Page join a circus and later blow up a bakery. Throughout the book Great-Aunt Beauregard is a constant, both as she shows up looking for the children and in their fear of her arrival.

The author has provided readers with an amusing yet sensitive story about fictional children who are fleeing their fate while searching for a better life. Her young characters are resourceful and cunning. Readers will appreciate the few illustrations. Add to intermediate and middle schools (for reluctant readers) and to public libraries where humor is loved by all readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teele, Elinor

Illustrator: Whitehouse, Ben

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062345103

Price: 16.99

I See and See

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport CommunityLibrary, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

This book is a very early beginner reader and would be suitable for a child learning to read or an adult new to the English language. The vocabulary is limited and the illustrations prompt the reader to the correct words. It is a large format book and the illustrations are very nice. The only words used in the book are I, see, a, dog, truck, man, and and.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Ted

Illustrator: Lewin, Ted

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823435449

Price: 14.95

The Parent Agency: Pick Your Perfect Mom and Dad

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2016

Review

Barry thinks his parents are lame. He wishes that he had a different set of parents that would treat him the way he would like and give him the things he thinks he wants. But when his wish comes true, he begins to think that maybe his parents might not be so bad after all. Barry's reaction to his parents is something that has probably crossed lots of children's minds- what if I had different parents that gave me everything I wanted? Barry gets the chance to find out in this story. However, some of the situations and references Barry comes across will be lost on the intended audience. Still, there is quite a bit of humor in here that young readers will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Baddiel, David

Illustrator: Field, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062405449

Price: 16.99

Saving Montgomery Sole

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Sixteen-year-old Montgomery "Monty" Sole lives with her sister and two moms in a small California town that she finds generally uninspiring. She has two good friends, Thomas and Naoki, and the trio have a Mystery Club at school, where they discuss phenomena such as lucid dreaming and clairvoyance. Monty's internal monologues about her often homophobic, image-focused peers are dotted with genuinely funny observations that balance the expertly depicted rage she feels at those whose cruelty threatens her family and friends. When a hate-spouting evangelist reverend moves to their town and crosses begin appearing on lockers at school, Monty's sense of alienation grows to overwhelming proportions as Tamaki slowly parses out the backstory of the pain caused by her grandparents, who've continually rejected her family. Events come to a head when Monty orders a supposed supernatural ornament online and it seems to cause bad things to happen to those who anger her, creating a moral quandary. Detailed characters with strong relationships that allow them to challenge one another's perceptions make this a tale that will inspire empathy in readers even as they grapple with many of the issues that arise.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tamaki, Mariko

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626722712

Price: 17.99

Green City: How One Community Survived A Tornado and Rebuilt For A Sustainable Future

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

When Greensburg, Kansas was completely devastated by a hurricane in 2007, several of the townspeople ultimately decided to rebuild green. Employing very busy illustrations and informational text, this book explains in some detail the steps taken to construct what the President would eventually deem "A global example of how clean energy can power an entire community." Anyone interested in green energy, sustainability, repurposing and recyling, tornado-proof construction, or environmental science will find this a most interesting and inspiring story. This story is also the ultimate example of taking a horrendous occurrence and turning it into a truly positive and instructional outcome. This reader finds it amusing that GREENsburg, Kansas, has become a GREEN city. Perhaps it was meant to be.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Allan

Illustrator: Drummond, Allan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374379995

Price: 17.99

Minecraft Creator Markus "Notch" Persson

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Grades 3-6

Part of the STEM Trailblazer Bios series.

A general introduction to the creator of the popular Minecraft game. The focus is on his programming skills and jobs in the technical field; only one paragraph presents the fact that he married and divorced, and that his father committed suicide. Stock photos on every page provide interest and break up the text. There are no photos of Persson as a child.

Five "Tech Talk" boxes are interspersed and refer back to three sources. A timeline, source notes, glossary, index and table of contents are included. Books and websites for further information are suggested, including crunchzilla, which will get students coding right away. Although the series is listed as STEM Trailblazers Bios, the additional resources on the Lerner website, www.lerneresource.com, are listed alphabetically under "Trailblazer Biographies" which took awhile to find.

Teachers and students will find this title useful for biography assignments. It will inspire gamers and children interested in computer programming. Children, especially those drawn to programming, will find a hard-working role model.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cornell, Kari

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467795265

Price: 26.65

Owls! Strange and Wonderful

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

Called the "ghost bird", man has had a long relationship with the owl. There are about 240 species of owl. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica, in the tropics to the tundra. They range in size from the elf owl, weighing less than 2 ounces, to the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Blakiston's Fish owl, both weighing some 9 pounds with a wingspan of 5 feet. This is just the beginning of 32 pages filled with the folklore surrounding this bird, the physical characteristics, habitat, how it hunts, how it lives, and how the environment has impacted its survival. Lurence Pringle, no stranger to picture book non fiction has given the reader the facts and fiction with Meryl Henderson supporting the research with detailed illustrations that put the information into art, so the reader can both read and see what makes the owl so special. The book has a detailed glossary, websites and other sources for further study. A great "STEAM" source. It can be paired with any number of picture books about owls, chapter books such as Hoot, Guardians of GaHoole by Kathryn Lasky, Avi's Poppy series, and in mythology where Athena or her Roman counterpart Minerva had a sacred owl.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pringle, Laurence

Illustrator: Henderson, Meryl

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-1-62091-651-3

Price: 16.95

Fancy Nancy: Saturday Night Sleepover

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

When Nancy and JoJo's parents are to be gone overnight, the girls are to spend the night at Mrs. Devine's. This will actually be fun as Mrs. Devine's name fits her well. Nancy has experience with sleepovers, having hosted one the past weekend. However, JoJo has never stayed away from home overnight and Nancy diligently prepares JoJo for the occasion. They pack everything they could possibly need, as well as earmuffs to block out strange noises, JoJo's favorite sandwich cause she is so picky, and a photograph of Mom and Dad to kiss goodnight. To Nancy's astonishment, JoJo falls asleep early and easily, leaving Nancy hearing lots of inexplicable sounds and unable to fall asleep herself. Whatever will be the solution? This new Fancy Nancy is sparkly as all the others and uses fancy words and phrases in humorous fashion so that young readers and listeners will be amused and might learn a little bit along the way without even being aware. Lovers of Fancy Nancy and all things sparkly and girly will fall in love at first sight with this offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jame

Illustrator: Glasser, Robin Preiss

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062269850

Price: 17.99

Absolutely One Thing

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Charlie and Lola are back in this clever story filled with fun, humor and simple math concepts. Mom is going to the store and she tells Charlie and Lola that they may get one thing. “One thing EACH” Charlie asks, “or ONE thing between TWO?” Thus begins Child’s delightful number filled-story. Child fits addition, subtraction, multiplication or division into every page in the form of Charlie trying to figure out how long it took him to get ready to Lola asking Charlie to help her figure out how many socks “fifty or twenty-seventeen” ladybugs would need. Child’s illustrations, created in her trademark style with various fonts, bright colors, and collage, add to the festive mood of the story. A great addition to a classroom collection of math picture books, recommended for pre-K - 2nd grade. First published in Great Britain in 2015 by Orchard Books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Child, Lauren

Illustrator: Child, Lauren

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763687281

Price: 17.99

This is the Earth

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

In this non fiction picture book, author Diane Shore introduces young readers to our earth and how man's actions, be they well intentioned or not, have affected the environment. With simple rhyming text, she speaks to the reader of what can happen if we think of only ourselves and what is good for us, without first thinking through the consequences of or actions on the earth we share. Wendall Minor's soft, vivid illustrations show the reader how the earth has been hurt by man's carelessness. shore offers some suggestion's what we can do to repair some of the damage. Use this as an introduction to units on the environment - the Earth book by Parr, On Earth by Karas, the Earth and I by Asch, Fuzzy Mudd by Sacher, Chernobyl Wild Kingdom:Life in the Dead Zone by Rebecca Johnson, books about Wangari Maathai, and One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shore, Diane

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978-006-05526-9

Price: 17.99

Paloma

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Paloma is the third installment in Cynthia Lord’s Shelter Pet Squad series. Animal enthusiast, Suzannah joins her fellow Shelter Pet Squad members who volunteer at the local animal shelter one Saturday morning to hear a surprise: the shelter is getting six Sato puppies from Puerto Rico. The squad excitedly gets ready to meet the puppies by making dog beds and preparing the pens. After the dogs arrive, the squad members get to know the dogs as they help them adjust to the shelter. Suzannah immediately falls in love adorable Paloma, a tan chihuahua-mix puppy. Knowing that she can’t keep Paloma for herself, Suzannah sets out help find her a home. Lord’s use of easy vocabulary and clear sentences as well as an interesting and relatable storyline make this series perfect for students transitioning into chapter books and pet lovers alike. Endearing and sweet, Shelter Pet Squad inspires children to make a positive difference in their communities as well as properly care for their pets. Lord has added a fun and useful extra features section at the end of the book that includes: Fast facts about dogs, Ways you can help Shelter Animals. Caring for a pet, two pet related crafts, Shelter Pet Squad Pledge and a note from the author. Recommended for animal loving 2nd-4th graders.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lord, Cynthia

Illustrator: McGuire, Erin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545636032

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Shape Shift

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Shapes are a part of our everyday life. Once you become aware of the the curvy, straight,pointy shapes around you-you see them everywhere. After introducing the reader to 9 shapes, two children put the 9 together in various forms and ask the reader what they see. Perhaps it is a triangle and a semi circle become a ballerina. Take those same two shapes, rearrange them and add some circles and you might see an elephant being carried away by balloons. Clean, soft illustrations engage the reader and test their imagination. This is a picture book for those readers who already know their basic shapes and are looking for something a bit more advanced. It is a book one could to use to introduce geometry at its basic level. add it to your STEM list.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hesselberth, Joyce

Illustrator: same, same

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627790574

Price: 16.99

The Philippines

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport CommunityLibrary, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

This book is a short introduction to the country of the Philippines. I learned that the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands. Large photographs accompany the limited text. It would be interesting to a young child who is interested in learning about other countries, but not substantial enough for an older child who needed facts for a report.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Longworth, Holly

Illustrator: , photographs

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627248556

Price: 26.60

Nate Likes to Skate

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport CommunityLibrary, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

This book would be suitable for a child who is learning to read. There is a little story about 2 friends who seem to not be getting along at first. Nate wants to ride his skate board and Kate makes hats. Nate tells Kate that he doesn't like her hat. He then apologizes to her and in the end both Nate and Kate are skateboarding and wearing hats. It's difficult to write a story using limited vocabulary but this story is cute and the illustrations complement the story well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Degan, Bruce

Illustrator: Degan, Bruce

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House, inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434565

Price: 14.95

The Mouse Who Reached the Sky

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Little mouse is back! In an earlier story, he thought a piece of the moon had fallen to earth only to be told it was a banana. In this tale,Little Mouse sees what he believes is a red marble hanging from a tree. Not being able to reach it himself, he enlists the help of his friends who work together to solve the problem. their reward, lots of cherries! Signature Horacek illustrations, big and bright tell mouse's story to the youngest readers and support the text for our early readers, This is a welcome addition to a unit on friendship, fruits, or co-operation. Look for more of Little Mouse adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: same, same

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679163

Price: 16.99

Hillary Clinton the Life of a Leader

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport CommunityLibrary, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

This book is written for children in grades 1 to 3. There is quite a bit of text, but there are illustrations on most pages and double spacing to make it easier to read by a young reader. It is a biography with an emphasis on how Hillary Clinton was a leader from an early age. It outlines her early years with her family, her time in college, as First Lady, Secretary of State, and presidential candidate. I think Hillary Clinton would approve of how she is portrayed in this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Corey, Shana

Illustrator: Gustavson, Adam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House step into reading

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101932353

Price: 3.99

I love My Bunny

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

I love my Bunny is an endearing Lovemeez series title which displays proper etiquette and social behavior. During a tea party Anna and Bunny set the table before sharing a special treat. By joining forces they clean the table and wash the dishes. The attitude is upbeat and positive even when performing task. The bond between Anna and Bunny will be visual to toddlers as they touch and sniff their way through the limited pages.

The illustrations include lots of detailed patterns (on Anna’s clothing, the table setting and the couch) which will attract adult attention. Toddlers will be most delighted with the variety of sensory experiences included. Gift this to your favorite little one and purchase for board book collections at the public library.

Lovemeez Book Series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Church, Caroline Jayne

Illustrator: Church, Caroline Jayne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545835961

Price: 7.99

Learning about Antarctica

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Students will find this slim text in the Searchlight Books Do You Know the Continents series, interesting. There are two maps included that show the various research bases set up by many countries conducting climate research. Offered primarily for topic study this book does include information related to history, tourism, economy, and animal life. One page is devoted to “women in Antarctica”. Beyond class assigned research topic, this book will get perused because it highlights the bottom of the earth. Those who love winters will especially enjoy looking at all the photographs of snow and ice. The photos depict life on this barren continent. Brightly colored text boxes highlight information and pose questions to the reader. The back pages include a glossary and suggestions of books as well as websites. An index and photo acknowledgements complete the package.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petersen, Christine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467780230

Price: 29.32

Ideas are All Around

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2016

Review

An author can't think of anything to write about so he take his dog, Wednesday, for a walk through his neighborhood. As they walk he reflects on different people, animals and things that he sees. He greets Frank, the turtle; reflects on a sunflower that he planted as a seed; imagines where the passengers on a train are going, contemplates a sign, and stops to have coffee with his old friend, Barbara. When he shares his dilemma with Barbara, she brings the reader to the inescapable conclusion, “I wouldn’t worry about it.” she says “Ideas are all around.” Though the story seems like the random thoughts of the author as he is wanders through his neighborhood, Stead cleverly uses his illustrations to keep the reader focused on each object or person that he encounters as each idea sparks the beginning of a story. Stead’s unique illustrations, using monoprint techniques and collage with a font that looks like it came from a typewriter, are simple. Each illustration is laid out on a stark white background, keeping the reader's focus on each object as he sees it. A perfect mentor text for helping young writers to see the potential of finding ideas all around. Recommended for writing teachers and students in grades 3-5.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip C.

Illustrator: Stead, Philip C.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626721814

Price: 18.99

Claudia and Mean Janine

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Claudia and Mean Janine is the fourth book in The Baby-Sitters Club (Graphic Novels) based on the series The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin. As with the other books in the series, Claudia and Mean Janine focuses on one of the members of the baby-sitters club. Claudia, the club’s artistic and dreamy vice president, is tired of being compared with her brainy older sister, Janine. Why can’t her parents appreciate her for who she is, and why can’t Janine stop making her feel so dumb. To make tensions worse, Claudia’s grandmother, Mimi, the rock that everyone in the family relies upon, has a stroke. Now Claudia and her sister must put their fighting aside and each use their own talents to help Mimi to get better. Interspersed with Claudia’s story are the meetings and events of the baby-sitters club. It is summer vacation, so the club decides to hold a playgroup for the neighborhood children. This makes for a silly, wet and wacky summer for the baby-sitters club.

Alternating between half and full page spreads as well as the use of traditional panels, Telgemeier’s brightly colored and deceptively simple drawings capture the characters moods and feeling perfectly. Telgemeier concludes the book with a chapter about how she adapted Ann M. Martin’s series to create graphic novels. Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Smile and Sisters will love this series. Recommended for 4th - 6th graders.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Telgemeier, Raina

Illustrator: Telgemeier, Raina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545886239

Price: 24.99

Frankencrayon

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Michael Hall, author of Red: A Crayon’s Story, is back with another amusing story starring crayons. In this funny, Halloween-themed tale, Frankencrayon the picture book has been cancelled. Pencil, the stage manager, explains what has happened. The crayon cast and crew have set the stage, donned their costumes and learned their line when suddenly the lights go out! When they are turned back on the crayons are horrified to see a scribble that runs across two-pages. The crew tries to make it better by scribbling over it but the scribble just gets bigger until the scribble is out of control and the whole picture book needs to be cancelled! The down-hearted cast and crew leave, forgetting to tell Frankencrayon, who is patiently waiting for his entrance on page 22. When Frankencrayon (made up from three crayons) appears, they are startled to find everyone gone. Frankencrayon soon solves the problem of the giant scribble and saves the picture book! The sheer simplicity of Halls brightly colored illustrations, a combination of digital art and colored crayon drawings and cut paper, add to the fun of this book. More crayon-related silliness for those who enjoyed The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. A great addition to a Halloween story time or a lesson on taking care of library books. Recommended for pre-K - 2nd grade

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hall, Michael

Illustrator: Hall, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062252111

Price: 17.99

The Final Kingdom

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2016

Review

In this fifth and final book of the Tombquest series, twelve-year-old Alex, his friend Renata, and cousin Luke continue to search for the Book of Spells that the evil members of The Order acquired during the cliff-hanging ending of the previous book. Readers will want to start at the beginning of this series for some character development, as this final installment only provides non-stop action until the ending of the adventure. As The Order grows in power over Cairo, the world and the afterlife, Alex, Ren and Luke must return to the afterlife in search of the spells. It becomes clear that the power of the ancient Egyptian gods themselves will be the force that the children need to repair the rift and keep the barrier between life and the afterlife from disappearing. Northrop creates scenes similar to current apocalyptic movies where Cairo is a smoking, burned out wasteland filled with walking mummies and death walkers. The formulaic plot for this final installment provides a satisfying, action-packed ending for fans of the series. Give this series to future Riordan fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545871112

Price: 16.99

Good Night, Truck

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2016

Review

Who can resist the personification of all things mobile? Truck, Tractor, Digger, Rocket and Boat work hard during the day and are ready for bedtime at day's end. This rhyming story is perfect as a read-aloud and the expressive, colorful illustrations complement the text well. Little boys, in particular, will like this offering. Hopefully this tale will prompt those reluctant at bedtime to settle down more easily, perhaps with a favorite truck or other vehicle with which to snuggle.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Odgers, Sally

Illustrator: McKenzie, Heath

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250070197

Price: 16.99

Mighty Truck

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2016

Review

Clarence is normally a dirty truck, but when his boss insists that he hit the truck wash and a thunder storm comes through, something magical happens and Clarence exits clean, shiny, and powerful. In other words, totally unrecognizable. Much like Clark Kent exiting the phone booth, Clarence has become a super charged superhero truck. He saves the day many times over but, once he is dirty again, returns to plain old Clarence, which he finds he much prefers. The town of Axleburg, filled with all sorts of truck traffic, is portrayed as a busy and colorful metropolis. Any little one that loves all things mobile will enjoy this offering.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Cummings, Troy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062344786

Price: 17.99

More-igami

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2016

Review

Lots of youngsters seem to love origami. In this offering, young Joey is enamored of everything that folds, from tacos to maps, to his accordion and his foldaway bed. When he is introduced to origami, he goes origami-crazy, folding everything he can get his hands on. It takes practice and patience, lots of both. It is more difficult than it looks. At Muy Mexicana he perfects folding cloth napkins into more and more intricate shapes. The illustrations are soft and expressive and help to make sense of the text, should a youngster be struggling. Instructions for folding an origami ladybug are included. This is fitting for libraries of all types, as ladybugs are a symbol of literacy. I would recommend this for anyone interested in this Japanese art form.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kleber, Dori

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668198

Price: 15.99

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Children

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 12, 2016

Review

In rhyming sing-along text, to the tune of "Ten little indians" this book celebrates that though families throughout the world may be different in their cultures, their skin color, their religion, and on myriad other levels, families are also much the same. Mommies and daddies are loving, wise, playful, strong. They provide loving homes for their children, be they stick-built, apartments, mobile homes or even teepees. This is a joyful book that will instill in children the fact that we are diverse on so many levels but much the same on the most important level. We are loving families. We are truly a universal, global family. The illustrations are very soft, pastel, and show the varied, multi-cultural families that people the earth and the different environments and homes in which we live. This will make a good read-aloud or sing-along choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DiPucchio, Kelly

Illustrator: Lundquist, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062348661

Price: 17.99

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Perry is in prison- not because he committed a crime but because his mom did. He lives there as a foster child while his mom serves her time. He is happy there and so is his mom. But when a new district attorney comes to town, he doesn't like the set up at all and is going to do everything he can to change it and make Perry's life better, even if Perry disagrees. This is a really different story. The life Perry leads in the prison and the friends he makes in the prison are wonderful. Sometimes I did feel that, even though I loved the idea of the story, the prisoners and the way they were all so friendly and got along and liked Perry, seemed pretty unreal. Plus, Perry was just so understanding of the annoying district attorney that it got kind of frustrating. Still, the story is interesting and thought provoking- what if children could live with their parents in minimum security prisons?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Connor, Leslie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062333469

Price: 16.99

The Deadly 7

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Nelson's sister gets kidnapped. By accident, Nelson unleashes the 7 deadly sins that live within him as monsters. His monsters convince Nelson that he can rescue his sister with their help, and so the adventures begins. There are fun drawings throughout that add to the humor. The monsters, even though they seem scary at first are silly and have some great jokes. The kidnapping is serious and there are some suspenseful moments but there is plenty of humor to lighten up the story. This is a really fun read, with a bit of suspense and some action packed fight scenes that are sure to keep readers wanting to read until the end (and laughing while they do).

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jennings, Garth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250052759

Price: 13.99

The Big Dark

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

A massive solar flare coincides with a loss of electricity in the town of Harmony, New Hampshire and the surrounding areas. People in the town start to become frightened and begin to wonder how they will survive which is the type of mentality the Bragg family is hoping for. The Bragg's believe the U.S. government is corrupt and that the outage is the government's doing. The Braggs try are going to take control of everyone and everything, even if that means using brute force with deadly weapons. This book is part sci-fi and part survival. The main character Charlie is very realistic. The thoughts he has are honest and readers will understand why he does what he does, even if it isn't always the smartest thing to do. The way Webster Bragg, the antagonist in this story, acts and thinks is not unreal but it was too extreme for this story, it just didn’t fit. Still, this book has some great survival scenes and fast-paced action that will appeal to readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Philbrick, Rodman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545789752

Price: 17.99

Among a Thousand Fireflies

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 1, 2016

Review

A beautiful tale of two fireflies seeking each other in the dark among thousands of other fireflies. (An end-note explains how the male and female fireflies are seeking flashes that are in sync.) It is the simplicity of the tale and the brief but captivating poem that make this book so alluring. The team of Frost and Lieder (creators of STEP GENTLY OUT and SWEEP UP THE SUN)have again exquisitely explored the natural world and the small creatures that live around us - and are often taken for granted. The photos are stunning - and the harmony of words and photos is absolute. The design of the book also adds so much.

The end-note is very informative.

As Lieder says on the book jacket flap:"Watching fireflies, we see sparks of magic come to life." Readers will long for a summer's night to go out and gaze at the fireflies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: Lieder, Rick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676421

Price: 15.99

How Do Formula One Race Cars Work?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 24, 2016

Review

This book on Formula One race cars will appeal to young readers who are interested in cars and racing. How do these cars go so fast? And how are drivers kept safe? This engaging book will answer these questions and detail just how formula one race cars work. The pages are filled with photos of race cars and their individual parts that make them move. The text that accompanies each photo is clearly written at an age appropriate level.The format is visually appealing with brightly colored pages and interesting photos of the cars, drivers, racetracks and parts of the car. Call-outs on the photographs work well providing additional information. A simple diagram of a race car and a page of fun facts round out the book. A glossary and a further reading page, along with a free download of complimentary educational resources, are also included. Readers who enjoy this book may also be interested in the other books in the How Vehicles Work series that include books on big rigs, fire trucks, monster trucks, tanks and trains. A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Silverman, Buffy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467795036

Price: 19.99

Willow's Smile

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2016

Review

Picture day is tomorrow at school and Willow is worried about her smile. She seems to be able to smile under many circumstances but, when a camera appears, her smile just disappears. Whatever will she do? When the big day arrives, one of her classmates has forgotten all about the occasion and has worn nothing special, but Willow helps her out by lending one of her hair ribbons. The photographer asks Willow to assist in helping to make her classmates smile. She is a success in this endeavor, but when it is her turn, her smile evaporates. Will Willow's picture include a frown? The illustrations employ plenty of white space, expressive faces, and simple figures of children and grown-ups. It these days of social media when children's smiles are plastered all over the Internet, this will be a good story for camera-shy little ones.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Button, Lana

Illustrator: Howells, Tania

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771385497

Price: 16.95

My Little Sister And Me

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2016

Review

For the first time ever, a brother has been asked to walk his little sister home from the bus stop. He takes this seriously and is surprised by how difficult this feat is to accomplish. His little sister picks up lots of gross stuff, she misses her teddy bear, she needs a bathroom, she chases a huge dog, she is afraid of the squirrels and she falls into a mud puddle and then a thunderstorm erupts. Will they ever get home? This is a lovely story about siblings taking care of one another and learning to appreciate one another. The illustrations are simple and adorable, using lots of white space and complementing the text nicely. This is a good choice for celebrating siblings and their special relationships.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lam, Maple

Illustrator: Lam, Maple

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062396976

Price: 17.99

Where Do Steam Trains Sleep At Night?

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 26, 2016

Review

Steam engines work hard all day but where do they sleep at night? In rhyming text and with expressive Mommy trains and baby trains under sleepy night-time skies, this book explains where and how steam trains sleep after the long day's tasks are done. The text works very well as a read-aloud and a smiling little mouse in a conductor's cap appears in every picture. Children who love trains, and what kids don't, will enjoy this tale and, perhaps, be more willing to embrace bedtime once they know that trains everywhere do the same.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sayres, Brianna Caplan

Illustrator: Slade, Christian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553520989

Price: 16.99

The Two Tims

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 26, 2016

Review

Little blonde Tim and little brown-haired Tim are very best friends and will be forever. They go everywhere together and do everything together. Then Tom comes along and havoc ensues. Tom likes to do certain things that blonde Tim enjoys but brown-haired Tim does not and vice versa. Neither Tim knows how to swim and Tom endeavors to teach them both. Will they ever be able to all get along together? You will have to read this tale all the way to the end to find out. At the conclusion of the story, a fourth child appears, leaving the reader to wonder how the friendships and situation might evolve. The illustrations are soft and pastel, using lots of white space. This story might be especially good for children trying to widen their circle of friends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: Alborozo, Gabriel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672645

Price: 15.99

Baa Baa Smart Sheep

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 26, 2016

Review

Little Baa Baa is a bored sheep. When Quirky Turkey comes along, Little Baa Baa decides to play a joke on him. He convinces Quirky Turkey that the pile of poo are actually individual smarty- tablets that are free to turkeys only and that these tablets will make Quirky more intelligent. All he has to do is eat them. Gullible as turkeys are, Quirky falls for this ploy and finds out that these tablets that do actually smell and look like poo also taste like poo. They are poo! Little Baa Baa exclaims, "Yes, they are poo. See, you are smarter already." Employing neutral illustrations and comic-like word bubbles, some children will see what is coming. Some parents, teachers or librarians may think that the topic of poo is a no-no, but others might find this slightly inappropriate story quite amusing. Buyers should be aware before purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sommerset, Mark

Illustrator: Sommerset, Rowan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680664

Price: 14.00

Blue Lily, Lily Blue

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 26, 2016

Review

A wonderful writer, Stiefvater made this third installment of the Raven Cycle series eventful and thought provoking. Blue is an intuitive and strong minder young woman who has befriended a group of young men in this powerful fantasy series. Individual goals vary but the connection between characters holds them bound to each other and moves the story beyond magic and fantasy. Alive or dead the characters are the key to this series success.

This title does not stand alone well; not having read the first two books in the series made the storyline hard to follow. In addition it is worth noting the paperback binding is to tight making the cover and pages bulge. Add hardcover editions of the series to public and upper school libraries.

Series: The Raven Cycle

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545424974

Price: 9.99

The Wheels on the Bus

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

This addition to the Sing Along With ME series will delight a new generation of toddlers. Little fingers can easily turn the thick pages and operate the slides and wheels. Caregivers and parents can access the lyrics via technology by using the QR code. The illustrations have a Richard Scarry appearance and offer lots to look at.

Libraries who collect interactive board books should consider this edition. Sing Along With Me titles make good baby gifts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crow, Nosy

Illustrator: Huang, Yu-hsuan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763686482

Price: 8.99

The Perfect Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

A young girl has been told that she can get a dog. Now she knows exactly what to look for so she will get the perfect dog. She goes through a litany of superlatives from size to hair and speed to snuggliness. The pages are a joy to young dog lovers as dogs in all shapes and sizes are illustrated - pulis, poodles, pugs and more. The pages are bare except for the girl and the dogs - making the dogs the center of attention. The adjectives are illustrated with different fonts, types, and text sizes. This is not a new idea but it is sweet and charming. And ultimately the dog chooses the girl!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Malley, Kevin

Illustrator: O'Malley, Kevin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101934418

Price: 17.99

A Hole in the Wall

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

Four African animals see things very differently in this story loosely based on a Mark Twain fable (included at the end of the book.) The wild dog looks inside a hole in a wall and sees another wild dog. He runs to tell his friends lion, warthog and elephant. Each of the animals take turns looking in the hole - returning to state the others were wrong each sees its own species. Finally they return to the hole together and find that they were all correct as they are looking in a mirror. The illustrations are cartoon-like and the feelings of the animals are clearly shown in their facial expressions (anger,surprise, happiness.) The text is large and clear for reading aloud - and some words are in different colors to highlight them. This would probably be a fun story to have the children act out.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilhelm, Hans

Illustrator: Wilhelm, Hans

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435357

Price: 16.95

Treat

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

A smell wafting over a sleeping dog awakens him and sends him on a search for a "treat." He finds a young child eating cereal and watches hopefully until the last piece is popped into the child's mouth. The dog moves onto another child with a hotdog - but again fails to get a "treat." At this point the canine is determined to get a treat by some means but only finds a boy drawing, a woman sleeping and a man brushing his teeth. The baby's bottle might be a possibility but it is out of reach. Then he hears a voice calling the word he cherishes: TREAT - but it is a false alarm there are only toys in his dish. Sadly he goes to his bed and dreams of elusive treats until they take a nightmarish turn. He awakens to voices calling treat and he investigates to find that the two girls have created a treat just for him. The cartoon-like illustrations are so expressive - and move the action along at a perfect speed. The text is a repetition of the one word - "TREAT" Fonts, type size, word bubble shapes and punctuation perfectly create the humor, energy and imagination that moves this tale of desire to its tasty end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sullivan, Mary

Illustrator: Sullivan, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544472709

Price: 14.99

What This Story Needs is a Hush and a Shush

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

The adorable pig with a wig is back in a rhyming bedtime tale that is sure to keep little readers amused.

After preparing for bedtime, the little pig is snuggled in with her teddy bear and ready to sleep. But, when all her barnyard friends want to join her in bed, the peaceful night is over. With clucks, and honks to neighs and hisses, it is not long before it is time for a hush and a shush! The brightly colored illustrations using charcoal sketches painted digitally are spot on. The drawings of the characters are simplistic yet very expressive. Young listeners can be engaged in matching up the sounds made by the animals with the corresponding pictures as the story is told.

The simple text is perfect for beginner readers and at the same time works very well as a read-aloud for all. A satisfying ending wraps up the story and brings a smile to all.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Virjan, Emma

Illustrator: Virjan, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062415288

Price: 9.99

Mary Jemison Native American captive

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

An excellent historical fiction chapter book that recounts the true story of Mary Jemison who at the age of 15 was captured by a band of French and Shawnee warriors. The story draws you in right from the start. At times tragic, this suspenseful account will have readers eagerly following Mary's journey with the Indians. Readers will empathize with Mary's struggles of being torn between two worlds. Throughout the book there are numerous maps, B&W illustrations, and photographs that add a greater depth to the story. The back pages include an epilogue, author's note and very helpful glossary. Containing many Seneca words and explanation of various treaties, the glossary is an important section to reference. The writing feels authentic and realistic. This book is one of the strongest in the "Based on a True Story" series. A strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Abbott, E.

Illustrator: Hansen, Clint

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250068385

Price: 15.99

One Hundred Bones

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 30, 2016

Review

Scruff loves to dig - and he does it all of the time. But unlike the other dogs - he didn't have a color, never got brushed and had no human to care for him. Because everyone gets after him about his digging - he takes off for the countryside and digs to his heart's content. There he makes a huge find BONES - too many to dig up alone. He gets the help of his non-digging friends by mentioning "bones" - and they dig up 100 bones. Of course the bones are the skeleton of a dinosaur - the dogs bring the bones to the Natural History Museum where they soon are the basis of a new display "the most ferocious dinosaur ever found." All ends happily as Scruff now has a human (the professor at the museum!) and can still go off on big digs. The illustrations show the very expressive dogs - humans are only legs. There are clues that the story takes place in London in the illustrations - lion, double-decker bus, Natural History Museum, the Queen and her corgis (or dorgis)- but most of that will be lost on the young readers. But it doesn't matter as they will care most about Scruff.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zommer, Yuval

Illustrator: Zommer, Yuval

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681838

Price: 16.99

Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

An suspenseful account of Sybil Ludington's brave ride in the night to deliver an important message that an entire new nation is depending on. Can this young girl make her way successfully, alone in the dark, to muster the militia for a key battle? This book is part of the "Based on true story" series that features real children who lived through challenging times in American history. Throughout the book there are numerous maps, B&W illustrations, and drawings that add a great depth to the story. Also included is an epilogue and author's note. Of particular interest, is the sample of the secret code embedded in what appears to be a sweet love note. Double agents, military intrigue along with the everyday hardships that a family must endure during troubled times are all part of the story. A strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Abbott, E.

Illustrator: Hensen, Clint

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250068361

Price: 18.50

A Totally Awkward Love Story

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

This British import provides a hilarious and frequently raunchy look at the awkwardness that Hannah (grape girl) and Sam (toilet boy cinderella) experience as they discover, in a hit-and-miss fashion, that they are each other's "lobsters" or mate for life. While they each wait for results of their senior exams that dictate which college they will attend, they pursue house parties, weekend getaways and a Woodstock type concert venue with their group of respective friends. Losing their virginity before college is everyone's main focus as first encounters, mistaken identities, painful rejections, tested loyalties and random coincidental meetings provide the humor reminiscent of a teen Bridget Jones via Judy Blume mashup. Successfully, Ivison pens Hannah's narrative and Ellen pens Sam's in alternating sequence throughout the book creating a seamless read. Some readers choosing the book for the pink, light romance looking cover may be surprised at the sexual frankness and teen drug usage found inside. Suggested for mature High School readers and New Adults.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

and Lucy Ivison, Tom Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press//Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553537321

Price: 17.99

Grumpy Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

At first glance, this reviewer was delighted to see this picture book title re-issued as a board book. Grumpy bird is exactly that when he first gets up so he decides to walk instead of fly. As he passes each of his friends, he must explain why he is walking. The problem is solved when grumpy bird notices that all his friends are following and a game of imitate results. The illustrations in this smaller, compact version are bright and show the busyness of the mixed media background. Most two page spreads are four lines of text which may or may not be tolerated by the very young. The story has provided an interactive element for story times for the past few years in the picture book form, but the smaller board book version does not translate well to a larger group. Suggested for the older board book readers due to the busy backgrounds and the dense weight of the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545871822

Price: 6.99

Finding Wild

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2016

Review

It's hiding, can you find it? The wild world is out there hiding, just waiting to be found. Even in a city. The two young children in this story are in the city and discover that nature/wild is out there just waiting to be discovered by taking a closer look. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book will engage your senses to relish the wide range of beauty that can be found in nature. Hot to cold, smooth to rough, soft to tough and calm versus windy, the secrets of nature are revealed and felt in unexpected and unlikely locations. The illustrations that are done in watercolor, colored pencils and finished digitally are detailed and colorful. The text is poetic and descriptive. The text is full of questions to be answered along with directions given on how "wild" can be found. A timely story that encourages children to explore and look for nature no matter where they live. All around an uplifting and worthy book to add to any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd, Megan

Illustrator: Halpin, Abigail

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781101932810

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Weather Math

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

Each chapter presents a new problem that is based on various weather conditions. For instance in the real life situation of a you girl who is out on the lacrosse field is wondering if her team will get their game in that afternoon. With questions, situation statements and an explanation of Flash to Bang the reader learns how to figure out how far away an approaching storm is. Each chapter has the answer explained in the back of the book. I think kids - especially 3rd and 4th graders will find this an interesting book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Marsico, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467718868

Price: 26.99

Why is Seawater Salty?

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

Clearly and simply written and illustrated so that kids can easily understand why our oceans are salty. Each example / explanation has great information, is well illustrated and is easy to follow. This is a great book for that young inquisitive mind!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781943553228

Price: 23.93

Junk Re-Thunk

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

This is a great book with great ideas for use in programming in the library to using at home on a snowy / rainy day. From recycling milk cartons into tractors, or dinosaurs. There are all kinds of uses for old TP rolls from creating a cycle racing car to making an Octopus! Many hours of fun for all ages! Plus a great way to show kids how to recycle an assortment of materials they would normally throw away, and have fun doing it!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yanish, Brian

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christ Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt & Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791335

Price: 12.99

My Brother is a Robot Book 1 - The Experiment

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

So at first glance I thought this would be a great early reader book. That is until I got in to reading it and discovered numerous mis use of wording, and poor story writing. For example the character Shawn is saying to himself "One on hand, I could....",(should say "On the one hand" the next sentence says "One the other hand....." and should say "On the other hand". How can I give this book to child who is developing their reading skills? So although the lesson presented in the story of not cheating in school and friendships, and siblings is a good one, I not sure that this book will make it on our bookshelves.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Ronan, Amanda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scobre Educational

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629204956

Price: 27.99

Haggis and Tank Unleashed - Digging for Dinos

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2016

Review

This is the story of 2 friends who happen to be dogs. Tank is reading a book and decides that she would like to go on a dinosaur hunt. Haggis try's to explain that dinosaurs no longer roam the earth, but in the end agrees to go on the adventure. This is a well illustrated story - works a bit like a graphic novel because of the word bubbles for Haggis and Tank's dialog, but also has a story line to it. It's a nice early reader story, though some children may struggle with the dialog boxes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Young, Jessica

Illustrator: Burks, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches / Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545818896

Price: 15.99

Tree

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2016

Review

A cleverly designed peek-through picture book that will engage young readers from the start. Although there are many books that cover the seasons, this book surely stands out with its unusual format. Beginning in the winter season, with an adorable owl peeking out through the cutout, various animals appear and disappear on each page as the season’s change. The foliage on the tree, along with the forest on the page, also change throughout the year. The illustrations are vibrant and full of interesting details. The same tree appears on every page but it is never the same due to the variations of animals, insects, colors, and foliage as the seasons change. Children will pour over each page to see what is added or taken away and how the colors are changing. A fantastic book for a read-aloud. A great addition to the classroom for use as a teaching tool on the seasons. Also, a special book for read-alouds or for a cozy bedtime story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday books for young readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781101932421

Price: 14.99

The Notebook of Doom: Rumble of the Coaster Ghost

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2016

Review

This silly wild series is about Alexander Bopp and his friends Rip and Nikki and the adventures and mysteries they work to solve. In previous stories they have all created the SSMP (super secret monster patrol). In this story the kids go on a field trip to an amusement park where they seem to run into ghosts & monsters and work to fight them off. These are amusing stories that are great for the early reader and the reluctant reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cummings, Troy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches / Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545864985

Price: 15.99

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs, retired librarian - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

First, there is the pleasing writing style, direct, often funny, and full of details about insects, microscopes, brothers and sisters, teen romances, threesomes, bullies. Second, there is not a lot of plot in this story of a best friendship between a girl named Cody who is white and Spencer, a boy who is black and living with his grandmother right around the corner. There is spying on neighbors, on grownups, the opening of a new school year, being bitten by yellow jackets, listening to how a violin sounds when it is played well, when bullies need to be confronted. The book is also full of both wise remarks, most are about friendship, and amusing pen and ink drawings. The book is recommended to middle-grade readers of both sexes who aren't in too much of a hurry to read carefully all of the story's one hundred and thirty seven pages and maybe discover some of those mysteries of the universe.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: Wheeler, Eliza

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763658588

Price: 14.99

Crossing Niagara: The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2016

Review

With his realistic, gentle watercolor illustrations, Matt Tavares truly delivers in this spectacular picture book biography of the great Blondin.

Jean Francois Gravelet was a French child circus acrobat who later in life became known as The Great Blondin, a famous stuntman. One of his most death-defying acts, was his harrowing tightrope walk across the Niagara River. Matt Tavares brings this adventure to life with his realistic, gentle watercolor illustrations accompanied by engaging text. A gatefold highlights the crazy, over the top antics that Blondin performed as he repeatedly walked across the river during the summers of 1859 and 1860. The close up of the frightened gentleman who rode on Blondin’s back as he walked across the rope is particularly moving. The illustrations done in watercolor, gouache and pencil are so realistic that Blondin’s performance seems just as scary and impossible as it must have been to the hundreds of people who watched this feat firsthand over 150 years ago. An interesting, suspenseful retelling of an amazing performance by the greatest tightrope walker in the whole world. Backpages include an author’s note, selected bibliography and acknowledgment section. A great addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763668235

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 2, 2016

Review

#5 in the Fairyland series.

September's reign appears to be short-lived as the Stoat of Arms declares a Cantankerous Derby to determine the rightful Ruler of Fairyland. The one who brings back the Heart of Fairyland will be her Ruler.

Both Saturday and Blunderbuss convince September to accompany them to their home in search of the Heart of Fairyland. Saturday convinces the sea creatures to accept September, and a cuttlefish gives her a tattoo symbolizing their marriage. Blunderbuss is delighted to learn what it truly means to be a wombat. In a nod to the Wizard of Oz, September calls upon her memories of home when battling the Rex Tyrannosaur. But it is story that is the Heart of Fairyland, and Madame Tanaquill does her best to change the ending of this one.

Exquisite lyrical language will appeal to teachers, yet readers desiring adventure may get bogged down in the lengthy descriptions. Sweet gentle romance is portrayed, but not the focus. Valente's Fairyland has traces of steampunk in it. References to alcohol and tobacco may offend some readers. Best for those who have read the whole series and know the back story of each character. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Valente, Catherynne M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250023513

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Case of the Feathered Mask Book 4

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs, retired librarian - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

Twelve year old Maisie enjoys using her detective skills. Living in her grandmother's boarding house in 19th century London gives Maisie many opportunities to do just that. Book 4 of this series has Maisie in search of the thief of a rare mask from the Amazon rain forest and the story can be read independently of the three that preceded it. Readers may notice some differences in Victorian London such as the absence of cell phones and of cars and the presence of horse droppings in the streets, but the book's nine chapters are offered in reader friendly type size in less than two hundred pages. That leaves little room for much character or time period development. The book is recommended as plot-filled, entertaining, and a fast moving read for nine to twelve year olds, largely girls. They will easily discover some of the plot details from the frequent, amusing pen and ink drawings even if all the faces do look very much alike!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Webb, Holly

Illustrator: Lindsay, Marion

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HMH Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544619937

Price: 15.99

The Last Time We Were Us

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 7, 2016

Review

During the summer before her senior year, Liz finds herself torn between the life that she's built for herself and throwing it all away to be with her former best friend who has just been released from prison. Jason has gone to prison over an incident that left one of their friends badly burned, but we never hear the full story of what happened until the very end, where Jason finally admits the truth to Liz. A realistic fiction full of tragedy, lies, and love, The Last Time We Were Us is an emotional rollercoaster without a ton of depth. Purchase only where romantic realistic fiction is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Konen, Leah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Book

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402479

Price: 17.99

Dorothea's Eyes

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 7, 2016

Review

An interesting picture book biography on the life of Dorothea Lange, an award-winning photojournalist. Overcoming personal struggles with polio that leave her with a withered leg, Dorothea boldly marches forward into uncharted territory. She began work in photography even though it was not considered proper for women. Always wanting to blend into the background, Dorothea would pretend to be invisible. Dorothea, however, would see everything. Although successful in traditional photography, she would again moves into a new direction taking photo after photo of the poor and ignored. Her photos of the jobless, hungry and homeless were widely published, helping to convince the government to provide needed assistance. The truth seen with love, was Dorothea's art. Her image, "Migrant Mother" is one of the most reproduced, famous photos in history. She helped develop a style called documentary photography. The back pages include reproductions of her photographs, background information, selected bibliography, sources for quotations, for further reading section and timeline. The timeline and photographs greatly enhance the story providing additional details to supplement the story. The soft and muted illustrations are done in acrylic on paper and digital. An important story of someone who truly made a difference in the lives of many through their art, helping the world to see using their eyes along with their hearts.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenstock, Barb

Illustrator: DuBois, Gerard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781629792088

Price: 16.95

Celebrating Louisiana

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 7, 2016

Review

This selection celebrates all things Louisianan. The busy and colorful illustrations track Mr. Geo, geography teacher extraordinaire as he hits all the state's high spots. He is in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, he cooks jambalaya and gumbo, visits the capitol of Baton Rouge, museums, historic districts, bayous, sports arenas and more. Many pages sport "Did you know?" informational captions that are very entertaining and enlightening. These series makes a great option as a resource for kids approximately ages 6 - 10 who are doing a report on states or history. I am hoping to get all of the 50 States to Celebrate books for my library's shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kurtz, Jane

Illustrator: Canga, C. B.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Green Light Readers/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544518278

Price: 3.99

Celebrating Colorado

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2016

Review

This 50 States to Celebrate is all things Coloradan. Once more, everyone's favorite geography teacher, Mr. Geo is hitting lots of interesting places in the red state. Who knew that one could sand surf on the gigantic dunes at Great Sands Dune National Park and Preserve and downhill ski in the winter in Aspen, Vail, Telluride and other fabulous ski spots. He visits the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and tours the Denver Broncos stadium. This 36 page offering packs in tons of information and the illustrations of Mr. Geo and his activites complement the text well. "Did you know?" captions bring even more facts to young readers. Words in bold are defined in the glossary at the end of the book along with fast facts, dates in history and activities readers can undertake to be sure that they have retained what they have read. This would fit the bill for a first to fourth grader who is tasked with doing a report on states or history. Add this one to your 50 States to Celebrate collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kurtz, Jane

Illustrator: Canga, C. B.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Green Light Readers/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544517936

Price: 3.99

The 52 Story Treehouse

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2016

Review

This is the 4th book in the Treehouse series. Andy & Terry are friends and the live in a gigantic, ever growing, convoluted treehouse. The series started with 13 stories, and with each subsequent book 13 stories have been added so that now there are 52 stories of craziness! I this story the boys work to solve a mystery. Each chapter introduces the new rooms/floors added with all kinds of wild and wacky goings on. All the line drawings, wacky dialog and story plots keep the reader looking for more. A great book series for the kid looking for funny stories and the reluctant reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: Denton, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250026934

Price: 13.99

This is Not the Abby Show

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2016

Review

Abby has ADHD a topic many kids can relate to. In this humorous and lively story Abby talks about how she is different and how she has a hard time sitting still and paying attention in class. While she is very good in math and science she has a great deal of difficulty in English class to the point where she fails it. Because she is angry at her teacher who gave her the failing grade she decides to get revenge. This of course gets her grounded for the summer (no summer camp) and lands her in summer school. Summer school ends up being a good thing for Abby. She has an understanding teacher who helps Abby find ways to manage her behaviors and make new friends, and of course pass English! This is a great read for those suffering from ADHD as well as those who could use some insight into the condition.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reed Fischer, Debbie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553536348

Price: 16.99

Buster The Very Shy Dog In The Great Bone Game

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2016

Review

Phoebe has the run of the house and lots of bones stockpiled. Then Buster shows up. Suddenly Phoebe has another dog to compete with for the supply of bones. Phoebe is clever, though. She convinces Buster that he must train his bones to stay or they will disappear. Through cunning and trickery, Phoebe amasses all of Buster's bones and adds them to her pile. Will Buster ever figure out what is going on? In a second short story, Buster is grown and Phoebe has plans to have Buster help her to steal a huge bone from the big dog next door. That turns out differently than Phoebe had hoped and the reader will cheer. The illustrations are adorable and expressive and portray the text well. These stories are very amusing and youngsters ages 6 to about 9 will enjoy reading them to themselves as well as aloud. Definitely consider this for your beginner reader or younger juvenile readers shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bechtold, Lisze

Illustrator: Bechtold, Lisze

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Green Light Readers/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544668478

Price: 12.99

The Infamous Ratsons

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2016

Review

In this humor filled book we meet Louie and Ralphie Ratso - the Ratso brothers want to make trouble - they seek ways to cause it (they believe it will make them look tough). But some how they always end up doing a good deed. There's a big snow storm and their plan is to shovel all the snow on the sidewalks to bury the entrance of the local grocery store - but instead shovel the path to Mr. O'Hare's store clear. He is so thankful he tells all the neighbors what a great deed the brothers did. Each chapter is a story of another deed gone "wrong" in the eyes of the brothers.

This is a fun book for the early chapter reader as well and the reluctant reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lareau, Kara

Illustrator: Myers, Matt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676360

Price: 14.99

The Slowest Book Ever

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2016

Review

Did you know that garden snail speed is 0.1 inches per second? That some things, like glass bottles may never decay. You can find many facts about things that are slow in this wonderfully written and illustrated book. Kids of all ages will have a great time learning obscure facts about a variety of animals, vegetables, motions and things to do, even dark matter and other things in space!

This will be a great addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pulley Sayre, April

Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press / Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620917831

Price: 16.95

Edible Numbers

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2016

Review

A wonderful board book introducing counting with farmer's market quality fruits and vegetables. These are not your big box store varieties. Included are Hen of the Woods mushrooms, Eight Ball zucchini, Berkeley Tie-Dye tomatoes and Buddha's Hand citron. Each 2-page spread shows one example of the food group on the left page, and ever-increasing varieties on the right page. For instance, one Idaho potato is on the left page, and 5 different varieties of potatoes are on the right-hand page (Yukon Gold, Russian Blue, Adirondack Red, Adirondack Blue and Blossom). Numbers on the right-hand pages increase from 2-12. The squashes depicted are all summer varieties; no winter squashes are shown. Some items may be unfamiliar to the adults reading the book.

Photos of each item are crystal clear, and give excellent detail. Families will enjoy counting all the items on the final pages. Teachers will find it useful for introducing farmer's markets. Combine with the author's Edible Colors and April Pulley Sayre's Rah, Rah, Radishes for a farmer's market/harvest themed storytime.

Highly recommended

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bass, Jennifer Vogel

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626722859

Price: 7.99

The Hid-and-Scare Bear

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

There was once a bear who did not behave as he should. In addition to bad manners in almost everything he did, he loved to sneak up behind others, count to three, and roar a huge roar to scare them. The animals did not like it and decided someone needed to do something to stop Bear. A soft little rabbit stepped up to the job and stood up to bear. The rhyming story is a lesson in how to be kind and considerate told by adorable forest animals. Their great facial expressions will catch the eye of young readers as will Bear's huge hugs as he makes friends with them all.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bates, Ivan

Illustrator: Bates, Ivan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: templar books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681814

Price: 16.99

Shrunken Treasures

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Scott Nash has put nine classic novels, myths, and epic poems into the "versifier" to transform them into much shorter versions suitable for children. Some rhyme, and some are to be sung to familiar tunes. They all give a short taste of the original work. Illustrations add much fun. Some puns are aimed more at adults. such as Hamlet being shown as a Great Dane dog. This might be a fun way for a teacher of older students to introduce a particular work their students will be reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nash, Scott

Illustrator: Nash, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763669720

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Fall of Butterflies

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2016

Review

Sardonic, smart Willa Parker is pressured by her well-to-do, famous and largely absent mother to leave What Cheer, Iowa, were she lives with her devoted but poor dad, to attend Pembroke, an exclusive, all-girl boarding school on the East Coast. Feeling lost and alone, Willa fully intends to commit suicide after arriving at Pembroke, but instead encounters extraordinarily wealthy, magnetic Remy Taft, and is drawn into a close friendship with her and all that comes with it -- a sense of kinship and belonging but also an emerging understanding that wanting for nothing has come at a price for Remy and others -- including Remy's lifelong friend Milo, who emerges as Willa's love interest.

Willa's practiced flippancy is believable and often expressed through witty observations and readers will sympathize with her and appreciate her wry, outsider commentary about the world of extreme privilege that surrounds her at Pembroke. Some may spot that drug addiction is behind Remy's mysterious and abrupt absences before Willa does. Early on, the two use the drug Ecstasy together, but it's quickly clear that Willa is far warier of the possible repercussions - since unlike Remy, she has lived a life in which she actually has experienced consequences.

Much of the territory of this novel has been explored before, but Portes has crafted genuine characters and her spot-on portrayal of Willa's stumble into greater understanding of herself and the world through heartbreak is engaging and poignant. Teens who are fans of writers like E. Lockhart and Rainbow Rowell will find much they like here.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Portes, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062313676

Price: 17.99

Where You'll Find Me

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 10, 2016

Review

Anna has a lot on her plate- her dad has married a 20-year old and has a new baby, her mom tried to kill herself and her best friend leaves her in the dust for the popular crowd. And talking about it all is just too painful. But Anna finally makes friends with a few classmates that are kind of outcasts in school and the 3 find ways to make their lives better in more ways than one. This is a story about so many things and it does a great job with them all. The humor in here makes the painful things and sad times easier to deal with and not so overwhelming. Author Natasha Friend does a terrific job of letting the reader really feel what Anna does- her frustration and embarrassment with her mom, dad, old friends and even school counselors, and her need to share these feelings with someone she knows cars about her.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Friend, Natasha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374302306

Price: 16.99

Just My Luck

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2016

Review

Benny is a 4th grader and has lots of things to worry about. His dad is not himself (and Benny blames himself for that), his brother George has autism and does things Benny wishes he wouldn't, and Benny doesn't really have a best friend at school. It seems like he just can't do things right, or at least that what he thinks. But what Benny doesn't realize is that he does so many thoughtful, simple things that it is really easy to overlook them. This story is about dealing with a parent that has a brain injury, being understanding of a sibling with a disability, and discovering that the simple things you do in everyday life can be more thoughtful and just as important as the big things that get noticed. Readers that like books about dealing with realistic family problems in a thoughtful and loving way will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McGovern, Cammie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062330659

Price: 16.99

Never Say Narwhal

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Things are not right once again in Kalamazoo City. Everyone is celebrating except Zengo, O'Malley, and Cooper, Platypus Police Squad officers who cannot seem to solve a case. A mysterious hulking shadow has been seen in the harbor. Mayor Pandini seems to be involved in corruption. Lots of action and excitement ensue as the Platypus Police Squad attempts to solve the mysteries and bring order back to the city they love. There is a large number of illustrations, making the book appeal to some of those lower level readers who may be intimidated by other chapter books. Fans of the series will enjoy this new addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97800620711705

Price: 15.99

Whatever After: Once Upon a FROG

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Sarah Mlynowski's "Whatever After" series continues with a frog prince-themed book. The book starts out with Abby dealing with a bully at school, who has only recently started bullying and nobody knows why. In the majority of the book, Jonah, Abby, and their dog Prince are in the world of the frog prince, trying to help the frog turn back into a prince. The princess seems cold and unhelpful, while the frog is nice and friendly, but by the end of the book you've learned that things aren't always as they seem. I haven't read the rest of the series, but this one seems a bit bland. Kids who enjoy fairy tales and humorous books will probably enjoy this one as well, though it's not a must-buy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545746601

Price: 14.99

Nancy Clancy: Seeks a Fortune

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Jane O'Connor continues her "Nancy Clancy" series with Book 7 "Nancy Clancy seeks a fortune." Nancy and her classmates are all focused on trying to become wealthy (and most are failing at it). Some create masks to sell, others make baked goods, and Nancy and her friend Bree try making fancy crowns, but they find that even with a successful product it's hard to make a profit.

The book teaches a lot of good words like "wealth," "entrepreneur," and "appraised." It's fun and educational, and a quick read. I'd recommend it as a must-buy if your library has a lot of Fancy Nancy fans that are growing up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Preiss Glasser, Robin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062269690

Price: 9.99

Brambleheart

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Have you ever worried if you will ever amount to anything? That is Twig the chipmunk's situation. He hasn't really applied himself as much as he could in trade school. As a result he is bullied by fellow student, and teacher favorite, Basil the weasel as well as the teacher himself. Twig's mind easily wanders to his books and adventures. But time is fast approaching when he will have to prove his skill in a trade or else become the dreaded errand boy for the community in which he lives. This community is populated by various forest creatures. And they all work at creating things out of items humans discard. In his frustration Twig wanders off into the woods, away from school. He finds a golden egg and brings it home. Soon a baby dragon hatches. They become friends. Twig also realizes that the dragon can help Twig create wondrous contraptions and art work with his fire breathing and strength. Twig's secret is soon discovered by his community. The mean welding teacher (and uncle to Basil) wants to use the baby dragon for his own benefit. It's at this time that Twig realizes he has been using the baby dragon as well and that he must return him to his own family. With the help of his best friend Lily (a rabbit) and Basil (who has had a change of heart), they free the baby dragon and set off on an epic adventure to get him back to his home and family. That, unfortunately, is where the book ends. It is a bit abrupt, but thankfully there will be a second volume. The writing is very descriptive yet accessible to young independent readers. It introduces good vocabulary words for interested readers. The chapters are short and manageable. The illustrations, which run throughout the book offer a break in the reading. Not to mention, plenty of detail to further the understanding of the story. The illustrations themselves are beautiful. The detail of the emotions on the forest creatures faces, of the forest itself are wonderful. They are done in simple black and white pencil, but they tell so much of the story. This is a story about perseverance, creativity, imagination, friendship & love, and not letting people bully you into a life lesser than you think you deserve. Students who need encouragement and/or inspiration to continue working towards their dreams or to succeed in life in a way they can be proud of will benefit from reading this book. Teachers could use this to show their students how to think outside the box and to use their imaginations. This is best for children in grades 3-6. Or give to fans of the author's other book, "Nest for Celeste". As well as fans of Avi's "Poppy" series, "Wind in the Willows" or "Cricket in Times Square". The only weakness in this book is it's somewhat abrupt ending. It leaves the reader hanging on and waiting for the anticipated sequel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cole, Henry

Illustrator: Cole, Henry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062245465

Price: 16.99

Not Me!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Wanna go to the beach? Bear does! Chipmunk follows along reluctantly. Bear has a blast - laying in the sun, swimming, building sandcastles and more. With every two page spread, the text has bear stating what he likes doing at the beach,and the refrain from Chipmunk, "Not me!". Chipmunk is not a whiner. He truly doesn't enjoy the beach. And the amusing and detailed illustrations show that. Bear is enjoying himself too much to be aware of what Chipmunk is going through. At the end of the day, bear has had a wonderful day at the beach. But not Chipmunk. Bear finally asks him, "Why did you come?". Chipmunk's answer, "I came to be with you." To read that was wonderful. What a wonderful friendship story. And Bear realizes what a good friend he has in Chipmunk too. "You are a good friend." said Bear. And this time Chipmunk says "That's me!" instead of "Not me!". This is a sweet story about friendship. It is told in simple, declarative sentences, 2-3 sentences per page, with some repetition. The illustrations are done in watercolor and ink. They enhance the text beautifully. In an amazing way, the reader sees, hears Bear having fun while Chipmunk "suffers" through the day. This is a good story about friendship. The illustrations beautifully depict this. The text is accessible to beginning readers in K=1st grade, as well as struggling 2nd grade readers. The only weakness I can come up with, and this is a stretch. I wish that chipmunk had some fun in the day, aside from just being with his friend. The message here is clear and it is important. Friends are there for each other. This is a good beginning reader. It could also work well in the classroom to show what friendship means. Pair this with Mo Willems "Can I Play Too" for a pleasant friendship-themed story time.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustrator: Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823435463

Price: 14.95

Big Cat

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Poor Big Cat. He is at the "loving" mercy of two young children. They both like to play with him, even if he doesn't want to. They subject him to all sorts of "playfulness", from flying, to dancing, to being dressed in a dress and a wig. The sentences are simple, one per page, "Big Cat can...". And it is obvious from the illustrations that Big Cat is not enjoying himself. The illustrations were created digitally. They carry the story very well. The detail is excellent for such a simple story, down to the wallpaper and the pictures on the walls. But the facial expressions of the cat are priceless. This is a good beginning reader book, simple text, repetition of words and sounds and illustrations that carry the story beautifully. It also has silly humor in it which most young readers will enjoy. This is a nice concept for a book. I just don't like the way the cat is treated. It may seem funny, but the cat is not enjoying himself. This could give children inappropriate ideas on how to treat the family pet, or animals in general. Purchase only where early readers are needed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823434589

Price: 14.95

Here is Big Bunny

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

In an unnamed city populated by an assortment of animals, something mysterious has appeared in the sky and is traveling through the city. It is slowly revealed, a foot on one page, a tail on another, etc. And throughout the slow reveal the animals wonder what it could be. From, the animals visiting the Matisse museum, toy store, park, art studio, to a library (yeah!), and then some. The reader sees a big city unfold as the animals discover what this strange creature is floating through the city. As it turns out, the creature is Big Bunny. And Big Bunny is a big balloon in a city parade. The illustrations are marvelous. They are done in ink & painted with watercolor gouache & acrylic paints on hot pressed watercolor paper. They are bold and colorful and very detailed. So much so that non-readers could use this book as a seek and find book. The text is very simple with lots of repetition. There are four words per page and each sentence is repeated on two pages. This is a great early reader for those just learning to read and those who need a little confidence boost. The only weakness, and this is a stretch, is that the illustrations are so detailed and colorful that the simple text takes a moment to locate on each page. This belongs in all public library early reader collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, Steve

Illustrator: Henry, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823434589

Price: 15.95

Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Fear the cranky toddler. The dinosaur known as the Grumpasaurus has a meltdown and prolonged tantrum. The rest of the story shows what happens when he has his meltdown and how to handle it. This indeed, is written like a field guide. The pages look like weathered notebook paper. The illustrations are cartoon like and some look like doodles as would appear in a field guide. The illustrations are done in oils on panel. The text appears as written by a typewriter, as it would in a field guide. There occasional words that appear larger and in different fonts and colors to demonstrate importance or action. The text is tongue and cheek humorous, as it instructs the reader how to handle the Grumpasuarus. Finally, the reader discovers how to approach said beastie - give it a gift. There are too many complex words in this book to work as a beginning reader. It is best for independent readers. It would also work well for one on one sharing or in a story time setting. Pair it with "Grumpy Pants" by Claire Messer and "Grumpy Cat" by Britta Teckentrup for an amusing story time on moods. Or you could also pair it with any of Jane Yolen's "How Do Dinosaurs..." series for a misbehaving dinosaur story time, even though the Grumpasaurus in question is actually a toddler. The one weakness here is when it is revealed that the Grumpasuarus can only be approached if you are bearing a gift. Once that happens the temper tantrum ends and the Grumpasaurus turns back into a little boy. That is not a good message. But at least in the story the one bearing gifts is his mother and the gift is his repaired teddy bear. Still, this is an amusing story, well-conceived and well-executed. This is a first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hemingway, Edward

Illustrator: Hemingway, Edward

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544546653

Price: 16.99

Longbow Girl

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Fifteen-year-old Welsh teen Merry Owen, a skilled long bow archer, must save her family's ancestral home in this suspenseful novel involving time travel and a centuries-old rivalry between her family and the aristocratic de Courcys, whose castle looms over the Owens' farm.

Merry, who wears an eye patch following an accident with her bow several years before, is a tough, resourceful protagonist and her close friendship with James de Courcy is believable despite the strife between their families. The first chapters of this novel take their time building to the action, but most readers will be carried along with the story, guessing at the motives of various characters, and then will be swept up as the pacing picks up.

Interesting historical details, plenty of adventure, a touch of romance and a fascinating setting add up to cross-genre appeal. This would be a great suggestion for readers who liked Buckley-Archer's Gideon the Cutpurse or Spradlin's Youngest Templar trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Linda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545853453

Price: 17.99

Lily & Dunkin

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2016

Review

Lily & Dunkin is one of those transcendent books that puts you through every emotion; chills as you read through some dire bullying scenes, a warming of your heart during scenes of genuine connection, and in the end, a tickle in your eye as you cheer for the brave, sweet protagonists. Everything about the story and characters rings true and the subject is so gracefully handled and so necessary to put in front of readers that it should be in every library. The two remarkable protagonists are Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy living with bipolar disorder. Both are looking for a place to belong and true friends to see them for who they are. Lily, born Timothy, is struggling to convince her father that she is not the son he wishes he had, and Dunkin is struggling to convince his mother that he has his disease under control and with the fact that his father is missing from his life for reasons he'd rather not think about. The book was written for a middle grade audience, but high school readers and adults would also benefit from reading it. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gephart, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553536744

Price: 16.99

Dinosaur Rescue!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

This sturdy boardbook will appeal to multitudes of children who love dinosaurs and rescue vehicles. Dinosaurs are trying to abort a terrible train and vehicle accident. Helicopters, tow trucks, law enforcement cars and ambulances all play their part in taking care of the injuries and crumpled vehicles when the mishap is finally over. Afterwards, the dinosaurs are all back at their barracks resting, playing, eating and preparing for the next rescue call. The illustrations portray very realistic dinosaurs of all sizes, colors and shapes. This is a good addition to any toddler's early reading collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dale, Penny

Illustrator: Dale, Penny

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680008

Price: 6.99

Applesauce Weather

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

This is a great bridging book that young and old can share and enjoy together. This is a story of an autumn tradition, a beloved family member and healing from a great loss. Told in prose, each character tells their view of the story in separate poems, but they all link together to make up this wonderful story and family. It is well illustrated - bringing life and feeling to the poems and overall story.

Readers young and old will enjoy this lovely book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: Bates, Any June

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763675769

Price: 14.99

Noodlehead Nightmares

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Mac and Mac are brothers and they are noodleheads. I mean, actual noodleheads. Their heads are shaped like noodles like one would use for mac and cheese and they are hollow. Nothing but open space in there. Being noodleheads, they get into lots of trouble. They are, shall we say, lacking in the brains department. There are three adventures in this book. In one, they are trying to figure out how to never have to make their beds again. In another, they are vying with a friend named Meatball to try to get an entire apple pie to themselves and in the third, Mac is missing his pillow and his nightmares are out of control as he is trying to get comfortable. All of these stories come from folklore themes originating in different countries. Theodor Seuss Geisel Award honoree Tedd Arnold of FlyGuy fame illustrates this offering in hilarious beginner reader comic book style. He collaborated with storytellers Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss and created something wonderful. This will surely tempt any reluctant reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435661

Price: 15.95

Keep Curious And Carry A Banana: Wisdom From the World of Curious George

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

This slim volume sports Curious George yellow covers and the classic red on the spine. It immediately grabs one's attention and lets you know what is in store. In the fashion of Keep Calm and Carry On and other inspirational offerings, authors Martin and Charlesworth have collaborated with illustrator H.A. Rey to give motivational advice opposite suitable illustrations in each page spread. With lots of pastel colors and our lovable George in each picture, it is all very soothing and amusing. One is advised to be creative, positive, balanced and open to all things new and George's smiling impish face portrays his willingness to attempt all of these suggestions. This is suitable for nearly every age and one might be unsure how to catalog it for one's library shelves; philosophy, humor, spirituality...the choices are myriad.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Justin

Illustrator: Rey, H. A.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544656482

Price: 12.99

Study Hall of Justice

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

This book is an intriguing concept, especially for lovers of comic book heroes - superheroes in what seems to be middle school. Clark Kent, Diana Prince, and Bruce Wayne, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, respectively, struggle to fit into their new school, a strange place where bad deeds and breaking rules are rewarded and good behavior, honesty, and integrity are not only frowned upon, but outright mocked. The three heroes work to figure out what is going on at Ducard Academy and are finally able to get at the mystery. With black & white line drawings interspersed with memos and chats, this is an entertaining first book in what seems like will be a series. The dialogue is a bit stilted and I found myself wishing for better storytelling and writing, but this will find its audience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fridolfs, Derek

Illustrator: Nguyen, Dustin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,mystery,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545825016

Price: 12.99

Sweaterweather

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Author/illustrator of elementary graphic novel favorites Robot Dreams and Odd Duck, Varon here offers a winder into her creative process, which could engage an older reader. Younger readers can still appreciate the stories, many of which have no or minimal words. Using her signature menagerie of animal characters and clear pencil-drawn panels in mostly monochromatic blue (with just pops of bright pink), Varon creates playful, funny, sweet stories. With themes of friendship, and just plain silliness, this GN is a nice addition to an upper elementary/middle grade collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Varon, Sara

Illustrator: Varon, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721180

Price: 19.99

On the Farm, at the Market

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

This picture book follows three farmers as they prepare their goods to sell at the market. With pencil drawings colored with acrylics, Karas lovingly depicts the hard work that goes into preparing for market and the community that is cultivated at said markets. A fantastic book for Maine libraries where farmers and farmers' markets are a real presence. More awareness of where food comes from and gratitude for those who grow it is never a bad thing! A wonderful, if very specific, addition to a library collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Karas, G. Brian

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805093728

Price: 17.99

Anything but Ordinary Addie: the True Story of Adelaide Herrmann Queen of Magic

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Bruno's art work is the first thing you notice about this biographical picture book. The pictures are full-paged, rich, and vibrant, and these, along with a beautiful cover could draw a reader in to the book. However, the text is spare and a little thin, not providing any real details or facts about Herrmann. According to the author's note (which is should be noted might be nice to read FIRST), this book is a picture book version of the full biography Adelaide Herrmann: Queen of Magic, published in 2012 and, while the first female magician, now largely forgotten, is a worthwhile subject, the book needs some background and teaching to provide fullness and understanding to the story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff, Mara

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668419

Price: 17.99

Ms. Bixby's Last Day

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Every child deserves to be seen, and sometimes that rare teacher comes along and looks past the noise of adolescence and sees a child for who he is, not what he should be or could be, but who he is. This is the story of three boys desperate to be seen, but it's more than that, too. It's a quest and it's redemption and it is powerful and beautiful. Told in alternating chapters of the three protagonists, Topher, Steve, and Brand, three sixth-grade boys who learn that their teacher, Ms. Bixby, is ill. They hatch a plan to give her the perfect last day, but when she leaves earlier than expected, their plan is blown. Or is it? The three boys decide to act against grain, do the unexpected, and bring the perfect last day to her. The story is engaging and heartfelt. Anderson hits all of the right notes here, just enough intrigue, great action, a depth of situations, and characters with wonderful voices. The teacher is a lovely example of a teacher who gets it. Middle grade readers and adults, especially those who work with children in any capacity, will cheer for the earnest boys and the teacher who really sees them. This is a book that lingers. Highly recommend. Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, John David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062338174

Price: 16.99

Dark Night: A True Batman Story

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Paul Dini's dark exploration of the influence of comics on his life and his complicated relationship with the superheroes who live in his head and flow from his pen after he is viciously attacked and beat up by two men. In his recovery, he contemplates his life choices, his tendency to shun intimacy, and his feelings of inferiority. With the voices of his drawn "friends" Joker, Harley Quinn, Penguin, and Batman, all pitch-prefect in their roles, ringing in his head (and popping up in unexpected places), he muddles through his depression and self-doubt until he can see the strengths and abilities that cary him forward day-by-day. The drawings are detailed and atmospheric. This is not a Batman story, though he is a character, it is a redemptive story of a man who was knocked down and used his ability to bring these characters to life as a reason to stand up and be the hero of his own story. Still, it will be an interesting read for comic book fans, but also for those dealing with depression or difficult times as there is a strong message at the end of the story of standing up even when all you want to do is lie down and give in to the darkness.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dini, Paul

Illustrator: Risso, Eduardo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Vertigo

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: biography / autobiography,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781401241438

Price: 22.99

Apollo: the Brilliant One

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

Told through the nine Muses, or Mousai, in seven vignettes, the story of Apollo is one of cruelty and pride and the struggle to figure out where he fits in. Gorgeously drawn and rich in detail, this book is an excellent addition to O'Connors Olympians graphic novel series. Includes an author's note, information about each major player in the book, and line-by-line notes along with a bibliography for further reading. Highly recommend this title and the entire series for any library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, George

Illustrator: O'Connor, George

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720169

Price: 17.99

Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

The paperback edition of a 2015 book. Albertalli captures the essence of YA fiction with this book and its story. Simon is a teenager who is gay, and while not embarrassed about it or particularly careful to hide the fact, he has not officially come out. When another boy, a straight student named Martin finds solid evidence that Simon is gay, he uses it as leverage to get help with a girl, Abby, one of Simon's best friends. Simon wouldn't mind the situation so much except that he has been emailing with another boy at his school, under cover of anonymity, and he wouldn't want that boy, whom is really starting to like through their email exchanges, to be accidentally outed. The story is expertly handled and resonates with all of the issues front-and-center in a teen's life: friends, bullies, parents, first love, making it through the day without embarrassing yourself. Simon is a winning character and his friends are pitch-perfect. Though the ending is a bit too pat, you will be so glad that Simon gets to win that you will cheer right along with him. Highly recommend for YA collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Albertalli, Becky

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062348685

Price: 9.99

And I Darken

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

Part historical novel, part adventure story, White's book has intrigue, murder, romance, and a multi-knife wielding heroine who is so lethal she had this reviewer holding her breath during fight scenes and love scenes alike. Set during the 15th century Ottoman Empire, White uses the story of Vlad the Impaler, a real historical figure, to create Lada Dragwlya. She is the daughter of Vlad Dracul and, as a girl, she is supposed to be winsome and demure; she could not be any more the opposite. Cunning, cruel, intelligent, and not much to look at, she is willing to do the difficult thing to save her or her brother's life and to get control of her homeland Wallachia. The world-building is strong, the characters, though not always easy to like, have depth, and the story is gripping. This is the first book in a trilogy and should be a hit with teens who enjoy fast-paced, substantive stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Kiersten

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553522310

Price: 18.99

The Gold Medal Mess

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

David Kelly's MVP series is excellent for upper elementary readers who like sports and mysteries. His cast of characters includes two girls and three boys with three of the five characters being people of color. Each child has strengths and identifiable personalities making it easier for emerging readers to keep everyone straight. The children work together to solve the mystery of sabotage in the class Olympics earning themselves gold medals for persistence and teamwork. They also form the MVP Club thereby setting up future adventures (there are already two other books published in the series). Includes some black & white drawings that accompany the story well. A nice read-aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, David A.

Illustrator: Brundage, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553513196

Price: 4.99

Greenling

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

The story of an unusual baby found by what looks like an ordinary couple. This picture book has exquisite illustrations with touches of green and pops of color. However, some of the pictures could have used a little more contrast to highlight the point being made (i.e. when the greenery takes over the train rail, there is only a hint of coloration to the sepia tone rendering it more difficult for children to determine what is happening without some explanation). It would also be helpful if the name of the couple were clearer; they are the Barleycorns, but as this is not a usual last name, it would have been nice to have a sign on the house that read The Barleycorns. The message of appreciation for and love of the Earth is lovely, but it lacks punch due to the oddity that is the Greenling and the need to use so much inference to understand the story. Due to this slightly more complex storytelling, the book is better for kindergarten and older children and not for the preschool set.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Pinfold, Levi

Illustrator: Pinfold, Levi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675981

Price: 17.99

The Glorkian Warrior and the Mustache of Destiny

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

The third title in the Glorkian Warrior series, this title is more of the same ridiculous, goofy antics of the hapless three-eyed space hero and his Super Backpack. This time, Gonk and his friends would like to be Junior-Junior Glorkian Warriors and they won't take 'no' for an answer (there is no need to have read the first two books in the series as this stands alone as wacky, sci-fi fun). When they all stumble upon Quackaboodle the Space God, the kids will have to grow up fast and what better way than with mustaches! Vibrant colors and large panels make this ideal for those emerging readers who like their stories silly and their humor off-kilter. A must-buy for any elementary-aged graphic novel collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kochalka, James

Illustrator: Kochalka, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626720220

Price: 14.99

Lizzie and the Lost Baby

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book takes place in England during World War II when children were sent from their homes in cities to live with families in the countryside. Lizzie and her brother Peter are sent to live with Elsie, who appears very depressed and does not speak. Although the children miss their parents, they appreciate the landscape and animals which surround them. One day while outside playing, Lizzie finds a baby abandoned under a tree. She takes the baby with her and Elsie is overjoyed and thinks the baby is her daughter Alice who died the previous year. The story of Elijah, a Gypsy is interspersed with that of Lizzie and we learn why he leaves his baby sister under a tree. We read of the discrimination that Gypsies endured and how Lizzie wants to do the right thing and give the baby back but is discouraged from doing so. This book would be appropriate for children in grades 4 to 6. It is quite a page turner and the conflict is resolved successfully.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blackford, Cheryl

Illustrator: Stadtlander (cover illustration only), Becca

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544570993

Price: 16.99

Louise Trapeze did not lose the juggling chickens

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the Louise Trapeze series. It would be appropriate for an emerging reader who had progressed to early chapter books. It has illustrations throughout the book, some full page. The illustrations are whimsical and support the text. Like the first Louise Trapeze book , the text is interspersed with interesting Facts and Definitions such as:Fluke-" a crazyish mistake that will never, ever happen again." In this story, Louise wants to take on more responsibilities yet keeps coming up short. When she is asked to take care of some chickens, she feeds them, gives them a bath and then they wander away and are stuck under some bleachers. With the help of her friends she frees the chickens and ends up feeling more mature. The books are amusing and also convey positive adult/child and friend relationships.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ostow, Micol

Illustrator: Barrager, Brigette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497434

Price: 14.99

Hello, My Name is Octicorn

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

Do you know what an octicorn is? Read this book and you will find out. Octicorn is a rare breed. He is a cross between an octopus and a unicorn. In this book Octicorn introduces himself and explains where he comes from. To the point where he jokes about his parents meeting at a cocktail/costume party. Or by a personal ad, "Unicorn seeks octopus for fun, friendship, & possible strange-looking offspring." This may sound funny, but it is entirely inappropriate for a picture book for young children. How Octicorn's parents met and possibly procreated should not have been included in this type of book. The humor of the story for the target age of the audience could have been held in tact by omitting the cocktails and personal ad. After that huge glitch in the book, Octicorn goes on to tell us why he is fun to be around. But he is also sad. He wants friends, just like everyone else. There is a good message here. Octicorn may look and be different, but that is okay. He is also just like anyone else, he wants friends (& of course, cupcakes.) The writing is tongue and cheek humorous and is accessible to strong beginning readers. The illustrations go along with the story. They are funny and simple, black ink with minimal color. It's as if a child drew them. The other fault I find with this book is that Octicorn looks like he has a deer-in-headlights look on his face the entire time. His expression never changes. Also, his horn looks more like a party hat than a unicorn horn. And he only has four tentacles. Of course that could be the result of his mismatched parents procreating. All that being said, this is a unique, creative, humorous and original book. There are some really funny writing and illustrations in here. And the overall message of it's okay to be different, but we are all still the same in that we all need friends (& cupcakes)is wonderful. Pair with Bob Shea's "Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great" for a humorous unicorn themed story time, or with Todd Parr's "It's Okay to Be different" for a preschool or first grade story time and discussion on being different. Not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Diller, Kevin

Illustrator: Lowe, Justin

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062387936

Price: 17.99

Busy Builders

Reviewed by: Maegan J Batson - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

I read this book for both a baby and toddler story time, and the kids loved it - especially those old enough to crawl or walk over and help me turn the page. The story follows a group of adorable cartoon animals as they work through a series of building projects, leaving the audience guessing what they are building until the very last page. I liked the unique construction of the pages, as they were progressively bigger to shape each construction vehicle, each one giving a sneak-peek to the next. The text is simple, rhythmic, and short enough to not lose the attention of younger readers during a read-aloud story time. I would say this book works best for readers 2-5, though younger children also seem to delight in the bright illustrations and rhyming prose. Recommended for 1:1 reading and story time alike!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hearn, Sam

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Cartwheel Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545799577

Price: 10.99

What This Story Needs is a Munch and Crunch

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

Simply precious! I read this for both a toddler and preschool story time, and each age group seemed to appreciate the colorful illustrations, humorous story-line, and rhyming prose (with just a dash of onomatopoeia). The book features a familiar series of woodland creatures, with the exception of the unconventional main character - a pig wearing a bright red, poufy wig. The group embarks on a lovely picnic outing only to discover soon after that the weather is about to take a turn for the worse, forcing them to abandon their original plans. Working together, the friends learn to find a silver lining in their predicament, showing the reader that it's not where you are, but who you are with that really matters. Sweet message and fun for readers of all ages!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Virjan, Emma J.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062415295

Price: 9.99

Little Blue Truck's Halloween

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

As a children's librarian, I have grown quite familiar with and fond of the Little Blue Truck series. With short, rhyming verse, and charming and engaging illustrations, they appear frequently on my reading queue for both baby and toddler story times. At 14 pages, I thought this particular installment was more appropriate for the older end of that age group, though some of the younger babies did enjoy lifting the flaps to see who was hiding underneath. Generally speaking, lift-the-flap style books are fun and engaging for young readers, and can be especially beneficial to children who may lose interest in non-interactive text. This one was no different - it's perfect for independent, 1:1, or story time reading. Great addition to the series!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schertle, Alice

Illustrator: McElmurry, Jill

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544772533

Price: 12.99

The Teeny-Tiny Woman

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This book is a retelling of an Old English folktale/ghost story, which explains a bit why it is so... strange. I chose not to read it aloud during my story times, though I can see that the bold, repetitive print may be appealing to some beginning readers. I think this story may be more appropriate for a younger elementary school class (preferably around Halloween-time when spookiness is more enticing) instead of preschool or younger. The story itself is a bit scary, as it deals with some sort of phantom presence in an overwhelmingly solemn, foreboding setting. I, myself, was not a fan of the book as a whole. However, for fans of folklore and other "classic" tales, along with the demographic stated above, the book may be more popular with a different audience.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Galdone, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544641051

Price: 8.99

Monkey and Elephant and the Babysitting Adventure

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

The latest installment in the "Monkey and Elephant" early reader series, this book is a charming tale of friendship that also examines manners, social skills, and responsibility. The "Babysitting Adventure" follows the lead characters as they demonstrate the balance between fun and positive conduct while looking after Monkey's three energetic nieces and nephews. Written in short paragraph form and divided into three chapters, the book spans a total of 48 illustrated pages, making it an ideal choice for beginning readers as they make the transition to more textually-based books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schaefer, Carole Lexa

Illustrator: Bernstein, Galia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665357

Price: 14.99

Sunflower

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This non-fiction picture book about sunflowers is part of Bearport Publishing's Little Bits! First Readers collection. The layout of photographs, text boxes, large font and lots of space match the new reader well. There is a table of contents, page numbers for easy reference and the sequence of growing a sunflower from seed to an open flower is explained in an easy to follow sequence. Each spread has one or two simple sentences to describe the various photographs. The text boxes add information about photosynthesis, pollen and animals that enjoy eating the seeds. The back matter includes a page of sunflower facts, a glossary of four words that were highlighted in the text, index, reading suggestions and an online reference. The first online reference was no longer available. Recommended for first and second grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627248433

Price: 23.93

Sing...sing a song...

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

This is a board book edition of the book and CD version published by Christy Ottaviano Books in 2013. The first six two-page spreads are wordless and tell the story of a young bird who is left alone in the nest by his two singing siblings. A young guitar player comes along and begins singing the familiar song first made popular on Sesame Street. His words and musical notes, literally, nudge the bird up and out into the air to be reunited in song with his siblings. The illustrations, composed mainly of the nest on a tree branch and the ground below, provide the perfect vehicle for initiating conversation and sharing this song with a new generation. A Spanish version of the song translated by Andrew Belcher is found in the back.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Raposo, Joe

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627795029

Price: 8.99

Lucy Lady Bug

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Sharon King-Chai has introduced the concepts of counting, colors and the seasons to young readers as she tells the story of a little lady bug that feels she doesn't fit in because she has no spots. Lucy, feeling she doesn't belong, wishes she were like the frog with his green spots whom she meets in the spring the caterpillar with her yellow spots whom she meets in the fall and the fish with her blue spots she meets in the winter. They each in turn remind her of how special she is and then give her one of their spots. When she returns to her lady bug family, she realizes that she is still different as are all the creatures she has met. Lucy is like all of us , wanting to fit rather than embracing our own uniqueness. Readers are reminded of this while counting the spots of varied colors that Lucy is given. Text is not overwhelming for the reader and is supported by illustrations that are big, bold,bright and clearly show our non readers what the story is about.It is visually appealing as well as sending a gentle message about celebrating who we are.A fun book that can be paired with books about insects, the Ladybug girl series, Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd and other concept books featuring counting and colors.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

King-Chai, Sharon

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random Hse

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553510058

Price: 16.99

Where are You Going, Baby Lincoln?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

This is volume three in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive that features the characters from the popular Mercy Watson series. This enriching tale explains where Baby Lincoln goes when she is fed up with her sister Eugenia's bossiness. She spontaneously goes on a "necessary journey". With the help of young neighbor Stella, Baby goes to the train station and gets a one way ticket to Fluxom. During her one day adventure, she works through her fears; (spoiler alert) over jelly beans reveals her real name and becomes the temporary guardian of a child making the trip. Who can resist a child who smells like peanut butter and construction paper? DiCamillo's self-affirming story line provides challenging vocabulary such as inimitable, extraordinary, navigate and infallible along with creative place names like Fluxom and Calaband Darsh. The deeper sibling relationship is handled with gentle humor and inspirational success. Recommended for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kate, DiCamillo

Illustrator: Van Dusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673116

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice and Hope in a New Land

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

Wing Young Huie's photos are striking! In both black and white and color, he has captured the look of immigration. The reader can see how people left everything to come to the United States hoping for a better life. Coy's text is simple but powerful, explaining what the photos show: coming with nothing, working menial jobs,working long hours, being misunderstood, opening their own businesses and becoming part of the American dream. "They came here because they dreamed of more," "others didn't understand how much they had sacrificed", "work hard, never give up, do well in school." the title is part of the question asked of the reader at the end of the book-"what will we do with their great gift?"Pair this with Faith ringold's We Came to America and I'm New Here by Anne Sibley O'Brien.My only wish is that there was more information on the photos.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Coy, John

Illustrator: Young Huie, Wing

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: CarolRhoda

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467780544

Price: 19.99

Bear is Not Tired

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

In this sequel to Room for Bear, bear has become part of the duck family and all is well until winter approaches. Bear, not wanting to miss anything has decided to stay up through the winter. Though he tries valiantly, he cannot fight nature and with sleep demanding its due, mother duck assures him that he will always be close. she then sends him off to bed. Like the story itself, the illustrations are gentle and soft, giving the reader the feeling of the calm and love found in the story. Both books show the reader the love a family has for each of its members no matter who they are ,how they look or where they are. this is a nice quiet read to be enjoyed by reader and listener.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gavin, Ciara

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385754767

Price: 16.99

Every Day Birds

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

For our youngest readers, an introduction to many of the birds they see and hear every day. VanDerwater describes each bird with one identifying fact: "chickadee has a black cap"," Jay loud and bold." Metrano's cut colored paper is layered to give the reader a beautiful and realistic look at each bird. Each page holds the illustration of the bird, its name in bold and a singular fact, making the book simple and direct for beginning readers and those who "read" the pictures. Additional information can be found in the back of the book along with websites to visit. STEAM is becoming more and more a part of the educational experience and the thought is to introduce science, technology, engineering, art, and math to our younger audience. this is one such book: the science of nature explained through art. Pair this with Kevin Henkes's Birds, and Jane Yolen's Nest Here With Me.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

VanDerwater, Amy

Illustrator: Metrano, Dylan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545699808

Price: 16.99

Ballerina Gets Ready

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Ballerina wannabes and aficionados will love this minute-by-minute walk through a prima ballerina's day. Iris starts her day at 8:00 with breakfast. After that she goes to rehearsals, pointe class, more rehearsals, some free time, more practicing, dinner and then the evening performance. The predominant pattern of the story is stating the time and listing what is happening. Stock's illustrations provide the atmosphere of the busy city, the furniture-free practice rooms, and the expansiveness of the stage with orchestra in front. The draw back to this is that a few illustrations may or may not picture Iris. The art style makes it difficult to discern. The ballet words: tour en l'air, barre and adagio appear in italics within the story but there is no pronunciation or definition provided.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kent, Allegra

Illustrator: Stock, Catherine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823435630

Price: 16.95

The Girl with the Parrot on Her Head

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

A girl named Isabel and a boy named Simon were friends. She had a parrot on her head and he was good with newts. One day Simon moved away - never to return. Now Isabel was alone, sad, angry and alone. How does one cope with the loss of a friend, how does one go on? Hirst tells the reader that being alone is not the end of the world and you can go on- after all Isabel has a parrot on her head! Her text is simple and direct, her illustrations are a bit quirky and childlike, yet convey Isabel's feelings about her situation. Young readers today are often faced with the dilemma of losing a friend due to a move across town or across country. This is a story of change, imagination, problem solving and hope. a keeper.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hirst, Daisy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678296

Price: 16.99

Mitzi Tulane Preschool Detective in What's that Smell?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Three-year-old Mitzi Tulane prides herself on being a good detective. She knows that something is happening in her house when a smell she doesn't recognize comes from the kitchen. She investigates and discusses the situation with her baby brother. The clues begin to accumulate as relatives begin showing up and a cake with candles appears. It's her birthday. Young readers may be able to guess before Mitzi does, but that increases the fun. Refreshingly, Mitzi is part of a transracial adoptive family with a variety of skin tones in her extended family. This is neither an issue nor the focus of the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McLaughlin, Lauren

Illustrator: Ohi, Debbie Ridpath

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449819159

Price: 16.99

Secret Tree Fort

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This beautifully illustrated story comes from the perspective of one imaginative little girl as she tries to captivate her preoccupied older sister with tales of an increasingly fantastical tree fort. A rope ladder and water-balloon launcher in case of a pirate attack? Check. A trap door to gaze up at the stars? Check. A secret storage compartment for marshmallows AND chocolate? Check and check. Despite the girl's fanciful anecdotes, her big sister remains engulfed in her book. What on earth will it take for her to look up? The story ends with a brief rumpus and a subsequent, sweet reconciliation between the two siblings, and is relatable to anyone who has had a squabble with either family or friends. The exquisite details of the pictures are worthy of the close examination of a lap-sit/1:1 story time, yet the story itself is engaging enough to fare well for a read-aloud telling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Farley, Brianne

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978076366297

Price: 16.99

It's All Your Fault

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Heller Harrigan is a teen movie star with the requisite substance abuse issues and bad behavior. Caitlin is her sheltered, homeschooled cousin and former best friend brought in to try and keep her in line before her big movie premiere. What ensues is a crazy weekend full of cliches. If read as a satire, this book is mildly amusing. If read as a straight book, it's eye-roll worthy. Not recommended as a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rudnick, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545464284

Price: 19.99

Hare and Tortoise

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

In this retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare, Murray both tells the story with an upbeat text that has a repeating phrase for both the tortoise and the hare and with illustrations that are big, soft and bright. Young non readers can follow the race begins, Murray has hare's race along the top of each page while the tortoise races across the bottom. As is tradition the tortoise triumphs and while hare can't believe he has lost, he realizes that there is always next time! With Murray's text and illustrations, this is a fun twist on an old favorite.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Alliso

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763687212

Price: 16.99

Dr. Suess: The Great Doodler

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This book is a biography and a "Level 3" Early Reader (categorized by engaging characters, easy-to-follow plots, and exciting stories), geared towards children who are ready to read on their own. The text is large and well-spaced, and the illustrations are beautifully rendered by two different painters who do a wonderful job capturing the life and art of this beloved children's author. Great early experience for children who are interested in reading non-fiction text.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Klimo, Kate

Illustrator: Johnson / Fancher, Steve / Lou

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781101935514

Price: 12.99

Otters Love to Play

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

"Otters Love to Play" is both educational and entertaining for readers of all ages. I feel that this book is most appropriate for a small-group or 1:1 reading, since it is fairly text-heavy. The language is certainly attainable to younger children, however, and adults can also delight in learning a few new facts while reading along. Great introduction to non-fiction for early readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

London, Jonathan

Illustrator: So, Meilo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669133

Price: 16.99

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Fifteen-year-old Jazz Jennings knew as a preschooler that she was a girl and she begins this engaging memoir by describing some of her earliest experiences and then progresses forward chronologically, occasionally adding in some of her present-day thoughts about her younger years. Along the way, she introduces readers to her loving family and describes the process by which they began to understand that she was transgender and how they could best support her. This eventually grew into her mom and dad starting an advocacy project for transgender youth and sharing Jazz's story in the media (she and her family are now the subjects of a reality show on TLC) in order to raise awareness and increase visibility for other kids who are transgender.

In an upbeat tone, Jennings relates experiences with school, friends, romance and family that are laced with humor. She matter of factly describes some of the discrimination she has faced along the way, including her elementary school's insistence that she not be allowed to use the girls' bathroom and the Florida State Soccer Association's unwillingness to allow her to play on a girls' team. She tells stories of cruel remarks and treatment from her peers, but makes clear that she won't allow these to define her or effect her happiness and confidence. She also talks openly and honestly about struggling with depression, which runs in her family.

Though her advocacy work has brought her fame - she was named one of Time Magazine's Most Influential Teens for two years running and discusses meeting public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Walters and President Obama - Jennings voice is down-to-earth and accessible and this memoir is a poignant and interesting read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jennings, Jazz

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399554643

Price: 17.99

Ocean Animals from Head to Tail

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Eight animals found in the ocean are highlighted in this guessing game style non-fiction picture book. Each animal is introduced with a question about a body part with an enlarged illustration of that part. The next Two-page spread shows the animal in it's ocean surroundings with the name of the animal in a large bold font at the top and a short paragraph explaining in easy-to-understand language the importance of that body part and a few other facts about the animal. The body parts include head, eyes, mouth, body, fin, flippers, tentacles and tail. Eight more "awesome" ocean animals are pictured in the back on a two page spread with a quick fact about each. Browsers will enjoy the bright Adobe Photoshop illustrations that provide a cut paper essence to the work. The only quibble about the book design is that the commas can be mistaken for periods throughout the text and the lack of source material.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roderick, Stacey

Illustrator: Moriya, Kwanchai

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781771383455

Price: 16.95

A Whale in the Bathtub

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Bruno can't seem to take a bath because there is a whale in the tub and he is using Bruno's bubblegum smelling bubble bath. Readers will wonder whether Bruno has a great imagination based on his sister, mother, brother and father's response to his predicament citing that he claimed a bear was under his bed and a walrus in the backyard. As the story continues with Bruno asking the whale to leave, they come up with solution of a shower delivered by the whale. Sister realizes in the end there is a whale in the bathtub. A second reading uncovered the bear under the bed. The illustrations are done in colored pencils and some ink. A variety of full-page water action scenes, single spreads of Bruno, and complete backyard layouts enhance and lend humor to the straight forward arguments that Bruno has with the whale and his family. Enjoyable absurdity.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Westaway, Kylie

Illustrator: Jellett, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544535350

Price: 16.99

The Art of Not Breathing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Sixteen-year-old Elise is living in a family that is falling apart. Her twin brother Eddie disappeared off the Scottish coast five years ago and the chaos surrounding his disappearance bubble to the surface as she secretly takes up freediving, deep diving without oxygen. As Elise begins to identify truths and secrets that her younger self buried or did not understand, she navigates through her experiences with teen alcohol parties, stealing, pot, sex and a suicide dalliance. Elise's voice is raw and unadorned, providing a suspenseful and penetrating look at how a sibling's death affects each family member. The author is from London and the cultural references have not been Americanized. Refreshing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544633889

Price: 17.99

Night of the Ninth Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

This it the 55th episode in the popular Magic Tree House series for young readers in grades 2-4. The two page prologue briefly introduces Jack and Annie and the magic of the treehouse. In this episode, the kids get an unusual summons to Camelot and discovery that King Arthur has been mortally wounded. The kingdom has been vandalized by thieves who have stolen the golden dragon that allows the magicians to travel between Camelot and the realm of Avalon. Jack and Annie must find the golden dragon and return it to the secret garden in the castle or King Arthur will die and the magicians will be locked out of Camelot. During one part of the adventure, the ability of Jack, Annie and Queen Guinevere to move a large wagon that had been pulled by a pair of oxen felt over-the-top, even in a fantasy. Unlike book number 54 about Balto, this installment reminds readers of various adventures that Jack and Annie took in explaining all the various characters that are in peril. New readers may find the task of locating all those past adventures a bit daunting. This title includes a sneak peek at the Fact tracker about dragons and mythical creatures which will be a high interest item.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553510898

Price: 12.99

The Siren

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

The Siren is a re-edited rerelease of the 2009 book by Kiera Cass, author of the popular Selection series. Kahlen and her wealthy family's pleasure sailing trip is tragically ended when their boat is hit with siren song, luring everyone to their deaths. Kahlen pleads desperately for her life, and the Ocean offers her a deal: become a siren for 100 years and serve the Ocean by singing humans to their death and then go free, or die. Kahlen accepts the offer, and the story resumes eighty years later. She interacts with humans carefully, never using her voice as it is deadly. With twenty years of service left to go, she falls madly in love with a boy from a college campus she likes to visit, and so begins a tortured romance.

The prose is stiff at times, and endless scenes of pining for love grow a bit tiresome. Attempts at incorporating multicultural characters fall flat, as they are multicultural in name only; little is explored about the others Sirens' cultures. Give this title to hopeless romantics; or, better yet, stick to Cass' Selection series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cass, Kiera

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062391995

Price: 18.99

Swap!

Reviewed by: Michelle Brenner - Casco Public Library, Casco, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Swap! by Steve Light is an appealing tale about bartering to obtain the items needed to fix up a broken-down sailing vessel. A button is traded for teacups which are soon traded for rope and then some of that is traded for oars, and the swapping continues until everything needed is obtained. The idea to swap comes to the child character in the story who wants to help the captain, "his sad friend", so the hero will surely appeal to young readers and listeners. The child has a pirate-like peg leg which I felt was a bit sad at first, but upon reflection realized that it may make the character relatable to children with a physical limitation and it in no way affects the child's ability to negotiate trades and navigate a row boat from island to island in search of all the needed supplies. The charming and intricate pen-and-ink illustrations have punches of brilliant color and deftly show the process of trading items to people who need them to get something that the sea captain and his pint-sized friend need. The story offers lots of opportunity to talk about how all things used to be hand made as the pictures show oars being carved from trees, anchors being hammered by a blacksmith, and sails being sewn by hand. It is a perfect read aloud with limited text on white space and a repetitive mantra of "SWAP!", making it a fun read for early readers as well. It will surely appeal to preschool teachers and all the pirate-lovers out there!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Light, Steve

Illustrator: Light, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679903

Price: 16.99

Scar: A Revolutionary War Tale

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

16 year old Noah, who has survived a crushed foot at age 3, joins a Revolutionary War militia in upstate New York to retaliate against Mohawk warriors. Following the ensuing battle he discovers a warrior his own age whom he tries to help by applying the medical skills he learned from the group's doctor. Six characters are based on actual people whose paragraph biographies are included. Information about the battle and the remoteness which lead it to be discovered forty years later in 1822 is provided. Though this is a fictionalized account of an actual battle, the author has used her skills to transport the reader into the thick of the battle, the moral dilemma Noah faces, and the inevitable conclusion of the conflict. This is a solid, 130 page addition to books on the Revolutionary War of the United States.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mann, J. Albert

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Highlights: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629794655

Price: 16.95

Cleo Edison Oliver: Playground Millionaire

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

Cleo Edison Oliver, adopted fifth grader with two adopted brothers, has big plans for money making. She takes the ups and downs of business in stride, never losing hope that things will succeed. Her business idea for her Passion Project to extract classmate’s teeth with a Nerf gun gets her so excited that she forgets the rule of no guns in school. She also faces a bully who uses her adoption as his weapon. The strength of the story lies within the family bonds and enduring friendships which help keep a steady course for Cleo. Entrepreneurship with a female protagonist at a young age may inspire girls to pursue their own plans, knowing that the road to success is not sure but can be traveled.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Frazier, Sundee T.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545822350

Price: 16.99

There's A Bear on MY Chair

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

When mouse discovers bear sitting on his chair he is very unhappy and tries everything he can possibly think of to get bear to relinquish his seat. Mouses expressions and actions leave little doubt as to how badly he wants his chair. Bear is in his own little world and completely oblivious to mouse's growing frustration. When bear finally realizes that mouse has gone, he himself decides to return home and when he does he is in for his own surprise. This is laugh out loud funny... I can't imagine anyone that this book will not put a smile on their face. The rhyming text and oh so expressive drawings make this perfect for story time sharing. I couldn't find a single flaw with this book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Collins, Ross

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689421

Price: 16.99

Animals

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

Big, bright, bold and beautiful. This is an oversized picture book of 32 animals, one per page with the animal name written in different fonts. It is truly a work of art to be enjoyed by all ages. The only drawback being the size, roughly 13 X 18 inches, although great for sharing this will not fit in any book return at public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Studio

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692681

Price: 22.00

The Most Important Thing: Stories about Sons, Fathers, Grandfathers

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2016

Review

Tighty-Whities or Boxers? There are seven short stories for boys, but girls can also identify with the stories. Tighty- whites or Boxers is one of the stories. A young boy designs an interview process for the man who wants to marry his mom. His new job will include being his dad so he's not taking chances. He insists on reference letters from adults and children. He has the man meet him for an interview, and yes the first line is one of the questions that needs to be answered. Dream Catcher is the story of a young man is sent to stay with a grandfather that he's never met. Avi's writing style nails the difficulty that young and old may have with this description, " He knew kids like cats know computers ." The stories work well as a read aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Avi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681111

Price: 16.99

Peck, Peck, Peck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Little Woodpecker's daddy tells him it is time he learned to peck a tree. He learns quickly and is so thrilled with his new skill, that he pecks everything he can see. He manages to peck his way through a door and get into a house where he pecks holes in furniture, artwork, clothing, and just about everything else. On each page, everything that has been pecked has a perfectly round hole through it. Text is somewhat rhyming. At the end, Little Woodpecker returns home with a crinkled beak from all of the pecking, and is happily tucked into bed. This will be a good lap share book with a very young child. There are so many household items in the illustrations, that it will be good to use for identifying objects. Little Woodpecker's pride and determination, even though his actions are misdirected, will shine through.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689469

Price: 8.99

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This new addition to the How Do Dinosaurs? series is a good lesson in how to be a friend. It starts with a dinosaur fight and all of the wrong things to do to make up. Halfway through, it turns to how to be a friend. As in the other books in the series, dinosaurs are all identified. The illustrations are colorful and attractive. The expressions on the dinosaurs faces are funny and wonderful. The examples of how not to be, then how to be a friend can spark conversation with young children about how their relationships with their own friends. Fans of the series will enjoy this new addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545829342

Price: 16.99

The Airport Book

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2016

Review

This is a perfect book to give to a young child who is going on their first airplane trip. Everything about the trip is told in detail enough for children to get a clear picture of what will happen. A family with two children is leaving their apartment in the city to go to visit grandparents. The taxi ride to the airport is quite calm, but once the family gets to the airport, chaos reigns. Each detail of the trip is outlined as the family makes their way from the ticket line, through security, to the gate, and onto the plane. Readers who look carefully can pick out various travelers in each scene as they go through the process. All through the journey, the toddler in the family asks for her monkey. Observant readers will notice the monkey's tail sticking out of her suitcase as they follow the story along. A great addition for young travelers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Lisa

Illustrator: Brown, Lisa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720916

Price: 17.99

Edible Colors

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2016

Review

This sturdy boardbook is fascinating. It deals with colors and vegetables. Not only will little ones learn and review their colors, but they will learn of very unusual vegetables and the unbelievable colors of many. Cucumbers are green, they are also yellow. A rainier cherry and Anne yellow raspberries are also yellow. Corn is yellow but is also blue. There is a Queensland blue pumpkin, also, as well as a blue hubbard squash. The illustrations are absolutely delicious and use a lot of white space, making each vegetable really stand out. This is a very unique offering and one that even adults will learn from. Consider this for your boardbook collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bass, Jennifer Vogel

Illustrator: Bass, Jennifer Vogel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722842

Price: 7.99

Rocks Minerals and Gems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2016

Review

This book is a treasure trove for young rock hounds. Looking through more than 1000 examples, readers will learn about rocks, minerals, crystals, and gems that were formed by powerful forces of nature. They will learn what raw specimens look like and how they are used. Multitudes of beautiful color illustrations will enable rock hunters to identify what they find. This book is beautiful to look at and very informative for anyone wanting to learn about rocks and minerals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Calelry, Sean

Illustrator: Ombler, Gary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545947190

Price: 19.99

The Anatomy of Curiosity

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

"The Anatomy of Curiosity" is an interesting book by authors Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff. The book contains three novellas (one by each author) and each focuses on an important part of the creative process involved in writing: characterization, world building, and coming up with ideas. There are introductions to each story by the authors, as well as notes interspersed within each story describing how that part of the story was worked on (whether the author edited out too many similar descriptors, or how the character got their name, etc.). It's a cool idea, but I found it tough to follow at times. I tried both reading the story first and the notes after and then for the next story reading the notes as I was reading the story, but both ways felt a little choppy.

As far as the stories themselves go, I really enjoyed Stiefvater's novella about an old woman with a secret and the teenage girl hired to read her poetry, but the other tales were harder for me to get into. I like the idea of the book, but not sure it's effective for me. Not a must-buy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolhoda LAB

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467723985

Price: 18.99

The Girl I Used To Be

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2016

Review

Fourteen-year-ago Olivia Reinhart was the three-year-old Ariel Benson who witnessed the murder of her mother, presumably by her father, left at a Walmart and spent years in the foster care system. The suspense begins from the first chapter as Olivia is running the forest being pursued by a killer. Henry then takes the reader back three weeks into the past when police come to the now emancipated Olivia's apartment using her old name and stating that her father's jawbone has been found a mile from the crime scene making him a victim after all these years. As she attends the funeral and relocates to the community of her past, the killer is assumed to be still lurking in the town. Olivia and her newly romantic partner Duncan start digging into possible suspects until the killer makes his/her presence known. Henry' s writing style provides quick pieces of information that share Olivia's struggles while she collects clues and the Oregon setting. The ability of Olivia to return to her town without being recognized by the majority of people seemed a bit unbelievable and the book jacket art depicting a face going underwater doesn't correspond to any murders in the story, but those are minor quibbles. Mystery and suspense lovers will enjoy this fast-paced whodunit that doesn't contain any graphic language or sexual situations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, April

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627793322

Price: 16.99

Jack and the Snackstalk

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2016

Review

When I saw the author was Noah Jones I was very excited because I've had Noah to my library to do a program with my 3rd & 4th grade after school kids. He was a great hit. He is now writing and illustrating this new early reader series called Branches published by Scholastic. The stories take well known fairytales and rewrite them with a bit of zany antics and silliness. While the plot line is easy to follow - especially if you know the fairytale already - the text of the story can be a bit hard to follow for the beginning reader because it is a mix of graphic novel style language boxes and regular text. I do think the kids will enjoy the stories and they will be great way to practice their reading skills.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Noah Z.

Illustrator: Jones, Noah Z.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545848626

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Pod vs. Pod

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2016

Review

This is book 8 in this very popular series. All the stories are based around these amoeba creatures who have zany adventures. In this story one of the amoeba goes thru mitosis so the book also includes an explanation of what mitosis is, as well as other scientific facts that apply to some of the action in the book. These are fun, and easy to read beginner graphic novels. The kids really like these, I can't keep them on the shelf!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer & Matthew

Illustrator: , Same as above

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House Kids / Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780307983084

Price: 6.99

Secret of the Time Tablets

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2016

Review

This is the third book in the Cleopatra in Space graphic novel series. The stories are based on the premiss that a young Cleopatra (yes THAT Cleopatra) gets transported to the future where she learns that she is to save the galaxy from the evil Xaius Octavian. In this episode Cleo and her friends come upon Octavian . The kids fight him and his army with rocks a slingshots. Octavian forces Cleo into a cave where there is a special tablet that she is some how connected to. In touching the tablet is gets rid of Octavian (at least for now), and Cleopatra wakes up in a hospital after having been unconscious for 3 weeks. Cleo then discovers another tablet and realizes that they are all connected and she could travel back to her real home and time. She also realizes that her true destiny is to die. Will she leave or will she stay?

This is a very popular series with the kids at my library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maihack, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545838672

Price: 12.99

Full of Beans

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Beans Curry and his friends are members of the Keepsies, the best marble playing gang in Key West, Florida during the Depression in this prequel to Turtle in Paradise. His family, like most families, has little money. Mom takes in laundry and Dad is mostly away trying to find work. Beans is part of a number of schemes to make money, while "New Dealers" move in to clean up Key West and turn it into a tourist destination. One of Beans' schemes ends badly. His reaction shows his true character as he enlists his gang to help clean up Key West. The story is written with humor, and with good period detail (including keeping the Sears Roebuck catalog in the outhouse, not for reading). It provides a good look at this difficult period in American history and will be enjoyed by young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510362

Price: 16.99

The Sleeping Prince

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2016

Review

Salisbury has created a complex high-fantasy world set in medieval times involving three kingdoms. This is the second book in the Sin Eater's Daughter series. The prologue describes the bloody night attack by The Sleeping Prince and his golems on the King of Lormere. The story line focuses on Errin Vastel who lives next to the bordering forest and her town is being evacuated. This places her and her mother, who has recently began acting violently as a Varulv (werewolf)at risk. Errin's brother Lief left them to go to Lormere and he has not returned, so Errin is left to deal with the abandonment, poverty and Varulv violence on her own. Her only friend and connection to hope is Silas, a mysterious stranger, who pays her for her apothecary skills and inhabits her dreams at night. Myths and superstitions become real as the independent and head-strong Errin becomes entangled in the larger picture of the war in the Kingdom. Readers new to the series will not be hinder with the complex alchemy myths until the final third of the book when characters and reveals happen that refer to the first book which seem disjointed from the suspense of Errin's storyline. The map illustrated by Plasse is helpful during the political discourses between characters. A map or list of the characters lineage may have assisted in making the complex connections clearer. Errin's life circumstances and motives are turned upside down in a cliff hanger ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Salisbury, Melinda

Illustrator: Plasse (map illustrator), Maxine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545921275

Price: 17.99

Look Both Ways

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2016

Review

Brooklyn is spending her summer before senior year of high school at the esteemed Allerdale Playhouse summer stock theatre. She is hoping to make her mark within her family of successful theatre folk. She isn’t sure that she has what it takes to perform before audiences, though she is a fair pianist and a creative parody writer. Her mother is hopeful that Brooklyn will find a new love during the summer, be that lover male or female, and is appalled that Brooklyn is still a virgin at 17. What takes place during the summer revolves around love, sexual orientation, disappointment, and the usual drama of those in their late teens and early twenties, somewhat intensified as all the attendees are actors and uber emotional. People are not what they seem at Allerdale and Brooklyn becomes very confused on myriad levels. This is a welcome change for young adult readers who may be exhausted by all the books about vampires, post-apocalyptic scenarios and protagonists with special talents or dead mothers. Consider this for your shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cherry, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553511864

Price: 17.99

The Light Fantastic

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

A plot to convince a high school student in each state to stage a school shooting on the same day is masterminded through an online forum in this richly atmospheric fictional offering which interweaves clever literary and pop culture references, but features a few too many narrative voices. A young woman named April, who has a neurological anomaly that allows her to remember all of the details of her life in full, draws readers into the story by linking together events in her childhood to horrific events such as the Oklahoma City bombings and the World Trade Center attacks. The menacing tone is set and pervades as others begin to tell their stories, including a boy who April knew in childhood who moved away and is now involved in a relationship with an emotionally distant through beautiful girl, a downtrodden though caring teacher, a girl who is deeply unhappy, a group of people who've barricaded themselves in a closet as shooting begins at the their school and an awkward but intelligent boy who is obsessed with a girl he tutors. Each of these characters, plus many others, take their narrative turn as the story slowly unfolds and teens will need to be patient as they begin to piece together the various parts, which are on their own discomfiting and only become more so as events take shape. Sophisticated readers who favor authors such as A.S. King and Andrew Smith will find plenty they like here, but it may not appeal across a wide audience. A note at the end by the author includes contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Combs, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763678517

Price: 17.99

Cloudette

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

Cloudette is a tiny cloud which means that she can hide and sneak around but she also cannot have much of an impact on her environment. She watches bigger clouds making the wind blow, the snow fall, making colorful rainbows, causing rivers and ponds to rise, making waterfalls rush, and she wishes that she could do more. After a particularly bad rainstorm with high winds like she has never seen before, Cloudette finds herself in strange territory and realizes that she may be able to make new friends and really do some fantastic things weather-wise in her new surroundings. This sturdy board book is filled with amazing illustrations and amusing conversational text that complement one another very well. This is an unusual and unique board book to consider for your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627795012

Price: 7.99

Tawny Scrawny Lion

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

Tawny Scrawny Lion is ravenous all the time. He chases animals every day of the week trying to assuage his hunger. All the animals are frightened of him. One brave little rabbit decides to invite Lion home for dinner with him and his family. The little rabbit hopes that he can change Lion's ways and perhaps he will not want to eat animals any more. When Lion and his little rabbit friend reach the family rabbit warren, Lion has a huge hankering for rabbit meat. How in the world will all this end? The story is adapted from a Little Golden Book version and the illustrations will remind the reader of those lovely old-fashioned pictures LGB was famous for. Preschoolers through kindergarteners will enjoy this offering aimed at their reading level though some children may find the fact that Lion wants to eat all the rabbits a big distressing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Depken, Kristen

Illustrator: DiCicco, Sue

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101934241

Price: 3.99

Apple Picking Day!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

A family is spending the day at an apple orchard on a beautiful fall day. They enjoy the colorful foliage while climbing apple ladders into the trees and finding the best apples available. They race one another to see who can fill his or her basket the fastest. Afterward they come back to the farm and are offered apple cider, apple pie and apple donuts. The rhyming words, appropriate large font and pictures that illustrate what is taking place make this book ideal for the beginning level 1 reader to whom it is targeted. Youngsters will want to head to the nearest local apple orchard after reading this book. Consider it for your beginner reader shelves. This would also be good for a seasonal display.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ransom, Candice

Illustrator: Meza, Erika

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538588

Price: 3.99

The Ebola Epidemic: The Fight, The Future

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

This gripping, informative non-fiction volume provides a solid epidemiological overview of the Ebola virus, its history from the first known cases in 1976 in what was then Zaire to its most recent 2014-15 outbreaks in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and a brief look at the work underway to develop more reliable testing and preventative medicine for this incredibly destructive disease. Featuring interviews with healthcare workers, researchers and survivors, Goldsmith achieves a nicely balanced chronicle -- at once sensitive to the human implications and respectful to those who've lost loved ones to the virus, clear about the economic, political and social forces that often impact prevention and care of Ebola, and concise in exploring the science behind the disease itself. Photos, charts and maps compliment the text, which is both well sourced and engaging. Source notes, a glossary, an index, and a bibliography are included, as well as an extensive list of suggested resources that provide further information. Middle and high school students interested in the medical field or biological sciences will find this an excellent source for school, but this would also be a great recommendation for fans of narrative non-fiction just looking for a good read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Goldsmith, Connie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467792448

Price: 35.99

Julie the Sleeping Beauty Fairy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

In this book starring Rachel Walker and Kirsty Tate, the young friends are spending the night at Tiptop Castle. When Hannah the Happily Every After fairy appears, they find themselves in a new adventure. Jack Frost has stolen the magic objects needed to keep fairy tales in place and Julia the Sleeping Beauty Fairy is lost outside of her tale. Rachel and Kirsty are changed into tiny fairies and are on a quest to put things right. Little girls enamored of all things Daisy Meadows will adore this first in the new series The Fairy Tale Fairies and will look forward to the additional stories to come. The pen and ink illustrations are fitting, as always, and, like fairies, this title will fly off the shelf!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545851893

Price: 4.99

The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

The Fletchers are back again, on summer vacation on their beloved Rock Island. Seeing the lighthouse that has always been such a part of their summer vacation surrounded by a fence causes great sadness and disappointment. Mystery surrounds why that is the case, and solving that mystery is part of their summer adventure. The story is gently told with humor and compassion. Issues arise around race and two dads om the family, but they are dealt with well and resolved. Lots of family adventures and fun make a good, comfortable, and enjoyable story for middle grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Levy, Dana Alison

Illustrator: Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521306

Price: 16.99

The Secret of GoldenRod

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorail Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

Trina and her dad move to an abandoned mansion known as Goldenrod. Trina hopes they can put down roots, and that maybe she'll even have a best friend. In the beginning the kids at school make fun of her. But then Trina finds Augustine, a talking antique doll. This event seems to bring her luck and possibly the life she has been looking for. The beginning is a bit of a slow read, but if the reader sticks with it they will enjoy the ending. I feel that the length of this book and the slow start maybe this books downfall.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

O'Reilly, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books / Lerner Publishing

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512401356

Price: 17.99

The Trouble with Twins

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2016

Review

This debut novel is about Arabella and Henrietta who are identical twins. Though like many twins they are not alike. Arabella is outgoing, good looking and popular. Henrietta is very quiet and shy, and not as well groomed. Because of these differences Arabella gets all the attention while Henrietta is pushed aside. This leads to greatly hurt feelings on the part of Henrietta. So Henrietta seeks revenge on her sister and as punishment is sent to live with an eccentric great-aunt. After a time the girls start to miss each other and Arabella hatches a plan to reunite them - let the adventure begin! A fun read with lots of twists and turns.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Siebel, Kathryn

Illustrator: Sarda, Julia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101932735

Price: 16.99

The King of Kazoo

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2016

Review

This is the first graphic novel of cartoon artist Norm Feuti, and it's a great beginning! In this story Feuti has created comical bunny like characters. There is Cornelius the narcissistic King, his daughter Princess Bing, and his mechanic Torq. Both Bing and Torq get very little credit form the King for all their talents and contributions to the kingdom. In this fast paced humorous fantasy the King and his entourage must take action to keep the kingdom safe from the evil Quaf. There are a few great lessons to be learned from this humorous read! I think it will be a popular addition to our graphic novel collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Feuti, Norm

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545770897

Price: 12.99

Fly Guy Presents The White House

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

Buzz and his pet fly Fly Guy are touring The White House. With colorful pages incorporating lots of photographs, Tedd Arnold manages to make this non-fiction offering entertaining and informative for youngsters. This book is full of fascinating facts about the White House and the Presidents and their families who have occupied it over history. On the cover, Fly Guy sports a distinguished blue suit and striped tie appropriate for visiting the White House. The familiar glittery cover work and appealing illustrations will draw in those already in love with Fly Guy. Seriously consider adding this to your non-fiction collection for kindergarteners through third graders.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545917377

Price: 3.99

Unplugged

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2016

Review

Unplugged is something different, it is a science fiction that readers might hope will never come to being. Two distinct worlds exist; a real world and a digital app controlled world when people live without bodies. Freitas presents Skye in a positive light, downplaying her separation from her real family while exposing deep physical longing. The emotional interaction and fast paced action within these pages makes this book stand out from other dystopian titles. Readers will cheer for Skye as she accomplishes her goal and grieve with her when the outcome is less than desired.

Add this to high school media centers and to public libraries everywhere. Unplugged is a well written, intense, and futuristic story that just might be in our future. Readers will anxiously wait for the future books in this new series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Freitas, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062118608

Price: 17.99

Unbecoming

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

A coming of age story featuring three generations of woman. Although related their ties were so loose that the narrator did not even know her grandmother. Katie lived a quiet life with her controlling mother and emotional handicapped brother before social services interjected Mary into their home. Katie tells her story with inserted pages which reveal insight into the background of both her mother and grandmother. Downham portrays each generation with wisdom and humor exposing the challenges and fears of each woman. There is love, betrayal, confusion and acceptance within the hearts of these dynamic characters. Librarians should add to public library YA sections and recommend to mother daughter book groups.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenny, Downham

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: David Fickling Books (Scholastic Inc.)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545907170

Price: 17.99

I Love You, Too!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Released in board book format "I Love You, Too" remains a charming picture book for children. The smaller size however does not do justice to the previous edition. Sweet’s lovely illustrations are somewhat crowded by the text. Bunting’s story is simple and endearing, new mothers are sure to love it. The storyline may inspire children to create their own gifts but does not best suit the toddler crowd.

Purchase this in its original format for gifts but consider adding to library board book collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545813907

Price: 7.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

The Weather Disaster

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2016

Review

The second in the new nonfiction science series "Mad Scientist Academy", "The Weather Disaster" is both entertaining and informational. Dr. Cosmic has invented a wearable weather balloon and a machine that controls the cooling and heating system of the school. When neither machine works as intended the students become instrumental in saving the situation. With a graphic novel presentation and containing monster like characters this book will be a crowd pleaser in first to third grade classrooms. A fun story line, factual scientific explanations, and winning illustrations make this a book that teachers will encourage children to read. Younger children will delight in the illustrations just as Joanna Cole's (Magic School Bus series) audiences have for years. Librarians will want to add this to primary school media centers and to public library collections.

"Mad Scientist Academy" series

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McElligott, Matthew

Illustrator: McElligott, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553523768

Price: 17.99

Upside Down Magic - Sticks and Stones

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Lon Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2016

Review

Upside Down Magic

The second book in a series about young magic makers whose magic sometimes goes wrong or "wonky." The main characters are enrolled at a special school that hopes to help them learn to control their unpredictable magic and even better to understand their "upside down magic." The book will appeal to those children who like fantasy and magic themes. It will have special appeal to reluctant readers and those readers just beginning to read chapter books. The book explores the themes of friendship, appreciating one's own abilities, and embracing and understanding the differences of others in a fun and lighthearted way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski-Myracle-Jenkins, Sarah- Lauren-Emily

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545800495

Price: 14.99

The Skeleton Tree

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2016

Review

This compelling survival story is well written and fast paced. Twelve year old Chris and a mysterious older teenager, Frank, are sailing the Alaskan cost with Jack when a storm hits. Chris and Frank are the only survivors. Chris can not understand why his Uncle Jack brought Frank on this trip. Frank is not easy to get along with which makes it very difficult for Chris. Chris befriends a raven which Frank clearly shows he does not like. The boys need to work together to survive. It is salmon season, but winter is fast approaching. The characters are well developed and believable. The story is realistic showing the hardships the boys face together and alone. The descriptions of the wild life and setting are detailed and fascinating. I would heartily recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys adventure and mystery. This would work well for a classroom novel because of its wide appeal and the variety of topics that could be discussed.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Iain

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385733786

Price: 16.99

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2016

Review

Red is the granddaughter of the Witch of the Woods. When Red's grandmother becomes ill, Red goes on an adventure to find a cure. She meets up with Goldie who is a bit too exuberant at times for Red. They encounter pixies, dwarves, bears, bees, etc. Like the original story the Huntsman and the Wolf play important roles, but not as expected. This is the third book by Shurtliff. Readers will recognize some of the characters from previous books since they are from familiar fairy tales. This delightful story has many twists and turns. The author has created characters that are original and interesting. I highly recommend this well written novel for anyone interested in a different and more in-depth version of a familiar fairy tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shurtliff, Liesl

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385755832

Price: 16.99

Argos: the Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - rretired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2016

Review

This creative retelling of Homer's Odyssey is told from the point of view of his dog, Argos. Argos learns of Odysseus' adventures and misadventures through various seabirds and other creatures. It's an enjoyable way to be introduced to The Odyssey or review it. Experiencing the world through the eyes of Argos and other creatures is an interesting and insightful way to learn what is happening to Odysseus on his long journey home from Troy and what his faithful wife and son are experiencing while anticipating his return. This novel is well written and will keep readers interested until the end. This imaginative approach to the classic Greek epic deserves high praise.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hardy, Ralph

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062396785

Price: 16.99

Maggie and Michael Get Dressed

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2016

Review

Michael needs to get dressed so he involved Maggie his puppy in the daily ritual. What appears to be a cuddly preschool silly story becomes a concept book where colors and clothing pieces are identified. The text is simple, bold, and large enough for early readers to read alone. Words designating colors are printed in that color for easy comprehension.

Fleming employs her personal papermaking technique of pulp painting which enriches the pages while addings depth and definition to the book. Colors jump out of the page along with the joyous activity. Add this to all public library collections and gift to families with the perfect mix of toddlers and puppies.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming, Denise

Illustrator: Fleming, Denise

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805087949

Price: 17.99

On Our Way to Oyster Bay; Mother Jones and Her March for Children's Rights

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2016

Review

Mother Jones was an important leader for children's rights; this book discusses the abuses for which she was a champion. Children working in factories were denied an education as well as a childhood due to economic situations in the USA during the late 1800's and early 1900's. While a fictional account, readers will appreciate an overview of the plight of those children as they learn about civil unrest and demonstrations.

The story is accessible to grade 3 students who are introduced to biographies although the art work is slightly too stylistic. Mother Jones seems to be portrayed as Mother Goose in these illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kulling, Monica

Illustrator: Sala, Felicita

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383257

Price: 17.95

The Hero Two Doors Down

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

In this historical fiction baseball novel, Robinson provides a slice of life in the 1948's through the eyes of Steve Satlow, an eight-year-old Jewish boy, who becomes neighbors to her father Jackie Robinson. Second to fifth grade readers will be inspired to explore more about Jackie Robinson. The difficulties that Jackie and his young family faced as he became the first negro baseball player to play in the Majors and move into Steve's all Jewish neighborhood are gently woven into the daily life of Stevie as he tries to behave at school to earn tickets to his first Dodgers game. Other world issues such as the Arab-Israeli War and UNICEF become part of the dinner table discussions in Steve's family, as well as baseball history and discrimination. Although these complex themes are discussed, the only momentum the story line offers is Steve's anticipation of Jackie moving into the neighborhood and earning the privilege of attending a game. Robinson provides an emotional, though unnecessary, prologue that places Steve as a 20-year-old college student who just lost his father, reminiscing about meeting Jackie for the first time. The afterword provides the true facts of the story and Robinson has included photos that add a biographical feature to the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robinson, Sharon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545804516

Price: 16.99

Creatures of the Rain Forest

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Readers looking for graphic photos with a variety of spine-tingling facts of ten designated species in the rain forest will enjoy browsing this series entitled Real-life Monsters. The brightly colored shutterstock photographs of these dangerous animals are supplemented by illustrations by Mendez showing a blowgun, how the vampire bat drinks blood from a sleeping animal and a detailed picture of the Harpy eagle's talons. Clever designs and coding become the book's flaws as the many different features are not explained. Each two page spread provides a large number to identify each species being 1-10 in descending order. Why descending order? A large colored photo of the animal provides the focal point of each spread. At the top of the left page is a scale showing the animal's size compared to a pencil, human hand or a human body. The length, weight and location is provided in both English and metric. The opposite page provides a vertical strip rating the animal's size, power, strength, aggression and deadliness with a total of these ratings in a green box. These rating totals are then placed on each picture of the animal in the Rogue's gallery with more facts about the animal in the back matter. This rating system and the importance of the total number is not explained anywhere in the book. A short index is provided in the back. Unfortunately, a glossary of some of the difficult vocabulary and a bibliography are not included.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rake, Matthew

Illustrator: Mendez, Simon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467763639

Price: 26.65

Woodpecker wants a waffle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Benny the woodpecker is woken up by the smell of waffles from the newly opened Moe's Diner. He doesn't know what a waffle is, but when he sees one through the window, he knows he wants one. After knocking politely, trying to sneak in and donning numerous disguises that doesn't get him a taste, he enlists the help of the forest animals. They each give him a reason why woodpeckers don't eat waffles. Each excuse involves the first letter of the animal's name matching the food. "Raccoons don't eat ravioli." "Coyotes don't eat cupcakes." After brainstorming some ideas, Benny comes up with a plan that outsmarts both the somewhat racially diverse group of diners and animals. Breen's understated cartoon ink, watercolors and colored pencil illustrations provide slapstick to Benny's waffle obsession. Benny has the attitude of Mo Willem's pigeon while the waitress works a four-tier beehive hairdo and cat-eye glasses. Serve this up at story time for giggles, laughs and letter recognition. Libraries beware: book may be returned sticky!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Breen, Steve

Illustrator: Breen, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062342577

Price: 17.99

Ten Hungry Pigs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Anderson's expressive, pushy pigs from his previous counting book are back in this food-themed picture book. One pig is very hungry and with the questionable help from his duck friend in a chef hat (the rubber ducky in the previous book?), he begins to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This process is interrupted by hungry pig two, three, up to ten bringing foods to add on top of the sandwich. Pickles, peas, fruit, fish and more are added to the sandwich to pig number one's dismay. When pig number eleven...Wait, there is NO pig eleven. It's the wolf! Which makes all the pigs leave except the first. The ducky then removes the wolf costume, (also from the first book) and the sandwich is enjoyed by "one VERY full pig". The only misstep in this fun, foodie offering is that bees are presented as one of the foods added to the for the sake of the rhyme instead of honey. The pig does hold a jar of honey so that is just a slight quibble. The numbers are written out in the text but are not shown numerically. The end pages provide readers with the chronology of the foods presented in the story. Perfect for a fun, foodie story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Derek

Illustrator: Anderson, Derek

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545168489

Price: 16.99

WET Cement A Mix of Concrete Poems

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

WET CEMENT is a fun filled book of concrete poems. Author Bob Raczka uses word play to "paint pictures with words and letters", as he explains in his short introduction. Each poem's title is in itself a short concrete poem made by simply moving letters in interesting ways. The poems follow with words moved in ways to tell a story and paint a picture in the reader's mind. The book will appeal to elementary readers who are just beginning to explore the genre of poetry and how to play with words, as well as older readers who will enjoy the amusing and often thought provoking way the author has created the poems. This book would be an excellent addition to school and classroom libraries as well as anyone who loves the artistry of words. A wonderful addition to a library's poetry collection for children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raczka, Bob

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722361

Price: 17.99

The Only Girl in School

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Bess finds herself the only girl in her small island school after her best friend, Claire, moves away. This mid level elementary novel shows how Bess deals with suddenly becoming the "different" student at her school and all that entails including bullying, loneliness, and having to find her way in a new and difficult situation. The story is told through a series of letters that Bess sends to her friend Claire documenting her frustrating 5th grade year. Bess is a strong female character who is determined to outsmart the boys who are tormenting her, including her former close friend Henry, the class bully Webby, and the rather nerdy Gilbert who has a crush on her. Bess brings her own strengths to the story by using her artistic and sports abilities to help her cope with her problems. There are some interesting twists in the story including a ghost and other mysteries. What seems lacking is any strong adult figure to help Bess adjust to her difficult year. The simple black and white illustrations complement the story by reflecting the drawings that Bess herself draws on her Clubhouse wall. This is a story about transitions and friendship that many elementary (3-5) students could connect with despite the unusual setting and situation that Bess finds herself in.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Standiford, Natalie

Illustrator: Durfee, Nathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054582996

Price: 16.99

The Alligator's Smile

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

The ALLIGATOR'S SMILE and Other Poems is a non-fiction book written in verse by award winning author, Jane Yolen. The author uses poetry to share fact filled verses about most aspects of an alligator's life from birth to the final poem titled, "Obituary". Yolen's use of rhyme and rhythm to share scientific information with her audience will appeal to many young readers who may not choose to read longer text about alligators. Her poems are supplemented with short post it like bright green notes with additional scientific information connecting to the poems. Although the subject is alligators, the information shared about life cycles, predation, defenses, and habitat is applicable to the lives of many others in the animal kingdom. She uses rich vocabulary which is supported with a glossary and a collection of supporting facts and a bibliography in the final pages of the book. Large, bright photographs by Jason Stemple complement and add to the fun and fact filled verses. A wonderful addition to a school or community library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Stemple, Jason

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467755757

Price: 19.99

This Is All Your Fault, Cassie Parker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This is a companion book to Drive Me Crazy which was told from friend Cassie's point of view. This is from friend Fiona's point of view and begins with the friendship intact, then her diary is stolen and read out loud on a school bus where Cassie hears some unkind things Fiona has written about her. Cassie is hurt and embarrassed and the friendship seems to have ended. With summer vacation about to begin,she is left without her best friend and struggles with loneliness and teasing at school while dealing with the aftermath of her parents divorce, her father's new girlfriend, trying to make new friends, a crush, learning how she is changing, going to a writing camp, and dealing with relationships and learns the importance of communication. A well written story of growth, maturing, self discovery, the difficulties of navigating middle school, dealing with both popular and mean classmates, new friendships, and changing family life are realistically portrayed. I also liked how the parents are portrayed with thoughtful discussions, suggestions and support while allowing the character to learn to solve her own problems but also to look at her own part in the problems. Very well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McVoy, Terra Elan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/imprint of Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062414496

Price: 16.99

Bears Big Breakfast

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

A tale of a bear cub who is searching for a breakfast that begins with the letter B. A series of B's bunny, bumblebee, boa, etc. until the craved for breakfast is discovered. A good story to read out loud, illustrations go well with the text and this would work well in a story time. The bear is joined on the hunt for breakfast with each critter as it is deemed not "breakfast". Humorous and room for children to interact as to what the bear should have for breakfast.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reed, Lynn Rowe

Illustrator: Helquist, Brett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062264558

Price: 17.99

Toby

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

After moving into a new house, a boy asks his father if they can adopt a dog from a shelter. The boy selects Toby, brings him home, but the dog needs time to adjust, bond and needs to be trained. Time,frustration and mishaps make the father suggest that maybe Toby wasn't the dog for them, but boy and dog work hard for a happy ending. Illustrated with graphite and watercolor wash and colored digitally are well done and extend the text. Based on Mitchell's own adoption of the "real" Toby this is a realistic look at adopting a dog and the work that goes into training a new dog.I did wonder why the author used a family moving as a time to ad a dog to the household, as a stable, settled time is best to bring a new pet home. This is the first book written by Maine illustrator Mitchell. Useful to read to a child before bringing a dog home for realistic expectations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mitchell, Hazel

Illustrator: Mitchell, Hazel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680930

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

The Raven King: Book IV of The Raven Cycle

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Stiefvater's stellar Raven Cycle series involving a group of contemporary teens on a quest to wake Welsh King Owen Glendower, who was legendarily magically laid to sleep hundreds of years in the past, concludes in this fourth and final volume. As in previous installments, an appealing blend of magic and realism weaves throughout the stories of its incredibly appealing characters as they are beset upon by a demon that overtakes Cabeswater, the supernatural forest that exists on the powerful ley line that runs through their small town of Henrietta, Virginia. This triggers a confluence of events that ultimately lead to a climax which has been foretold since the first novel, and though this foreshadowing does little to lessen its impact, its resolution may leave some readers craving more details.

The writing of both primary and secondary characters is typically spot on - their banter is funny and authentic and their relationships to one another are varied, complex and endlessly fascinating.

This wrap-up of an unusual, smart, stand-out series is not to be missed, though readers will need to have read the previous three novels before taking this one in.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545424981

Price: 18.99

What are the Branches of Government

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

An introduction to government for young children describing the three branches of government: congress,the president and the cabinet, and the courts. A very brief explanation is given of what each does. A major flaw is that no where in the book does it explain that this is about the government of the United States of America, and that each country has it's own form of government. On the final page it states "The government runs well when the branches work together. A good message for all. Includes a table of contents, glossary and index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785730

Price: 23.99

What are the Branches of Government

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

An introduction to government for young children describing the three branches of government: congress,the president and the cabinet, and the courts. A very brief explanation is given of what each does. A major flaw is that no where in the book does it explain that this is about the government of the United States of America, and that each country has it's own form of government. On the final page it states "The government runs well when the branches work together. A good message for all. Includes a table of contents, glossary and index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785730

Price: 23.99

Before Morning

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Caldecott Award winning artist Beth Krommes uses scratchboard art to beautifully illustrate a child's wish - written as an invocation - for a snow storm to fall overnight that will keep her mother, an airline pilot, home. The book begins with richly detailed pictures of a busy city bustling with people heading home in the evening, including the child and her mother. The story continues, with no text yet, with the scene of a cozy family dinner, bedtime ritual and a goodbye. The mother is seen packing her bag and leaving as the dad and child slumber. Then begins the text, a poem like invocation written sparsely over the remaining pages, showing the snow beginning, intensifying, flights be cancelled and the mother arriving home in the morning to spend the day with her family enjoying the snow. The final page has a message from the author, Joyce Sidman, about wishes and invocations with some thought provoking questions for further discussion. This would be a lovely book to share with Pre - K and early elementary and talk about wishes and words and explore the details to be found in the illustrations.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sidman, Joyce

Illustrator: Krommes, Beth

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547979175

Price: 17.99

Cat on the Bus

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

In this mostly text less picture book we follow a stray cat looking for a place to settle on a cold winter day in a busy city. The words are sparse and mostly convey what the cat hears on his journey - SCAT, SCRAM, SHOO as he upsets a trash barrel, attempts to enter a grocery store and hop onto a city bus. He dejectedly waits at the bus stop as the snow starts to fall but has better success leaping on the next bus. There he finds an empty seat and enjoys looking out at the falling snow and city until he is joined by an elderly Asian man whom he curls up next to. The next illustration shows the bus continuing on its route with an empty seat where they had been. The cat's journey ends when the man gives him to a little girl (his granddaughter?) and he appears to have found a happy home. Ages 3 -6 will like this story with its happy ending. The illustrations are richly colored yet simple and somewhat childlike. The first bus driver and one of the cat yawning are a little scary but overall it would be a good story time book to share.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Aram

Illustrator: Kim, Aram

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436477

Price: 16.95

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Set in Paris in 1936, seven year-old Pierrot Fischer is orphaned. He had a French mother and a German father who suffered from the effects of WWI, now known as PTSD. He briefly lives with his best friend and his widowed mother, both Jewish. He is then sent to an orphanage, and then to live with his aunt, the housekeeper for Hitler in the Austrian mountains. She changes his name to the German Pieter and encourages him to only speak German. Over time, going against his aunt's wishes, he begins to crave the power and is influenced and corrupted by Hitler. Often he doesn't think or realize, because of his youth, the horrible outcomes caused by his actions while just wanting to please Hitler with his loyalty. The consequences are brutal and painful and leave lifelong trauma. Well written, shows how people can be coerced and prejudiced to do the unthinkable. This is very thought provoking and, while historic fiction, it is a good starting point for discussions about how people can be led and manipulated by extremists and why it is so important to remember and face what happened, not to deny reality even if it is painful. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyne, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781627790307

Price: 16.99

Return to the Ice Palace

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Frozen fans rejoice. The popular Anna & Elsa chapter books continue. In an effort to impress some visitors, Anna & Queen Elsa take them up the mountain to their beautiful ice palace. But Elsa's snowgies (baby snowmen) have take over the ice palace. The snowgies proceed to cause mischief and light-hearted mayhem the entire time the royal sisters and their visitors are at the ice palace. Will the visit be a success or will it end in embarrassment for Anna & Elsa? This is a light and easy chapter book for strong second graders through fourth graders. It is not great literature. But it is a solid and fun read for its target audience of 6-10 year old boys and girls. It is also a good read aloud for the younger Frozen fans. The chapters are manageable in length and are peppered with black and white illustrations. I am not sure how the illustrations were created, but they appear to be black and white prints of color illustrations. They flow with the story and provide a break in the reading for less confident readers. The main theme in this addition, as with all of the Anna & Elsa chapter books in this series, is that the bond of sisters is very important and that working together is important as well. This series is decently priced so it would make a good purchase for many libraries. A must purchase for libraries with a strong Frozen fan base and for libraries who have other titles in this series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Erica

Illustrator: Robinson, Bill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House for Kids

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736434768

Price: 9.99

Big Friends

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Liibrary, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Two boys, Birt and Etho, are best friends, they play outside in cardboard boxes with their two-by-two rhythm and pretend. Then one day, another boy, Shu, brings a box and wants to join them. One says "sure", the other feels strange. Will they find a way for the two friends to become three? It takes time, a little bit of willingness, but, at last, they do. Beautiful illustrations that go very well with text. A satisfying book about the power of imagination and friendship. Good for children who have a hard time with change and new situations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sarah, Linda

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627793308

Price: 16.99

Digger Dozer Dumper

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Loved this as a picture book when it was first published in 2013 and it still works as a board book. The illustrations are amazing and will hold the youngest readers attention while listening to the descriptive rhyming text. All our little constructions friends will want to read this again and again.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vestergaard, Hope

Illustrator: Slonim, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763688936

Price: 7.99

The Battle of the Vegetables

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

The leeks are tricked by a cow, the carrots are fooled by rabbits, and the whole garden becomes involved in a classic love story with dire consequences in this book written by a French author of children's books. This is a picture book with elements of a graphic novel. The illustrations contribute conversation from the main characters, which give it the appearance of a graphic novel, although the story is told in the text. The story unfolds in a trio of intertwined stories with the main vegetable characters being leeks and carrots. The stories are silly and quirky and will appeal to children with those same traits. It may also appeal to older children who recognize the satirical elements of the stories. The book is an English translation of a children's book first published in France under the title " 3 contes cruel".

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sylvander, Matthieu

Illustrator: Barrier, Perceval

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544359420

Price: 15.99

Secret Admirer

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Does Queen Elsa have a secret admirer? Anna and Elsa sure want to find out if she does in this light mystery addition to the Anna & Elsa series. Filled with characters Frozen fans love, the sisters set out to solve the mystery of the secret admirer. The target audience for this title and the others in the popular series is 6-10 year old boys and girls or strong second grade readers through fourth grade readers. The chapters are average in length and have illustrations to help enhance the story of to give less confident readers a break in the reading. This and the other titles in the series will probably never win the Newbery award. But they are solid and fun reading for their target audience. And the books get kids reading! The theme of working together and the bonds of sisterhood/family are prevalent in this title as it is in the others in the series. This is a must purchase for libraries who have other titles in the series, or wish to start the series, since they can all be read as stand alone books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

David, Erica

Illustrator: Robinson, Bill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House for Kids

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736434751

Price: 9.99

Feathered

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Liibrary, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

A middle school novel about eleven year-old Finch, set in the 1980's. Finch wants a family like the show Little House on the Prairie, but her father died of cancer, her mother is depressed, her older brother is hanging around with Matt, who is a bully and sexually harasses her, she doesn't have any friends, her teacher calls her dumb, and the little girl next door can't come outside. Despite many problems, Finch learns to cope, stand up for those she cares for and grows. Issues are solved, maybe too quickly. For a quick read, many issues are included that can be discussed, sexual harassment, grief, bullying both from students and from the teacher, harassment of neighbors from India, and finally an attempted abduction by the father who wants to take his daughters back to India. The writing is very descriptive and flows well and compels you to read on and to want Finch to be happy. I don't feel the issues about the teacher was handled well, maybe too many problems were packed into one book. The scene with the bully knocking the nest out of a tree and killing the chicks was perhaps too graphic for the intended audience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kerber, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383417

Price: 15.95

Skip to the Loo, My Darling!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Though the illustrations are soft and appealing, the overall text and theme of the book is quite off-putting. This is a "potty book," however, the length would be a bit long for the average age of children who are potty training. There is also, within the text, the word "poo," several times which - and I understand rhymes with "loo" - is depicted by a series of cartoon animals all sitting on various chamber pots. I feel that this book should have left out the entire second half and it would have been considerably better and more appropriate.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd-Jones, Sally

Illustrator: Jeram, Anita

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672348

Price: 11.99

Incredible Fact Book

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Jack and Annie's favorite facts about animals, nature, history and more cool stuff in one collection. Fans of MTH fact guides will really enjoy this book. The cover with its shiny metallic background resembles a "Ripley's Believe It or Not'. Jack and Annie are drawn thru out the text and give it an interactive quality. Readers who lean toward non fiction are sure to devour this.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399551178

Price: 16.99

Samanthasaurus Rex

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

With colorful and visually appealing illustrations, this book is a clever, age-appropriate portrayal of issues surrounding the various expectations of young girls. Coming at a pivotal time in our history, the story is befitting for a generation that recognizes the importance of gender equality for all ages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mandell, B.B.

Illustrator: Kaufman, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062348739

Price: 17.99

A Crown of Dragons

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This is the third and final title in the UNICORNE FILES trilogy. Michael Malone is not your average teenager. Not only does he have paranormal abilities, but he also works for a secret and mysterious organization called the UNICORNE. What's more is that Michael's father was also affiliated with the same organization. While researching a dragon scale he mysteriously disappeared 3 years ago. It is this same dragon scale that has Michael undertaking his third mission for UNICORNE. The dragon scale and Michael's father are connected in some way. With this mission, will Michael be closer to finding out what happened to his father? This is an action packed read from the beginning. D'Lacey writes with suspense, a touch of humor and enough detail to hook readers. His main character, Michael, is believable and well written. Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed. Although, they will be sad that the trilogy has come to an end. This title would be good for reluctant older readers. Give to fans of Rick Riordan's books and Brandon Mull's Five Kingdoms series. A must purchase for libraries with the other two titles in the series. And for libraries that don't have them, purchase this trilogy. It won't stay on your shelves for very long.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

D'Lacey, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545608831

Price: 16.99

Macbeth #killingit

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This book takes William Shakespeare's Macbeth and tells it thru emogi's, text blocks, texting shortcuts, and thought bubbles. I thought this would be a fun way for the kids to read a classic - or not. Now I may have not read this play in many years but I do still know it fairly well, yet I had a difficult time figuring out what they were saying /talking about throughout the book. I'll be interested to see our circulation stats on it once we get it in the collection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Courtney Carbone, William Shakespeare

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: randomhouseteens.com/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538809

Price: 12.99

Eleanor the Snow White Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Well, here is yet another Daisy Meadows fairy book series. Some libraries may be running out of shelf space for this ever expanding series by Daisy Meadows. With more than 25 fairy series under the umbrella of Rainbow Magic and with each series having between 5-7 books on average, another series will not come as a surprise. This title is the second of seven in the Fairy Tale Fairies. Two girls go to a Fairy Tale Festival at Tiptop Castle. While there, Jack Frost steals the magic items of each of the fairy tale fairies. As a result chaos ensues. All the fairy tales get mixed up. Characters from one fairy tale go to another. And characters start coming to life and popping out of the books. To set things right again the girls must find all of the magic items and return them to their rightful fairy tale owners. In this book, the girls, Rachel & Kirsty, must find the Snow White fairy's magic comb. These books are quick reads and are written to appeal to their target audience in a big way. Girls (and some boys) in grades 2-4, who love fairies, simple yet pleasant stories with enough excitement and adventure in them to hook the reader. This is not great literature, but its a fun and quick read and gets kids reading. It also works well as a nice transition series for newly independent readers who aren't quite ready for Gail Caron Levine's well-crafted fairy books. If you have room on your shelves and are in need of fairy books (& who isn't) this is a decent purchase for many libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545851909

Price: 4.99

Faith the Cinderella Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Cinderella has lost her slipper again. Number 3 in the Fairy Tale Fairies has Rachel and Kirsty still trying to restore order to the world of the fairy tale fairies. Jack Frost has stolen the fairies magical items. And in order to set things right Rachel and Kirsty must find the items and return them to their rightful fairy tale fairy owners. Here Faith the Cinderella Fairy has had her magic glass slipper stolen. The ball will be a disaster if the girls don't find the slipper. This is written to appeal to girls (and some boys) in grades 2-4. And it hits the mark perfectly for the target audience. It is a fun, quick read full of all the froth and frills of a fairy tale land. Give to fans of the other Rainbow Fairy books and to the younger set not quite ready for Gail Carson Levine. A worthwhile series to purchase for many libraries. It's what kids want and it gets them reading. And they are decently priced. The only problem is most libraries don't have the shelf space for all of Daisy Meadows' fairy books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545851954

Price: 4.99

Rita the Frog Princess Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Jack Frost has stolen the Frog Princess fairy's magic mixing bowl. Chaos has come to the world of the Fairy Tale fairies. In order to restore things back to normal, Rachel and Kirsty must find the magic mixing bowl and return it to the Frog Princess fairy. Not only has it been stolen by Jack Frost, but now the goblins have hidden it. Will the girls find it before its too late? Oh no! Again, this title in the series is a quick, fun and frothy read for fans of fairies and the like. The target audience of girls and boys in grades 2-4 is well served with this title (and the rest of the series). It is kid entertainment at its silly best. Newly independent readers, those not quite ready for larger chapter books, and more detailed fairy related stories will enjoy this. Purchase where Daisy Meadows is popular. And where isn't she? This is a good purchase for fairy fans and reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545851978

Price: 4.99

The Secret Language of Sisters

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Luanne Rice is well known for her many Adult Fiction novels set primarily on the Connecticut shore. This is her first YA novel and is also set in Connecticut. Teenage sisters, Roo and Tilly McCabe are 2 years apart and attend the same high school. Roo, the older by 2 years, is the "Golden Girl":smart, pretty, popular, a gifted photographer with a long time boyfriend and a shoo-in to attend Yale. Tilly has not found her gift yet, is an average student, and socially awkward. In spite of their differences they are very close and supportive of each other until a devastating event occurs. While Roo is driving she answers a text from Tilly and causes a horrific accident that leaves her hospitalized, paralyzed, and apparently in a coma. Tilly is consumed by guilt and strikes out at her mom, Roo's boyfriend, and her own friends as her life unravels. It is Tilly, however, who discovers that Roo is not at all in a coma but is experiencing "locked-in-syndrome" and can hear and understand everything going on around her but is unable to speak or move.The author alternates first person chapters between Tilly and what is going on in her life and Roo with what she is experiencing in her hospital bed. While this is certainly a cautionary tale of the dangers of texting and driving it is also one of family, teen age relationships, grief management (the girls' father had died suddenly recently),the wonders of modern medicine and technology, and redemption. As such it gets somewhat overcrowded and choppy as the author tries to fit everything in. This contemporary novel about teenagers will appeal most to girls aged 13 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rice, Luanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Print

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545839556

Price: 18.99

How to Track a Truck

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

"How to Track a Truck" is a bit reminiscent of Chris Van Dusen's wildly popular books, with careful attention to detail in the illustrations and a fun, off-beat, and creative storyline. Early school-aged children will appreciate the humorous mixture of anthropomorphic vehicular characters and the whimsical, imaginative narrative.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Eaton, Jason Carter

Illustrator: Rocco, John

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763680657

Price: 16.99

Gwen the Beauty and the Beast Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Rachel and Kirsty have found four of the magical fairy tale items to their rightful fairy tale fairy owners. They only have three more items to go. In this installment Gwen, the Beauty and the Beast fairy has had her magic rose pin stolen. And Jack Frost will not give it up that easily. If the girls can't get the pin back Beauty and the Beast will never make it back into their story. This is a fun story that is written well and easy for its target audience. The target audience is girls (and boys) in grades 2-4 and anyone who likes fairy stories. Its a quick fun read for kids. Give this to fans of Daisy Meadows, to reluctant readers and to readers not quite ready for Gail Carson Levine. This is a worthwhile purchase for libraries in need of easier chapter books and those in need of fairy stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: Meadows, Daisy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545851985

Price: 4.99

Curious George Discovers the Stars

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This book is an adaptation of the TV series Teleplay "Curious George" by Raye Lankford. The illustrations reflect the television-based format, though the original character from the Curious George books is still as endearing as he is recognizable. The format of this book would be best with a very small group or 1:1 setting (rather than an out-loud storytime) since there are sidenotes on nearly every page. Though the story is fiction, it serves as a non-fiction learning tool for basic astronomy, including day and night skies, stars and constellations, and the fundamentals of electricity.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Freitas, Bethany

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544651647

Price: 6.99

They're There on Their Vacation

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Here is a book for about grades two to five or for ages of about six to ten years that is both picture book fiction and non-fiction. The story is told in rhyming couplets about a family who choose to spend their vacations at unusual places. Full color, cartoon like drawings show mom, dad, older sister, younger brother and the unusual vacation spots. The book's title clearly suggests that the book is also about the English language and specifically about the often confusing trilogy of homophones, they're, their and there. That threesome appears on almost every page. Some of the words used in telling the story will challenge young readers and or listeners such as docent, narwhal, and contraction. The story ended, a final page simply and clearly defines each of the three homophones. This is an ambitious book, presenting itself as both entertaining fiction and instructive non-fiction. It may succeed best on public and school library shelves in the non-fiction sections since picture books, for the most part no longer appeal to the intended age group once they are reading independently. However, the book is recommended as a useful addition to school, public and home libraries as an entertaining resource aimed at reducing confusion and, as such, made available to children, parents,teachers and other adults.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Brian

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,adult / professional

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467788472

Price: 19.99

Tiger and Badger

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This whimsically illustrated book would be appropriate for both a read-aloud story time and a 1:1, lap-sit reading. Beautifully illustrated with large, easy-to-follow text, the story follows the ups and (several) downs of adorable main characters, Tiger and Badger. The story conveys the message that even the best of friends may sometimes run into disagreements (or just flat-out fight!), but with a little compassion, understanding, and maybe even an exchange of silly faces, friendship really is worth fighting for.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Gay, Marie-Louise

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763666040

Price: 15.99

Ninja! Attack of the Clan

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This is a great book for children and adults alike. With eye-catching illustrations in the stylistic format of a graphic novel (one tailored to young readers), the story itself is a heartwarming and important reminder to slow down and pay attention to the things that really matter in our lives.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Chung, Arree

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805099164

Price: 16.99

Oceans in 30 Seconds

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Although the 30 Second Series is new to this reader, the title begged to be selected for review. In an extremely organized manner lots of factual information is provided concerning ocean environments, habitats and exploration. The book is divided into 6 segments each containing a glossary and dramatic illustrations. The text for Individual subjects is presented in three styles, limited to one page each. Several paragraphs provide relevant information, while the bottom of the page contains a 3-second sum-up and an activity box.

"Oceans in 30 seconds" will be used in the classroom and enjoy library circulation. While some students will want to use the material for basic research most will peruse the 3-second sum-ups, experiments, and illustrations. Perhaps this book will lead readers to more in-depth research. Further reading is suggested but many of the text mentioned are from the 1990's. Unfortunately a few illustrations are cut off by the binding (page 19, 43, and 59).

The 30 Second Series

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Jen

Illustrator: Robins, Wesley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Ivy Kids (Quarto Group)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781782403609

Price: 22.50

Like a Bird The Art of the American Slave Song

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Psalm 124:7 in The Bible reads "We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare." Harriett Tubman used to dream that she was flying over the land "like a bird" to freedom. In this lovely compilation of 13 spiritual songs sung by the slaves brought to America from Africa readers are encouraged to find the white dove symbolizing Tubman and freedom in each accompanying illustration. The illustrations are bold and vibrant interpretations of each of the spirituals which are presented in sheet music on the opposite page with a brief text explaining and expanding on the historical or biblical references in the lyrics. The songs and hymns sung by the slaves as they toiled and longed for freedom have become part of the American folk music catalog and will be familiar to many as they are still sung in churches and been recorded by many musicians. A glossary and further reading list is included at the back of the book. This is an excellent source for teaching and learning about the institution of slavery, abolition, The Underground Railroad, the major historical people of the time, and roots of American folk music. The illustrations, as well as the music, tell a story of people living in bondage and despair but not without hope and faith and an enduring spirit.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grady, Cynthia

Illustrator: Wood, Michele

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785501

Price: 19.99

Can You See What I See? Big Book of Search-And-Find Fun

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

This book is a collection of search and finds from the 9 past Can You See What I See? books by Walter Wick. Wick went through his past books and picked ones he wanted to feature in this book. So, as you might guess, they are all pretty terrific. Each page layout has a photograph on one side filled with all kinds of images and then a list of things to find on another page. The only drawback to this edition is it is in paperback and with all the use it will be getting a hardback would last longer.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wick, Walter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978054583863

Price: 12.99

A Monster Calls

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A Monster Calls was written in 2011 and published by a British Publisher, Walker Books. This US edition is being put out by Candlewick Press and has a different cover. The original was illustrated by award winning illustrator Jim Kay and the lack of his art work is a shame. The story is still powerful though and should not be missed. It is about a young boy dealing with a mom that is dying of cancer. A monster visits him and tells him things, which are terrifying but true. Ness wrote this book using an idea form another author, Siobhan Dowd that died from cancer before she could write the story herself. This is a heart wrenching book that is not to be missed, but the original version is a better choice than this new one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ness, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978076369215

Price: 9.99

Slingshot and Burp

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2016

Review

Boy double cousin best friends Slingshot and Burp imagine themselves as the best bike riding cowboys on the edge of their desert homes. Typical youth adventures are transformed into wild west antics involving siblings and great finds on the open plains. This duo rides high with enthusiasm, practical skill, applied book learning to identify fauna, always with a good dose of humor attached. As an easy chapter book this selection is just right for young readers, particularly boys, who could immediately relate to the pair's circumstances, even if they do not live on the edge of a desert.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haynes, Richard

Illustrator: Gilpin, Stephen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670764

Price: 14.99

Bioluminescence: Nature and Science at Work

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2016

Review

An engrossing overview of the science behind bioluminescent organisms and how they function, including an explanation of their basic workings, information about scientists who have contributed to the ever growing body of research involving them and the way in which their study is being applied in other fields, from medical diagnosis and treatment to space exploration. Though this is a compact volume, dramatic photography embellishes the text throughout and the layout is eye catching without being busy. Diagrams, a glossary, source notes, a selected biography, list of further resources and an index round it out, making this a good title for younger teens looking for a source on this topic for an academic project.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zimmer, Marc

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467757843

Price: 34.65

The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Emerson Elementary is going to close so this will be the last 5th grade to graduate from it. Fifth grade teacher Ms. Hill asks all 18 of her students to write about it throughout the year in notebooks. The catch is, the have to write their thoughts in poetic form. What is so wonderful about this book is the variety of experiences you get to be part of by having 18 students write down their thoughts and feeling throughout the year. Some worry about leaving the school, others are excited, and some are thinking about other things all together. It really does a great job of giving the reader a glimpse into what being a 5th grader is like.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shovan, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553521375

Price: 15.99

Turn of the Tide, The

Reviewed by: Laurel T.Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2016

Review

Cousins Kai of Japan and Jet of Oregon find themselves living together when Kai's home is struck by a tsunami. With completely different cultures behind them, a struggle ensues to be able to relate to each other in respectful, understanding ways. Kai's worries about his parents and grandparents so far away and his feelings of having deserted his country in the time of need is very real. Jet, who is preparing for the race of her life, tries to help Kai fit into a lifestyle he finds so foreign. Their understanding of the sea brings them together as they crew the family sailboat. This cultural blend opens a window into two different cultures, respectfully presenting details that foster understanding between two well developed characters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parry, Rosanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375869723

Price: 16.99

Glow: Animals with Their Own Night-Lights

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2016

Review

A simple but fascinating non-fiction picture book on the topic of bioluminscence, this pairs vivid photography of the animals (and fungi) discussed with concise, easily understandable text about each image, with a narrative thread running throughout that tells a story tying it all together. Presented entirely on a black background, the light given off by the subject of each photo is allowed to take center stage, and kids with an interest in the natural world will want to study some of these up close, even when they are a bit creepy in appearance, like the deep-sea dwelling dragonfish. The author explains within the body of the story that most bioluminescent organisms are found in the ocean, and an afterword points out that due to their habitat, photographs of these animals can be difficult to take, so some may not be as clear as more traditional photos. However, this does not detract from the overall dramatic effect and older preschool and younger grade school science-minded kids will be rapt. A bibliography and further information on each organism is included in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Beck, W.H.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544416666

Price: 17.99

Skating with the Statue of Liberty

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2016

Review

Jewish Gustave has arrived in America with his parents, aunt and cousin. He struggles to fit in, as he experiences discrimination which he thought would be left behind in Nazi occupied France. Befreinding a Negro girl in his class leads to complications which he also does not understand. The Double V campaign, Victory at war, Victory at home, is well presented, as the Negro community is struggling too, to be treated fairly. With New York City as the setting, the reader is transported to a complex time where ethnic groups are working hard to be accepted as an equal part of the communities in which they work and live.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Susan Lynn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385741552

Price: 16.99

My Miserable Life

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Ben is in 5th grade and hi thinks his life is miserable, in fact, he says that all the time. His dog is crazy, his sister that has changed and his mom is super protective. Ben just wants to be a normal 5th grader, but that might not ever happen. There are some funny parts in here, but somehow Ben always saying his life was miserable seemed out of place for a 5th grader, it seemed more like a middle school or high schooler phrase. Ben does have some funny, frustrating and embarrassing things happen to him in 5th grade which some students will be able to relate to. And, the drawings do a great job of capturing what’s going on in Ben's life.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Block, F. L.

Illustrator: Hemingway, Edward

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805096286

Price: 13.99

Lucy

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Lucy is a sweet little stray white dog. She lives in an alley but discovers a house where a little girl, Eleanor, sneaks her sausages every morning. Eleanor wants Lucy to be more than just a stray she gives a sausage to every morning, but she isn't sure how to make that happen, especially since her dad needs her help too. This is an incredibly sweet book. It is 144 pages long with sparse text but plenty of endearing black and white drawings that capture Lucy and Eleanor perfectly. The story is simply told but it's message is wonderful. This would be a great family read a-loud.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cecil, Randy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763668082

Price: 19.99

Tell Us Something True

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2016

Review

High school senior River suddenly finds himself dumped and alone in a boat on a lake. Too stubborn to take a ride home from his ex, he decides to walk home and comes across a shining Second Chances sign. Grasping at straws, he decides the sign is meant for him, and finds himself entering an AA type program for teens with addictions. Caught off guard, he makes up an addiction to marijuana. While River is understandably distraught after the breakup, we soon learn that his friends are all upset with him because he ignored them during his relationship with his ex. Left with nothing else, he swears to them that he will do better. However, as he develops closer relationships with the group members that he's lying to, he returns straight to his behavior of ignoring his friends. I suspect most readers will be frustrated by his behavior and wonder why his friends keep letting him back in. The book ends with an eye-rolling epiphany by River, only after he has lost all his relationships again. Purchase only where realistic fiction is incredibly popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Reinhardt, Dana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385742597

Price: 17.99

Wired Man and Other Freaks of Nature

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2016

Review

Ben Wireman is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids, hidden under his shaggy hair, so that he can pretend to be normal. Tyler, his best friend since elementary school and one of the most popular kids at school, has started to act strangely and won't tell Ben what's going on. Ben feels lost until a blue-haired loner named Ilona comes into his life. Ilona allows Ben to get to know himself outside of being Tyler's best friend. In the end, Ilona helps Tyler come clean about what's bothering him, too. Kaufman has created incredibly realistic and relatable teen characters and shed a fresh light on male friendships. It's clear the author has a keen understanding of teens and their inner turmoil. Recommended for all teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaufman, Sashi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467785631

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Roly Poly Looks for Santa Claus

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2016

Review

Roly Poly the bear is searching for Santa Claus in this sturdy and chunky boardbook. A chunky Tiny Tab Book, this offering sports colorful tabs which pull straight up and out to the right to reveal lots of characters, none of whom is Santa Claus. Will the big guy ever be found? Little ones aged 0 to 3 years will improve their small motor skills and hand-eye coordination while helping Roly Poly to locate Santa Claus. The illustrations correspond well with the text. Consider this for your holiday boardbook collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ho, Jannie

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689384

Price: 7.99

I Love My Robot

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2016

Review

Young Henry loves his robot and they have lots of adventures, even venturing to outer space. This offering is interactive with wheels to turn, a mirror in which to view oneself, and things to touch and feel. There is shiny foil and the illustrations are colorful and busy, acting out what the text depicts. The rhyming text makes for a good readaloud and little ones will have the words memorized as they will insist on countless readings of this sturdy boardbook. Consider it for your basket or shelf for your little one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Church, Caroline Jayne

Illustrator: Church, Caroline Jayne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545835930

Price: 7.99

Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

"Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat," by Meredith Sayles Hughes gives very brief information about vegetarianism, factory farming, 3D printed food, GMOs, and other current issues about the foods we eat. The writing doesn't feel like it would appeal to pre-teens or teens, and at times seems rather boring. At times it seems to both ramble on and at the same time barely skim the surface of most topics? It ends with a bit about the concept of Tao and how we need to make up our own minds about how we eat. I will praise the fact that there is a long list of sources and further reading suggestions and websites to check out. Not worth buying for your library.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Meredith Sayles

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467780117

Price: 34.65

Hippopotamister

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This graphic novel is about 2 really good friends at a zoo- a hippo and a red panda. The zoo they live in is really run down and no one comes to see them anymore so the 2 friends leave to get jobs somewhere else. Red Panda is sure he can help them get the best job ever. But it turns out it's not as easy as they thought, especially when Red Panda is doing things that get the 2 of them fired. Hippopotamus decides to just go back to the zoo where he is still unhappy until he comes up with a plan that might fix everything, literally and figuratively. The drawings in here are super. They are full of color and the animals' expressions totally capture what's going on in the story. You will laugh at how Red Panda has no idea that the things he does on different jobs might not be so awesome and might be the reason that they keep getting fired. Hippopotamus is the best friend ever for never pointing that part out. Readers will love that they might have a good idea of just how Hippopotamus can save the zoo. This is a cute graphic novel, a good read aloud as well, that younger children will definitely enjoy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Green, John Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626722002

Price: 17.99

Super Hero High School

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2016

Review

This is a year book for the students at Super Hero High School. Lots of the heroes are girls and there might be new ones you haven't heard of, like Bumblebee, Big Barda and Ravager. Each superhero student, boy or girl, gets a full page spread (some get 2) with drawings of them as well as a list describing them that includes the place they come from, the superpower they are known for, their favorite food and their fashion sense. The year book has features throughout that you might find in a typical year book like a club section, superlatives page and faculty page. Plus it includes lots of other pages that are unique to Super Hero High. While it is great to have more women superheroes, the focus in this book seemed to be more on their sense of fashion. There are several references to being queen like and beautiful which is not a bad thing, but it's too bad that that seemed to be the predominate message throughout the yearbook, but, then again, it is a yearbook so those thoughts might be just right. This book should appeal to a lot of elementary school readers looking for books on female superheroes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fontana, Shea

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524701062

Price: 9.99

The Tudors: Kings, Queens, Scribes and Ferrets!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This book gives an overview of the Tudor family and the kings and queens that were part of it. The book itself is part graphic novel and part picture book which makes it very accessible for younger readers to follow. Marcia Williams' illustrations are terrific. She really gets across quite a bit of history in a short amount of time and even finds ways to make it occasionally humorous. The book has 3 parts to every page; the main story in the center of the page, a sidebar that has ferret drawings and descriptions of what is going on, and a bottom strip that discusses what was going on with the common folk. At times the common folk section was a bit dark and really a better fit for an older audience than the rest of the text. Still, the book gives a solid and entertaining look at the lives of the Tudor kings and queens.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, Marcia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681227

Price: 17.99

What the Dead Want

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

Sixteen-year-old Gretchen inherits the house of her ancestors from her famous photojournalist Aunt, E. E. Axton. As Gretchen stays overnight with her aunt in the cluttered, paint-peeling, paranormal playground, she quickly learns the dark historical cruelties that fuel the present day obsessions with the house by the women in her family. Deaths and accidents in the town are violently increasing and the task to reveal the hidden history and allow the tormented ghosts of two little girls, who are at the center of the chaos, to move on rests on the unsuspecting Gretchen and her photographic skills when her aunt commits suicide in the house's darkroom on that first night. The lynching of slaves, betrayal of loved ones, the entrapment of females and the Underground Railroad provide dark layers to this suspenseful ghost story. Olson uses a third person voice, historical letters and creepy photographs that support the various pieces of information that Gretchen, her two dark-skinned cousins and her gay friend uncover. There is one historical inaccuracy where the date of a letter that discusses the newly formed Ku Klux Klan is one year before the group's actual formation in the South, but that doesn't diminish the haunted ghostliness of the tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Norah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062410115

Price: 17.99

How it Feels to Fly

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

In this first-person narrative, Samantha, groomed to be a professional ballerina from a very young age, describes her summer in treatment at a summer camp for teens dealing with anxiety. The camp consists of six high-achieving athletes and artists that work through their anxiety issues with the help of Dr. Debra Lancaster and two psychology interns. Sam's negative body image influences how she interprets other people's view of her, including a one-sided forbidden romance with one of the teen counselors. Holmes provides Sam's inner negative dialogue in italics throughout and develops each of the six teen's characters as they each interact with the group and during their treatment paths with realistic dialogue. Although the book will attract ballet fans, the story line will resonate with those looking to find positive outcomes relating to issues of anxiety, anorexia, cutting, and overcoming obstacles to future goals. An inspiring read for learning to live and grow into one's potential.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Holmes, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062387349

Price: 17.99

This Is My Book!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

The author and illustrator of this book wants all to know that he makes all of the decisions about this book, about the text, the illustrations and the white space and on and on. However, there is a Panda in the book and he is not amenable to this arrangement. He even objects to his name. He wants to be a part of writing this book and also illustrating it. He inserts new characters, a pull tab and even a pop-up page! The author is livid. This story makes for a very amusing story and kids will love it. The illustrations are spot-on and expressive. Definitely consider this one for your picture books shelves. It makes a wonderful read aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pett, Mark

Illustrator: Pett, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101937907

Price: 17.99

We Found a Hat

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

Two turtles find a hat. They both want it and looks equally good in it, but there is only one hat. What to do. So they leave the hat. They go to watch the sunset, together. Then they go to sleep, together. This book is divided into three parts. The illustrations are all shades of cream, black, white, sunset orange, and gray. It is amazing how much expression can be portrayed with eyes. This is the third book in Klassen's trilogy about hats. It is beautiful in it's simplicity and has an ending one does not suspect. I was hopeful that they would decide to share the hat, each wearing it at different times, but that does not come to pass. Perhaps the lesson is that they do, truly, do everything together and they cannot wear one hat at the same time. I wonder if young children might come up with a sharing solution to the dilemma. This is one to consider for your picture book shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Klassen, Jon

Illustrator: Klassen, Jon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763656003

Price: 17.99

Cody Harmon, King of Pets

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 19, 2016

Review

Cody Harmon lives on a farm. He hates most things about school. He loves animals, and has nine pets. They include dogs, cats, chickens and a rooster, and a pig. When a school pet show is announced, he knows he and his pets will be the stars of the show. The only problem is there is a $10 entry fee for each pet. Friendship and kindness flow through Cody's solutions. Humor flows as well, as Cody negotiates with his friends to share his animals for the show. This is a good book to hand to those somewhat lower level middle grade readers who want a satisfying story. It is part of a series, so children in that group who like the story can have other books to look to as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mills, Claudia

Illustrator: Shepperson, Rob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374302238

Price: 15.99

Rex

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Once there lived a terrifying tyrannosaurus. He lived in a cave, and came out to scare all of the other dinosaurs. In a sweet case of mistaken identity, as he slept in an abandoned cage, a dinosaur egg hatched in the cave. As the baby stumbled around the cave, it encountered the big, frightening dinosaur and called him "Dad." The baby, Rex, is in awe of all the frightening things Dad can do, but Dad is not impressed with the little one. Rex decides to set off by himself. He gets himself into a frightening situation and is rescued by Dad who decides he is all right after all. Illustrations make the story fun. Little Rex is very sweet and captivating. Children will be rooting for him. Lots of other frightening dinosaurs may make readers shiver, but young readers will feel the genuine warmth of family as the two reunite.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

James, Simon

Illustrator: James, Simon

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672942

Price: 16.99

A Mysterious Egg

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2016

Review

Frank's grandma is a paleontologist living in Wyoming. Frank stays with her during the summer. One day, Grandma uncovers an intact dinosaur egg. She puts it in her Dinosaur Education Center. Frank and his cousin sneak in during the night to look at the egg, and witness it hatching. They hide the dinosaur while trying to decide what to do. While the situation is unrealistic, the characters seem realistic. Decisions must be made by both the children and by adults when they discover the dinosaur. Frank's charming and witty talk make him a convincing character. This book could be accessible to some lower level middle grade readers. This is the first book in a new series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521917

Price: 9.99

Carry and Learn Opposites

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Barnyard animals illustrate various concepts of opposites. Some of the animals feel furry. Some pages have slides or flaps. It will take an adult sitting with a child to explain the concept being illustrated. The animals are cute and the pictures are colorful. The last page shows all of the animals on flaps, each one reiterating the concept they showed in the book. One of those flaps is already coming off. A basic book to sit and talk about with a toddler, but nothing special.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Tice-Gilbert, Jess

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545797894

Price: 7.99

Shuffle, Repeat

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2016

Review

June and Oliver, the 2 main characters in the story, are both in their senior year of high school and couldn't be more different. Oliver is really involved in school activities and thinks high school matters, while June doesn't participate in anything and just thinks it's something to get thru. The two of them have to carpool to school together and argue about this, and the music they will listen to, all the time. This is a sweet romance, with a predicable ending, which isn't a bad thing. But the way June treats Oliver after the one party they go to together, seems kind of random and is a bit confusing. Her "nothing matters" motto just isn't enough to explain her reaction. Still, if you like a light, sweet romances geared for readers in 8th grader or higher (there is swearing and references to sex), this would be a good choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Klein, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553509823

Price: 17.99

10 Reasons Why I'm NOT Taking a Bath

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

A young boy lists all of the reasons he will NOT take a bath. Everyone and everything is dirtier than he is. The soap is the wrong color. He is allergic to water. The moon might fall down. The list goes on and on until he finally gets into the tub and has 102 reasons why he will NOT get out. Illustrations are colorful and fun. Children will enjoy watching the young boy go through his excuses--and counting them all. Many of them may even identify with his dislike of baths. All in all, not a spectacular offering, but really an enjoyable hoot to read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Ang, Joy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391894

Price: 17.99

What's on My Plate? Choosing from the Five Food Groups

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book will help children understand the five food groups and the importance of eating a healthy diet. Colorful photographs draw the reader's attention. Word bubbles give facts about the pictures. Foods that are not as good for us, such as fats and sugars, are discussed in a chapter titled "Sometimes Foods." A few Fun Facts, a glossary, and a list of books and web sites for further reading are included. The information presented is fairly simple, but the format is engaging, making this a good starting place when looking at nutrition and healthy eating.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: , Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467794701

Price: 20.95

Whose Eye Am I?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is a fascinating look at animal eyes. Various pages show an eye, almost the size of the page, and the question "Who am I?" The next page shows the animal and gives interesting facts about that animal, and sometimes related animals. Lobster eyes are particularly unusual. Great, colorful nature photography really catches the reader's eye. An addendum about human sight may answer questions children have about their own sight. An index makes topics accessible.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: Rotner, Shelley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435586

Price: 16.95

The Art of Being Normal

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is a book about two transgender teens at different points in their transitions. David was born a male but has always felt like a girl. He keeps the secret from everyone except for his two best friends. Leo was born a female but is currently living as a boy and taking hormones. Leo has just started at David's school, and everyone assumes he is an average boy. David is immediately drawn to him, though he doesn't know why. Leo is guarded and private, but David forces his way into Leo's life. David helps Leo come to terms with his past and Leo helps David move forward with his future as Kate. While this book is clearly about the transgender experience, it's also a book about the overall teen experience. Any reader will be able to relate to the feeling of not fitting in, familial issues, and the struggle to find human connection. Highly recommended for all teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Williamson, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374302375

Price: 17.99

Box

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, West Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

It is not unusual for children to enjoy playing with cardboard boxes. Sometimes even having more fun with the box than with what was inside. This engaging lift the flap book will keep young readers busy guessing what is inside the mystery cardboard box on each page. The story moves along with boxes of different sizes asking readers to imagine what is inside. Included is one very large box that has five additional boxes inside!

Once the boxes have all been opened with their contents revealed, the story moves on to....what can you do with all the boxes? This story hits its peak with more lift the flap pages with the boxes transformed into interesting items. From castles, boats, puppet theaters, planes, dragon costume, a rocket ship to a large train where the four friends go on a journey together, the creativity is boundless.

A satisfying ending is provided with the four friends sleeping in a cozy bed made from a big box. The last page asks readers, now what would they do with a box? The beautiful illustrations done in mixed media, are whimsical and gentle and work well with the text and balance of white space. A reminder of the treasures that can be created with a little imagination. A strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Flyte, Min

Illustrator: Beardshaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689391

Price: 15.99

Mrs. Moody in the Birthday Jinx

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2016

Review

This appears to be the 6th book in a new Judy Moody series that is written for the beginning reader. In this story it's mom's birthday and Judy is determined that her mom has a great birthday. Unfortunately her brother Stink manages to mess things up. They are all off heading for a nice outing when Stink suddenly remembers that his state project is due the next day and he needs a costume for it! It's a fun read with many antics - ones that you could see actually happening in real life!

I like this new level of Judy Moody books.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681982

Price: 12.99

Save Me, Kurt Cobain

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2016

Review

"Save Me, Kurt Cobain" by Jenny Manzer follows Nicola (but she goes by Nico ever since her mother left), a teenager who loves Nirvana's music and is mildly obsessed with her mother's disappearance when she was four. Her mother, Annalee, disappeared mysteriously after telling Nicola she'd be back very soon. Police searched for her, but nobody found any sign of her, so Nico obsesses over what could have made her mother leave: “Did she hate me? Did she hate my father? Is she dead? Is she kidnapped? Is she still alive?” After discovering evidence that her mother loosely knew Kurt Cobain (an unsent letter from Annalee to Kurt and a few pictures of Kurt reaching out to Annalee at a concert), Nico latches onto the idea that Kurt Cobain is her real father. After visiting her aunt in Seattle, she sees a guy on a ferry that looks like Kurt Cobain and she follows him back to his cabin to see if he knows anything about her mother, while the rest of Canada puts out an AMBER alert for her. The book is interesting enough to keep you reading, and if you like Nirvana, you'll probably enjoy the references to Kurt and his music (several songs are referenced repeatedly), or maybe you'll be upset by an author supposing that Kurt Cobain might have faked his death. Nico acts like a believable teenager, but gets many lucky breaks that further the story and are a bit unrealistic. Overall an enjoyable book, but not a must-buy. Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Manzer, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521269

Price: 17.99

My Very First Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is the twentieth anniversary edition of this wonderful collaboration between Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells. Many of the rhymes are less familiar, but some of the more familiar Mother Goose rhymes are included as well. The anthropomorphic animals are winsome and wonderful. A few humans are included as well. There are so many details to capture the reader's attention. Various page arrangements, from small vignettes to large, double page spreads add to the interest and complement the text nicely. Text is large. This is such fun and will be a great pleasure to share with young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie (editor), Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688912

Price: 24.99

Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2016

Review

This edition of Stick Dog is book number 6. In this well established , well loved book series Stick Dog is off on another adventure. Stick Dog and his friends discover spaghetti, and they like it! So much so that they are willing to risk everything to get more of the yummy stuff! Kids have laugh out loud fun reading these books. Great for all readers from earliest to the reluctant, to the well established.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper / Harpercollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062458575

Price: -42.01

Any Fin is Possible

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2016

Review

This is Walking Dead, or should I say, Swimming Dead for grades 3-5, told with an abundance of laughs and "horror" that the target audience will very much appreciate. And there is absolutely no gross zombie violence, only zombie humor. There are two stories for the price of one here. In "Curse of the Cat King" Tom & his friend Pradeep, & their zombie goldfish Frankie go to the museum for the History Museum sleepover. But their evil scientist brothers are out to wreak havoc on the museum and destroy the Egyptian exhibit. The boys, with the help of Frankie, dodge mummified kittens and risk being cursed by the Cat King. In the second story, "Sports Day", the boys and Frankie continue to do battle with Tom's evil scientist older brother Mark. This time they have to deal with Mark's vampire kitten Fang. Mark and Fang are out to steal the gold. There are lots of black and white illustrations peppered throughout the book. They are cartoonishly funny, but they don't really add anything new to the flow or understanding of the story. They represent particular aspects of the story. This is a funny, fantasy adventure story, with a dab of mystery, sarcasm and nefarious deeds. This is a perfect read for boys and girls who love silly zombie stories. And it is particularly good for reluctant boy readers. This series would be good for those readers who are having a hard time breaking away from reading anything but graphic novels, yet their parents/teachers want them to. This series has the feel of some graphic novels, full of humor and zaniness. Best for grades 3-5. Give to fans of "Dragonbreath" by Ursula Vernon, "Dr. Roach's Monstrous Stories" by Paul Harrison, or "Weenies" series by David Lubar.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Hara, Mo

Illustrator: Jagucki, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250063533

Price: 12.99

Crow Smarts: Inside the Brain of the World's Brightest Bird

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - York County Community College, Wells, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 1, 2016

Review

This latest installment in the Scientists in the Field series introduces the crows of New Caledonia, an island near Australia and New Zealand. Readers are pulled into the story from the opening pages, which discuss a puzzle posed to crows by scientists. We are also introduced to the tactics employed by a young crow fledgling learning from its parent.

Species evolution and brain evolution are discussed. The trial and error of tool use is speculated. In 1992, Gavin discovered that not only did the crows USE tools, they actually MADE tools to aid them in gathering food. Now, Gavin is gathering crow tools to see if crows improve upon what previous generations learned.

The story is made accessible by returning to the tactics employed by the young crow fledgling as it learns from its parent. At times, Turner directly addresses the reader in a joking spirit, which limits the book's appeal to older, more mature readers.

As always with this series, the color photos are crystal clear, and include close-ups of the birds manipulating tools and grubs as well as landscape scenes that enable students to get a sense of the local environment.

At no point in the text, is the scientist's last name given, an inexplicable omission. First and last names of student assistants and colleagues are given, but it is only on the cover flap that we learn the featured scientist's full name. Yet he is listed in the index under his last name.

Despite its shortcomings, this addition will assist children in recognizing that science is a living, evolving subject, and inspire them to play a role in future discoveries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Turner, Pamela S.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544416192

Price: 18.99

Bella Up, Up, and Away

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

Bella is not your typical cat. She would rather go on adventures than take naps. Bella steps out of her lighthouse home ready to have another adventure. She meets another cat named Claude, who would rather nap the day away. Bella tries to get him excited about adventures. But Claude soon falls asleep in a life raft and drifts out to sea. Bella tries to save him by flying out to him as she holds on to a kite. But she falls in the ocean and soon is on the life raft with Claude. Finally a dolphin tows them back to shore. The two share a snack in the lighthouse. And now Claude could really use a nap. Bella has made a new friend, but she is not sure of him as a fellow adventurer. This seaside story about friendship is okay. But it is the illustrations that carry the book. They are simply lovely. They are clear, bright and happy. Blues dominate. You are immersed in the sea and the sky. There are also muted shades of green, tans and such. The illustrations were rendered digitally with mixed media, hand lettering and Photoshop. They are simply beautiful. The is a great deal of text here so it may be too long to use in a story time setting. But it would work for one on one sharing or small group settings. Important words stand out in large font and different colors. Purchase where stories about cats and/or the beach are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Rourke, Ryan

Illustrator: O'Rourke, Ryan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062218636

Price: 17.99

The Last Full Measure

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

In the final book of the "Divided We Fall" trilogy, Danny and his friends have managed to escape the Brotherhood of the White Eagle and have sought refuged in the mountains. After New York City and Washington, DC have been annihilated by a nuclear bomb, the United States is now split into 14 independent countries that are being controlled by cruel and sometimes inhuman leaders and with WW III spreading across Europe -- the United States isn't there anymore to help, NATO has been eliminated --- enough is enough and they seek away to bring peace back.

Action-packed and fast paced, Trent Reedy projects the current state of politics into possibilities of the future. News reports, blogs and political maps are the illustrations used to give the sense of concern by citizenry through the book. As you read, you understand the anguish that is felt by Danny and his friends over the freedoms and lives lost because of a single shot. Definitely a book for grades 10-12, due to some descriptive language and battle scenes and would be enjoyed by those who enjoyed war stores and governmental control.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reedy, Trent

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545548779

Price: 17.99

I'm Not Hatching

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

Peep is a confident young chick who enjoys life. Egg, on the other hand, is afraid to even start life. He is fearful worry-wort and refuses to even hatch out of his shell. Peep is very encouraging and patient with him. She tells him about all the fun things they can do together once he hatches - watch the sunset, have blueberry muffin picnics, play, etc. But no matter what she says, the refrain from Egg is always, "I'm Not Hatching!". Finally Peep gives up and walks away. But Egg doesn't want her to leave him. Also, it is time for his story. He cracks out of his shell lickety split and catches up with Peep. She reads him his story and they have a blueberry muffin picnic. But Egg does not throw caution to the wind. He is still a bit of a worrier. So he dons a football helmet for protection. This subtle humor is a lovely touch. This is a simple story about friendship, encouragement and the fear of trying something new. There is minimal text. It alternates between two sentences and one sentence per page. Most of the words are simple and accessible to beginning readers. There is also some repetition. So this would work well as a beginning reader for kindergarten through first grade. It would also be wonderful as a read aloud in large and small group settings. Pair with "Big Chickens" by Leslie Helakoski, and "Interrupting Chicken" by David Stein for a rousing chicken-themed story time. Or pair with "Bear Feels Scared" by Karma Wilson, "Doghouse" by Jan Thomas, and "Elmer and the Monster" by David McKee for a story time about facing your fears. This book could also be used to begin discussions with little ones about what they fear and why, and what they could do to face their fears. The illustrations are bold and simple with thick brown lines and a palette of muted yellows, greens, oranges, and blues. I could not discern how they were created. The illustrations whimsically depict the action of the story, down to the emotion on Peep and Egg's faces. This is a most purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gehl, Laura

Illustrator: Wan, Joyce

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374301217

Price: 16.99

Aisha the Princess and the Pea Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

Daisy Meadows is the James Patterson of Children's literature. She keeps churning out books that are not great literature, but that are wildly popular with her target audience. Here is yet another series under the Rainbow Magic umbrella. In this 6th title in the "Fairy Tale Fairies", Rachel and Kirsty must find the magic pea locket and return it to Aisha, the Princess and the Pea Fairy. This is a light, fluffy read for kids in 2nd through 4th grades. Daisy Meadows knows what kids like and she delivers. Great literature is important. But producing books that gets kids reading and enjoying it is just as, if not more, important. These books are well priced and fly off the shelves. Find it in your budget to get some for your library. It is worth it. These are also good transitional chapter books for children past the easy reader books, but not quite ready for more substantial chapter books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545851992

Price: 4.99

Lacey the Little Mermaid Fairy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

This is the penultimate title in the Fairy Tale Fairies series. the girls have one more magical item to find and return - the magic scallop. Once this is returned to Lacey the Little Mermaid Fairy order will be restored and the fairy tale princesses can return to their own stories. This is very light reading for kids in 2nd-4th grade. It works on many levels. It is a good read for reluctant and struggling readers, boosting their reading confidence. It is a good transitional chapter book for children past the early reader section but not quite ready for more substantial chapter books. It is also just a fun, quick read about frilly fairies. What child wouldn't love that? Order where the series is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Daisy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545851961

Price: 4.99

The Thousandth Floor

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

This debut novel opens with a girl falling from the 1000th floor and flashes back to the lives of five teens from various socioeconomic backgrounds -- their actions and words lead to the devastating opening. Picture Manhattan 100 years into the future being transformed into a high-tech luxurious and extremely advanced world. To live on the 1000th floor means that you have it all with each floor that you descend the economic status sinks lower and lower. Each of the characters lives intermingle to form a story of teen drama and angst with a possible set-up for a sequel in the end.

Recommended for grades 10 -12, this is a well written and well paced novel filled with scandalous secrets, the values of family, friendship and love. If you are a fan of "Gossip Girls" than this first novel will suit you well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGee, Katharine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Haper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062418593

Price: 18.99

The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden & The Trial of the Century

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

Sarah Miller has written a readable and straightforward work on the brutal deaths of Andrew and Abby Borden that happened 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Andrew's youngest daughter, Lizzie, was placed on trial and acquitted by a jury for the deaths of her father and step-mother. Miller gives an unbiased account of what happened on that day and the trial that proceeded allowing the readers to form their own thoughts and opinions.

Illustrations are from the murder scene, trial and Borden family photos and are used to support the information that has been provided. There are strategically placed fact boxes or sidebars to help explain the legal terms used and how daily life was during that time span so that readers can understand the information provided. In the beginning of the book, there is a "Who's Who" section letting the reader know who the people are and their relation to Lizzie and the crime. Miller has done her research and has presented the facts as they have been told and recorded to the best of her ability with the information that is available. Table of contents, bibliographical references and index are also provided.

Recommended for readers grades 7-12 and anyone who is a true crime buff and remembers the old song from childhood -- "Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one."

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz Wade Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553498080

Price: 17.99

One Boy

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2016

Review

Young children will be totally engaged with this innovative concept book that is part counting and part word tale. Utilizing die-cuts, simple words emerge. These words are then are cleverly transformed into new words with new die-cuts. This book introduces readers to the concept of words within words. The illustrations are simplistic yet strong and are vividly colorful. The illustrations are showcased as a framed image created by the die-cuts. Young readers will also enjoy counting their way through the book. Revealed at the end of the story, are the ten pieces of artwork created by the lonely young boy at the beginning of the story. These individual paintings provide a strong connection to the entire story.

A delightful “cream” book that belongs on every shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Seeger, Laura Vaccaro

Illustrator: Seeger, Laura Vaccaro

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626722521

Price: 14.99

Juana & Lucas

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2016

Review

Juana, a lively little girl who lives in Bogota, Columbia, loves lots of things. Like where she lives, reading and drawing, Astroman and especially her pet dog Lucas. Sh knows that Lucas is the best amigo (friend) she could ever have! One thing she does not love is THE ENGLISH. Her abuelo (grandfather) encourages her to learn English and offers an incentive. If she does well, he will take her to Florida where she will meet her beloved Astroman at Spaceland. Juana's struggles with English are understandable and readers will empathize with her and laugh along with her as she tries to meet her goal. An excellent multicultural story that will give readers a glimpse into life in Columbia. It also introduces many Spanish words that appear throughout the story. The artwork pops right off the page and integrates seamlessly alongside the text. The pages that include illustrated diagrams of her mom, pet and aunt are especially endearing and funny! The layouts vary on each page using various text sizes and fonts to add a special touch to the story. Crisp and bright illustrations pop off the pages set off with plenty of white space. All in all, an excellent story that is top-notch from the illustrations, educational aspects, to the strong writing and interesting storyline. A "cream" multicultural book with lots to offer to young readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Medina, Juana

Illustrator: Medina, Juana

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763672089

Price: 14.99

A Boy, a Ball, and a Dog

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, West Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2016

Review

A gentle read about a boy and his dog and their mutual love for ball throwing. All is well until one day there is a shift in the wind and a different ball ( a kite) flies by and catches their attention. Both the boy and the dog attempt to get the kite back without any luck. The dog is determined that this ball is one he must catch so he chases after it. The dog finally gets it but is lifted up in the air and is transported far away. Now he has the “ball” but is lost and lonely without his boy. Fortunately, the wind shifts and the balloon makes its way back to the boy and all are reunited. A quiet book that showcases the beauty of nature and the beauty of the simple things in life -- like the close relationship between a child and his pet. The illustrations are folksy and muted in palette except for the bright balloon. A simple story that is full of feeling.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Marino, Gianna

Illustrator: Marino, Gianna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722873

Price: 15.99

The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 1, 2016

Review

In this debut novel we hear the story of Pixie Piper and her struggles with being an adolescent. The hard ups and downs of middle school friendships and fitting in. This is especially difficult when you have a special gift because you are a descendant of Mother Goose! Throw in a sweet gosling, an evil villain, lots of reference to Mother Goose stories and you have a very engaging tale!

When the story begins Pixie has only one friend - her pal Gray. As the story progresses she makes friends with other characters who add diversity to the story. It is nice to see the friendships develop and they give middle schoolers some positive feelings about friendships, family, dealing with difficult situations and growing up. Throw in a sweet gosling, a villain, lots of references to Mother Goose stories and and you have a very good tale to tell!

The conclusion will surprise you! A great read for middle schoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Annabelle

Illustrator: Andrewson, Natalie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393777

Price: 16.99

Phoenix

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This book starts out with a 12 year old boy named Lucky burning a hole in his sheets but his body is unharmed. He is super freaked out but that's nothing compared to his mom's reactions- she tells him they have to leave the planet they are living on, Phoenix, immediately. No explanation, just they have to go now. The two grab a few supplies and leave but they are being chased and escaping might not be possible. Lucky is an interesting character with a power that is very mysterious. He has no idea of what is going on, and no one seems to know the answer. He does get a few clues, but there is still a lot of mystery as to what is going on with him until the last part of the book but readers might be able to guess as the story progresses. Several dark foreboding drawings are spread throughout the novel. A very good sci-fi novel with lots of action.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Said, S.F.

Illustrator: McKean, Dave

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688509

Price: 19.99

Guile

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

A blend of adventure and fantasy "Guile" is truly unique. Thought the presence of guile in the swamp water cannot be seen on an object by anyone other than a Pearly (much like a fortune teller), it can change situations and alter lives. Our heroines are Yonie and her taking cat LaRue who scrape a living together by helping others eliminate guile from their possessions. There are lots of adventurous plot turns, a budding romance and several surprising characters.

The storyline is fun but the plot seems to drag at times. Certainly not intended, readers can get lost during the exploration of the bayous. Give this book by Cooper to teens who love magic and fantasy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Constance

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544451713

Price: 17.99

This is the Part Where You Laugh

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2016

Review

It has been a while since I read a YA book that was this compelling. Laughter was not high on Hoffmeister's list when he beautifully penned this amazing and agonizing coming of age story. The tale highlights many poor life choices, negative impulse behaviors and evolves around parental neglect. Yes this is a book with drugs, homelessness, violence and a little sex but the two teen characters are lovable, brave, and talented young men. Travis just wants to spend the summer playing basketball, mowing lawns, and caring for his sick grandmother. Somehow a little love and lots of anger change his plans.

This book needs to be included in public library collections and belongs in all high school media centers. Troubled teens may identify with the downward spiral of violence while seeking a possible resurrection. Other readers will be stunned, surprised, and inspired as their eyes open to alternate lifestyles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoffmeister, Peter Brown

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538106

Price: 17.99

May I Please Have a Cookie?

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

Alfie the alligator loves cookies. Who Doesn't? But Alfie doesn't know the best way to ask his mother for a cookie. He tries all sorts of tricks to steal one, including dressing up as the cookie "inspektor". But his mom won't be fooled. Alfie resorts to making his own paper cookies. His mother politely asks Alfie for one of his cookies. A light bulb goes off in Alfie's head. "Mommy, may I please have a cookie?" he finally asks his mother. And she gives him one gladly. This is a reissue in board book of a Scholastic level one reader. So of course it will work well as a beginning reader, if slightly older children don't mind being seen with a baby board book. There are 1-2 sentences per page, with repetition and child accessible text. The words are relatively simple and easy to see on the pages. The illustrations are colorful and cheerful. Purples, yellows, greens and blues dominate, with a splash of red on Alfie. This book could be used in a few different ways. It demonstrates good parent behavior in front of a child. Not only does Alfie's mom not lose her temper with Alfie, she also does not give in to his repeated poor choices on how to get a cookie. And she models the polite way to ask for a cookie without telling Alfie what he should do. She wants him to figure it out on his own. And he does. So this would be a good resource in parenting classes for a parent to read to a young child as a positive behavior for both parent and child. It could also be used as a talking point with young children on manners. And finally, you could pair this with Mo Willems' "Duckling Gets a Cookie?" and Karma Wilson's "Cow Loves Cookies" for a polite but rousing cookie themed story time. And perhaps even pass out cookies if the children ask nicely. This is for babies through 3rd grade for both reading and enjoying. Purchase where you don't have the level 1 version or where board book collections need a boost.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morris, Jennifer

Illustrator: Morris, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545815024

Price: 6.99

Drive

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

"Drive" will fly off the shelves. What baby/toddler doesn't love trucks? There is a nice twist in this truck book. This is also a simple story about a father who works as a truck driver but always comes home to his family. The text is simple and minimal. Usually partial sentences of 3-4 words per page. Not only is this a book for sharing with babies and toddlers. But it would also work well as a beginning reader. The words are simple and familiar to children. There is some repetition. And the text is minimal so young readers won't be overwhelmed. I don't know how the illustrations were created. But they are bold, clear,& simple. They depict the essence of the story. The only problem I have with the illustrations is about half way through the book. On one page the shading in the illustration makes the truck driver father look like a different person than portrayed throughout the rest of the book. That being said, it does not distract from the enjoyment of the book as a whole. And I doubt a small child would even pick up on the shading. This is a slightly larger board book than the average, so it would work well in a story time setting. The bold, simple illustrations lend themselves to easy viewing from a distance. It would also work well in small group settings and in one on one sharing. Pair with "Trucks: Whizz! Zoom! Rumble!" by Patricia Hubbell, and "Get to Work Trucks" by Don Carter for a truck themed story time. Teachers could also use this book in a pre-k and kindergarten class for a career day theme. This is a worthy purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clement, Nathan

Illustrator: Clement, Nathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629796925

Price: 7.99

Bears in the Bath

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

Bath time has never been so fun or silly. Father bear has the tub all ready for his 4 bear cubs who are no where to be found. One by one, they come in, each more smelly or dirty than the other. All four of the cubs are in need of a bath. And all four of them, most certainly do not want a bath. Father bear has his hands full trying to gather them all into the tub, with no success. Father bear is now in need of a bath himself. He hopes into the tub and has lots of fun with the bubbles and the toys. Finally all four cubs jump in the tub and join the fun with their father. The acrylic illustrations are cheerful and sweet. Pastel tones of blues, pinks, yellows and browns. They enhance the story and flow with the text beautifully. The story is cute. But any child could make up a complete story just by "reading" the illustrations. The rhyme flows nicely throughout the story. There are a couple of places where the rhythm seems to change beat from the rest of the story. It may be a bit off putting to the adult reader the first time reading. But it still has a nice rhyme and it is never forced. Kids will love listening to this happy rhyming story. And parents will identify with the trials and tribulations of getting their wee ones into the bathtub. Since this is an average size board book it would not work well in large group settings. It would be best as one on one sharing or small group settings. For babies & toddlers, birth through 3 years old. Bath time is a popular theme in children's picture books. This one is refreshing in that it depicts the father taking care of the children. Plus the illustrations are cute and the rhythm of the text is happy. This would be lovely as a gift with a teddy bear, and baby washcloths in a basket. For story time pair with "Tubby" by Leslie Patricelli, "Splish, Splash Baby" by Karen Katz. Purchase where board books are needed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679460

Price: 6.99

Everything is Awkward

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

Most of the photos contained in this book show awkward moments but the overall theme is positive and supportive. Children learn that awkwardness is universal and that being perfect is overrated. The font used is large enough for early readers and works well in a group setting. This format resembles a scrapbook complete with brightly colored backgrounds and large adorable photos. While turning pages readers of all ages will giggle and smile remembering their personal awkward moments. Intended to be read for fun this book is good for K-2 classrooms.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bender, Mike

Illustrator: Chernack, Doug

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399549847

Price: 14.99

There, There

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2016

Review

Typical farm animals are introduced in a normal manner; their sound is presented with the identification. Within a few pages however the unpredictable behavior of animals crying becomes the only action. Beyond the soothing nature of the caring child uttering two magic words, this book is a typical board book. The background colors highlight the simple digital illustrations and text. Farm animals are always a favorite for toddlers. Librarians with large collections of board books should consider this title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miura, Taro

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763687854

Price: 8.99

Becoming Babe Ruth

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

George Herman Ruth knew from an early age how to get himself into the spotlight, even if it wasn't always a positive spotlight. As a young boy he skipped school, roamed the streets, and got into enough trouble that his parents shipped him off to a school for boys. BECOMING BABE RUTH, by Matt Tavares follows the Babe's path from troubled youngster to perhaps the most famous baseball player of all times. The book highlights how the young boy George discovered himself at St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys through baseball, his mentor Brother Matthias, hard work, lots of practice and determination. A great introductory biography about the Babe, for baseball fans and those yet to become fans. Easy enough for beginning readers and full of enough information and inspiration for older readers as well. Wonderful illustrations bring the story to life and the author's note and Babe's baseball statistics round out the quality of the book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763687670

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Masters of Disguise - Amazing Animal Tricksters

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2016

Review

MASTERS OF DISGUISE- Amazing Animal Tricksters, by Rebecca Johnson, is a terrific non-fiction book about a selection of animals using incredible and amazing methods to avoid and/or trick their predators. The book is divided into nine chapters, each highlighting a specific animal and its disguise and then sharing the scientific research and explanations for the animal's particular behavior. This book though is so much more than a book about camouflage. These animals are truly masters at their tricks of disguise, from a baby bird who mimics a poisonous caterpillar, to an assassin bug who carries dead ants on his back, to a caterpillar that tricks ants into caring for it, and.....! The science behind each animals survival skill is clearly written and exciting in its own right. Budding scientists will be captivated by the stories, the science, and the large and colorful photographs. There is also information included on the scientists, source notes, glossary, and a bibliography. An excellent addition to both classroom and library shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512400878

Price: 31.99

Staying Alive

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2016

Review

A haunting and tragic tale of the lost Donner party on its travels west to a new life in California. The story is told in verse through the eyes of nineteen year old Mary Graves as she and her family start off on a covered wagon adventure to find a new and promising life during the great western expansion of the 1800's. Although the story is well known in American tales of the West and has become almost mythical in its retelling, the author deals sensitively with the topic of the utter despair which the group finds itself in as it becomes snowed in at the Sierra Nevada mountains and the means that they resort to in order to survive. At its core though it is a story of family, and hope, and the human spirit and its will to survive. The ethical questions which arise are best dealt with by older and mature readers. The use of verse suits the telling very well. In the beginning the verses are varied and hopeful, but as the despair of the trail sets in the verse becomes shortened and terse so that one can almost feel the hunger and cold of the travelers. The book is based on the real life of Mary Graves, a survivor of the Donner Party. An epilogue and author notes fill in some of the background information on the ill fated Donner party.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Skila

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678111

Price: 17.99

Phoenix

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2016

Review

This story is about a human boy named Lucky that is dreaming one night he is flying through the stars and it is so warm, only to wake up and notice he has burned a hole in his sheet and he has no idea how it happened. But when his mom sees it, she doesn't tell him why, only that the two of them have to leave the planet they are on, Phoenix, right away. And the only way to do that is to find a space ship piloted by the Axxa aliens that will take them on as passengers, which will be tricky as humans and the Axxa do not get along. This is an action packed book that has fighting, space travel, and stars that seem to be alive. The Axxa Lucky meets aren't nice to him right off which was totally real, but they help him because it's the right thing to do. As he gets to know them better, he begins to wonder if they are really the evil beings he thought they were. Parts of the book are actually funny, but the war between the Axxa and humans means there is death and sadness as well. There are cool mysterious black and white drawings throughout the book that capture the feeling of what is going on with the stars, a key element to the whole story. Sci-fi and fantasy readers won't want to miss this one.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Said, S.F.

Illustrator: McKean, Dave

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688509

Price: 19.99

Walk This World at Christmas

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This book is styled after a Christmas Advent calendar. Each 2 page spread focuses on 2-4 countries and the way they celebrate Christmas. On the pages are several doors that when opened reveal the way the country celebrates Christmas. The drawings themselves really capture the feeling of the countries being described. Unfortunately, the sayings behind each door are not always labeled as to which country they are referring to and some of the sayings themselves really are generic, like, "In early December, Christmas shopping begins! Buy your outfit for Christmas day." or "A surfboard for Christmas-time to hit the waves!". Also, random doors are giving numbers 1-25 which are supposed to represent the 25 days of an advent calendar. There are many more than 25 doors so this is a bit confusing and readers will wonder why the different doors were chosen but not others. A great idea for a book, but it has too many flaws to make it work.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Powell, Debbie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689216

Price: 17.99

Fortune Falls

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2016

Review

Life for the inhabitants of Fortune Falls is dictated by four leaf clovers, making sure you don't step on a crack, the seven year doom of breaking a mirror, the high price of a rabbit's foot and being lucky or unlucky. Tenacious sixth grader Sadie has always seemed to be unlucky and now any amount of joy her life holds seems to be swept away because she most certainly will be deemed an unlucky during the mandatory luck test on her twelfth birthday. If she is labeled unlucky, then she will be sent away from her family and friends to a school that will protect everyone else from her bad luck. During an anticipatory week before the test, Sadie develops friends who will accept her, and she learns to depend on herself instead of luck. This positive message is overshadowed by the questions left about the town in general. Initially the premise of the world Goebel has built is intriguing with the magic bits of surface luck and unlucky, but it quickly dips into the tedious and depressive. Another misstep is the book jacket art that pictures a black cat with a tail, which is contrary to the pivotal black cat character of Jinx who has a short tail.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Goebel, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545811903

Price: 16.99

Clara

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2016

Review

An exciting adventure through 18th century Europe with an exotic rhino and a devoted sea captain is the premise of this picture book based on an actual event. The author herself describes the book as a "mostly true" story, but it reads much more like fiction than non-fiction. A Dutch sea captain discovers an orphan pet baby rhino on a trip to India and decides to leave his sea faring life to share his exotic new companion with the Kings, Queens, and people of Europe. For 17 years he travels with his always growing, always hungry pet introducing Clara to massive crowds who come to see her. The story shows the friendship between the captain and his pet but may not ring true to children who have been encouraged to view animals more in their natural habitats. The detailed water color illustrations bring the time and place to life. The author's note fills in many of the facts about Clara and rhinos in general. The detailed maps also add important information to the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily

Illustrator: McCully, Emily

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553522464

Price: 17.99

Wonderfall

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2016

Review

A perfect fall/autumn collection of poems that are richly illustrated make this a wonderful book for classrooms and libraries. Hall has penned fourteen descriptive poems that will resonate with children living in wooded environments. Two squirrels and a multitude of animal and a few human characters assist an oak tree in the sharing of autumn events and holidays. In addition to inventive poem titles, lyrical text and colorful illustrations the use of white or blue backgrounds makes this an attractive book that students and professional will crave. Consider using "Wonderfall" in library story hours, for grade K-2 science study and highlight in the art classroom. The extensive back pages include notes regarding winter migration or hibernation of animals included in the book. As the speaker, the tree passes on information pertaining to squirrels, acorns, and itself.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hall, Michael

Illustrator: Hall, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062382986

Price: 17.99

Sophie's Squash Goes to School

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

Another winning story with Sophie's two squash friends (Sophie's Squash-2013). The two "butternut" friends join her as she goes to school for the first time. Sophie is less than enthusiastic with what she encounters. She doesn't like much of school, from the other kids, to the milk to even the chairs. When a little boy named Steven makes several attempts to become friends, Sophie clearly lets him know, that she is NOT interested. Sophie's negative attitude toward school, the other kids, and especially Steven seem to go on for a long time without resolution. After Sophie has to put her squash friends to rest in the garden, she goes to school alone. After a difficult event in school, Sophie is even more miserable. Steven, who is incredibly kind and patient, leaves her a thoughtful gift that helps to finally turn things around. At last, Sophie understands the importance of having friends and explains to Steven that sometimes it just takes time to grow a friend. The watercolor illustrations are colorful and descriptive. The artwork of the unhappy, unfriendly little girl who finally gets a smile toward the end of the story is offset by the range of emotions given to Steven, the hero of the story. Steven's gentle persistence and creative approach to gaining her friendship, give the story a heartwarming touch.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Pat Zietlow

Illustrator: Wilsdorf, Anne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553509441

Price: 17.99

Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

Friends Rabbit and Robot are back in their second easy reader adventure. In four chapters, all entitled "Ribbit", Rabbit is introduced to Robot's frog friend named Ribbit who only speaks in ribbits. The theme of having more than one friend is explored when Rabbit becomes jealous of Ribbit. When a disagreement is sparked between Rabbit and Ribbit, poor Robot's emotion decoder is put to the test and he overheats. Robot's owner's manual is nowhere to be found and over-dramatic Rabbit must work with Ribbit to get Robot functional again. The topic is relevant for first to third grade readers who are somewhat experienced. Bell keeps the four chapters focused on one situation while some solid vocabulary is introduced, defined and then repeated throughout in a humorous way. "Engrossing" is the word of the day. Recommended for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763679354

Price: 14.99

Run For Your Life Predators and Prey on the African Savanna

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

This engaging picture book begins with a brief description of the predator/prey animals found on the African savanna and their search for food. "On the savanna, animals sleep. Then..." each page springs into action with leaping and bounding and lunging and loping and pouncing, all accompanied by full double page illustrations of the different animals on the hunt and a couplet naming the animals and their actions. Of course the reader does not see any actual kills and while the watercolor and acrylic drawings are detailed and accurate they are also part whimsy. The different species would not be hunting or sleeping in such close proximity.The book ends with a brief description of animals found on the savanna named in the book and a chart listing their highest speeds. This book would be appropriate for Preschool story times and the variety of motion words fun for children to act out. For the older K-3 ages it will introduce the savanna and some new animals and the predator/prey relationship!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schaefer, Lola

Illustrator: Meisel, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435555

Price: 16.95

The Branch

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

A little girl is having a hard time sleeping due to the noises coming from outside her window. An ice storm is underway and the sounds escalate from ice hitting the window to a large crash caused by a breaking branch. The little girl looks out and discovers that her favorite tree has been damaged. In fact, her favorite branch is lying on the ground. She is devastated. This branch was her castle, her spy base and ship. Her elderly neighbor sees that she is upset and agrees that her branch is full of potential. He builds things from salvaged wood and suggests that she use her imagination and they will make something from the broken branch. Together in his workshop, they create something special from this branch that wasn't just a branch. A very satisfying ending when the branch is transformed into a rope swing and is once again her castle, spy base and ship. The artwork throughout is vivid. The rich jewel toned colors bring the blustery winter weather to the calm greens of Spring to life. The writing is beautifully descriptive particularly when she described the ice storm where her neighborhood has “been wrapped in a heavy blanket of diamonds”. An excellent story with themes of friendship, nature, and creative thinking. A positive, feel good story where a negative event is turned into a positive outcome. An excellent picture book that works well for all ages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Messier, Mireille

Illustrator: Pratt, Pierre

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771385640

Price: 16.95

Girl In Pieces

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

Seventeen-year-old Charlie Davis has been living on the street since her mother kicked her out, heartsick and desperate following the near death of her best friend Ellis, who like Charlie, cuts herself to cope with her experiences of dissociation. After Charlie's sexually assaulted and sustains serious injury while self-harming, she is transferred to a mental health program from the hospital.

This raw, moving, evocative novel is divided into three parts - the first about Charlie's experience with a group of other young women and a kind therapist at a treatment program in Minnesota; the second set in Tucson, where she winds up after her health insurance abruptly dries up, struggling mightily with her demons even as she falls for a much older guy who is an alcoholic and drug addict; the third detailing what happens when Blue, another discharged patient from the mental health facility arrives to stay with her in Arizona and her life takes another trajectory.

Charlie's a talented artist who is deeply sympathetic and her narrative voice is piercingly vulnerable and intelligent. Secondary characters are also painted with a detailed brush, which allows Charlie's confessional tone to expand outward, balancing against it feeling overly insular.

Not an easy read, but gripping, finely written, honest and ultimately hopeful, this is a title that will find an audience with older teens and young adults who like authors like Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson and Adam Rapp.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Glasgow, Kathleen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101934715

Price: 18.99

Whose Shoes?

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

This is the book for every toddler who has ever put on their parents shoes or just took off their own shoes to run barefoot. This book tells which shoes to wear in winter, summer, snow & mud. It also asks you to guess who wears these shoes when doing what. nicely photographed. This was originally published as a picture book in 2010.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Swinburne, Stephen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629796918

Price: 7.99

Symptoms of Being Human

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

Reading "Symptoms of Being Human" is like opening your mind to let new information settle in while incorporating all your previous knowledge about sexuality. Riley is an excellent thoughtful imperfect character who tells the story with simple human emotion. Isolated as an individual yet very exposed as the child of a congressman, Riley has not come out to friends or family.

This book is so raw and real that it inspires tears and anger. Garvin has presented a teen who identifies as a boy or a girl alternately but is stuck in a world that uses only one pronoun for a person. The stress is palpable, the taunting threatening and the pain feels real to the reader. There are some lovely romantic moments sprinkled among all the horrible situations that Riley experiences as a gender fluid teen.

This book belongs in all high school libraries and a copy should be provided to the school social worker. While reading this book several teens came to mind who would appreciate a copy. I recommend this as a gift book for open minded YA readers.

Suggested as a cream of the crop book

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Garvin, Jeff

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062382863

Price: 17.99

Circle

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Like "Mirror" and "Window", Baker has provided readers with another amazing picture book for readers of any age. Although the migration of a bird species knows as godwit is the main focus, there is a secondary plot within this lovely presentation. While the bird migrates with its flock from Australia to Alaska a boy who dreams of flying recovers from an illness or injury.

Collages with minute details and soft textures reveal a stunning representation of the sky, land and water. In conjunction with a photographer, Baker has produced realistic two page spreads of several locations and environments. Her choices of color are subtle yet lush as she illustrates various animals and humans. Add this book to all elementary school and public libraries and place it on your holiday gift giving list for animal lovers and art teachers. Suggest as a cream of the crop title.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Baker, Jeannie

Illustrator: Baker and Plaza (photographs), Jeannie and Jaime

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679668

Price: 17.99

Five Children On the Western Front

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

The five children from the classic children's book, Five Children and It, return in author Kate Sander's revisioning of the Pemberton family and their magical sand fairy, Psammead. This time there is a new edition to the family with a little sister Edith, the Psammead has lost some of his magical powers, and the time and place is England during World War II. This book explores the love and loyalty of family, as well as the devastation that war brings to all facets of normal life. It also brings the hope that all magical thinking can bring during times of trouble. The story definitely blurs the line between historical fiction and fantasy, which may be difficult for some readers. The story might also appeal more to those fans of the original story by E. Nesbit who would enjoy revisiting beloved characters. The characters themselves bring a strong sense of family, bravery, feminism, and loyalty to the story during an important time in world history.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press- Random House Children"s Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497939

Price: 16.99

Paris for Two

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Petunia, after having a rough year in seventh grade with the embarrassment of a first crush, is relieved to be going with the family for a year in Paris, France while Dad is on sabbatical. The setting and the differences in culture are well described. The character of Petunia is a twelve-year-old who has relationship troubles with her older half sister and struggles with self-esteem. She has a passion for designing and sewing clothing, which her sister makes fun of, but when she finds a doll dress locked in a secret door of her armoire, she explores the mystery behind it with an elderly neighbor who encourages and teaches her sewing skills as well as sharing her own sister struggles. The angst of a twelve-year-old is well done, the crush and embarrassment of navigating a relationship is right on, and learning to right a bad decision, make this a realistic story of growth.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Phoebe

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545443623

Price: 16.99

Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

School Library Journal calls it "a not-to-be-missed novel for middle graders looking for a satisfying mystery with a daring female heroine." It is a definite page-turner, all three hundred and thirty six pages in its ninety seven chapters offered in easy -on -the -eye sized type and with many of those chapters ending as cliff hangers. Isabel Feeney is a likable narrator of a murder set in 1920's Chicago, then full of gangsters and guns. She is also a newsgirl who dreams of one day becoming a star reporter like the one who is also featured in the story. An appended historical note reveals that the book's author was inspired by the lives of five real women who covered crime for the Chicago Tribune during the 1920's. Recommended to public and school libraries as well as to anyone looking for an exciting read, especially for girls, who enjoy mystery stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fantaskey, Beth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544582491

Price: 17.99

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion

Reviewed by: Ann marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A retelling of a classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. This version is set in Africa with a Lion who plans to gobble up Little Red when she goes on a safari like walk to bring her Auntie Rosie spot medicine. Told with humor, and brightly illustrated to further the story, Little Red is full of spunk, turns the tables on the Very Hungry Lion, for a satisfying and humorous conclusion. A good read aloud that will evoke a "read it again!" response.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Alex T.

Illustrator: Smith, Alex T.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545914383

Price: 17.99

Charlotte's Very Own Dress

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Charlotte, the youngest of six sisters, is used to wearing hand-me-downs. Charlotte enjoys the hand-me-down dolls and toys, but by the time the dresses get to her they have been well worn and mended. When her parents announce a fancy dress-up party, Charlotte is ready to be shown all of her sisters old dresses, but then begins to sob and then "drifted into fretful slumber..." which made her sisters decide to make Charlotte her very own, not a hand-me-down, dress. An endearing story of sisterly love that will be especially enjoyed by young girls who love to dress-up. The text is extended by the illustrations that compliment each other for a visually appealing story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krauss, Trisha

Illustrator: Krauss, Trisha

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553520958

Price: 16.99

Please Don't Tell

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Identical twins Joy and Grace, though very different, have always been close until a rift -- the cause of which centers around a handsome but smug classmate named Adam -- began to form between them in the summer before their senior year of high school. As the novel opens in the fall of that year, Adam has been found dead at the bottom of a quarry that serves as a party site in their small New York town and Joy, who hated Adam and went to the party blind drunk, fears she may have had something to do with his death.

This gritty, sprawling thriller involving blackmail, sexual assault, alcoholism and mental illness mines the secrets of small towns and the price paid by those who keep them. Tims takes her time spinning out both the central mystery of Joy's possible culpability in Adam's death plus many other threads that will keep readers engaged, if at times struggling to keep track of the multitude of plot lines.

Alternating first-person narration between Grace and Joy works fine, though the style of their voices, tinged with sarcasm and biting yet vulnerable, are very similar. The arrival of Adam's half-brother Levi, in town provides a love interest for Joy and provides yet another character whose motives will be examined by readers. The twins' parents are oblivious to the struggles being experienced by both their daughters, and about the seriousness of Joy's alcohol abuse and Grace's eating disorder, which can be a bit hard to believe, though it allows the action to unfold uninterrupted and tips this story firmly into the category of suspense rather than problem novel. A final couple of twists at the very end will prove surprising to many and older teens who've enjoyed authors like Adele Griffin, Lauren Oliver and Nova Ren Suma will find plenty to like here.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tims, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062317322

Price: 17.99

A Most Magical Girl

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

This charming story is set in Victorian England. Annabel Grey is being raised as a proper young lady until she is suddenly sent to live with her two aunts to learn to be a witch. She discovers it is up to her to save London from a very evil man and the shadowlings he has created. Annabel goes on this dangerous mission with Kitty, a betwixter girl, who has her own powers. The two girls are very different, yet manage to work together. Readers will enjoy the interaction of these characters. Annabel has much to learn about her parents, fairies, wizards, trolls, and the dragon she encounters that lives beneath London. The story moves quickly and is full of suspense. Each chapter is introduced with a quote from an etiquette book. Middle grader readers will enjoy this novel full of adventure, friendship, and magic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Foxlee, Karen

Illustrator: MacKay, Elly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553512854

Price: 16.99

Up

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A strong wind blows a toy pinwheel into a young boy's bedroom. The boy grabs it. As his older brother and dog watch in amusement, the little boy is blown out into the sky where he meets a hen, a sheep, a cow, and a pig. The animals get blown back to the farm. And the little boy gets blown back through his bedroom window. That's about it. The text is very minimal, from no words per page to 3-4, at most. There is repetition, "I see...". And the animals named in the story are ones that most young beginning readers are familiar with. The digitally created illustrations depict (but do not enhance) the story. This could easily be a wordless picture book as well. Golds and greens dominate the illustrations. The animals, people and other things in the story are outlined in assorted scratchy line colors, giving things an almost out of focus feel. I did like the way the wind was depicted throughout the book - in swirly lines of blues. I have an issue with the story. A young boy gets blown out his bedroom window. And he meets several farm animals as they are all blown around in the wind. This is an unsafe portrayal to convey to young readers. Also, the idea that a toy pinwheel has the capacity to carry a child up and away in the wind may scare some children. It would have been safer and still be fun to portray all of the action in this book as the result of the boys' imaginative and creative dreams. That being said, I think that some kids may actually like the absurdity of this story. I would pass on this one unless your library is in desperate need of beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cepeda, Joe

Illustrator: Cepeda, Joe

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436552

Price: 14.95

Let Your Voice Be Heard The Life and Times of Pete Seeger

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger was born in 1919. By the time he died at the age of 95 in 2014 he would be known as not only a folk singer and artist but a voice and seemingly tireless advocate for labor, civil rights, the antiwar movement and the environment. This biography, appropriate for middle school readers, begins with Seeger's family background and follows along with him in his search for a purpose that took him on many paths until he found his true joy in sharing the American experiences of the times through music. Readers will not only learn about Seeger in this well-written and fast moving biography, punctuated by many photographs, but of the times and issues and people he encountered along the way. Seeger's travels with Woody Guthrie through the Oklahoma dust bowl, his commitment to the labor movement, marching with MLK Jr. for Civil Rights, protesting the Vietnam War and his well-known battle with the House Un-American Activities Committee in which he was black-listed, tried, convicted, jailed and eventually exonerated are all excellent discussion starters for 20th century history lessons. The book contains Source Notes, Photo Credits, Acknowledgments, and Index. In the Afterward the author clearly states that she had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Seeger and her biography is not unbiased in that the subject was one of her long-time heroes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Silvey, Anita

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547330129

Price: 17.99

A Storm Too Soon: A Remarkable True Survival Story in 80-Foot Seas

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

This is story of teamwork and perseverance. Three sailors on a trip from Florida to France end up in a damaged life raft facing 80 foot waves. The Coast Guard rescue team encounters life threatening challenges as they attempt to save the sailors. The author presents the events from the perspectives of the sailors and the rescue team. The descriptions of what takes place are vivid and detailed making them come alive. It's hard to believe that anyone survived this event. This well written story will hold readers attention from beginning to end. Included are an epilogue, author notes, and acknowledgements. The illustrations include maps, black and white photos of the sailors, rescue team, and storm. A YouTube video of the rescue is available on line. I highly recommend this gripping survival story that is an adaptation of the adult book A Storm Too Soon: A True Story of Disaster, Survival, and an Incredible Rescue.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tougias, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627792813

Price: 17.99

Pug

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Pug is snug inside on a snowy winters day. He looks out the window and sees Peg. Peg is just a human, so it seems. But now Pug will do just about anything to get outside to meet Peg. But he is a dog so he needs one of his humans to take him outside. Mom is busy reading. Dad just finished shoveling and doesn't want to go back outside. And Tad is still in bed. Pug finally gets Tad's attention by threatening to pee on his bed. Message received. So on goes the leash and Pug and Tad head outside. But now Peg is nowhere to be found. Then Pug hears her and goes right to her. Peg, as it turns out, is a female pug. And now both dogs are happy. They are together for a walk in the snow. This is a cute but brief story about puppy love. It is for very beginning readers in kindergarten and first grade or second graders who are struggling. The text is very minimal. On most pages there are only three word sentences. There is also lots of repetition of words and sounds. So this is a good confidence builder for very young beginning readers. The digitally rendered illustrations nicely enhance the story. The humans appear flat and emotionless. But you can see all of Pug's emotions, disbelief when his owners won't take him outside. Frustration and determination when he has to threaten to get his way. Joy when he finally gets out. Sadness when he can't find Peg. And finally happiness. The humans, on the other hand, seem void of emotions. But this is a story about pugs. This is an additional purchase. Purchase where easy beginning readers are needed or where you have fans of simple stories about dogs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436453

Price: 14.95

A Tail of Camelot

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

This is the first in the series. In Camelot there are the Two-leggers and the creatures that live in the castle and nearby. The author's descriptions of the surroundings, characters, and what takes place are incredibly vivid. The characters are engaging and their roles are not gender specific. Young male and female mice train to be knights. The second-in-command is a female mouse. The story moves quickly after tragedy strikes on the night of the Harvest Tournament. Readers will enjoy the familiar aspects of the Camelot legend and the imaginative addition of the creatures, though readers do not need to be acquainted with it to appreciate this entertaining and adventurous tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Leung, Julie

Illustrator: Carr, Lindsey

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062403995

Price: 16.99

Princess! Fairy! Ballerina!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

The cover alone will have this book flying off the shelves. It is blue, green, pink and glittery! This is a story of three young friends who get together to play. Each girl has her own idea of what they should play. One girl thinks they should all play Princess! and all that that entails, including riding unicorns. The other girl thinks they should all play Fairy!. And that should include magic, fairy dust and flying frogs. The third girl thinks they should all play Ballerina! and that means lots of pretty costumes and applause. They cannot agree what to play and now the three friends are upset with each other. Soon it starts to rain outside. All the girls suddenly have the same idea. Off comes the wings, tiara, and tutu. They are soon playing Princess! Fairy! Ballerina! outside in the rain and enjoying the wind and the puddles. This is a wonderful story about friendship and compromise. The text does not rhyme, but it flows like a magical stream. The story is equally paired with the brilliant illustrations. The illustrations are beautiful, happy, and colorful. They do more than enhance the text. They add another dimension to it. The princess loving friend dresses in blue, the word princess in the text is blue, and the door of her house is blue. The fairy loving friend has green vines on her house, dresses in green, and the word fairy is in green. The ballerina loving friend dresses in pink, has pink curtains in her house, and the word princess is in pink. The text that goes with each of their characters is in the corresponding color as well. Each girl is given about three pages to convince their friends why they should play their particular game. The illustrations on those pages are even color coordinated to go with each girl's preferences. When they all go outside to play in the rain their green, pink, and blue combine together in the puddles. This illustrates that the girls compromised and are truly playing together. It is very subtle but effective. And despite the compromise each girl still manages to stay true to their own individuality. Brilliant. Young children may not pick up on all of this. They will be focused on the fact that this is a story about princesses, fairies and ballerinas. But the adult readers sure will pick up on it and enjoy the reading all the more. This will work wonderfully in any setting. Pair it with Jane Yolen's "How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends" and Mary Lundquist's "Cat and Bunny" for a story time about friendship. It could be used in a classroom setting as an introduction to friendship and how to be a good friend. This is a first purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Deeney Murguia, Bethanie

Illustrator: Deeney Murguia, Bethanie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545732406

Price: 17.99

Pizza PieSnowman

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

What do you like on your pizza? For Pinky and his mother it is "mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, onions, peas." And that is what Pinky sings to himself throughout the book as he walks through town to order a pizza pie for him and his mother. Along the way Pinky gets completely covered in snow by some friendly and mischievous squirrels. He proceeds through town looking like a walking and talking snowman, unbeknownst to him. All he wants to do is remember to order the pizza the way he and his mom like it. He will not be dissuaded from his mission. The townsfolk begin to comment about the walking and talking snowman. Pinky begins to wonder about him too, but he can't stop. He is on a pizza mission for his mom. Mr. Mutton (a sheep), Mrs. Schnauzer (a dog) and a number of other creatures are very curious about this unique snowman. Finally Pinky arrives at the pizzeria and successfully orders the pizza. While waiting for his pizza the snow melts off of him and he is just Pinky the pink pig. On his trip back home with the pizza everyone asks him if he saw the walking talking snowman. And of course he didn't. Pinky and his mom enjoy their pizza in their warm home. Later they go for a walk into town hoping to see this walking talking snowman. This is a lovely and silly story. Not only is it about pizza. It is also about the determination of one little pig to successfully complete the task his mother gave him. It is also about family and community, friends and the importance of responsibility. This is not all conveyed in the text. A good portion is portrayed in the detailed watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations. From the squirrels dumping snow on Pinky, to a happy, bustling snow covered town and all of its inhabitants, to the baby pictures on the walls of Pinky's home. The illustrations are so detailed. Many children will be able to see that the walking talking snowman has a pink snout and is wearing yellow boots, but none of the townsfolk do. This adds another level of humor to the story. The only issue I have with this book, and it is a very minuscule one at best, is that the walking talking snowman actually resembles a white penguin (with a pig snout)in the way it seems to waddle through town. The text flows smoothly. It doesn't rhyme, but it doesn't need to. This story may be too long to read in a story time setting. But if you choose to do that, pair it with "The Pizza That We Made" by Joan Holub and "Hi Pizza Man" by Virginia Walter for a pizza themed story time. Also great in small group settings and one on one sharing. And perhaps use it in a classroom as a talking point for not being distracted and responsibility. Pinky is a refreshing protagonist. He is determined to do a good job for his mother. He doesn't want to let her down. He won't be distracted by friends, snow, the townspeople, anything. Pinky succeeds for him and his mother. Plus they get to share a really yummy pizza together. A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustrator: Gorbachev, Valeri

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436545

Price: 16.95

The Evil Wizard Smallbone

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Recommending this fantasy for Cream and Lupine consideration. When orphaned twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his abusive uncle in the middle of a harsh Maine winter, he finds himself trapped as an apprentice to the Evil Wizard Smallbone who runs a magical bookstore. Nick is forced to do the cooking, cleaning and caring of the animals, but in secret he gets trained as a wizard by the bookstore itself. The sarcastic bookstore communicates through books, similar to personal texts, that are comical and interesting. Smallbone's century old agreement with a small group of island dwellers, who descended from seals, has begun to crumble. The evil werewolf Fidelou and his motorcycle riding coyotes are now able to cross the magical barrier around the island and only with Nick's new abilities, disgruntled apprentices and brave townspeople is Smallbone able to repair the damage. Sherman provides a rich description of island life with references to places and things in Maine that are both real, like Moxie and Blue Hill, and fictional. She has spun the right amount of adventure, character development, empathy and humor into a magical fantasy. Who could resist a spell called "Bow-wowzer Meowzer"? Magical rules are woven into Nick's adventures as he is transformed into animals, learns beginner spells and ultimately makes a decision to stay on permanently.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sherman, Delia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688059

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Bizzy Bear Deep-Sea Diver

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a sturdy board book with moving parts. Bizzy Bear is in a submarine with friends exploring the sea, with one sentence per page and rhyming text. There is one moving part per double page spread, that operate well and are fairly sturdy. The pages are brightly colored with lots of items to find and children will enjoy the moving parts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763686475

Price: 6.99

When the World is Dreaming

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This lovely illustrated picture book begins with a little girl and the question asked repeatedly in rhyme: What do various little animals dream at the end of the day? "What does Little Deer dream/at the end of the day?/After the walking,/the grazing, the play." The answer for each animal is presented on the next two pages. Reality and fantasy mix as she first shows the animals hunkered down in their natural environment and the second shows them dreaming and fantasizing. The book finishes with the little girl, "Little Dreamer", tucked up in her own bed, dreaming about being surrounded by the sleeping woodland animals in her room while the moon shines down. The soft watercolor illustrations lend a dream-like quality to this book and the repetition and rhyme make this a fine choice for a Preschool or early grade story time. It will also lead to a discussion on exactly where do animals go to sleep at night. The author uses traditional type throughout except for on the pages where the dreams are described when the type changes to a softly colored hand-like writing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Rita

Illustrator: Park, Kenard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544582620

Price: 17.99

Where the Red Fern Grows

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

In 1916 The Saturday Evening Post serialized a story, "The Hounds of Youth" by Wilson Rawls, which was then published in hardcover as Where the Red Fern Grows. Now Delacorte Press has published a special anniversary edition of the book which is considered to be a modern classic to commemorate its having been in print for more than fifty years. A limited survey of local libraries in the Brunswick area reveals that several do have a circulating copy of Rawls' book on their juvenile fiction shelves. One library has a copy that was replaced in July of 2016 and has been checked out eight times since as well as a large print edition that also circulates. However, this story of a ten year old boy's adventures with two hound puppies he raises himself to become champion coon hunters in the Ozark Mountains now leads a relatively quiet life. While the story remains an exciting one, simply and engagingly written, much has changed in the years since it first appeared. Where the Red Fern Grows, for example, no longer shows up on "must read" lists as often as it once did. This anniversary edition is therefore especially recommended to libraries wanting to retain a historically significant book in children's twentieth century fiction or to anyone wanting a fresh copy of a still timeless story to share with a new generation of young readers. The brief historical materials appended in this anniversary edition are rewarding to read, particularly Rawls' encouraging letter to aspiring writers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rawls, Wilson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/imprint of Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399551239

Price: 16.99

Babies Don't Walk, They Ride!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

An enjoyable look at the many ways babies get around. They are strapped, wrapped, pulled, pushed, wheeled and held. The sparse rhyming text goes very well with busy illustrations where there are many babies and modes of baby transport to explore and find. Well done and a good book to help children prepare for a new sibling or children who are still riding. Children will enjoy following the same babies, and their families, as they go through the day. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Henderson, Kathy

Illustrator: Tobia, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681821

Price: 15.99

1 2 3 Dream

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a simple counting book, illustrated with pen and ink washed with watercolor. It begins with the number "1" with an illustration of both a moon and an owl. As you turn the pages, you will realize that the author/illustrator is using alliteration such as 1 is one and the item to count is an owl, 2 is turtle, up to the number twenty. On the last two pages there is a "Before you go, can you find..." and items to look-and-find in the illustrations. The illustrations are beautiful, items are easy to count, it is thoughtful and enjoyable, well done and useful.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Krans, Kim

Illustrator: Krans, Kim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553539325

Price: 16.99

Smart and Spineless: Exploring Invertebrate Intelligence

Reviewed by: kathy george - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2016

Review

Ninety percent of animal life consists of invertebrates. These include jelly fish, spiders, octopuses, bees, ants, worms and shrimp. Ann downer has offered the reader a look into the world of invertebrates by introducing studies of these amazing creatures. Scientists studying these various creatures have reported some incredible observations. These creatures have intelligence - memory, learning abilities, and problem solving abilities. Why is this important? What we are seeing can help those of us with spines! Engineers are creating "swarm-bots" based on how bees work together. This will aid in search and rescue. Claw shrimp see light differently and scientists are now using this type of polarized light to fashion cameras in cancer detection. Ms Downer's chapters on each spineless creature are concise, with photographs, an information box and what the studies being done . She has included a glossary, bibliography and pages offering further information in the back of the book. It is a complete package!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Downer, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467737395

Price: 33.32

A B C Dream

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A simple wordless A B C picture book at first glance, but the more you look, the more you see. Clever, thoughtful and lots of fun that really gets the brain working as you realize the author/illustrator uses alliteration and cleverness for each letter. Illustrated with pen and watercolors, a wonderful book for adults and children to share. Included on the last two pages are a list of items for each letter, in case you missed anything. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Krans, Kim

Illustrator: Krans, Kim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553539295

Price: 16.99

Libby and Pearl The Best of Friends

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Based on or inspired by her blog www.livesweetblog.com, Bonnice has compiled photos of her adopted African-American toddler Libby and her pink pig Pearl. Reminiscent of a family scrap book stylized in pale pastels, the differences and similarities between the friends are explored in a pink, frilly and giggly way. They may not look alike but they both look "fierce in a cape". They make plans, share baths, go on adventures, have different points of view and are part of each other's story. Each page consists of a photograph of Libby and Pearl in a cute pose that corresponds to the few words of text, which speaks to an adult audience, that celebrate their sameness, differences and their love. Those who love piglets and cute girly-girls will enjoy this photographic picture book.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bonnice, Lindsey

Illustrator: Bonnice (photographer), Lindsey

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062459275

Price: 14.99

How to Dress a Dragon

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This book is perfect for a shared read-aloud with an adult, as some of the words (especially; instead; between) are a bit more advanced than a book considered to be an easy reader. Charming, bright illustrations and large text make it easy for beginning readers to follow along. Kids will also enjoy the silliness factor of this book, as the dragon character tries on a multitude of giant printed underwear.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Godin, Thelma Lynne

Illustrator: Barclay, Eric

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545678469

Price: 16.99

Puffer Fish

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a 24 page nonfiction picture book. The illustrations are stock photographs which are appealing. The information is very limited, such as "Some puffers are very tiny. Others are as big as basketballs." How tiny? Is the basketball sized fish normal or when puffed up? I learned there are 120 kinds of puffer fish, They do not have scales, instead they have smooth skin. Some have spikes. Why? Each kind has a different skin pattern and can change their skin color. When and why would they do this? They have four large teeth and eat tiny animals and water plants called algae. They can double in size when a larger animal tries to eat them. They swallow lots of water or air to blow up like a balloon. How do they do this? They can swim up, down, forward and backward. Where do they live? How do they reproduce? How long do they live? There is also a photograph of someone holding a puffer fish in bare hands and then being told that their bodies contain poison and one fish can kill 30 people. So is it dangerous to hold this fish? Too little information even for a very young child.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978627248501

Price: 23.93

Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A wonderful story of friendship and adventure, this book is perfect for children and adults to read together. There are several "footnotes" within the illustrations that an accompanying adult may help children point out, as well as some multi-syllabic words that may be difficult for a beginning reader. Really lovely illustrations with a multitude of cool, natural hues. Overall a really great quality book, sure to become a favorite.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kuhlman, Evan

Illustrator: Groenink, Chuck

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553511505

Price: 16.99

this ORQ (he #1)

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Very unique style of text - the story is "narrated" by "Cave Boy" who speaks in abbreviated sentences and omits conjunctions (i.e. "Sleep lots. Eat tons. Love plenty.") Print is small and there are quite a few multi-syllabic words so probably best for school-aged readers or beginning readers to enjoy with an accompanying adult. Fun, engaging illustrations and great story overall.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliot, David

Illustrator: Nichols, Lori

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629793368

Price: 16.95

Have No Fear! Halloween is Here!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This Cat in the Hat science reader is a Step 2 "Step Into Reading" book, perfect for children who are reading with help and can recognize basic vocabulary, short sentences, and simple stories. Good choice for reading 1:1 with an adult who can help sound out new words. A high interest topic and familiar main character make this an overall enjoyable read for beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101934920

Price: 4.99

One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This educational book has colorful, detailed illustrations and is a good way to introduce younger school-aged children to non-fiction. It is text-heavy and the concepts may require a fair bit of explaining, so it's best for 1:1 reading where children and adults can explore the more complex themes and ideas together. However, the story is engaging and relatable even for younger children. Entertaining overall.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Worth, Bonnie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399555985

Price: 9.99

Faraway Fox

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

We are seeing more and more wildlife from mammals to fish get caught in areas where humans are living. They wander in and can't get back to there own environment. In Faraway Fox, a young fox finds himself wondering where his family is. He remembers the stream where he and his sister caught frogs and how good his father was at hunting. The text tells of his remembering but the illustrations show a playground, a construction site and a parking lot. With simple text and large two page spreads, this book explores the problem of animal encroachment into dangerous human territory. Happily there is a solution. As seen in the story, humans are building underpasses, overpasses, viaducts,and tunnels, allowing animals an escape route back to their home ground. With an author's note at the end of the story, the Thompsons are educating young readers on how to be good stewards to the animals they share the earth with. A great choice for any collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Jolene

Illustrator: Thompson, Justin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544707115

Price: 17.99

My Car/Mi Carro

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a new bilingual edition of the classic My Car c2001. Translated by Andrea Montejo, each sentence in English is followed by the translated sentence in Spanish. The colorful artwork extends the text. This new edition is a useful book to update a classic and introduce the concept of another language as we follow Sam and his car through their day to preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Byron

Illustrator: Barton, Byron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062455451

Price: 17.99

Fish

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

In this wordless book, the reader sets out with a boy and his dog for a day of fishing. As the hook hits the water,a letter, not a fish is caught! This continues until the boy is pulled overboard by lots of letters. readers follow the boy on his quest for the letters he needs to "save the day." The beauty of wordless books is that it gives the reader the chance to be part of the creative process. they can give voice to the characters and each time they read- the language can be different. the illustrator must give the reader enough clues to carry the story. This wordless book would work well with older readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walsh, Liam Francis

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626723337

Price: 17.99

Miss Paul and the President: the Creative Campaign for Women's Right to Vote

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

For several reasons this book has made a timely appearance given the current election. Alice Paul is portrayed as a brave, adventurous and intelligent leader of the National Woman's Party. Her efforts to earn women's right to vote is undeniable. Young readers may appreciate the historical content but it will be the lovely page designs and period dress that will attract attention. This biography provides insight into an important movement within the USA. Add to primary grade media centers and public library collections of picture book biography.

It is somewhat distressing that no mention was made of the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington D.C. it would have been appropriate to list the monument as a place to visit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robbins, Dean

Illustrator: Zhang, Nancy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt (Random House)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101937204

Price: 17.99

Are You Sure, Mother Bear?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A warm and reassuring story about a little bear that does not want to go to sleep on the first night of winter. She is just not sleepy, and has lots of questions about why winter is for sleeping. Mother is patient, loving, and reassuring, and, by the end, Little Miss Bear and her mother are sound asleep. Author and illustrator are well matched and go well together, the illustrations are done in pencil ans ink and assembled digitally and go well with the text making this an excellent bed time story. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hest, Amy

Illustrator: Tobia, Lauren

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672072

Price: 15.99

Booked

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

Nick Hall is your typical teenager in many ways, plays too many video games, crushes on a girl, daydreams in class, deals with some bullying. And Alexander captures the voice of a middle school boy in an authentic and engaging way. The lens through which Nick sees the world is soccer though his father would like that lens to be through words. Nick's dad is an etymologist and he forces Nick to read his multi-volume dictionary. Nick does this begrudgingly, and the way that Alexander weaves some of the words into the story is brilliant, and with the right amount of adolescent snark. When Nick's beloved mom chooses to leave the family to take a job, it provides the reader with some well-crafted insight into how a teen-aged boy might react to this situation. Told in verse, this book is a quicker read and will be appreciated by more hesitant readers. A must-have for MG collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Kwame

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544570986

Price: 16.99

Smart and Spineless: Exploring Invertebrate Intelligence

Reviewed by: kathy george - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 8, 2016

Review

Ninety percent of animal life consists of invertebrates. These include jelly fish, spiders, octopuses, bees, ants, worms and shrimp. Ann downer has offered the reader a look into the world of invertebrates by introducing studies of these amazing creatures. Scientists studying these various creatures have reported some incredible observations. These creatures have intelligence - memory, learning abilities, and problem solving abilities. Why is this important? What we are seeing can help those of us with spines! Engineers are creating "swarm-bots" based on how bees work together. This will aid in search and rescue. Claw shrimp see light differently and scientists are now using this type of polarized light to fashion cameras in cancer detection. Ms Downer's chapters on each spineless creature are concise, with photographs, an information box and what the studies being done . She has included a glossary, bibliography and pages offering further information in the back of the book. It is a complete package!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Downer, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467737395

Price: 33.32

The Whale In My Swimming Pool

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

Originally published as a picture book in 2015. The misadventures of a little boy finding a whale in his rather small backyard pool is all about him trying to convince the whale to move on. He at last gives up and discovers a pleasant solution to his large dilemma only to be foiled again. This works as a board book because of the big bright pictures with lots of white space and the simple text.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Wan, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Farrar Straus Gircux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374301880

Price: 7.99

This Train

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2016

Review

Originally published as a picture book in 1999. This makes a good tradition to a board book. The illustrations a very bold and engaging with lots of detail. The littlest engineers will want to read this again and again.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Collicutt, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Gircux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374377199

Price: 7.99

Chris Grimly's Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2011

Review

Just when you thought Grimm's Fairytales couldn't get better - they did! Chris Grimly took the original tales and created wonderful illustrations to accompany each tale, making them that much more gruesome and grim. While I have fond memories of reading these tales from a young age, I find the illustrations greatly enhance the stories. This will be a great addition to any collection - even if you already have a copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales on the shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grimm, Jacob & Wilhelm

Illustrator: Grimly, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062352330

Price: 17.99

100 Days

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2016

Review

Best friends Moira and Agnes look out for one another at their high school. Both are outcasts for different reasons -- Moira discovered years before that she could repel the cruel attacks about her weight heaped upon her by her peers by adopting a tough, Goth-inspired exterior while Agnes lives with progeria syndrome, a degenerative condition that causes her to age prematurely and remain physically small. In middle school, they'd been friendly with a boy named Boone, who eventually bowed to peer pressure rather than defend them, but who now reappears in their lives.

Each of this trio of characters share in the narration and are multi-dimensional and thoughtful. Their struggles, including Boone's frantic efforts to make ends meet at home and cover up for his mom's longstanding depression following the death of his abusive dad, are believable and readers will easily empathize with them. The differences in the home lives of each of the main characters are dramatic and their relationships with their families are as interesting as their friendships with one another, making this an insightful and emotionally-resonant read with a heartbreaking conclusion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McInnes, Nicole

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374302849

Price: 17.99

Pushing Perfect

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

Kara, an overachieving teen whose anxiety disorder prevented her from finishing the SAT is convinced by her new friend Alex to try a drug that is in trials but not yet legal that Alex tells her will help her manage her anxiety so that she may score well during the re-take. Kara's attempts to conceal both her panic attacks and a skin condition she developed during middle school have caused her to distance herself from her friends, which has left her feeling isolated, so Kara is as much interested in Alex's friendship as she is in the drug, and is also smitten with Alex's pal Raj, who sells her the pills. However, when Kara begins receiving text messages from an unknown number and becomes embroiled in a web of blackmail, she soon discovers she's not alone.

This intricately plotted story will appeal to fans of Ally Carter's Heist Society series and other whodunnit style mysteries. There are plenty of twists and turns and a large cast of characters to keep the audience guessing and the eventual reveal of the blackmailer will likely come as a surprise to many. Kara is a somewhat uneven character - readers will feel sympathy for her initially, but her shunning of her old friends seems a bit hard-hearted, despite the reasons behind it. Additionally, her anxiety seems to be conveniently much easier to manage as the story progresses, despite the fact that she swears off the drug and is dealing with some pretty intense stress around the blackmail issue, making it an unrealistic presentation of anxiety disorders.

Established teen mystery fans may well enjoy this one, but it's not likely to appeal widely.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Falkoff, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062310538

Price: 17.99

Hana's Suitcase

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - York County Community College, Wells, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2016

Review

Fumiko Ishioka, coordinator of the Tokyo Holocaust Center, applied for and received a child's suitcase from Auschwitz for display. On the side was written a child's name, birthdate and "Waisenkind" meaning "orphan." Hoping to bring the story of the Holocaust alive for her students, Fumiko pursued information about the original owner of the suitcase, 13 year old Hana Brady. Levine alternates between Hana's story from the late 1930's and early 1940's, and Fumiko's search for details about her in the year 2000.

Hana Brady was only 8 years old when the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia. First her mother, then her father was taken away. She and her older brother George went to live with their Uncle Ludvik until being sent to the camps themselves. Because Uncle Ludvik was Christian, he was not imprisoned. The children were sent first to Theresienstadt. After two years, Hana was sent to Auschwitz, and was killed upon her arrival.

Fumiko's trip to Poland revealed that George had survived and was now living in Canada. Included in this updated edition, are tales from George and Fumiko's meetings and speeches, interviews with neighbors who knew Hana, photographs from her short life and of smiling young Japanese children with George and the suitcase.

Included is a photo of birthday gifts made from bread that Hana's mother sent to her from the camp at Ravensbruck. The gifts are not placed in context with the constant hunger suffered by those imprisoned. Despite Hana's death in 1944, emotions, thoughts and words are attributed to her without the benefit of source notes. The intentions and emotions of Uncle Ludvik are likewise attributed without source notes. Levine does her best to put an uplifting spin on a Holocaust story. These omissions tend to misrepresent the brutality of the Holocaust.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Levine, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers / Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933497

Price: 9.99

You Make My Heart...Swing Sideways

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 23, 2016

Review

Annabelle is looking forward to summer because her mother has been forced by Annabelle's doctor to give up the schedules and expectations she has always had for her and loosen the reins. Annie can't eat without choking and is thin as a rake. She is hankering for freedom from her mother's strict overbearing presence. When the family goes to camp for a month, Annabelle quickly befriends a wild young girl named California who is staying with her grandfather on a farm nearby. California picks berries and eats them straightaway, rides horses, climbs trees and lots of other exciting things that Annabelle has never been allowed to do. She finally has her freedom, but circumstances and secrets are divulged that make Annabelle realize how lucky she is to have her stable, loving and attentive parents.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steveson, Nanci Turner

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062374547

Price: 16.99

William and the Witch's Riddle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2016

Review

This fantasy for 4-6 grade readers expands the background of the deadly spindle in the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. William and his younger brother Pinch are left on their own after their mother disappears and their father, who went to search for her, meets with a tragic accident. William is visited by Morga, the evil witch who speaks in riddles, and is forced to complete the three step riddle that his father had been working on to get William's mother back. With the help of a comforting magical-maid named Moggety, a stubborn donkey, a miniature dragon and a addle-tweaked pseudo-guardian of the Fae, William musters unseen bravery as he works through the various riddles and tasks. His lineage is revealed and those he loves are saved. Crum provides a variety of quirky characters and multiple details that young readers will find comical. At times, the minutiae of the Fae magic and backstory bogs down the flow of the adventurous story line. Crum adds a medieval and/or Scottish flavor to the text, here and there, through word choice and sentence structure. Wildish's black and white line drawings appear in full-page and half-page spreads that complement the text and add another quirky element to the characters with their chinless heads and disproportionately-sized lanky arms and legs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crum, Shutta

Illustrator: Wildish, Lee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi/Alfred A Knopf/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101932698

Price: 16.99

The Sun is Also a Star

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2016

Review

Recommending this YA love story for cream consideration. Yoon has crafted in fine detail the way quick decisions by various people in busy NYC intertwine, similar to the six degrees of separation phenomenon, profoundly impact Jamaican Senior, Natasha, who is being deported in twelve hours, and Daniel, a first generation American Korean, who instantly falls in love with her . Yoon's style fashions random layers of information in quick two and three page passages and brings them into focus under the simple premise of love at first sight. Some times these quick bullets of information create other stories about love in all their right and wrongness. Over the course of a day, Natasha and Daniel use the 5 questions and stare into each other's eyes for 4 minutes to fall in love study to peel back the layers of their complicated lives. A timely story that will sensitize readers to the pressures that family expectations, cultural traditions and racism create among relationships. Brilliant as a Sun.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yoon, Nicola

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553496680

Price: 18.99

Best Frints in the Whole Universe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Yelfred and Omek have been best friends since they were little blobbies. Through a variety of activities, such as eating and playing, we see the extent of their friendship. They get into a disagreement, and the reader is shown how they resolve it. Their actions are often compared to what might happen in a similar situation on earth. The illustrations are digitally colored and mainly consist of geometric shapes colored very simply. Overall, there is a kind of zany feel to the book which does, in the end, shows some important lessons about friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoionette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721364

Price: 16.99

Best Frints in the Whole Universe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Yelfred and Omek have been best friends since they were little blobbies. Through a variety of activities, such as eating and playing, we see the extent of their friendship. They get into a disagreement, and the reader is shown how they resolve it. Their actions are often compared to what might happen in a similar situation on earth. The illustrations are digitally colored and mainly consist of geometric shapes colored very simply. Overall, there is a kind of zany feel to the book which does, in the end, shows some important lessons about friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoionette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721364

Price: 16.99

Dog on Board, the True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Eclipse is a Mastador, half Labrador Retriever and half Mastiff. He lives with his owner, Jeff, in Seattle. Every day, Jeff and Eclipse rode the bus to the dog park. One day, Eclipse got on the bus, but Jeff missed it. Eclipse knew enough to get off at the stop for the park where he played until Jeff arrived on the next bus. After that, when Jeff was busy, Eclipse would ride the bus to the park himself. After a news report about him, Eclipse became very well known in Seattle. There really is not much to this story. The photographs have some interest and pretty much tell the story. At the back, there is a very brief mention that Eclipse is a registered service dog. Adding that to the story would add more substance. Children who like dogs may be interested in the book and in the online videos listed at the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hinshaw-Patent, Dorothy

Illustrator: Munoz, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399549885

Price: 16.99

Rookie of the Year

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Rip and Red are good fifth grade friends. A new girl, Tiki, joins their class from Egypt. They become friends, but that friendship is tested when Tiki's basketball skills get her chosen for the first string team, while Rip is put on the second string team. Characters come from a variety of backgrounds and disabilities. Red is on the autism spectrum, Rip is African American, complete with dreadlocks, their friend Avery is in a wheelchair,and their teacher has family in the Dominican Republic. The pace of the story is rapid and humorous. Tiki's habit of making up words gets annoying...it feels overdone. Overall, a good story of school and friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bildner, Phil

Illustrator: Probert, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301347

Price: 15.99

The Mixed-Up Truck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The little cement truck wants to make a good impression on his first day on the job. The other trucks tell him to mix up powdery white cement and water. Instead, he mixes powdery white flour and water and ends up with a cake. He mixes up white sugar and water and ends up with frosting. He finally mixes up powdery white cement and ends up with a building. When it comes time to clean up, he mixes powdery white soap powder and ends up with a city full of suds. All of the trucks are simply drawn with anthropomorphized expressions that make them quite whimsical and show how they are feeling quite clearly. The little truck's tenacity in getting the job done is a good lesson for young readers to hear. Text is simple and straight forward. This will be a cute read aloud for young children.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Stephen

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press/Neal Porter

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721531

Price: 16.99

The Most Perfect Snowman

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Drift was a lonely snowman. He had 5 pieces of coal for a face and bare branches for his arms. He dreamed of wearing a hat, scarf, and mittens, and of having a pointy carrot nose like the other snowmen.They all made fun of him and would not let him play because he was so plain. One day, three young children find him and dress him up with their hat, mittens, and scarves and give him a carrot nose. He had never been so happy as he played all day. A blizzard comes up and blows his new hat and mittens away. He finds a small, cold rabbit in the blizzard and wraps it in his new scarf to keep it warm. The rabbit is hungry, so Drift gives him his carrot nose to eat, becoming the most perfect snowman of all. The illustrations in this story are wonderful, very distinctive watercolors. Children will be enchanted by these active and adorable snowmen. The story can be a good starting point to discussions on empathy, compassion, friendship, and differences. A great winter book to add to your collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Britt, Chris

Illustrator: Britt, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062377043

Price: 11.99

Bears in the Snow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 29, 2016

Review

This tale of sweet young bears is about a sledding outing. Four small bears and a big brown bear go sledding with their one small sled. Only two can slide at a time. They get tired of sharing the sled, so big bear becomes the sled for the four small bears. The story is told in rhyming verse. It is a great example of sharing and problem solving. Illustrations are clear, with lots of white space on the page. Preschoolers and kindergarten children will be enchanted by the bears. A great story time choice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681487

Price: 14.99

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2015

Review

Poems describe pivotal events in the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who fought for the right to vote in this powerful picture book biography. Holmes' vibrant paper collage illustrations pair perfectly with the poems. The paint, paper and maps used in the collages give the illustrations a rich texture. Back matter includes source notes, a timeline, and bibliography. Most appropriate for the 5th-8th grade classroom/reader. Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Weatherford, Carole Boston

Illustrator: Holmes, Ekua

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665319

Price: 17.99

McDonald's the Business Behind the Golden Arches

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book presents the background of the company, key people in its history, and its operations. There are a lot of photographs, and biographies of company leaders, statistics, and even a few trade secrets. There really is a lot going on in this book, to the point of being distracting. Other books in the series focus on Amazon, Minecraft, and Samsung.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Senker, Cath

Illustrator: , Various Photographers

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512405903

Price: 20.04

Someone I Wanted To Be

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 29, 2016

Review

Leah Lobermier doesn't have it easy. She is an overweight teenager struggling with low self esteem. Living in poverty with a stressed out Mom doesn't make it any easier. And to make matters worse, she is surrounded by frenemies and is the target of bullying at school on a daily basis. This gritty first novel is a realistic account of a young teenager and her struggle to get her life under control. When an older man buys Leah and her friends beer, the man becomes obsessed with Leah's friend. After getting his phone number, Leah then "pretends" to be her friend and begins a relationship with the man via texting and phone conversations. What begins as a seemingly safe, yet exciting flirtation, takes a frightening turn. Readers will empathize with Leah as she wants to do the right thing and make the right choices. Her goal of becoming a doctor someday is a tough one to meet when faced with on-going fat jokes, mean girls, the stress of her "flirtation with the older man, and her lack of support. The story becomes hopeful when she meets a group of "real" friends who see beyond her weight and appreciate her for who she really is. A satisfying read with well developed characters and a strong plot that will keep you captivated.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wills, Aurelia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681562

Price: 17.99

10 Little Ninjas

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 29, 2016

Review

A weak variation on the familiar story of little monkeys jumping on a bed, this version features 10 little children who like to sneak out of bed. The story starts with the 10 children dressed as ninja's sneaking out of bed. From this point on, the children take on other rolls that include astronauts, firefighters, tigers and pirates. The title of the book seems misleading as the children only start as ninja's and there is no other reference to ninja's. The writing is weak with rhymes that seem forced and overly complicated for a young reader. The illustrations that were created in photoshop by combining acrylic and digital paint do an adequate job depicting the ethnically diverse children as they go from adventure to adventure. The scenes are colorful and playful and the style whimsical. Children will enjoy counting down throughout the book. Unfortunately, the last spread also include the copyright information and this text falls right into the illustration of the children finally sleeping. This is a major distraction from the otherwise satisfying ending.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Paul, Miranda

Illustrator: Wragg, Nate

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553534979

Price: 14.99

Backyard Witch

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2016

Review

The second book in the Backyard Witch series, this early reader will keep young readers amused as they follow the adventures of three young friends, Jess, Maya and Sadie and their unusual friend, Mrs. M, a friendly witch. The first book followed Sadie and the series now continues with the focus on Jess. Jess has a complicated relationship with her mother and although she tries hard, she can never seem to please her Mom. Enter the kindly witch, Mrs. M, who offers clever suggestions to help Jess figure things out. Engaging B&W illustrations appear throughout the text and add a great deal to the story. Included in the back pages, are helpful cooking tips for young chefs, an interesting recipe for grilled tofu with thai peanut sauce and a brief introduction of 6 herbs. Also included is a listing of "Magic Books" that list 7 cooking books geared for children along with a link to a tv show on cooking. The backyard witch appears when she is needed and with a combination of magic and wisdom, helps her young friends along the way. Short chapters along with easy to understand vocabulary will make this a quick, pleasant read for early readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heppermann, Christine

Illustrator: Koertge, Ron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062338419

Price: 16.99

You can do it Stinky Face!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2016

Review

Although the supportive and loving theme is evident this is not an ideal board book. Like many picture books, Stinky Face series titles are not at their best in this packaging. A story with intricate illustrations and lots of words deserves the larger scale format and are lost on the toddler crowd. Most toddlers will have crawled away or closed the book before the adult reading can finish the text.

Purchase this book in the Stinky Face series in its original format for pre-schools and public libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

McCourt, Lisa

Illustrator: Moore, Cyd

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545806480

Price: 6.99

Annabelle at the South Pole

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2016

Review

Annabelle at the South Pole has three companion titles, each shares an adventure highlighting one of the four siblings. Imaginative play is the author's primary focus when he sends Annabelle out the back door into the Antarctic. Each illustration reveals movement and emotion but it is the blue and white backgrounds that make the illusion believable. Young readers will giggle at the penguin antics and all siblings will recognize their family interactions. I love that Annabelle is reading a book about penguins when her brother places her under his power. Add to public libraries where snow falls in winter time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R.W.

Illustrator: Alley, R.W.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books Houghton Mifflin)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547907048

Price: 14.99

It Looks Like This

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2016

Review

Mittlefehldt's debut novel takes us on a painful journey through discovery, parental disapproval, tragedy, and finally, on to hope. Mike has a small group of friends, a strictly religious family, and an avid interest in classmate Sean. Mike has no romantic history, but accepts the fact that he is attracted to boys. When he and Sean get partnered on a project, it seems that Sean might share his interest. They have a passionate, but sadly brief secret relationship (per Sean's request). When a school bully records and outs them, both boys' worlds fall apart. Mike's family sends him to a camp to re-program him to straight. What happens after this event is the real meat of the story. Mike deals with a tremendous amount of guilt and desolation by hiding away, but when he finally comes out on the other side of it, he's strong and certain in himself and in being gay. He even gets his family to come around. This book is an excellent addition to the LGBTQ genre. It shows the uglier side of being gay and coming out, but still gives us a happy(ish) ending.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mittlefehldt, Rafi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763687199

Price: 16.99

True Letters From a Fictional Life

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2016

Review

James lives in a small Vermont town where everyone knows everyone. He is a junior in high school and he, along with his friends and classmates, have always plagued anyone who seems different. Of course this includes gay boys. The problem is James is struggling with his sexual identity, wonders why he can't really connect with his 'girlfriend' and what does it mean that he is attracted to boys. He wants to come out in his own time and way, but circumstances conspire to force his hand sooner rather than later. He writes letters to people and has for years, letters he never sends, but someone finds those letters and mails some of them. His 'fictional life' is now revealed. This will make a good choice for young people trying to deal with coming out to friends and family and will also appeal to all ages who are attempting to understand issues around homosexuality. It makes the reader come to terms with how difficult society often makes life for those who are different and just trying to live their own 'normal' lives. Let's all take a lesson from this story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Logan, Kenneth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062380258

Price: 17.99

Hillary Rodham Clinton - Some Girls are born to Lead

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2012

Review

In this well illustrated biography about Hillary Clinton we get to meet Hillary as a young girl. We see events that depict how she she grew up, and life experiences that influenced her and impacted her life to be the strong woman she is today. I feel this book will be a great resource for girls of all ages. I can help them get inspired to be a leader, to do something that makes a difference in the world. I really liked this book, and if I were still teaching history I would have it in my classroom!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Markel, Michelle

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062381224

Price: 17.99

Milestones of Flight

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2016

Review

You know that child who comes in looking for books on planes and flying? But they also want a something about space flight? Well this is the book for them! In this beautifully illustrated book you are taken from early development of flight and planes, through space flight, the special computer chips invented just for the apollo missions and everything in between and beyond! There are pictures of the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, early passenger planes, Robert Goddard and his early rockets, and so much more! This is a great reference book for any library!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grove, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781419720031

Price: 21.95

Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2016

Review

Amazing collaged art work, well researched information, and personal White family treasures make this a winner in all literature categories. Sweet's newest title is fantastic to pour through finding quotes, photos and even pages of White's handwritten notes of Charlotte's Web and earlier works. All the better is the quality of the text which reveals otherwise unknown facts about this adored writer. This biography is a pleasurable and interesting read which sets the bar for future biographies for children. E. B White's granddaughter Martha White provided access to family memorabilia which enhanced Sweet's ability to show the real person in Some Writer. Add this book to all public libraries and school media centers. It will be read by all age levels and used in literature and art classes.

Nominated for Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sweet, Melissa

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544319592

Price: 18.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator,Maine setting

Christmas for Greta and Gracie

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2016

Review

Sister bunnies share preparations for Christmas but it is talkative and older Greta who determines most of their activities. Gracie knows the value of being quiet and going slow, as a result she has the personal interaction with Santa on Christmas Eve. The artwork is digital offering a whimsical appearance to the colorful illustrations. Lots of white space make the illustrations pop. An attention to detail is noted especially on the pages where the house is dark. While the story is slight it will be recognizable to many children with siblings. Add to libraries who collect holiday titles and gift to families with sisters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ismail, Yasmeen

Illustrator: Ismail, Yasmeen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689438

Price: 15.99

The Lost and the Found

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2016

Review

Many lives are changed when a six year old girl is taken from her yard by a stranger. Faith is raised without her older sister in a home with her depressed and desperate mother. Everything changes one day when Laurel knocks on the door of the home where she lived before being kidnapped and abused. This mysterious psychological thriller is slightly uneven as the story is unraveled. Readers hear the voice of the younger sister, it is Faith's perspective that Clarke shares. Character development varies, Faith's father is not as clearly defined as his boyfriend who reaches out in support of Faith.

Every community has heard of horrible cases involving kidnapping and abuse. This book is an undated fiction account that chills the spine and raises the hair on the necks of its readers much as the Face on the Milk Carton did 26 years ago. Public libraries will want to purchase this title as young teen girls will gravitate toward it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clarke, Cat

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown (Random House/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101932049

Price: 17.99

Escaping Peril

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

Escaping Peril is the eighth in the Wings of Fire series written by a very accomplished preteen author. Sutherland has delved into the world of dragons, giving them human emotions while maintaining their animal natures. The themes of loyalty, friendship and self-preservation are intrinsic in this story as Peril experiences a coming of age period in her development. There exist some violence which seems appropriate to the story line and probably attracts readers to the series.

Although this reader had not seen books 1-7 the story was more than readable, it is an enjoyable fantasy aimed at the intermediate reader. School media centers serving grades 3-6 are probably collecting the series. Public libraries should consider placing the entire series on their shelves as well

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutherland, Tui T.

Illustrator: Ang, Joy

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545685443

Price: 16.99

Shakespeare Retold

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

An outstanding collection of seven Shakespeare plays that are beautifully illustrated and retold in a manner fitting for younger children as well as for older readers. The copy is done in prose and is accompanied by beautiful artwork that helps to simplify and yet keep the core essence of the complex writings of Shakespeare from his comedies to his tragedies. The digital illustrations done in Adobe Photoshop are rich and dynamic and add a great deal to the plays showcasing the range of emotions of various characters.

Actor John Lithgow provides an interesting foreward to start the book off. The back pages include a basic biography of William Shakespeare, a helpful timeline and a list of recommended books about the plays. Finally there is a section on making Shakespeare fun for kids that includes a listing of books, dvd's and websites.

A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nesbit, E.

Illustrator: Caparo, Antonio Javier

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006240534

Price: 19.99

Wishing Day

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

A story of three sisters being brought up by their emotionally distant dad with the assistance of two aunts, after the mysterious disappearance of their mom 8 years ago. Full of tween angst, crushes and friendship struggles, the realistic story line also includes a heavy dose of pure fantasy. The main plot deals with a wishing day tradition where all the girls in the town make three wishes on their 13th birthday. Is magic involved? Will the wishes come true? Switching gears from one genre to the other makes this a confusing read. Heavy topics like depressions, loneliness, an emotionally absent father coupled with an off the wall "bird Lady" character and the on-going hints of magic make this feel like two different stories. The ending is very disappointing with way too many unanswered question and no closure whatsoever. With this book being the first in a trilogy, the assumption is, that future books will provide clarity. However, after this confusing, somewhat muddled first book in the series, many readers may not continue for the answers. Hopefully, the second book will provide some answers early on and provide more of a fantasy angle to the story as the basic story plot is imaginative and interesting.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Myracle, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062342065

Price: 16.99

Fiona's Little Lie

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

Wells is a master of writing and illustrations in the picture book format. In this new tale about Fiona and her friend Felix readers are entertained by an elaborate lie which is embellished with false accusations. The text is simple enough for early readers yet the theme is sophisticated and genuine. The author employs the assistance of a caring teacher and an understanding friend to clarify the situation leading to a heartfelt apology.

The illustrations are adorable including those of the imaginary vampires. Who knew that guinea pigs could be so cute?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Rosemary

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673125

Price: 14.99

Peg + Cat: the Penguin Problem

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

Though Peg + Cat are PBS Kids characters they transition nicely to book format. While attending the South Pole Animal Winter Games it becomes very obvious that the skiing penguins do not understand concepts needs as in under, over and in between. As coach Peg trains the four teammates, they succeed but not without several interesting situations. Youngster will laugh at the silly penguins while adults will appreciate that young readers have mastered the math concepts. This reader is not a fan of books printed from TV series but perhaps this fills a place for young readers. The illustrations are comical and the use of boxes around the illustrations makes the text more readable.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oxley, Jennifer

Illustrator: Aronson, Billy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690731

Price: 12.99

What's Up Chuck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

Chuck Wood, a beaver, lives in the forest where he creates intricate wood sculptures that have won Best of the Forest art competition for three years in a row. Scooter Possum, also an artist, moves into the forest and wins the competition. Readers will relate to Chuck's feelings of disappointment and anger when he only wins second place. With thought and reflection, he comes to realize the importance of the artistic process and friendship so all is well. This story moves right along and will be a good transitional chapter book. The somewhat primitive style illustrations and interest and humor to the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landry, Leo

Illustrator: Landry, Leo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896986

Price: 12.95

Bramble and Maggie Snow Day

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

Maggie and her parents are getting ready for a large approaching snowstorm. Part of the preparation is getting Bramble, Maggie's horse, ready to weather the storm. When the storm arrives, Bramble gets out of an unlatched barn door and helps Maggie's family get through their blocked door. This will be a very good book for young chapter book readers. There is great camaraderie and caring. The family carefully prepares Bramble for the storm. After the storm, neighbors help neighbors recover. Plentiful colored illustrations add interest and help tell the story. A good book to add to your young chapter book sections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Haas, Jessie

Illustrator: Friend, Alison

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673642

Price: 14.99

Lucy & Company

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

Lucy and her animal friends, including a snail, a mouse, and a rabbit have lots of adventures together. This book tells of three of those adventures; in one, Adrian the snail is nearly mistaken for a hazelnut and eaten; in another, Lucy and her friends surprise Henry the rabbit into helping follow a treasure map only to find that the treasure is a birthday present for him; in the last, three little chicks have been orphaned and are looking for a mother and a father and end up with acquiring unlikely volunteers. The illustrations are soft and pastel, the text lends itself to a readaloud for the younger set, but siblings a bit older will be able to read this themselves. Happy endings abound and beginner readers will like the chapter-like format of this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dubuc, Marianne

Illustrator: Dubuc, Marianne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771386623

Price: 16.95

Swallow the Leader: A Counting Book

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

This counting book uses assorted fish who follow one another. Each number has a humorous poem attached. They hide from sharks, imitate whales' blows, and float on their backs. When they number ten, a shark arrives on scene and their numbers dwindle. Are all these little fishies done for? The illustrations are actually layered, using cutouts and watercolors; they are unusual, and therefore, appealing. The fish have expressive eyes and different shapes, especially the ray and the blowfish. This reader especially enjoyed the seahorses. This will appeal to little ones because of the amusing verse.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Danna

Illustrator: Sherry, Kevin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544105188

Price: 16.99

Run

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

Run is the story of two best friends finding each other at a crucial time and facing life's challenges together. Bo's family is known to be full of addicts and widely disrespected, while legally blind Agnes has grown up in a respectable, church going family. Agnes's parents are extremely over-protective and barely allow her out of the house. Bo's friendship gives her a taste of freedom that she can't let go of, so when Bo needs Agnes to run away with her, Agnes doesn't give it a second shot. They embark on a trying journey across the state, in hopes of finding Bo's father. The chapters alternate between the history of Agnes and Bo's friendship and the current story, which starts the night they run away, as well as between Agnes and Bo's perspectives. Despite the back and forth, it's easy to keep track of whose viewpoint the chapter is in and which timeline it is. While there is sexual content in this book, it's not detailed, and it's essential to the character's arc. Recommended for high school age.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keplinger, Kody

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545831130

Price: 17.99

Flood Warning

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

The Let's Read and Find Out Science book series have been serving schools and patrons of public libraries since Dr. Franklyn M. Branley published several in the 1960's. Always intended to offer accurate information in an easily approachable format this book lives up to the original series purpose. Kenah has presented floods as natural disasters minus the fear. We see families learning how to prepare, are instructed not to drive or walk in floating water and even find out the elephants feel the vibrations of tsunamis. The text is accompanied by colorful illustrations featuring people who seem somewhat incomplete. Some schools may collect the series as it has been written and published to support the Common Core. Public libraries will purchase if they need a book on the topic. There is a glossary of terms and two science projects are included.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenah, Katharine

Illustrator: Schimler-Safford, Amy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062386625

Price: 17.99

The Goblin's Puzzle Being the Adventures of a Boy With No Name and Two...

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwickk public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

This first novel, The Goblin's Puzzle being the the adventures of a boy with no name and two girls called Alice, begins as tree separate stories that entwine as pieces of a puzzle as they come together. A well written fantasy adventure that begins slowly but the pace quickens as you meet the characters including the boy, a nameless slave, a goblin, a princess, another Alice, just plain, meaning not the princess but studying to be a sage, an ogre, a dragon, (who kidnaps the wrong Alice), politicians, a king, an evil man who wants to be king and others. This has a great adventure but includes humor, logic, moral issues, honor, brains over brawn, and slavery. The three main characters all grow, are likable, there is excitement, reasoning,and an examination of honor and truth. The boy, who is a nameless slave, evolves with thinking through the morality of slavery clearly evolving from a worthless, nameless boy to a person with self-esteem becoming a hero because of his sense of honor clearly being superior to the slave master, and has saved a kingdom from evil. There is a violent murder in the beginning, but is a catalyst as to why the boy must go on. This book is much more then an adventure, good for a middle grade book group discussion, and one that can be reread because there is so much to discover and think about.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chilton, Andrew S.

Illustrator: Eckwall, Jensine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553520705

Price: 16.95

Judy Moody and the Bucket List

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A well written transitional chapter book that is appropriate and enjoyable for the intended audience. A good addition to the series with familiar characters, children will enjoy Judy discovering Grandma Lou's Bucket List, and Judy creating her own. Judy's attempts to accomplish the items on her list will appeal to readers who can relate to her trying to do a cartwheel, failing, but not giving up. A book that will make you smile, this is a good choice to those just transiting into chapter books as it closing follows the recommended large font, 16 lines per page, illustrations that go well with the text, and short chapters. Well done!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679958

Price: 15.99

Stink and the Attack of the Slime Mold

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A good addition to the Stink series of transitional chapter books. Age appropriate with large font, no more than 16 lines of text, plenty of white space and lots of humor. The illustrations are well done and add the the appeal, especially the pages of Stink drawn comics about the slime. The story line of Stink growing slime mold from the Saturday Science Club is well written, very appropriate for the character and a perfect device for lots of laughs with Stink's wonderful imagination. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655549

Price: 12.99

Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

"Stars Above" is a collection of short stories that are backstories to the characters in Marissa Meyer's "Lunar Chronicle" series. In these stories, you will find the explanations on how Scarlett came to live with her grandmother, Cinder's cyborg childhood and the connections made between all of the main characters in the series.

It is an action packed, fast paced and a well written book that will be enjoyed by the "Lunar Chronicles" fans. Even if you haven't read any of the books in the series, it would still be enjoyed by those who like the retelling of fairy tales and folklore with a bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure. Suitable for grades 7 or higher.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Marissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250091840

Price: 17.99

Who Wants A Tortoise?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A little girl asks for only one thing for her birthday - a puppy, "but the present with the holes in the top..." is a tortoise. The beginning of the book shows a young girl clearly obsessed with puppies reading about them, practicing training a puppy, laying on a bone shaped carpet, wearing a shirt with a paw print, making list of dog names, dreaming about her puppy, so her disappointment in her new pet is clear. Written with a lot a humor, comparing a puppy with a tortoise, and gradually beginning to know and like her tortoise as her expectations change and she learns what a tortoise can do. A very sweet story where the illustrations compliment the text and expand the story are created using watercolor and colored pencil on watercolor paper. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keane, Dave

Illustrator: Campbell, K. G.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754170

Price: 17.99

Blood, Bullets, and Bones: The Story of Forensic Science form Sherlock Holmes to DNA

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Are you a big fan of CSI and all of the other crime shows, than you will find this book very enlightening. Forensic science is relatively new as a crime fighting tool, but it has been around for centuries and has only improved as the scientific field of forensic science has evolved.

Very accurate with well established table of contents, bibliography, note and photo credits along with a well defined glossary. The illustrations are photos, sketches and compliment the text extremely well. They are placed within the time frame of the contents of the book to help explain or illustrate the topic. Many of the cases discussed in this book are also mentioned in such works as Eric Larson's "Thunderstruck", Deborah Blum's "Poisoner's Handbook" and Patricia Cornwell's "Portrait of a Killer".

Geared for grades 7 and up, but would be enjoyed by anyone that loves a good crime scene and would be useful as a teaching tool or resource for a forensic science class due to the history that is the basis of the book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Heos, Bridget

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062387622

Price: 18.99

Love Monster and the Scary Something

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Another sweet Love Monster story for preschoolers. This time Love Monster cannot fall asleep and listens to all of the night noises. As he does the size of the font changes as should the voice reading to emphasize the sounds as the imagination creates the scary thoughts of Love Monster. Very well done, text, font and illustration work very well together to show the Monster being afraid of the dark. Good use of language will help young children who are afraid of the dark to see a humorous outcome and a reason (and word) for each unknown noise heard at night in the dark. Very reassuring!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Bright, Rachel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780374346911

Price: 17.99

Christmas in the Barn

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Originally published in 1952 with illustrations by Barbara Cooney, reissued with new illustrations in 2004 by Diane Goods,and now reissued with illustrations by Anna Dewdney, this classic Christmas story is updated for a new generation. The illustrations are done with oil paint, pastel, pencil, and marker to be bright and colorful and very appealing with many details for a child to enjoy while listening to the tale. The setting and clothing are changed to be more original time and place. The text is still simple leaving the details for parents to explain according to their beliefs. This colorful new edition is well done, a nice addition to the holiday collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Margaret Wise

Illustrator: Dewdney, Anna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062379863

Price: 17.99

The Fixes

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

This is perfect for 10th grade or higher with a fast pace with explosive consequences and short chapters (some just a word long) that might even pull in the reluctant reader.

Owen Matthews has done it again in creating a book that teens can relate to -- not meeting expectations that are set forth by parents, not reaching your potential according to your parents and heaven forbid tarnishing the good family name -- according to your parents. Well, the main character, Eric, has done all that and much more and in ways that most can't imagine.

Excellent character development with tension building scenes -- you know reading along what will transpire next, but you can't help in continuing to see if you are correct in your assumptions. Readers of John Green's "Paper Town" will enjoy "The Fixes" but with a darker twist.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Matthews, Owen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062336897

Price: 17.99

There's a Giraffe in my SOup

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A well done picture book where the author illustrator has created a silly, humorous story about a boy going to a restaurant in his big wheel. When the formally dressed waiter brings him his soup, he says "Excuse me, waiter?" then explains there is a giraffe in his soup, the waiter says that cannot be, but then is smiled at by the giraffe, and with a shocked reaction, agrees and brings him a new bowl. Each new bowl has a different animal, frog, alligator, elephant, yak, whale, and lion. He then decides to skip the soup, the waiter offered a free dessert and the mousse turns out to be, of course, a moose. They then go to the zoo to eat. The illustrations are expressive, humorous, and the waiter becomes increasingly bandaged from dealing with all the wild animals. The illustrations are pencil and acrylic paints digitally created. A very silly book, good to read out loud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barach, Ross

Illustrator: Barach, Ross

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062360144

Price: 17.99

What's Your Story, Jackie Robinson?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

The series Cub Reporter Meets Famous Americans is presented in an interview format. In this volume a cartoon bear cub (cub reporter) poses questions to a famous and remarkable baseball player, Jackie Robinson. Most of the questions provide for typical answers about the baseball player's background. This book however delves into the history of baseball and the segregation that existed. In easy to read text the story of long-term prejudice is revealed.

Although not an all-inclusive biography this title will serve for early grade assignments as well as be used to discuss prejudice in American society. A caution message on the reversal page warns that Jackie did not speak the responses but that the information was all researched. Since Jackie passed away in 1972 the statement is appreciated. Old photos dot the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Berne, Emma Carlson

Illustrator: Jones, Doug

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467779647

Price: 26.65

Life On Mars

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This book discusses and explores the possibility of life on Mars and is appropriate for one-on-one or independent reading. The length and reading level make it a good introduction to non-fiction for children who are beginning to independently read longer text and are learning new, multi-syllabic vocabulary words. In the same style as a school text book, there is a table of contents at the beginning and a glossary at the end for easy referencing. The book does a good job of sequencing each topic, by first describing the precursors needed for life (and comparing them to living things on Earth) and then exploring whether or not Mars has the capability of sustaining it. Each section contains critical details for understanding the given topic, yet is easy to follow for early elementary school readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carson, Mary Kay

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935487

Price: 3.99

Sky High: George's Big Ferris Wheel

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2016

Review

Sky High is the true story of George Ferris, the inventor of the very first Ferris Wheel. It begins with his childhood in Nevada in 1867, where he was continually fascinated with and (years later) inspired by a waterwheel on the Carson River near his home. The next few pages briefly outline several major milestones throughout his life, from college graduation to being offered his dream job as an engineer and subsequently opening his own business. The bulk of the book, however, focuses on his goals of building the wheel for the 1893 Chicago World Fair, where he enters a competition to design and build something extraordinary. The story does a nice job detailing both his perseverance and setbacks during this undertaking. The illustrations show, piece by piece, the initial design of the project as well as it's eventual construction, ending with the ultimately successful World Fair premier. Interesting topic and history lesson for children and adults alike; appropriate for independent readers who are comfortable tackling new words and longer sentences/paragraphs. Good story overall.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kulling, Monica

Illustrator: Baretta, Gene

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935487

Price: 3.99

Come Over to My House

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2016

Review

This Cat in the Hat Beginner Book "Come Over to My House" has the same classic 1966 Dr. Seuss text with new illustrations from 2016. The story follows a little boy as he is invited into the homes of children all over the world from a multitude of different countries and regions. Not only does the book introduce a variety of house structures (from straw huts to mansions, to tin lodgings and houseboats), it also includes a look into the surrounding cultures, meals, climate and customs. The boy milks goats on a farm, rides an ostrich, and looks up a the Northern Lights. He reads books, herds sheep, and rides a gondola down a river street. The soft, charming illustrations incite a feeling of wanderlust, giving children a feeling of excitement and making foreign places seem a little less foreign. Good blend of words and pictures & easy for children to read alone. Great story overall.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Seuss, Dr.

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553536652

Price: 9.99

Chloe in India

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

Chloe is an 11-year old girl whose family has just moved to New Delhi, India from Boston.She and her sister Anna attend a private school, but Chloe is having trouble making friends and fitting in. Then she meets Lakshmi who is also new at the school, but who lives in the slums. Chloe and Lakshmi are friends outside of school, but not in school where Chloe wants to befriend Anvi, the most popular girl in her class. This goes along for a while until Lakshmi and Chloe win a dance competition and Lakshmi overhears Chloe tell Anvi that she really is not friends with Lakshmi. Drama ensues as happens in relationships of 5th graders but it all ends well for Chloe. This book would appeal to girls in 4th through 6th grades. It would be interesting to those who like realistic fiction set in a foreign country. There is a glossary of Indian words at the back, but many more Indian terms were in the book which were not defined. I found this confusing as I have no knowledge of the Indian language and was too lazy to look the words up on the computer.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Darnton, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535044

Price: 16.99

The Prize Winners of Piedmont Place

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2016

Review

Here is book one of an apparent new series about a family who enter and win contests by an author who is known for writing action-packed books. This is certainly one of them and a humorous story as well. There is a great deal of fast paced plot in its just under two hundred pages that is made livelier by black and white cartoon like drawings that offer both details and comedy. Cal is the eleven year old who is determined to get his family of five plus a dog to join a contest that he is certain his family can win. He is extremely proud of each member of what he believes to be his unusually talented family. While character development does not grow like the lively plot, a theme does emerge. Each family member demonstrates that caring for one another is far more important than coming in first in a contest. Girls and boys of about eight to twelve years old who like to laugh while reading pages that fly by quickly may very well enjoy this cheerful story that does also portray some really poor losers as well as the likable prize winners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doyle, Bill

Illustrator: Jack, Colin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521771

Price: 15.99

Weekends with Max and His Dad

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2016

Review

While divorce-fiction is one of this book's suggested subject headings, the word divorce never appears in this moving story. By the book's end, eight year old, third grader Max understands that he has two safe and happy places to sleep and that one is at his mom's house and the other at his father's new apartment. Three weekends of Max visiting his dad are each detailed for the reader and they bring both Max and his father to a realistic acceptance of the recent changes in their new family life. Black and white drawings, some humorous and some touching, appear on most pages of the story's one hundred and fifty pages. Most suitable for boys of about seven to nine years old, the book would make a fine choice for parent or adult and child to read together. The book being read by a teacher to a class might promote both observations and discussion. Recommended as a timely and appropriate choice for home, school ad public libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Urban, Linda

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544598171

Price: 16.99

Hauling a pumpkin wheels and axles vs. lever

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book would be useful in a classroom where students are learning about simple machines. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 8. A young African-American boy and his mother are trying to move a large pumpkin. The pumpkin is too heavy for Noah to move, so he and his Mom try a shovel which is a lever. They are able to slide the pumpkin onto the shovel, but are unable to move it from there. They then see a small wagon which they use to move the pumpkin. Levers, axles and wheels are explained. Noah's Mom has to pick up the pumpkin and place it in the wagon as the lever did not work in this case. This book would not be good without instruction and the audience is probably too young to read it on their own anyway. Even though these are "simple machines", I found the concepts difficult.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schuh, Mari

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Lerner books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467780261

Price: 23.99

The Rat Prince

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2016

Review

This well written version of the Cinderella story is unique and entertaining. Cinderella and her pet rat have much in common to their surprise. The story is told from Cinderella's and the Rat Prince's points of view with alternating chapters. There is a cast of characters that keep the story moving quickly. The plot is full of adventure and suspense. Although there are numerous versions of this popular fairy tale, this is a clever and exceptional one. It is sophisticated, yet delightful. I highly recommend this for 5th graders and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hodder, Bridget

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374302139

Price: 16.99

Sword and Verse

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2016

Review

This fantasy presents a world where reading and writing hold power. In Qilara only the highest people in power are allowed to read and write a higher order language. Raisa, an Arnath child, learned to read and write a lower order language from her father before she is kidnapped and enslaved to work in the palace of Qilara. The story is told from Raisa's point of view. She is later chosen to tutor the prince. A romance develops between them. She is in a unique position because she wants to free her enslaved Arnath people, yet she loves the prince. The plot is complicated and moves quickly at times. This novel is for readers who enjoy a challenging and in-depth story with suspense, adventure, and romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

MacMillan, Kathy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062324610

Price: 17.99

The Cartographer's Daughter

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2016

Review

This fantasy was originally published in the UK under the title "The Girl of Ink and Stars" with a cover illustration different from this American publication. The story is set on the island of Joya in 1524. Isabella has grown up listening to legends about the island from her mapmaker father. Since the Governor has come to the island there are no longer songbirds, only ravens. Isabella is best friends with Governor's daughter, Lupe, despite their different backgrounds. There have been some mysterious deaths on the island and when Lupe ends up missing, Isabella offers to go look for her. Isabella is a brave young girl and faces many mysterious people, creatures, and landscapes. The friendship between Isabella and Lupe grows deeper as the story progresses. The book is divided into four sections with an attractive layout. The plot is full of action making it an exciting read. I would recommend this for middle school readers who enjoy being transported into a vivid world of mystery and suspense.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hargrave, Kiran Millwood

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535280

Price: 16.99

Cecil's Pride - The True Story of a Lion King

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

The story of the death of Cecil, the African Lion famed for his black mane, is well known, but this is the story of the life of Cecil. The book chronicles the early life and struggles of the lion to survive as he establishes himself as the lion king in Hwang National Park in Zimbabwe. The authors are well known for their books on unusual animal friendships, including their best seller Owen and Mzee. This book also highlights an unusual alliance made between two rival lions, Cecil and Zericho, and how that pact ultimately leads to the survival of Cecil's pride of lions. The photography brings the story to life as it showcases the lions and their habitat. The background information is helpful in understanding facts about lions, the impact of hunting on the fate of Africa's lions, and what researchers are learning through their tracking studies of lions. This book, by not dwelling on the infamous death of Cecil, but rather his extraordinary life will appeal to children of many ages, as well as adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hatkoff, Craig, Juliana, Isabella

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781338034455

Price: 17.99

Place Value

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

A great book for introducing or reinforcing place value. A cute tale of a monkey's Banana Cafe and learning the basic rules of place value. The story uses place value charts including whole numbers and decimals. The mathematical vocabulary is on every page as monkeys make recipes for the Cafe. It explains the history of our number system is called Hindu-Arabic and it started in India. The pictures look like block prints.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David A.

Illustrator: Miller, Edward

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823435500

Price: 17.95

Curse of the Haunted House

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Luke gets to spend a summer at mansion his dad inherited. Problems... well the place has a curse that traps people inside the place...for ever. Will he be able to save the family? This is a good read for aloud, or for a beginning reader. Chapters have colorful watercolors and are well written. I really like that there is a glossy at the back of the book with the words to look up in bold print within the story. There is also a "what do you think/" question page at the back. Which can help with comprehension skills. Amazon list's this as a paper back at 16.99, but this book is a hard cover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Newberger, Devra

Illustrator: Resto, Anthony

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 139781627248068

Price: 16.99

Writing with Rosie

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Ever wanted to know how to write a story? This book is for you, and anyone who teaches how to write fiction. Patricia takes you through all the steps, and shares some of the mistakes that she has made. If you recognize her name it's because she's a Newbury award winner "Lily'sCrossing". Set up of the book is: Each step starts with :" here's what I do" character, setting, conflict, action, dialogue, rising action... Next section an example, then "Can you see how I did it?" with examples from her books.Then it's "Your Turn" with instructions for you to give him a problem, make him worry, make him move. It's very easy to read the short sections one at time and get the kids writing. Base it on what you know so you don't make mistakes with the details. For character, give him a something unusual. A student had his character like sweet tea!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reilly Giff, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436569

Price: 15.95

Pirate's Perfect Pet

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Pirate's Perfect Pet is a humorous tale of a pirate captain in search of his ideal animal companion after receiving a message in a bottle from his mother while at sea. In the letter, she includes a checklist for her son to "be the best pirate he can be," including owning a ship (check), having a chest full of treasure (check), an eye patch (check), a hook (check), and a peg leg (not yet, but read on). Last but not least is a pet - which the pirate has even yet to consider - and thus begins the central adventure of the book. The pirate and his crew first search (with no luck) on the beach as they land on shore - passing on a crab, an octopus, and a clam for a variety of reasons (too cranky, too clingy, too quiet, respectively) before moving on to a farm, a zoo (where a hungry lion provides him with his much needed peg leg - a bit of subtle, dark humor), and finally, a pet emporium. After surveying the inventory of potential pets, he meets his match in a brazen parrot who unabashedly poops on his hat. This "ick" factor will probably make it appealing to early elementary aged kids. Bright and colorful illustrations (reminiscent of the No, David series by David Shannon) and a fun/silly story line make it appealing for an out-loud read, length is most appropriate for K-3. Good addition to any home, school, or library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ferry, Beth

Illustrator: Myers, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672881

Price: 15.99

Glitter

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

In this futuristic alternative France, Seventeen-year-old Danica has been forced into becoming the Queen of Versailles when her mother witnesses the young King strangling a member of court. Outside the boundaries of Versailles is the modern world that treats the workings of the palace as a reality show. Inside the palace, culture and daily routines mimic the eighteenth century down to the clothes and food, the only difference is that the Palace is actually a company and all the servant duties are completed by bots that are controlled by a central intelligence mainframe system. The suspense builds, along with the required wedding finery, as Danica raises money to escape her prison-like fairy-tale existence by participating in a scheme that distributes an addictive drug called Glitter in the cosmetics used by friends and family in court. She must live with the far-reaching consequences of her actions, various betrayals and the illusion of freedom. Pike provides romance, suspense and a promised sequel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pike, Aprilynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101933701

Price: 17.99

Stowaway in a Sleigh

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Mr. Furry Boots is in the house. That's what Slipper the cat calls Santa. She makes his acquaintance one Christmas Eve night when she hears footsteps in her house. She goes to investigate and there he is, Mr. Furry Boots, aka Santa. He shares the milk, but not the cookies, with her. Then he goes about his business of putting toys under the tree. As he finishes up, Slipper sneaks into his empty sack. What cat wouldn't want to investigate something like that? Mr. Furry Boots heads back to the North Pole, unaware of his stowaway. Slipper is discovered by Ms. Furry Boots. And she "let the cat out of the bag" so to speak. Slipper falls asleep on Santa's hat. The next morning she investigates the workshop. She discovers that they even make toys for cats. She even makes friends with the reindeer. But soon Slipper gets homesick and heads out into the snow for home. Luckily, Mr. Furry Boots finds her and gives her a ride on his sleigh. He delivers her safely to her own home. The stunning illustrations are rendered in pastels on paper. They are dark toned reds, blacks, & blues with splashes of other colors for Santa's workshop. The dark tones beautifully depict the Christmas Eve night sky and especially the dark red & black of the emerging sunrise as Santa makes his way back to the North Pole. There is minimal text. And the words are relatively simple so this could even work as a early reader for slightly older children. This would also be good for one on one sharing and in small group settings. This is a worthy edition to most libraries' Christmas collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mader, C. Roger

Illustrator: Mader, C. Roger

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544481749

Price: 17.99

A Unicorn Named Sparkle

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

What little kid doesn't love unicorns? Even if they don't all have sparkly glitter and pink tails? Lucy, a refreshingly mixed race child, sees an ad for a unicorn for only 25 cents. Since she really wants a unicorn, she sends away for it. Lucy has it all planned out. She will name it Sparkle. It will be blue with pink hair. She will make it a daisy necklace, etc. When the unicorn delivery man finally shows up with her unicorn, Lucy is a bit disappointed. Sparkle is white with brown spots, rather small and has bucked teeth. Not to mention that he eats everything in sight, including Lucy's underwear. Sparkle misbehaves at school when Lucy tries to bring him for show and tell. He won't even let her ride him. This is not the unicorn Lucy paid good money for. She calls the unicorn delivery man to come pick up her unicorn. While she is waiting, Lucy bonds with her unicorn. Is Sparkle a unicorn or a goat? In the end it doesn't really matter to Lucy. They are now best friends. Welcome home Sparkle. I'm not sure how the illustrations were created. They are amusing & cartoon-like. One color is not dominate. Rather there is some yellow, blue, pink, black, etc. They make good use of white space. And they enhance the story perfectly. Everything that Lucy is feeling and thinking, not to mention what Sparkle is feeling, is perfectly paired in the illustrations with the text. The text is all over the pages, in a good way. It is paired with the illustrations in various ways to show the humor and action in the story. Some words are in larger fonts for emphasis. Good for one on one sharing and in small and large group settings. Pair with "I Wished for a Unicorn" by Robert Heidbreder and "Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great" by Bob Shea for a rousing and non-traditional unicorn story time. Lucy and Sparkle on all public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Young, Amy

Illustrator: Young, Amy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374301859

Price: 16.99

You Are Not a Cat!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Everyone has that likeable but annoying friend. Meet Cat and his annoying friend Duck. Duck thinks he is a cat and loves to meow. Cat, increasingly frustrated and irritated with Duck, tells him he is a duck and ducks say Quack Quack. Duck even attaches two leaves to his head so that he can have cat ears. Cat repeatedly tells Duck he is a duck and should go Quack Quack. And Duck repeatedly tells Cat he is a cat and goes Meow. Cat is at his wits end. Duck soon decides that he is a parrot and starts to mimic everything Cat says and does, thus infuriating Cat even more. There is quite a bit of humor depicted not only in the story, but in the illustrations as well. The illustrations were created with sumi ink washes, pen and pencil drawings, and assembled and colored digitally. There is lots of color. Green and blue dominate. But there are splashes of purple and orange as well. The illustrations are so well done. Note the amusement on the squirrel's face as he is watching Cat and Duck interact. And how Duck attempts to dress as a pirate parrot, not just a regular parrot. As it turns out, Duck just has a vivid imagination and loves to play dress-up. Cat's expressions are priceless. The text is all done in dialogue bubbles between Cat and Duck. The words are simple and direct, thus making this a good beginning reader for slightly older beginning readers. There are not many unfamiliar words. And there is quite a bit of repetition of words such as cat, duck, no, meow and such. This title would work well in large group settings. Young listeners will love to join in making the animals sounds and joining in on the refrains echoed by both Cat and Duck. Pair with Bernard Most's "Cow That Went Oink", Julia Donaldson's "What the Ladybug Heard" and Deborah Burss' "Book Book Book" for a noisy and fun animal story time. A first purchase.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Flake, Sharon

Illustrator: Raff, Anna

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781590789803

Price: 16.95

Ryan Quinn and the Rebel's Escape

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Ryan's parents have always traveled and he has been part of their adventures. Now they have finally settled in New York, and he's glad. The out of the blue, his dad disappears and his mom gets kidnapped, he isn't so sure it was a good idea. But what is even more terrifying is the secret he finds out about his parents- they have are part of a secret organization that rescues people. And now he need to find out what he can do to rescue them. This is a terrific thriller/action adventure. Ryan has all kinds of skills that he didn't know about, he just thought his parents were teaching him cool stuff, but as an undercover rescue agent, it comes in very handy. Readers will love the way Ryan gets out of situations and the way the plot races along.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGee, Ron

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062421647

Price: 16.99

Sticks & Stones

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

6th grader Elyse has a rare disease called CAV. As a result, every word that others say about her or ones she thinks about herself appear on her skin. In spite of this, Elyse decides to try to be the class Explorer Leader. This student gets to be in charge of the end of the year 6th grade trip. But getting chosen isn't easy, and lots of students want the spot. This story has a bit of magic in it, but the idea of words hurting more than people realize, is something that doesn't take magic to relate to. Elyse has to figure out a way to deal with bullies and the mean words they use but still feel good about herself which, with the help of an anonymous friend, she is able to do. I did think the ending seemed a bit unreal and doubt that a school would let students be put in that kind of danger, still, this is a good story about being bullied and standing up for who you want to be.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Abby

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus GGiroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374302870

Price: 16.99

Top Prospect

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Football is everything to 8th grader Travis. His older brother has just got a scholarship to Gainesville University and Travis wants to join him there someday. He gets that chance when he is promised a scholarship as a QB to the same university in 5 years. Travis is determined to keep that scholarship and works like crazy to be the best. But his recognition starts to change the person that he is and his ego and choices aren’t always the best. This sports novel is filled with lots of football action. It also deals with the doping that goes on even at the high school level and the deadly impact it can have on young athletes. It might seem unreal that an 8th grader would be offered such a scholarship but the afterward gives examples of several cases very similar to Travis'.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Volponi, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467794336

Price: 17.99

Lucky

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Do you like Erin Hunter? This story is similar to "warriors". Lucky is a red squirrel who get separated from his family. He is taken in by a motherly gray squirrel. She wants to be his new mom, but he feel the need to go home. The story takes place in a park in England. There are different tribes of animals that fight to dominate. Most grays and reds are enemies. The book has an end note about how red squirrels are native to England, and grays were brought here from North America. The grays are becoming an invasive species.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hill, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House imprint of Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545839778

Price: 16.99

Ghosts and Goblins Scary Stories from Around the World

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

The Grateful Dead, Little Olle and the Troll, the Goblin Pony, the Hidden Hand are a few tittles. There are 25 short stories and 21 counties represented from this book. The stories have some predicable twists and some different endings. The illustrations are black silhouettes. This is a series of short horror stories from around the world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearson, Maggie

Illustrator: Greenwood, Francesca

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Darby Creek Lerner Pub. Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512413182

Price: 7.99

The Last Monster

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Did you know that monsters are real? Socrates taught us about them. One of his disciples wrote a book about them. Sofia has cancer. She has lost a leg and is getting her new looks like her other leg today. Today she was also given the book that makes her caretaker of the monsters. Her job is to keep them alive. Why do we need monsters? When humans fought monsters they did not fight against each other. Now there is war because most of the monsters have disappeared. Sofia was just a normal high school girl until cancer, and the book. She learns about herself in this coming of age/ monster book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Garrett, Ginger

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535242

Price: 16.99

The Weight of Zero

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Seventeen-year-old Catherine struggles with her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, living in constant dread of the feeling of "zero" returning, where in the past she was crushed beneath the hopelessness that occurs when her illness is at the height of its depressive phase. Having survived attempted suicide, Catherine is also wracked by guilt at the stress and fear she has caused her overworked and dedicated mom, who watches her like a hawk, desperate to keep her safe. However, Catherine has carefully squirreled away whatever medications she's can obtain and feels that killing herself is her only option and the only thing that will release her mother from the predicament. Fortunati imbues Catherine with an acerbic wit and intelligence and describes a very realistic treatment plan that includes medication and both individual and group therapy, all of which Catherine initially views with a great deal of skepticism. As the novel progresses and she begins to grow close to Michael, a boy from school and finds a friend in Kristal, who also attends her therapy group due to an eating disorder, she gradually, almost without realizing it, begins to feel some hope. There is of course some risk in her extending herself in these new relationships, and they are not without their own messiness, but their resolution suggests an auspicious future. Teens who have loved ones or friends with bipolar disorder, or those who may be bipolar themselves, will be inspired by this engaging and informative novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fortunati, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101938911

Price: 20.99

Pirate Jamboree

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Ahoy mateys. Let your imagination loose. A group of neighborhood children are playing pirate and riding their bikes around the neighborhood. Suddenly they are on the high seas having pirate adventures. The children are now pirates - Blackbeard, Beigebeard, Sharktooth - to name just a few. They are gathering for their annual jamboree and hilarity ensues. Soon the pirates see the most fearsome ship on the sea, the S.S. Clean Your Room, with Mrs. Jones at the helm. All the pirates jump ship and run. All except one, Peg Leg, Mrs. Jones' son. It is dinnertime and all the pirate kids have to go to bed soon. Back to reality for now. The text is told in rhyming quatrains on most pages. It flows nicely, but falters a bit in a couple of places. Still, it reads well. And kids will enjoy the rhyme. The illustrations humorously depict and enhance the text. They are bold and colorful. I'm not sure how the illustrations were created, but they are trademark Teague, down to the same people and animals used in many of his other books. Pair with "No-Good-Do-Good Pirates" by Jim Kraft, "How I Became a Pirate" by Melinda Long, and "Shiver Me Letters: a Pirate ABC" by June Sobel for a rousing pirate story time. Purchase anywhere where pirate stories are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teague, Mark

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Oxford Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545632218

Price: 17.99

Hooray for Today!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Night time is play time! At least for Owl it is. With her wagon in tow full of balloons, books (yes!), and other toys, Owl, who is not sleepy, sets out from her nest in the tree to find a nocturnal playmate. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much luck. Owl asks Elephant, Zebra, Turtle, Giraffe, and Lion. All say NO because they are all sleepy and want to go to bed. As the sun rises to a new day Owl goes home feeling a bit unhappy. Now, all her friends want to play. They are not sleepy, but wide awake. But since it is now daylight Owl says, "Not now, I'm sleepy." But once she has a nap Owl says "Hooray . Let's Play!" And so all the animal friends do The last page shows all the animals happily playing on Owl's tree with her. The illustrations are wonderful. Muted dark blue background for the night sky nicely depict an owl's world. There is a muted rainbow of other colors to depict the owl and her efforts to find a nocturnal playmate. And as daylight approaches the muted dark background slowly gets lighter, from dark blues through light blues to white for daylight. The text has a bouncy rhyme to it, as the bespectacled owl sets off to play with friends. "Hooray for today! I have my hat. Would you like to play?". Hooray is always in all capital letters and printed in a rainbow of colors so that it is the focus of each page on which it appears. All the animals reply to owl with the same refrain. "Not now. I'm sleepy!" And that refrain is in all capital letters for emphasis. In a market flooded with bedtime stories, this one is a stand out. It is unique in that it does not involve parents and the frustrations they can go through getting their little ones to bed. It focuses on friends and compromise. Pair with "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson and "A Book of Sleep" by Il Sung Na for a fun and sleepy story time. Excellent for one on one sharing, not just at bedtime, as well. A first purchase for most libraries. A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Won, Brian

Illustrator: Won, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544748033

Price: 16.99

Dead Zones: Why Earth's Waters are Losing Oxygen

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Dead zones are regions of fresh or salt water that are low in oxygen.. in the 1960's 49 such regions were identified world wide as dead zones. Today there are 500 bodies of water that carry this distinction.One of the hardest hit regions in the United States is the Gulf Coast. Where once these waters were abundant with fish, shrimp,and clams, it is now almost impossible to make a living in the fishing industry. In this case, the problem lies some 2000 miles north in the upper reaches of the Mississippi River. Farmers use fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus for their crops, they feed their cattle food rich in these same substances. The run off from these farmlands takes the nitrogen down the river into the Gulf where it feeds the algae that in turn overwhelms the water causing the oxygen to be depleted from the water.Carol Hand has done her homework.In this slim book she addresses the problem, how it began and how it has become a world wide concern. She also gives reasons of hope for reversing this form of pollution with what scientists are doing, and both print and web resources for further research. This is a must read for any one concerned about global warming and pollution.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hand, Carol

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467775731

Price: 35.99

Mighty dads

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This board book reprint of the very popular 2014 picture book is just the right size for all future construction and heavy equipment operators. Deans colorful drawings and Holubs rhyming text is the perfect way for fathers everywhere to tell their young children "I'm proud of you".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holub, Joan

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545890366

Price: 6.99

Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Pete the Cat has another winner on his hands. In their trademark sing-song rhyme, Pete and his friend are baking cupcakes for a party. But each time they count them one disappears. Why is this happening!? Pete and his friends follow the clues. Squirrel did not take the cupcakes. He was at a spelling bee. It wasn't Alligator. He was learning his ABCs. And on it goes. The clues finally lead Pete and the other animals to Grumpy Old Toad. He readily confesses, "I could not stop with just one! I ate and ate 'til there were none!" His friends forgive him. Everyone makes mistakes. In turn, Grumpy Toad makes cupcakes for everyone. Pete the Cat's Cupcake Party is fun for all. This is not just another fun installment of Pete the Cat. This is also a story about friendship, forgiveness, and of course, cupcakes. It is also a nice little mystery for young ones. With the bright and happy pin and ink with watercolor and acrylic paint illustrations, and the nicely rhyming text, this would be perfect for large group story time settings as well as one on one and small group sharing. This book could also be used as an introduction to the concept of forgiveness among friends and the fact that we all make mistakes. Pair with "Pink Cupcake Magic" by Katherine Tegan for a cupcake filled story time. Purchase where Pete the Cat is popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, Kimberly & James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062304346

Price: 17.99

Richard Scarry's Busytown Treasury

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This is a nice collection of six previously released Richard Scarry books. The text and illustrations are the same as in the original releases. Included here are "Bedtime Stories", "Please and Thank You Book", "A Day at the Fire Station", "A Day at the Police Station", " A Day at the Airport", and "Nicky Goes to the Doctor". The last section has some fun activities for kids and parents to do together. This would be good for one on one sharing. This would also be an ideal gift for Richard Scarry fans. Also, if any of your well worn paperback copies of theses titles are in need of replacing, this edition would be a good one to purchase. All the characters from Busytown that parents and children know and love are here, fron Nicky the Bunny to Huckle Cat and so on. Not a first purchase, but if you have the budget for replacements this is worth it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scarry, Richard

Illustrator: Scarry, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538991

Price: 12.99

The ants go marching

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This board book is bright and lively with ants and big silver raindrops. The only thing missing are all the lyrics to the song. Granted, it is a little book, but you need to improvise while reading or singing to your little ones. They will not notice because they will be having so much fun dancing and miming the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Burris, Priscilla

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545825047

Price: 6.99

Owl Sees Owl

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

One night little Owl leaves his nest in the tree to bravely go exploring. Owl flies over the tree tops, houses, forest creatures and ponds. It is in one of these ponds that owl sees owl in the reflection. Thinking it is another owl, Owl is frightened and heads back to the safety of its own nest and family. Thus repeating the simple text in reverse order. The layout of the text was inspired by reverso poetry. (I learned something new.) There are four words per page except for where the owl and the story turn around and head for home. The text is beautifully constructed. It starts off with home mama brother sister and it ends with sister brother mama home. And in between the text reverses itself once the owl sees its reflection and heads for home. The illustrations are done in watercolor, colored pencil, ink, collage and digital media. The story is set at night so the illustrations are dark. Blues and black dominate with splashes of white, gold and green. With very minimal text and repetition of all the words, this could work as a beginning reader. It would work well in any setting - small and large group and one on one sharing. It could also be used in a poetry unit for older children as an example of a particular kind of poetry. Pair with "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell and "Little Owl's Night" by Diva Srinivasan for an owl-themed story time. A first purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Godwin, Laura

Illustrator: Dunlavey, Rob

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497823

Price: 17.99

The pout-pout fish undersea alphabet

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Learn your alphabet with pout-pout fish and have fun with all the wonderful fish in the sea. H is for hammerhead shark with the silvery textured body and O is for octopus with the sticky tentacles. Touch an feel your way A thru Z with pout-pout fish and find the glow-in-the-dark lantern.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, N/A

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250063922

Price: 12.99

Phanton Limbs

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

At 16, Otis Mueller is carrying a lot of grief; grief over the death of his younger brother Mason 3 years ago, grief over the wonderful family life they had before Mason's death and grief over the loss of his best friend Meg who moved across the country after the loss of Mason. He has heard nothing from Meg since. Otis's friend Dara is grieving the loss of an arm and suffers phantom pains to an excruciating degree. She also has lost what could have been a brilliant swimming career. She is training Otis now with a vengeance and hoping that he will be good enough for the Olympics. The title is fitting as it seems everyone is in pain due to losses. With some strong blasphemy, drinking, drugging and sex this is definitely for older young adult readers. This author's first novel which boasts wonderfully rounded characters is well worth considering for young adult audiences.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Garner, Paula

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682057

Price: 16.99

Together

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Together is the key to happiness. That is the theme here. And it is especially true for a baby otter and his parent. Each day is special, dreamy, joyful, or perfect. These words also appear larger than the rest of the text to show their importance. Other important words that appear larger than the rest of the text include together, love, and remember. The digitally created illustrations are simple, bold and lovely. They are mostly muted pastels. Blues and greens dominate for the water with a splash of red and orange for the sun. Some silver is used as well for the water. The text is simple. there are one or two sentences per page. One page describes what kind of day the two otters are having. The next page describes why the day was good. The text and illustrations work well together in their simplicity. Due to its size, which is small, this book would not work well in large group settings. This is its only drawback. This is best for one on one sharing and small group settings. Pair with Emma Dodd's other books in this series for a smaller story time on family. Purchase where the series is popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763689407

Price: 12.99

A Spy Called James

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

The story of James, a slave who helped the Americans win their freedom from the British. James, who only is known by one name, is allowed by his owner to join forces with General Washington and General Lafayette, to act as a spy against the British. James, who is allowed to roam freely among the British gathers information that is used by the Generals to help defeat their enemy at the Battle of Yorktown. The details of James's struggles after the war to gain his freedom add to the story, as well as the fact that he also became a slave owner himself. This book would be a great addition to a school library or classroom studying the Revolutionary War, black history, and the contributions of slaves to the building of America. The story also would be an interesting introduction to the many facets of slavery in America. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story and characters to life.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockwell, Anne

Illustrator: Cooper, Floyd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467749294

Price: 17.99

Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Winter has set in and Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby are bored. Mr Putter remembers when he was a kid how much fun he had sledding. So he decides that that is what he and Tabby should do. Tabby is not thrilled at the prospect. But they enlist the help of their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. All four bundle up and head outdoors to go sledding. Tabby is not happy about this at all and it shows. And things don't turn out as Mr. Putter had imagined. Tabby ends up zipping down the hill with Zeke on his sled. Mr. Putter is stuck with Mrs. Teaberry on her sled. Mr. Putter had wanted to share a sled with Tabby. But Mr. Putter still ends up enjoying himself a bit. But it was not as he remembered as a child. The moment that Tabby's sled stops, she darts of a tree in anger and frustration. She will only come down when Mr. Putter promises her muffins and cream. Mr. Putter and Tabby get home and each takes a warm bath in their own way. They then enjoy muffins and cream. They are worn out from the day's activities. They cuddle up together on a nice soft chair and take a lovely nap together. Now that is what I call fun. And Mr. Putter and Tabby would probably agree. The illustrations are done in pencil, watercolor, and gouache. They are colorful, cheerful, amusing, and simple and detailed all at the same time. This shows in the hammock in the snow to the detail in Mrs. Teaberry's garage. The illustrations also nicely depict the emotions of all the characters. This is never more evident than in Tabby's obvious fear and displeasure at having to go sledding. This is an excellent beginning reader. There are five chapters, as are in most of the 24 other titles in this series. There is some repetition of words and sounds. The larger font makes it easier to read. And the sentences are short and simple with accessible text. The illustrations flow nicely with the text. They even help to visualize the meaning of less familiar words, such as hammock and twitches. A first purchase for several reasons. If you have others in the series. If you have children who love cat stories. If you are in need of bolstering your beginning reader collection. And if you children who enjoy amusing stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rylant, Cynthia

Illustrator: Howard, Arthur

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780152064273

Price: 14.99

Henry and Leo

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

In her signature style of magic and grace, Pamela Zagarenski tells the story of the love between a small boy, Henry and his favorite stuffed toy, Leo the lion. to Henry, Leo is as real as his family. On a walk through the woods, Leo is accidental left behind. After a search of the area, both inside and out, Henry and Leo both face a night without each other. In word and large dreamy illustrations, the reader sees Leo's journey home. this story of love and friendship, of what is real , what is magical and what the heart knows is a must read for every parent and child. Zagarenski has a gift of putting feelings into pictures that can be enjoyed by both reader and listener. It is a beautiful book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zagarenski, Pamela

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544648111

Price: 17.99

The Trouble With Babies

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Ten year old Nora Alpers is a budding scientist who is feeling overwhelmed by lots of non scientific problems. She is becoming an aunt for the first time, is paired with a science hating partner for the science fair, needs to imagine herself on the Oregon Trail for a social studies project, and figure out how to deal with friends who think that babies are the most awesome thing in the world. The book is filled with lots of fourth grade humor and all the ups and downs of that particular age. This is the second book written about Nora, the first one being the Trouble With Ants. An interesting feature of the book are the facts about babies that Nora writes in her journals and the questions she generates from those facts. They give an added depth to the fun filled "troubles" of a fourth grade girl. This book would be great for independent reading as well as a classroom read aloud. The black and white illustrations add to the humor of the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mills, Claudia

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385391658

Price: 12.99

A Twist of Fate

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

A Twist of Fate is the seventh title in the series The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair by Laurie Friedman. Written in journal form it continues to follow April as she navigates the twists and turns of adolescence and early teens. This installment begins with April's beloved Grandmother, Gaga, announcing that she has terminal cancer, will not seek treatment, and her first item on her bucket list is to take the entire family for a ski trip (even though none have ever been on skis). While stunned and saddened April looks forward to this special trip with her Grandmother, parents, irksome younger sisters, and various aunts, uncles and cousins. Things don't turn out as hoped, however, when cousins start behaving oddly, sisters continue to annoy, skiing is more difficult than anticipated and the adults struggle with their own conflicting feelings about Gaga's decision. Girls in grades 5 - 8 will enjoy this series as they follow April through her journey of teenage angst, parental conflicts, relationship confusion and family love, loyalty and resiliency. Her journal is sometimes sarcastic but also funny, insightful and honest.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Darby Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785907

Price: 17.95

The Jolley Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

All is not well in the coastal town of Dull-On-Sea. The full moon has appeared and that means a visit from a pirate ghost ship. This time gold and other valuables have disappeared all over town. Matilda, a young girl in town, is determined to solve the mystery and return the stolen treasure. Plus, she loves everything pirate. Her best friend is a pirate. And she didn't want the thieving ghost pirates to give pirates a bad name. So Matilda contacts her pirate friend for help. Soon the pirate ship the Blackhole arrives to help. Aboard is her best friend Jim Lad, his peg legged dog Bones, Jim Lad's baby sister Nugget and their mom and dad. What a fearsome pirate crew, not. Can Matilda, Jim Lad and the rest of the Jolly-Rogers solve the mystery in time? Or will they suffer at the hands of the ghost pirates? Find out in this rousing swashbuckling pirate adventure. It is packed with humor, mystery, sea shanties and good writing. There is even a glossary of pirate terms at the back of the book. The gray scale and black and white illustrations appear generously throughout the book. They provide the reader with a clearer understanding of the story as well as being humorous. And they provide a good break in the reading. This series is a nice combination of chapter book and graphic novel. It will please parents whose children are fixated on graphic novels and want them reading regular chapters books. And it will please children who just love to read graphic novel like books. This series is also a good transition chapter book for children ready to leave the easy reader section, but are not quite ready for more substantial chapter books. These books are under 150 pages and include lots of illustrations. The text is humorous and very child friendly. This title (& series) would also be good for struggling older readers. A quick, fun and enjoyable read for grades 3-5. Not a first purchase, but if your library is in need of pirate stories for younger readers not ready for the likes of the Vampirates series or Brian Jacques' series Castaways of the Flying Dutchman.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Duddle, Jonny

Illustrator: Duddle, Jonny

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689100

Price: 6.99

Poles apart

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Everyone knows that penguins live at the South Pole and polar bears live at the North Pole. This is the delightful tale of a friendship that forms between the Pilchard-Browns and Mr. White after the family of picnicking penguins take a right turn at the snowman which was wrong. The polar opposite friendship begins when Mr. White decides to accompany the Pilchard-Browns on their return trip to the South Pole via some very fun ports of call along the way. Good family fun for travelers of all ages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Jeanne

Illustrator: N/A, Jarvis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689445

Price: 15.99

Jolley-Rogers and the Cave of Doom

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This swashbuckling chapter book is the second in a new series. It was published simultaneously with the first title. In this pirate adventure, the Jolley-Rogers pirate family (Jim Lad, his sister Nugget and their parents) are enjoying the day at the beach. While there Jim Lad's family disappears into a cave. He enlists the help of his best friend Matilda and his peg-legged dog Bones. They must try to rescue his family before the magical pirate loot inside the cave holds his family hostage forever. As with the first title , this is a fun, enjoyable read for grades 3-5 and struggling older readers. It is a nice combination of regular chapter book and graphic novel. So it will please both parents and children. There is a generous amount of gray scale illustrations throughout the book. And the text is accessible to young readers. This is a quick, fun and enjoyable read for children who crave pirate stories and light fun mysteries. Purchase where pirate stories are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Duddle, Jonny

Illustrator: Duddle, Jonny

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689094

Price: 6.99

Motor Miles

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Miles is a very difficult dog. He did not like dog things. Not his food, not going for walks, and not other dogs. What Miles did like was going for rides in the car. When a neighbor, Mr Huddy, makes Miles a car of his own, he and his boy Norman can go on all kinds of adventures. What sort of adventures you ask... Full page illustrations in pen and ink and watercolors are sure to appeal to difficult dog lovers everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burningham, John

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689445

Price: 16.99

The Sleeping Gypsy

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gerstein presents the origins of Henri Rousseau's best known painting, The Sleeping Gypsy, through a dream the famous artist may have had that inspired it. In the prologue we see a young girl in black and white viewing the painting and wondering: Who is the girl? Why is she sleeping in the desert? Will the lion harm her or wander off? The book then becomes Rousseau's dream of the girl and her journey.The acrylic and watercolor illustrations are richly colored and detailed but rapidly become confusing as not only the lion but a rabbit, a snake and a lizard join the girl and the moon begins to talk. The artist then arrives and begins his painting but cuts out the animals one by one as they comment and criticize. The rather scary lion threatens to eat him so remains in the painting. Then the artist wakes up in his black and white loft and finishes his painting.The questions posed in the prologue are not answered or even hinted at. Young children are apt to be confused as are older children perhaps doing an art/artist study.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gerstein, Mordicai

Illustrator: Gerstein, Mordicai

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823421428

Price: 16.95

Yo Ho Ho Halloween

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Yo Ho Ho Halloween is part of the Tony Baloney series that is geared towards readers in K - 3. This particular installment is probably best suited for the older end of that age spectrum, as it is divided into several "chapters" and contains a fair amount of multi-syllabic words (i.e. catastrophe, announcements, responsible). The story begins with the main character, Tony (a macaroni penguin) looking forward to his school's Halloween parade. He wants to make sure he stands out this year so he spends his allowance money on a brand new pirate costume, complete with an eye patch and pretend sword. His teacher, however, has a set of rules for costumes that he, one by one, inadvertently breaks (wearing his costume before the parade, bringing an unsafe prop to school) so by the day of the parade, he has nothing left to wear! After some "advice" from his favorite stuffy friend, Tony tells his family what has happened and they rally around him to make a costume even greater and more elaborate than the first, balancing the relatable humor of the story with a useful lesson. This book would be best for children who are already reading independently and are ready for a more complex story structure, as well as longer, more challenging words.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Munoz Ryan, Pam

Illustrator: Fotheringham, Edwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545908856

Price: 6.99

Welcome to the Pond

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - York County Community College, Wells, ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

One of the Nature's Neighborhoods: All About Ecosystems series.

Designed for new readers, this colorful science entry provides basic facts with details included via circular text boxes and inserted photos. A series of two page spreads lead us through a pond ecosystem. Each spread concludes with a question that leads us to the topic on the next two page spread. For instance, the section on pond plants includes the question "In what ways are pond plants useful to the animals that live in the pond?" (p.7). A turn of the page leads us to the specific discussion of how cattails are used by muskrats to build homes (p. 8-9). Included are examples of plants, insects, birds, amphibians and mammals. Although the glossary includes a pronunciation guide, the word "zooplankton" is neither in the glossary, nor is pronunciation given. This unfortunate oversight may cause trouble for some new readers.

Teachers will find useful the common core elements such as a table of contents, index, glossary and suggestions to read more with book titles and a publisher website. The sans-serif font is large and clear. Bright colorful photographs provide readers and browsers a lot of "Wow" factors, with closeups of ducklings, a nymph attacking a tadpole, and a dragonfly emerging from its nymph skin. An illustrated food web is included. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Owen, Ruth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Ruby Tuesday Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781910549667

Price: 26.60

Now You See Them Now You Don't Poems About Creatures That Hide

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Art and poetry and science blend seamlessly in this beautiful picture book about animal camouflage. The introduction gives a brief explanation of "Creatures That Hide" with a double page illustration right from the start. Nineteen animals from 5 different classes (Sea Life, Reptiles and Amphibians, Mammals, Insects and Spiders, and Birds)are then each presented with an accompanying poem. The illustrations are brightly colored and stunning cut paper layered upon a variety of hand-painted paper with the poems in text to the side. The poems vary in length and style and perfectly accompany each animal's illustration. The book concludes with a paragraph on each animal and a resource to reference more information. Elementary school age children and teachers will find this to be an excellent resource for Animal studies (particularly Predator/Prey), poetry, and paper arts as well as a delightful read aloud.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Harrison, David

Illustrator: Laroche, Giles

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580896108

Price: 17.95

Apple Tart of Hope

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Is Irish teenager Oscar just missing? Or is he dead? Would he kill himself? These are some of the questions his friends, family and townsfolk are asking themselves since Oscar's bike was found abandoned at the end of the pier. Meg, who is Oscar's best friend, doesn't want to believe that he is dead, let alone killed himself. He was always such a positive person, so encouraging to others. Plus he made the best apple pies. The chapters are titled as slices of Oscar's famous apple pies, the first slice, second slice,etc. And two distinct voices tell this tale set in Ireland. There is Meg, who is determined to find out what happened to Oscar, her best friend and first love. And there is Oscar, who is really alive, but in hiding. With both perspectives, the story unfolds to show us what happened to make Oscar feel that he needed to go into hiding and how clueless the adults in the story are to help. We also see Meg's emotions, her family life and how she feels about Oscar and what has happened to him. Oscar suffers relentless humiliation and bullying. But he never gives up hope completely. This is more than just a romance set in a picturesque Irish town. This is also a well-formed mystery, a friendship story, and a story about the effects and after effects of bullying. But more than this, it is a story of hope and resilience. The message is clear. Never give up or lose hope. This book deals with some weighty issues. It is a slim volume, but a must read. Give to fans of Jenny Hubbard's "And We Stay" and Jennifer Niven's "All the Bright Places". A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fitzgerald, Sarah Moore

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823435616

Price: 16.95

Hal & Al

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This is a really great book for beginning readers who are comfortable with longer sentence structure and some bigger words. The text is large enough to easily read and the cartoon-like illustrations are detailed and colorful. There is even a small glossary in the back with discussion questions and the definitions of some of the longer words in the book. The story follows Hal, a seasoned forklift in a warehouse as he goes about his day arranging, lifting, and sorting incoming boxes. A great aspect of this book is its use of positional and descriptive words ("He lifted the huge red boxes from the middle shelf and placed them on the warehouse floor.") It also progresses smoothly from one page to the next with transitional words like "next" and "then," before explaining each task throughout his shift. As Hal is finishing up his work day, however, a new arrival comes to the warehouse: a brand new forklift named Al. Hal becomes worried because Al "doesn't need a break" and can lift more weight then he can, and begins to think that his beloved job may be in jeopardy. His supervisor, however, is quick to confirm that his job is safe and that Al is there to work with him, instead of replacing him. Nice overall storyline, good for both one-on-one and independent reading. Will be anticipating more additions to this series.

NOTE: The price for this library edition is listed as $19.99 on both Barnes and Noble and Amazon - pricey for an easy reader book. Paperback is more affordable at $4.99.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bowser, Ken

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781634400688

Price: 19.99

Lucy and Linh

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Recommending for Cream consideration. Lucy and her family are Chinese immigrants who escaped to Australia from Vietnam when she was younger. In writing letters to Linh, Lucy explains the pressures and new experiences that she must navigate as she becomes the newest ethnic scholarship winner to the prestigious girl's school Laurinda. At home, Lucy supports her non- English speaking seamstress mother by watching her baby brother and at school, she slowly becomes pulled into the unhealthy, three member, mean-girl clique called The Cabinet. Pung brings each girl's character deftly into focus through Lucy's sarcastic and honest observations. Lucy's self-awareness of her new judgements on her suburban family unit are harsh and at the same time, they challenge the token position her school mates want her to fulfill. Throughout the school year, the layers of Lucy and her relationship to Linh are revealed and the family life that seems lacking by Laurinda standards becomes the positive force that allows Lucy to be tested, survive and look to the future in appreciation.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pung, Alice

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550485

Price: 17.99

The Memory of Light

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

This is a story of recovery. Vicky wakes up after a botched suicide attempt in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Illness Ward. Told in Vicky's first person narrative, we meet a group of teens at the hospital all grappling with some form of mental illness/trauma. We learn about their individual personalities and situations and how they interact with each other and the doctor who supervises their recovery and group therapy sessions. All the characters all well-drawn and likeable, even while dealing with some serious issues. You will root for their recovery. Some have hit lower than rock bottom. Some are dealing with a lot of guilt, depression, vulnerability and more. Critical events and her own recovery eventually send Vicky back home. Now she is on her own, without the support of the doctor or her fellow patients/friends. She must dig deep down and find her strength, courage, and bravery. That is if she thinks she has any left. In a flooded market of young adult books dealing with mental illness this is a standout because it focuses on recovery. Give this to students dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. It is a wonderful story and a wonderful discussion starter. Give to fans of "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia and "Weight of Zero" by Karen Fortunati. A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stork, Francisco X.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545474320

Price: 17.99

Traveler

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Traveler begins soon after Seeker ends. There is more of a story here. Seeker spent a lot of time introducing characters and such. There was a lot of information to take in. Sometimes it was too much to keep straight. With this sequel the reader is able to enjoy the story and the individual characters more. The plot and the characters are solid and they really become well-developed in this wonderfully detailed story. There is also enough backstory and flashbacks here that allows for a good understanding and enjoyment of Traveler without having to necessarily read Seeker first. It can be read and enjoyed on its own if needed. But since this is the middle title in a trilogy and if you like the story and characters, some may want to start with Seeker. The three main characters are Quin, John (a former lover interest and now enemy), and Shinobu. All have trained to take the oath and become Seekers. Quin has just survived an epic battle against John, a former love. Quin is a seeker by birth, as are John & Shinobu. This is a noble, honorable and ancient role. But what Quin has learned about being a seeker now makes her realize it may not be that honorable. Her father was an abusive killer. Quin's uncle was a liar. Quin and Shinobu set out to discover the truths about this ancient role and the people involved in it. They search for answers in the past, seek justice. What they discover is a sinister plan that could destroy many, as well as deceptive alliances. There are weighty issues here. Abusive fathers, killings, Shinobu's drug addiction and more. The story is told from multiple characters points of views. So the reader gets a wide understanding of the action from many different sides. This is an action packed epic adventure and fantasy. There are many twists and turns to keep readers entertained and guessing. Give to fans of the Divergent series, Hunger Games series, and the Graceling series by Kirsten Cashore. The only drawback is that it ends with an cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dayton, Arwen Elys

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385744126

Price: 18.99

Royal Wedding Disaster

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Remember the Nation of Genovia and Princess Mia? Well this is book 2 of a spin-off series that introduces Olivia (Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison) as half sister to Mia. The story is written as diary entries, and revolves around Mia's up coming wedding and the "big" plans Grandmere has for it. And to complicate things more Mia's mother is marrying Olivia's father! Olivia finds the move to Genovia, all the wedding excitement and planning plus the added new relatives, one of who is her snobby cousin Luisa, (who cause all kinds of difficulties for Olivia) and starting a new school to be a bit overwhelming. There and many antics and goings on that create plenty of turmoil and chaos. Things are looking a bit disastrous on several fronts - from iguanas, to wedding cakes to paw prints on a bridesmaid dress! But, a wedding disaster is avoided by the color purple!

This is a great series for the young readers who are out growing books like the Nancy Clancey and Stella Batts series. A fun read!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cabot, Meg

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250066046

Price: 16.99

Jedi Academy: A New Class

Reviewed by: Amy Roberson - Scarborough High & Middle Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Well-known author and illustrator, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, takes over the reigns from Jeff Brown in this fourth installment of the Star Wars Jedi Academy series. A New Class features a fresh set of characters at the Jedi Academy, their stories told through comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. The energetic Victor Starspeeder transfers mid-year to the Jedi Academy where his older sister, Christina, is already enrolled. Victor gravitates toward an upperclassmen, Zach, despite warnings from his older sister and suspects Artemis is a Sith-in-training. After Victor is forced to join the drama club as penance for his misadventures, he learns that his classmates, Zach and Artemis, may not be what they seem. Although some of the moral lessons seem contrived, those who enjoy Star Wars and the first three books of the series will be excited to pick up this new volume.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett J.

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett J.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545875734

Price: 12.99

The great Gilly Hopkins

Reviewed by: Joanne Libby - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2015

Review

This book won a Newbery Honor in 1978 when it was first published. This is a new edition as the story was made into a motion picture. It is the story of Galadriel Hopkins, an 11-year old foster child who has just moved in with a new family. Gilly, as she is called does not want to stay with the older woman and 6-year old boy she has been placed with and comes up with a plan to be reunited with her birth mother in California. Her plan backfires on her as her birth grandmother comes to get her as she grows to love her new home. Gilly learns to accept the consequences of the choices she made. This book would appeal to someone in 4th through 7th grades who likes realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patterson, Katherine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062422866

Price: 12.99

Bera the One-Headed Troll

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

An adventure story with a reluctant heroine. Bera is a pumpkin farmer for the King and has never left her safe little island, but when a human baby washes up and Bera discovers that the evil witch Cloote wants the child for her own nefarious purposes, Bera sets out to find a hero willing to return the baby to its own kind. Turns out she is just the hero for the story. She eventually faces down the vile Cloote, temporarily taking away her power and ensuring the safety of the baby. For now. In sepia tones of detailed illustrations, Orchard tells Bera's tale. There are a few mentions of color in the story though the reader is left to imagine them as yellow and ochre are the only other colors in this land, and the goblins all look very similar. The story, with it's Norse folklore influence, is engaging. The reader will turn the pages to see if Bera succeeds in her quest. A nice first effort by Orchard. This reader wouldn't mind reading further adventures of this strong little troll though she wishes that Bera had pupils in those round, white eyeballs. For upper elementary and early middle school readers, though your older readers of adventure GNs will enjoy this one too.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Orchard, Eric

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721067

Price: 17.99

Bunny vs. Monkey

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

This British import is a colorful, fast-paced graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Dav Pilkey (Capt Underpants & Ricky Ricotta) and James Burke (Bird & Squirrel). Monkey was created in a lab by the British government with the intention of sending him out into space. Unfortunately for Bunny, Monkey only makes it over a hill before crash-landing in the forest, the formerly peaceful forest that is Bunny's home. The two lock wits and bumble through scene after scene of forest-thrashing, food-smearing follies where Monkey attempts to take over this "world" and Bunny attempts to stop him. With bathroom-laced insults (and a few uses of "dumb" and "stupid"), and characters like Metal Steve and Le Fox, this book will appeal to the silly side of kids. The pages are packed with many panels and lots of dialogue and onomatopoeia, so readers in grades 2 or 3 might need help deciphering some of the action. Not an essential purchase, but one that will probably fly off the shelves (and there will be a book two).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smart, Jamie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545861847

Price: 7.99

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

The fourth book in this wonderful series that elementary-aged kids can't read fast enough! In this installment, Princess Magnolia finally gives over to the idea of a vacation after fighting fifteen monsters with no break. With the Goat Avenger watching Monster Land, and hoping desperately for a monster of his own to fight, Magnolia rides to the seaside on her bike and prepares for a relaxing snooze on the beach. Alas, an errant sea monster changes those plans, and the Princess in Black must swing into action no matter how sleepy. And swing she does, and slide, and jump. And once that sea monster is convinced to eat fish and not people, a very tired Princess Magnolia, now washed up on a a deserted island, a quiet, people- and monster-less island, finally gets her vacation. Not to worry, Princess Sneezewort will find her eventually. This delightful series doesn't disappoint.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665128

Price: 14.99

Raymie Nightingale

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

The story of Raymie Clarke whose father has run off with a dental hygienist and who thinks that she can bring him back by entering, and winning, the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. The story of Louisiana Elefante and Beverly Tapinski who have reasons of their own to want to win that contest. The story of what happens when these three girls end up in the backyard of Ms. Ida Nee's together learning how to twirl a baton in order to bring a talent to that contest and how this experience bonds them in friendship one hot June in 1975. This has been a difficult book to review because, despite all of the award talk and critical buzz, I did not connect with the characters. I felt that the authorial voice was too strong, manipulating my response and my experience. DiCamillo is now so very lauded for what she does that she takes a more active role in telling you what she wants you to feel instead of letting the reader get from the story whatever it is she/he gets. A quiet story only for your more dedicated readers though there is nothing extraordinarily complex about the language or plot. Most libraries feel that DiCamillo's books are collection necessities, and this is not a bad book, but it fell flat especially compared to so many other fantastic reads for this age group.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DiCamillo, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681173

Price: 16.99

Compass South

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

The first in what promises to be an exciting series of adventure graphic novels for the upper elementary/middle-grade readers. Alex and Cleo Dodge are orphans who have taken up with the Black Hook Gang in NYC in 1860. After a burglary gone wrong, the twins trade information for a fresh start and head to New Orleans to catch a ship to San Francisco, where they hope to score big on a new scheme. But nothing goes according to plan and the twins meet Silas and Edwin Clement, another set of red-headed, orphaned twins looking for a home and eager to cash in on the same scheme as the Dodge twins. With a lot of edge-of-your-seat action, the reader is caught up in the story of both sets of twins as they make their way westward. Mock's realistic, detailed illustrations work wonderfully with the story though the reader will have to work to keep track of which set of twins we are following as they are drawn similarly (somewhat purposefully, as they both fit a particular description); everything becomes quite clear in the end. Warning to the younger reader, there is a touch of romance in the book (a fairly innocent kiss) and some sinister characters. The book wraps up nicely but there are obviously more stories for both the Dodge and Clement twins. In fact, Book 2 publishes in June 2017. Lovers of adventure stories and GNs will eat up this fast-paced, beautifully-drawn tale.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Hope

Illustrator: Mock, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300432

Price: 17.99

The Day I Became a Bird

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Coupled with the simple, clear pencil-drawn illustrations of Guridi, Chabbert's poetic prose captures the essence of childhood love in this picture book. A boy loves Sylvia. Sylvia loves birds. By child logic, the boy will become a bird so Sylvia will love him. The sweetness and simplicity of this story can be used to talk with children about what do and how we act when we like people, even in the context of friendship. This is a strange book, almost surreal, but the conclusion was satisfying and the message well-depicted and easy to understand. A neat read-aloud and a book whose cover will catch the eye.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Chabbert, Ingrid

Illustrator: Guridi,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771386210

Price: 16.95

Lock and Key: the Initiation

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Pearson offers up the first of three tales about young Sherlock Holmes and his adversary James Moriarty. Lock and Key: The Initiation is a mystery inside a mystery with legendary characters transported to modern times. Sherlock and James find themselves mismatched roommates in a boarding school attended also by James' sister Moria. The stage is set immediately and the action lags only slightly, this is a read that is hard to put down. Told in little sister Moria's voice the readers view her perspective which is less imposing than either of the young men. Although a mystery there is a budding if not unlikely romance that is certain to be continued in the next two books of the intended trilogy. Pearson knows his readers and has once again offered up a story that will grip their attention and maintain their support of his writing. The graphics are minimal but they contribute to the pleasing appearance of the title. Specifically the illustration of the secret society tree symbol helps to impose a mental picture of generations of members. Intermediate and middle school media centers will want to make this purchase and public libraries are encouraged to add the new series to their collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearson, Ridley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062399014

Price: 17.99

Beauty & the Beast

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Kuniko Craft's illustrations are the star of this retelling of the Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's version first published in France in 1756. Created in artist's oil paint on a gesso panel, each page features a lush drawing with detail and depth. Children would most benefit from being read this story one-on-one as they can pore over the pictures while the long pages of text are read. The text is not the Disneyfied version, but true to the original story and, as such, pulls no punches. The cruel sisters of Beauty are turned to stone statues at the end to "repent for your selfishness and spite..." and Beauty is rewarded for her honest heart and lives a happy life with her Beast until the end of their days and "those were many indeed." A great book for fairy tale enthusiasts and a gorgeous addition to a collection, especially one interested in preserving the original stories and enhancing them with top-notch artwork.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Craft, Mahlon F.

Illustrator: Craft, Kinuko Y.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060539191

Price: 17.99

Halfway Wild

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Any family with children will relate to this picture book of a family who take on different animal characteristics to suit their mood/actions. Feeling sluggish? A family of turtles. Playing hide-and-seek until the stars come out? A family of fireflies. The pairings of words and pictures is spot-on and Barry's illustrations are lovely and clever and whimsical. Children will want to have this read again and again and the last page offers one of the most satisfying messages and images of any picture book I've reviewed this year. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Freudig, Laura

Illustrator: Barry, Kevin M.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781934031483

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Slickety Quick: Poems About Sharks

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Brown's poems about 14 different sharks are excellent. Playing with forms and using playful language, she captures the essence of each shark subject. And the shark facts on each page are a nice addition, providing the shark-lover not just with a fun poem about a shark, but with interesting tidbits. Kolar's images are well-rendered, but the digital format is not my favorite when dealing with sharks. Most shark-enthusiasts want photographs and that would have been pretty amazing here, but it also might have been difficult since a few of the sharks included are pretty elusive creatures (goblin shark, megamouth shark). But hand-drawn illustrations with more detail would have enhanced this book making it an essential purchase. As it stands, it is a fantastic poetry book that can be appreciated by upper elementary students, but with so-so pictures that may not stick with the casual K-5 reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Skila

Illustrator: Kolar, Bob

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763665432

Price: 16.99

The Kid From Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Frequently considered a man's game, baseball has long had a history of female players. This biography of Edith Houghton tells the story of a strong minded and uniquely skilled ten year old who played professional baseball as early as 1922. Raised in a large family among many boys, Edith learned and loved the game leading her into a lifelong passion and career in the great American pastime. She is a role model for girls who want to achieve their personal goals and develop skills that seem unusual or abnormal for women.

The art work is lovely, Salerno's attention to minute detail is impressive. Several two page spreads flow across giving the appearance of a single sheet illustration. Colors are both subtle and inspired as they depict various locations in the US and Japan. All girls should have access to this biography, teachers and librarians will want to make it available to their K-3 readers. That said, boys are equally encouraged to give this title a look.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Vernick, Audrey

Illustrator: Salerno, Steven

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544611634

Price: 17.99

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Fogliano celebrates the seasons with poetry and Morstad captures the essense of each short, free verse observation with a charming illustration that expresses the wonder of those crocuses poking their heads out in the spring, the juicy berries of deepest summer, the reverent silence of a newly-bare tree with a pile of red and gold leaves at its feet, and the joy of sipping cocoa while snow falls outside the window. Beginning and ending on March 20th, the vernal equinox, and written in journal entries for random dates throughout the year, this book can be used as a read-aloud for younger readers and in a classroom lesson on poetry or personal journal narrative for older readers. Each double-page spread filled with gentle images, created with goache and pencil crayon, offers a scene of children experiencing nature through seasonal activities and includes lovely details that warrant a closer look and perfectly complement the text. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fogliano, Julie

Illustrator: Morstad, Julie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596438521

Price: 18.99

My Name is James Madison Hemings

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

A biography told in first-person narrative about the life of James Madison Hemimgs, born 1805 and died 1877. Son and slave of Thomas Jefferson and slave Sally Hemings, this begins "SLAVERY: when one human being owns another human being." the definition continues in a way to evoke thoughtful consideration of the story that follows. This is written in a thoughtful, articulate manner that is age appropriate to introduce young children to an uncomfortable part of American history. Hemings life and confusion over being a son and a slave is told and goes so well with the artwork done in acrylic on bristol board by Terry Widener that sets time and place and is just beautiful. There is just enough information for a child followed by an Author Note that is well done to give background and further information to expand on the topic for an adult to begin a discussion that this book will spark. Each word is carefully selected to make this an excellent picture book. Recommended for both teachers and students interested in race and history of our country.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, Jonah

Illustrator: Widener, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385383424

Price: 17.99

Timmy Failure the Book You're Not Supposed to Have

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

A good addition to the series. Fans and new readers will enjoy the humor well done in layers so whether a child or parent reading out loud there is humor for all. It is hard not to laugh while reading, while feeling sympathy at times for both Timmy and his mother - and teacher, and piano teacher, and all others who deal with Timmy who has a wonderful imagination. The illustrations are simple yet add so much to the humor, in case your imagination needs a little something extra. Good for reluctant readers and all others.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763690045

Price: 14.99

Squirrel in the house

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

An illustrated chapter book intended for grades 2-4, but does not follow the transitional chapter book format with number of lines per page or size of text. The story is narrated by the squirrel, of course from the squirrel's perspective, telling of being invited into the house by the dog and the humans on a cold, blustery day. Chaos follows, a child gets the blame, then when not believed by the family, stomps off mad into the snowy day. The squirrel, who knows small children need someone with them, then goes back into the house to alert the humans of the situation and the child is found. Humorously written this is well told by someone who understands the self-centered squirrel.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Vande Velde, Vivian

Illustrator: Bjorkman, Steve

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436330

Price: 15.95

Bob the Railway Dog The true Story of an Adventurous Dog

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Bob the Railway Dog is based on a true story about an adventurous Australian dog in the latter 19th century. The story is told that Bob was adopted by a railroad worker at Adelaide station in 1884 and as the tracks were laid near and far traveled the rails throughout all Australia."Everyone knew Bob the Railway Dog" The softly muted watercolor illustrations, sometimes full page and other times several to a page, depict the Australian countryside, cities, and train stations Bob adventured through. This delightful story is appropriate for early elementary school read aloud. Some of the vocabulary is advanced but the Australian words will be fun for children to repeat (such as Oodnadatta and Kalangadoo).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fenton, Corinne

Illustrator: McLean, Andrew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763680978

Price: 16.99

Giant Pandas

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

This paperback, Level 2 Reader, is a non-fiction title about the Giant Pandas. They are mammals, endangered and although they are similar to bears there are many differences. Photographs on each page correspond to the text and keep the focal point on Giant Pandas. They are enhanced by small photos of other animals in small bubbles that relate to the page's comparisons such as the sound Giant Pandas make, the differences compared to bears and a listing of other mammals. This series features new vocabulary in bubbles with the pronunciations. Various words are bold within the text and are found defined in the glossary in the back matter. For emerging readers, the layout is supportive with an uncluttered layout, large font and clear photographs. An index is located in the back. The images are credited, but there is no source material in the back. Useful for first and second grade readers who are interested in animals.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, AnnMarie

Illustrator: , Stock Photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935494

Price: 3.99

Slacker

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Video gamer Cameron Boxer seeks to make amends with his parents after a household disaster. In short chapters of alternating voices (his, his best friends, the school guidance counselor, other students) the story of a club that doesn't exist is revealed and takes on a power of its own. The fight to help save their town brings factions together as no one had dreamed possible. With lots of middle school drama and the jealousy of a few high schoolers, this rollicking good read develops characters that are fully realized, explores how friendships wax and wane, and how things can take on a life of their own, totally unexpected by those who create them. The gamer aspect is well drawn and realistic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545823159

Price: 16.99

Song of the Poison Dragon

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

The new Dragon Master is coming to the castle to bond with her 4-headed dragon. But she is afraid and might not be able to handle the dragon which will put the king in danger. This is book 5 in the series Dragon Masters. There is just enough danger to be exciting but not to be scary. It is terrific early chapter book for new readers and I didn't have any problem starting with this book. There are several black and white drawing throughout the book and the text is a bit larger to make reading easier. Readers will want to read about all the other dragons and their masters after they read this one. Great series for readers interested in dragons and fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Tracey

Illustrator: Jones, Damien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545913874

Price: 4.99

Watched

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Eighteen-year-old Naeem's father emigrated to New York City from Bangladesh soon after his mother died when Naeem was five. Though he intended to send for Naeem as soon as he was settled, a new marriage and baby and setting up of a new business meant that it was years before Naeem finally rejoined his family. Though Naeem adores his new brother and cares deeply about his much younger step-mother, he struggles with feeling as if he never quite measures up to be the son his father wants. These feelings push him to act up at school and in his neighborhood and to find solace in a peer named Ibrahim, who he knows is not really to be trusted, but whose friendship buoys him up and provides distraction from his failing grades and unhappy relationship with his dad. When a shoplifting attempt that Ibrahim orchestrates and for which he frames Naeem lands Naeem in hot water with the police, Naeem is offered an out if he engages in surveillance in his predominantly Muslim community for the authorities. This nuanced novel is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. Naeem is a sympathetic and flawed narrator and his internal monologues are multi-layered as he tries to make difficult decisions. Evocative writing brings his neighborhood to vivid life and juxtaposes well against the tension of Naeem's first person narrative. An intelligent and engaging thriller that recognizes there are no easy answers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Budhos, Marina

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553534184

Price: 17.99

I Am a Story

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

This is a wonderful picture book about the social and cultural history of storytelling and its power to connect, teach, and inspire. It begins in "first person" narrative (in the same style as the title) with the first recorded instances of communication, in an illustrated depiction of our human ancestors gathered around a fire, and progresses through time to cave paintings, papyrus, ink and woodblocks, woven tapestries and - eventually - bound print. The story also takes a look at the various narratives throughout history, including a (Shakespearean-esque) production and discusses how stories can inspire a range of reactions and emotions. Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the story is how books were "censored, banned, and burned, but did not die," and how - no matter the circumstances - always seem to persevere. The text and sentence structure is decidedly simple (with a few longer, multisyllabic words throughout) and corresponds well to the accompanying illustrations. I would recommend this for Cream of the Crop review.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062411068

Price: 17.99

27 Magic Words

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 16, 2016

Review

This is not a story about magic. There are no truly magic words here. At least not magic in the sense of conjuring. The magic may lie in the memories and coping abilities that the titular 27 magic words have for Kobi especially, and her older sister. Told from Kobi's point of view, this is a story of family, love, grief. self-perception, growth and hope. Kobi and her family have lived a pretty good life. Then her parents are presumed dead in an accident at sea. Kobi and her sister are sent to live with their affluent grandmother in Paris. Life is pretty good to the two sisters while in Paris. Then circumstances change and the two sisters are uprooted again. They are forced to live with an uncle in Iowa. He makes them live a "normal" life than what they are used to. For starters, they will go to public school. Through all of the turmoil and change the girls have had to endure, Kobi has been able to survive with a list of magic words that her mother left for her on post-it notes. They are ordinary words, but magic to Kobi. Words such as avanti and buoy have really helped Kobi. But at this new public school Kobi will need more than magic words to survive. She will need to adapt. But to survive and be somewhat popular Kobi resorts to telling lies. And soon the lies catch up with her. And in order to grieve properly and move on with life, Kobi must come to terms with her lies, lies that she may believe herself. Told from Kobi's imaginative perspective, the reader first sees Kobi's emotions and actions, then those around her. There is a lot hidden in this gem of a story. Well-written characters, grief, adults dealing with their own issues and sadness, Kobi's older sister's OCD, and Alzheimer disease, just to name a few. All of these issues/themes are dealt with realistically and with kindness. This book would be a wonderful choice for book group for tweens and teens to start a discussion on loss and grief. Recommended for grades 5-8 and mature 4th graders. A good purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Moranville, Shanelle Byars

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436576

Price: 16.95

School of the Dead

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 16, 2016

Review

Avi is a prolific and excellent writer and storyteller. And he does not disappoint here. Toy and his uncle Charles are not only related. They are also very close and good friends. Uncle Charlie has always been a bit odd. He talks to ghosts for starters. Then Uncle Charlie dies and Tony is heartbroken. It was his uncle's wish that Tony attend his own alma mater, Penda School. So not only does Tony have to deal with the death of his uncle. He also has to start at a new school. Things start to get weird fast. Tony starts seeing and talking to Uncle Charlie's ghost. A student has disappeared. The school itself is full of dark rumors and an eerie atmosphere. The feel of death is everywhere. Is Tony safe? This is a well-crafted, spine-tingling story. There is mystery, suspense, scariness, ghosts galore. But within all of that, there is also a story of friendship, family and loss. Give to fans of Eva Ibbotson, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Dan Poblocki's Ghost of Graylock. Purchase where Avi's books and scary stories are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Avi, Avi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061740855

Price: 16.99

The Poet's Dog

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 16, 2016

Review

This story is filled with such sadness, but it is also filled with love, family, hope, loyalty and a bit of magic, as well as a touch of humor. A brother and sister are trapped in their car in a blizzard. Their mother has gone for help, but does not return. Alone, scared and cold, the two siblings are rescued by a dog named Teddy. Teddy too, has been abandoned, but in a different way. The three understand each others' language. Teddy is able to guide the two to the cabin in the woods that he used to share with the poet Sylvan. Sylvan has recently died and that is the reason for Teddy's abandonment. Teddy is alone. The siblings and Teddy take shelter in the cabin together. Since the brother and sister can understand Teddy, he tells them of his life. How Sylvan rescued Teddy as a puppy, how he loves poetry, and how Sylvan understood and talked to him. Sylvan was the one who told Teddy that only children and poets could understand dogs. But what will happen to Teddy when the siblings Flora and Nikel are rescued and go home? Will Teddy be left on his own again? This is a story of grief, loss, friendship and new beginnings. And of hope, always hope. MacLachlan has crafted another beautifully written tale full of heartfelt emotions. This book is under 90 pages long. The double spaced text has wide margins as well. It would appear to be a good choice for solid beginning readers. But this is not for the young. It may be a short book but it has quite an advanced vocabulary and deals with some mature issues like death and grief. Give to mature 3graders only with parental or teacher supervision, to discuss the themes afterwards. For 4th and 5th graders, and struggling 6th grade readers. Give to dog and poetry lovers and anyone in need of a heartwarming, life affirming magical read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

MacLachlan, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062292629

Price: 14.99

A Taste For Monsters

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2016

Review

In this paranormal fiction mash-up, Kirby intertwines the harsh life realities of Evelyn, a disfigured match girl who hides from the world as a maid in a hospital with two unrelated true historical happenings. Set in 1888 London, Kirby's writing invokes the smell, rough attitude and precarious survival of the working class. Inside the protective hospital environment, Evelyn attends to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, but is forced to explore the outside dark alleys during the horrific reign of Jack the Ripper in order to relieve nightmarish ghostly appearances. Historical facts about the plight of the match girls forced to work with the disfiguring phosphorous are explored, as well as, the difficulties that Merrick must have encountered during his last year of life. Evelyn and Merrick both experience the pain of loss and loneliness making them divining rods for the ghosts of Ripper's victims. Give this dark, spine-chilling read to budding Austenites, historical fiction readers and lovers of hauntings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kirby, Matthew J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545817844

Price: 18.99

Flight of the Moon Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2016

Review

This is the paperback edition of the sixth book in the Dragon Masters series for readers in 2-4 grade. The prime Dragon Stone is losing power which will cause the six dragon masters to lose their ability to communicate with their dragons. The dragon masters must work as a team to locate the Pyramid of the Seven Dragons and solve the rhymes in order to save the Dragon Stone's power. In the process, they find a surprise that establishes why the Pyramid is about seven dragons. This fantasy moves along with the right amount of suspense for the younger reader. The layout provides all the necessary information at the beginning of the story with a large font, white space and black and white illustrations, by Damien Jones, that support and extends the text with various details. The multiple multi-cultural characters are easy to follow with the help of the illustrations. Recommend this fantasy series for public and school library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Tracey

Illustrator: Jones, Damien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545913928

Price: 4.99

How do Video Games Work?

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 23, 2016

Review

Have a young patron wondering how video games work? How are they created? This is a great book to get them going on finding those answers! In easy to read font, easy to understand text and great illustrations this book takes the kids through the steps of concept, design, & programming on to how to play video games. The hardwear and softwear needed to make gaming possible. A great selection for the child developing their reading skills who enjoys non-fiction books. This is a definite buy for my 7 year old grandson who has all these questions!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

L.E., Carmichael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467780797

Price: 25.99

P.S. I Like You

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2016

Review

Fraught with drama, misunderstanding, secrets, and so many feelings, "P.S. I Like You" is your standard teen romance. Lily is a unique soul who steers clear of the mainstream and who loves music and writing lyrics. During Chemistry one day, she writes down a lyric from her favorite band on the desk. When she returns to class, she discovers that someone has added the next line to the song. She and this mystery person start leaving notes for each other hidden under the desk, sharing intimate details of their lives and secrets that they don't share with anyone else. Turns out, that person is someone she knows (and dislikes). Drama ensues. West's writing is good and her characters are easy to care for. This is a general purchase where romances are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Kasie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545850971

Price: 17.99

The lonely giant

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2016

Review

A poignant story about the importance of taking care of the environment as well as the importance of friendship and freedom. The story centers on a "typical" giant, who spends his days pulling up trees and smashing up mountains for pleasure. Unfortunately, after doing this for years, the forest is greatly diminished and becomes quieter and quieter as all the birds and animals finally have to leave their home. The giant finds himself getting lonelier and lonelier until one day he hears the beautiful song of a little yellow bird. He catches the bird and cages her so he can hear her sing all the time. But the sad caged bird doesn't sing so the giant finally sets her free. Missing the freed bird, the giant realizes he must fix what he has broken so that he can once again have trees, plants and birds back in his world. Slowly over the years, the forest returns along with all the birds and animals and the giant isn't lonely anymore.The illustrations done in acrylic, watercolor and colored pencil are very soft and gentle and showcase the natural beauty of nature. An thoughtful book for both children and adult readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ambrose, Sophie

Illustrator: Ambrose, Sophie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763682255

Price: 16.99

The Animals' Ark

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 30, 2016

Review

Animal friends are getting tired of the rain. The big problem, however, is that the rain is not stopping. Finally it gets to a point where the nervous animals are snuggled together on the top of a hill surrounded by water. The situation is looking grim until they see a boat coming their way. Sure enough, a kindly man, Mr. Noah invites the animals to join him on the boat and two by two they board the boat. This variation of the Old Testament story of Noah's Ark will leave some readers disappointed. Keen readers will notice that some animals do not have a partner and the story has no religious elements whatsoever.

The illustrations are endearing and whimsical, done in a soft palette using pencil crayon and do add a great deal to the reworked story. If read as a stand-alone story about animals on an challenging adventure at sea, this story will appeal to young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dubuc, Marianne

Illustrator: Dubuc, Marianne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771386234

Price: 14.95

Frozen Charlotte

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 31, 2016

Review

When teenagers Sophie and Jay try out the Ouija-board app on his phone, they unwittingly unleash evil mayhem into their lives. As the lights go out, Sophie sees the spirit of her cousin who died under mysterious circumstances and later that night Jay drowns in a mysterious accident. Spurred on by her cousin's ghostly presence, Sophie travels to the remote island home of her deceased cousin where the creepy, miniature porcelain dolls called frozen Charlottes orchestrate pain, evil and death on Sophie's extended family. This predictable horror story provides the scratching at night sounds, mind controlling whispers, murderous actions and the mix of paranormal and psychotic character evil that the genre demands. Fans of the chiller channel and Chuckie movies will want to summon this horror story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Alex

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545941082

Price: 18.99

Whoosh!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2017

Review

An interesting picture book biography that tells the background story of the Super Soaker toy and the innovative engineer who invented it. Lonnie Johnson, an African American inventor, was always interested in seeing how things worked. Readers will embrace his tenacity and willingness to make mistakes and keep on trying. In fact, one of his most famous inventions came about because of an accident. The digital illustrations are lively, encompassing much of the pages to help visually tell his story. A gatefold that humorously illustrates the selling of the Super Soaker to toy executives, will leave readers laughing. Lonnie Johnson is an inspirational scientist who doesn't fit the traditional model of an Einstein-like scientist and the author provides his thoughts on writing this important book in the author's note. Children and adults will enjoy this inspirational story of a creative mind who continues to solve puzzles and encourage future scientists and engineers of tomorrow.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Tage, Don

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580892971

Price: 16.95

Heroes For My Daughter

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2017

Review

A companion book to Heroes For My Son, the focus is on a wide range of individual who are featured as role models for the author's young daughter. Black & White photos and quotations accompany the brief profiles of the 60 heroes. A wide range of individuals -- from athletes, politicians, artists to everyday people, all have accomplished the extraordinary. All have done something that has helped to make the world a better place. An inspirational read that conveys the key message that no dream is too big or small to make a difference. And the importance of never giving up... to keep fighting for what you love.

An interesting read for children and adults. A strong additional to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meltzer, Brad

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062439277

Price: 17.99

Save Me a Seat

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2017

Review

At first, Ravee's attitude towards Joe is just like the bully in the class, he makes fun of Joe and doesn't want anything to do with him. This reaction seemed very real especially since Ravee was used to being the top dog at his old school and making fun of classmates not as smart as he was. It's also easy to empathize with Joe and how he gets super embarrassed by his mom. I did think that the time frame for Ravee and Joe's friendship to start was to quick for everything that happened (it takes place in a week), still, a good book about judging people before getting to know them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Weeks, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545846608

Price: 16.99

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2017

Review

Jacob Tibbs is a ships cat, and he is telling the story. He was born on a ship in the mid 1800s and is in charge of ridding the ship of rats but also helping predict bad weather. When Jacob sets out on his first ship voyage, all kinds of things happen. There are storms, a mutiny, and even a few deaths among the crew. But no matter what, it's his job to get the captain and crew to believe that he, Jacob Tibbs, will be the best ship cat ever At first I wasn't sure about this story- it's a cat telling a story about sailing adventures. But it works. And, it's pretty easy to get caught up in the survival of the captain and crew on the ship. What makes the tale even better is that there were actually ships cats back in the mid 1800s. Nice historical fiction novel with an animal twist.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Busby, Cylin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553511239

Price: 16.99

School Freezes Over!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2017

Review

This is book 5 of the Eerie Elementary series. In this episode the three best friends Sam, Antonio & Lucy along with the rest of their classmates and teachers find themselves trapped in the school by a big blizzard. Windows are flying open, snow and ice are getting into the building the school boiler system breaks down and pipes begin to burst. Things are looking pretty grim for the kids. Fortunately the three friends know the secret of the school from and old notebook that belonged to Orson Eerie (he designed the school) and in reading it are able to figure out a way to save the school! A great early chapter book - lots of adventure, a bit of mystery and plenty of action.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chabert, Jack

Illustrator: Ricks, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545873734

Price: 4.99

Lost in the Pacific, 1942

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

The date is October 21, 1942 - the setting a B-17 carrying a WW 1 flying ace hero ( Col. Eddie Rickenbacker), and 7 other men crash lands in the Pacific Ocean. All survive the crash and now must survive in rafts hardly large enough for 1 man, let alone 2-3 floating in a shark infest ocean with no idea where they were. Are they near Japan? Are there any friendly islands near by? They have few rations, lose their flare gun when one raft flips over, and suffer an enduring threat from sharks, malnutrition and dehydration. They are in dyer straights. The author does a great job with the narrative about the physical and mental misery the men suffered. The black and white photos add much to the impact of the story. This is a great historical fiction that not only gives the reader a great image of what it was like to endure such a situation, but also great lessons on leadership, how to help others as you work together to survive the ordeal, and a great adventure story to read! However - there is one historical fact that is wrongly stated - it says the President declared war and actually it's Congress who declares war.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Tod

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545928113

Price: 12.99

Home at Last

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is the story of young Lester being adopted by two dads after his parents died in a car accident. All three of them and the dog, Wincka, are excited about becoming a family, though Lester still has fears of what might happen to him. He cannot sleep at night and makes a nightly journey to his dads' bedroom for comfort. Wincka finally helps by moving to Lester's room at night. The story is told tenderly and well. Vera Williams asked Chris Raschka to illustrate it asked him to draw action figures, and told him what the dads would be like. She died before the book was finished, so Raschka finished it alone. He says "Vera wrote it, Vera and I drew it, and I painted it."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vera, Williams

Illustrator: Chris, Raschka

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061349737

Price: 16.99

Will You be My Friend?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Shy little mouse is having a hard time finding a friend in this rhyming text. He goes from animal to animal, all photographed, and many brilliantly colored. For one reason or another, he rejects them all. One grumpy bird tells him he does have a friend and gives him clues to find the friend. It turns out to be the grumpy bird. The photographs may attract children. The animals seem to come from all over and to have no real relation to each other. The photographs are really the star of this so so book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lurie, Susan

Illustrator: Head, Murray

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250046437

Price: 16.99

Will You be My Friend?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Shy little mouse is having a hard time finding a friend in this rhyming text. He goes from animal to animal, all photographed, and many brilliantly colored. For one reason or another, he rejects them all. One grumpy bird tells him he does have a friend and gives him clues to find the friend. It turns out to be the grumpy bird. The photographs may attract children. The animals seem to come from all over and to have no real relation to each other. The photographs are really the star of this so so book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lurie, Susan

Illustrator: Head, Murray

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250046437

Price: 16.99

Duck on a Tractor

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Duck invites all of the farmyard animals to join him for a tractor ride. They all pile on and drive down Main Street in front of the diner where everyone is having lunch. No one can believe their eyes, especially Farmer when he realizes it is his tractor going down the street. Characters, both human and animal are wonderfully depicted, colorful, and very amusing. Folksy repeating text adds to the fun. This will be a storytime hit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shannon, David

Illustrator: Shannon, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545619417

Price: 16.99

Our Food A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Part poetry, part information, this book will be a welcome addition to nutrition sections in most libraries. The five food groups are all discussed, with several pages on each, each page of information introduced by a haiku poem. Colorful illustrations of multicultural children, cute animals, and bright food items draw the reader's attention. Facts are presented in a way children will be able to understand. Overall, a great package to talk about diet and nutrition with children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lin, Grace

Illustrator: Zong, Grace

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580895903

Price: 16.95

No Fair! No Fair! and Other Jolly Poems of Childhood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The author and illustrator of this book are long time New Yorker contributors. The poems are inspired by some of Trillin's real life experiences. Poems are mostly about things children might experience such as favorite foods, going to school, and riding the bus. Rhyming is forced at times, interrupting the flow of the poems. Illustrations are colorful and comical. Overall, just an OK package that may or may not catch children's attention.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Trillin, Calvin

Illustrator: Chast, Roz

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545825788

Price: 17.99

Touch and Feel Dinos

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

There really is very little to this small board book. Eleven species of dinosaurs, one per page, with their pronunciations below their names, are shown. Each dinosaur has some sort of cutout on part of its body with something to feel. There is no explanation as to why the touchable parts are there, and some do not seem to fit...several have just a smooth piece of felt-like material under them. True dinosaur loving children may enjoy this book. Other than that, it may not have much of an audience.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545903370

Price: 5.99

Dead Girls Society

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2017

Review

This YA novel is a page turner with a fantastic plot. The execution of that plot is not perfect, and some of the holes knocked this book from excellent to good, but YA readers will love it. It has suspense, romance, very realistic teenage relationships and behavior, and writing that propels you along. The book is told from Hope Callahan's point-of-view. Hope has CF and has always been the "sick girl". Her mother hovers over her, limiting what she can do. The book starts with a mysterious invitation to Hope to meet at an abandoned warehouse at midnight and is signed "The Society". Normally, Hope would never do something impulsive, not having had the luxury throughout her illness, but sick of feeling like she barely has a life, she goes for it. Turns out four other girls have also been invited and the penalty for not playing is pretty steep (broken bones, a blown-up car); a game of Truth or Dare without the "truth". The girls call themselves the Dead Girls Society because they feel like they can't tell the authorities or back out of the "game" for fear of death. The idea was great and the dares are gripping, the action non-stop. Hope is suspicious of everyone; as a result, so is the reader and pages must be turned to find out if she, and you, are right about who is behind The Society. The problem came at the end of the book as Hope was starting to figure things out, the answer was pretty obvious and the reason had a touch of insanity to it and there were plot holes that never really gelled. But Krys is not afraid to make her crazy, evil characters act accordingly and you weren't quite sure if Hope was going to make it at the end, which was what kept me reading. For fans of E. Lockhart and realistic fiction with a touch of fear.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krys, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553508024

Price: 17.99

The Season of You and Me

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2017

Review

This a coming of age book and up to date as well as timeless. Cassidy is "running away" for the summer. She is going to stay with her Dad and new family on an island. Her old boyfriend broke her heart by cheating on her, and posting it on line so the whole world can see. Cassidy leaves behind her best friend and her life. She gets a job at a summer camp where her six year old half brother goes. Cassidy sees Bryan for the first time when she throws old boyfriends necklace into the ocean. He's working at the rec center as well, but now that he's not in his car she sees he's in a wheelchair. The two become very close... Bryan was hurt trying to do parkour. The story has some drugs, sex, and language. When things get bad Cassidy turns to her Dad for help. A great read for 9th grade and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Constantine, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Blazer + Bray /HarperCollins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062438836

Price: 17.99

Mistakes that Worked the World's familiar Inventions and How They Came to be

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book is full of fun vignettes about how things came to be invented that will make good dinner time conversation for young readers and their families. Most are just one to two pages and often include a few fun facts about the invention listed in a related, fun form. Readers will learn that sandwiches were created by an earl too busy gambling to eat with two hands, that potato chips were invented by an angry chef whose customer wanted thinner and thinner potatoes, and lots more fun and interesting stories about things they use every day. This would be a good book to pick up and read just a few pages at the end of a busy day.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Charlotte

Illustrator: O'Brien, John

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399552021

Price: 12.99

The Boomerang Effect

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2017

Review

After nearly being expelled from school for a pot-fueled prank, high school junior Lawrence is roped by his school counselor into acting as a mentor for a socially awkward fellow student, which eventually lands him in yet more hot water. Lawrence's lack of belonging in his family -- his parents are wealthy but self-involved -- will garner him sympathy among readers, and his seeking acceptance in a group of friends who care more about getting stoned than about each other is realistic. So, too, is his reticence to be earnest in any of his interactions with his peers and reluctance to admit his attraction to a girl whose participation in live action role playing means she's far from being considered "cool." As this comic novel progresses, Lawrence begins to transform and many of the madcap scenarios -- the most extreme of which involves him being entrapped in an enclosed space with a particularly aggressive chicken -- are quite funny.However, stereotypical characters - such as Lawrence's family's soap-opera obsessed Latina housekeeper, who is more of a parent to him than are his own mom and dad, and a running gag about everyone assuming a male friend who is a cheerleader is gay, are discomfiting and detract from this novel's appeal.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Jack, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062399397

Price: 17.99

Space Junk the Dangers of Polluting Earth's Orbit

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2017

Review

The books part of a larger series Dead Zone... It is available with a library binding for 79.23. Good for middle school upper grades. The book is a bit dark for younger or sensitive students. Table of content: Zombies in Space, Death and Destruction, Space Traffic Control, and Taking out the Trash. There is a timeline, source notes, glossary,more. Facts are written for upper grade levels. timeline starts with Sputnik 1 in 1957 and brings you to a 2015 US Air Force weather satellite exploding in space."The odds that you will be hit (by space junk) ....are 1 in several trillion. 2011" " But it could happen" Fact box: Who made this mess? China 40%, US 27.5%, Russia/Former Soviet Union 25.5%, 7% the rest of the world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Romano Young, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467756006

Price: 14.32

Sugar and Spice

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2017

Review

This is the tenth adventure in the Whatever After series about the magic mirror that sends the siblings, Abby and Jonah, into fairy tales that need fixing in various ways. In this tale Hansel and Gretel, doppelgangers of the siblings, outsmart them and escape through the mirror, fooling the parents and leaving Abby and Jonah to deal with the vegetarian children-eating witch. Mlynowski blends standard fairy tale fare, humor and some healthy kale (in the blender), in the mix of easy-to-read dialogue. Although it is the tenth adventure, readers new to the series will be able to easily navigate the setting and understand the relationship between the siblings. Recommended for young fantasy readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545851060

Price: 14.99

Cloud and Wallfish

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2017

Review

Cloud and Wallfish are 2 of the characters in this book. They meet in East Berlin in the late 1980s right before "The Wall" comes down. Wallfish or Jonah is an eleven-year-old American in East Berlin with his parents for 6 months. Cloud or Claudia is about the same age and is trapped in East Berlin with her grandmother because her parents have both died. The two become friends, even though it is forbidden, and their friendship draws them both into the dangers behind the Iron Curtain. This historical fiction novel gives a glimpse into what it was like behind the Iron Curtain. The spying, bugging and intolerance for Western ways is woven throughout the story. Jonah's ability to piece together exactly what is going on is interesting. Unfortunately, the pace of the book is a bit slow and may loser readers' attention. Historical fiction fans will like the chapters that give actual information about what was going in East Germany, although these parts might be a bit technical at times for some younger readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nesbet, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688035

Price: 16.99

Brave Like My Brother

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This brief historical novel consists of letters written between two brothers during WWII. Joe, the older brother is drafted and sent to Britain. Charlie is left behind in Cleveland to look out for their parents and to deal with the neighborhood bullies. Joe must work closely with a fellow soldier who is difficult. His letters reveal information that may encourage readers to learn more about some of the secret operations that took place in Britain during the war. The tone of the letters is authentic. The format and writing is very accessible to lower level readers. An author's note is included. I recommend this for grades 4-8.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nobleman, Marc Tyler

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545880350

Price: 15.99

The Haunting of Falcon House

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This unique story takes places in St. Petersburg, Russia. Twelve year old Lev Lvov travels to Falcon House his grandfather's mansion and moves in with his eccentric old aunt. His Aunt Olga makes him spend his nights in his Grandfather's study. There are many strange happenings that Lev encounters as he dreams of becoming a hero like his ancestors. The numerous black and white illustrations enhance this well written narrative with short chapters. The footnotes add much to the historical background. Readers looking for a spooky and mysterious story steeped in Russian history will enjoy this novel. I recommend this for grades 4-8.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yelchin, Eugene

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098457

Price: 15.99

The Enemy Above

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

The WWII historical novel is about the Jews in the Ukraine who hid in caves to escape the Nazis.It is well written and informative. The story focuses on twelve year old Anton and his family. There are many suspenseful moments that will keep readers turning the pages. The story is based on real events as explained in the author's note. This book will appeal not only to those interested in WWII history. It is a well told story about family dynamics, ethical issues, and responsibility. I recommend this for grade 4-8.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spradlin, Michael P.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545857826

Price: 16.99

The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Enter the world of "Pride and Prejudice" through the diary and spirited escapades of Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the five sisters. True to Austen's original, the characters and the melodrama are all there. Lydia, who receives the diary as a birthday present on her fifteenth birthday, explores the various rejections the sisters relay on their suitors and twisted feelings she has toward the militia man Wickham. Middle grade readers will learn about all the tedious steps that a lady must endure to go swimming in a 1800's bathing machine whilst summering in Brighton, as well as, the fashion statements of the times and the influence that Mr. Darcy plays in Lydia s resulting happiness.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Farrant, Natasha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545940313

Price: 17.99

Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This is the third book in a trilogy that follows the various revenge strategies and broken hearts that follow Gemma and her father's blended family. It is not recommended that readers begin with this book due to the large cast of characters and the chaotic, overly-involved interdependence they have on each other. The book dives right into the aftermath of a huge fight that Gemma and Hallie instigated on a party boat, when an impending hurricane stops all action and disperses all the various exes and their family members to the same mansion for the duration. As the storm wages havoc outside, the girls come to an understanding as new step-sisters on the inside. They agree to try to break up their parent's recent marriage. There are too many unbelievable decisions and situational set-ups to make this "mean girl" focused story line credible. Purchase this installment if the series is popular, otherwise, pass on this trilogy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Finn, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250045263

Price: 17.99

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Minamoto Yoshitune was 12th Century Samurai who became a legend by rising from obscurity to defeat the Taira clan only to be outdone by another member of his own clan in the end. Known for his reckless behavior in battle and establishing seppku as warrior code (the ritual of disembowelment), Yoshitune made his name in Japanese history as his ancestors before him.

Well researched with author's notes, table of contents, index, characters and places listing to figure out who is who and locations with pronunciations given for each. There are also timelines for Yoshitsune, the world at the time, major periods of Japanese history and the rising of the Samurai. Anyone interested in Japanese history, the Samurai and an action pack, yet sometimes gruesome, book would enjoy this compelling nonfiction work. The illustrations are black and white sketches depicting various scenes at the beginning of the chapters with occasional maps of various battles strewn through out the book.

Suggested for Grade 7 and up. This work of non-fiction was placed as a finalist in the YALSA Nonfiction Award List for 2017.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Turner, Pamela S.

Illustrator: Hinds, Gareth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580895842

Price: 16.95

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Minamoto Yoshitune was 12th Century Samurai who became a legend by rising from obscurity to defeat the Taira clan only to be outdone by another member of his own clan in the end. Known for his reckless behavior in battle and establishing seppku as warrior code (the ritual of disembowelment), Yoshitune made his name in Japanese history as his ancestors before him.

Well researched with author's notes, table of contents, index, characters and places listing to figure out who is who and locations with pronunciations given for each. There are also timelines for Yoshitsune, the world at the time, major periods of Japanese history and the rising of the Samurai. Anyone interested in Japanese history, the Samurai and an action pack, yet sometimes gruesome, book would enjoy this compelling nonfiction work. The illustrations are black and white sketches depicting various scenes at the beginning of the chapters with occasional maps of various battles strewn through out the book.

Suggested for Grade 7 and up. This work of non-fiction was placed as a finalist in the YALSA Nonfiction Award List for 2017.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Turner, Pamela S.

Illustrator: Hinds, Gareth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580895842

Price: 16.95

Goose on the Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This picture book was first published in the U.K. in 2013. Sophie, a young girl, and Goose, who has a personality all of his own, are going on a school trip to the farm. They read a book about the farm, pack a lunch and go to the bus stop to board the bus. Goose helps himself to the lunch before arriving. Once there, Goose begins to feel left out of the attention until he encounters a goat who takes him around. At lunch the empty lunchbox is discovered but Ben shares his lunch with them. After some afternoon activities they proceed home. Wall's bright and cheerful illustrations present a simple, uncluttered view on each spread that support and add a twist of humor to the one sentence per page text. This would be a useful book for story times and preschool settings on the theme of farm.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wall, Laura

Illustrator: Wall, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062324399

Price: 12.99

The Forgetting

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Every twelve years in Canaan, there is a night of complete lawlessness and bloodshed with a complete loss of memory for all of its citizens. Each of the communities citizens, young and old, have attached to their person a book, these are their memories so when the chaos is over they know who they are. But, Nadia remembers, she remembers her first Forgetting and is trying to prevent the next. She knows the truth and to get others to believe will be a daunting task.

Strong characters including minor ones, with everyone having some sort of significant role in the story. Fans of Sharon Cameron's "Rook" will enjoy another of her stories. Similar to Lois Lowry's "Giver" with the memories lost and their consequences when regained. Recommended for grades 8 and up. An excellent addition to libraries dystopian and science fiction collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cameron, Sharon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545945219

Price: 18.99

Hungry Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Bird is back for a third adventure. This time the irritable and melodramatic bird and his kind friends are setting off on a hike when bird's tummy begins to rumble. In turn and in ever-increasing volume and attitude, bird asks each friend what they brought him for a snack. Fox packed berries, Beaver packed sticks, Sheep packed grass and so on. Nothing is to bird's liking and his demands turn into a melt down. As he finally recovers and realizes his friend's have ignored his outbursts and have begun eating their snack together, he tries each one with limited success. When bird's favorite snack wiggles by, a worm, obstinate bird is not hungry but needs a drink! As in the other books about bird, Tankard uses a dark-lined caricature of each animal placed in a background that resembles a collage of real landscapes and mixed cartoon flora. The effect keeps the attention on the main characters but provides the chaos brewing in bird's attitudes. Useful for story times and preschool settings on the theme of kindness, sharing and trying new foods.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545864176

Price: 16.77

The Graveyard Book: The Single-Volume Graphic Novel Adaptation

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" is beautifully illustrated by not one but several illustrators such as Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, Stephen B. Scott and David Lafuente. The illustrations lead credence of the tale of young Bod being saved, raised and loved by the ghosts who have watched since he crawled into the cemetery as a toddler to escape death. Friendship (human and ghost), love and elements of the macabre entertain with this ghostly tale.

Recommended for grades 6 and up. Many readers of Gaiman's original may prefer this version due to the illustrations that compliment the story line. They may find themselves go back to the original from time to time to compare.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Russell, P. Craig

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062421883

Price: 35.00

Circle of Jinn

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

"Circle of Jinn" is the second book in the "Becoming Jinn" series. This picks with Azra continuing to grant wishes even though she supposedly has be restricted by the Afrits. Her involvement with Nate and Henry and her Zar sisterhood continues to be a struggle. Soon Azra will be forced to risk everything near and dear to her. A good but not as strong continuation of the first book; expected more, but not sure what. Readers of the first will appreciate the ending of the sequel.

Recommended for grades 7 up. Those who enjoy a good fantasy with teen romance and revenge will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstein, Lori

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250055408

Price: 18.99

Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution

Reviewed by: Krisitn Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Gretchen Woelfle has written an approachable and detailed narrative that is easy to follow on the lives of thirteen-little known African Americans that were inspired by the colonies freedom from England -- so much that they too, worked to gain the same freedoms from their captors in the New World. Silhouettes provided by R. Gregory Christie compliment the text and enhance the lives of the people discussed.

Well researched with table of contents, source notes, author notes and timelines of each of the people with profiles that look at their family history, personal lives and their fight for freedom. For classroom use -- biographies of African Americans, American Revolution, Black Loyalists and Freetown in Sierra Leone where many of the Black Loyalists fled after leaving Nova Scotia.

Recommended for grades 4 -9

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Woelfle, Gretchen

Illustrator: Christie, R. Gregory

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629793061

Price: 18.95

Falling Over Sideways

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This story is about an 8th grader named Claire. She's definitely not in the popular crowd and gets teased by a guy named Ryder (the weird thing is that he used to be one of her best friends). Claire really likes to dance but instead of moving up to the older/top dance group like her two friends do, she gets left behind with the younger less accomplished dancers. But the worst thing of all is when her dad just collapses at the breakfast table one morning and Claire has to call 911. Now he is not the same and might not ever be, or, she might just loose him forever. Some of the stuff Claire says and does, her dad too, is really funny even though what happens to her dad is pretty scary and sad. Claire deals with the situations she finds herself in, in a realistic way and many young people will find them totally relatable. Her friends are quite funny and the way they support her is not always the way you'd expect- even Claire doesn't get it sometimes. The humor in this story is spot on and helps everyone deal with difficult situations that could arise in anyone's life.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sonnenblick, Jordan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545863247

Price: 17.99

Investigating the Rock Cycle

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Budding young geologists will find lots of interesting information on igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and how they came to be formed. Teachers will appreciate the solid information on the rock cycle and the large and fascinating photos included with the text. The text is clear and concise and yet covers many topics revolving around rocks, including changes made by weather, erosion, heat, pressure, and volcanoes. There are also rock experiments included and a glossary and further reading list. A very good book for school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lindeen, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467783378

Price: 15.95

Why Do most Plants Need Soil?

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

A good introduction to how plants grow and the importance of soil in the growing cycle. The large and clear photos accompanying the sparse text reinforce the ideas presented for preschoolers and beginning readers.The use of interspersed questions throughout the text will elicit engagement and more conversations with young readers. Included also are stand out black circles of interesting facts to reinforce the text. Some soil experiments are included in the back of the book as well as an illustrated glossary. This book would be a good addition to a primary classroom or school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627248372

Price: 17.95

Snow White A Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This is a retelling of the fairy tale Snow White. The story takes place in the 1920s and continues through the Great Depression. Most of the black and white drawings are a bit on the creepy side and fit the tone of the story. The twist in the story is wonderful and the use of homeless boys instead of elves is effective. But, sometimes it was hard to follow the story line because of the darkness (literally) of the drawings. Also, the scene where the heart is cut out of the huntsman and disposed of was a bit brutal as was the evil stepmother's electrifying death. An interesting take on the classic Snow White tale that will be better suited to an older crowd.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Phelan, Matt

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672331

Price: 19.99

Poop Detectives - Working Dogs in the Field

Reviewed by: Paula - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Whether we call them poop detectives or scat detectors, these amazing dogs and their trainers are doing their part to help conservation efforts to protect endangered species. This is a book that highlights the extensive training and hard work by dedicated conservationists to use dogs and their extreme sense of smell to research and ultimately help protect many wild animal species. The title alone may attract some young readers to the book. Once they are inside however they will learn how these new pioneers in the field of ""poop or scat detecting can help gather important information about animals including their diet, health,gender, and even age without putting the animal or the researcher at risk. The individual dogs and their specialty are highlighted and enhanced with large, colorful photos. The book includes chapters on the training of dogs, research in the field and open sea (who knew what whale poop looks like?), dogs used internationally to help protect some of the world's most endangered creatures, and even some chapters on the dogs being used to find other signs of animals besides scat. The book should appeal to dog lovers, environmentalists, and those wanting to learn more about the work of scientists. The background information includes an author's note, information about the real dogs in the book, photo credits, a glossary, and more resources, and a bibliography.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wadsworth, Ginger

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580896504

Price: 17.95

Abe Lincoln and the Selfie That Saved the Union

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

The second installment in the Left Behinds series finds Mel and his two classmates in Washington City arriving on the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg. They have dinner with the Lincolns in the White House and travel by train to Gettysburg to try to stop the inventor of the "iTime" app from catastrophically changing history. The Left Behinds -- the students did not go home from boarding school during their school holiday -- must use their knowledge of US History and some creative problem-solving to put things right and figure out how to get back to their own time and place. While the premise is a bit far-fetched, the story is fast-paced and the "you were there" style is fun. Includes an excellent bibliography.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385390606

Price: 16.99

Defender

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

A gritty mystery set in Toronto. Tyne "Tiny" Greer is hoping her knee injury doesn't spoil her chances of getting to college on a basketball scholarship while helping her Dad with his duties as building superintendent at the "Zoo" -- the high-rise apartment building they live in. Tiny discovers a body in the basement of the Zoo and with her boyfriend "Stick" sets out to solve the mystery of who the person was and how she may or may not have been involved with her family.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McNamee, Graham

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553498950

Price: 17.99

Poop Detectives - Working Dogs in the Field

Reviewed by: Paula - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Whether we call them poop detectives or scat detectors, these amazing dogs and their trainers are doing their part to help conservation efforts to protect endangered species. This is a book that highlights the extensive training and hard work by dedicated conservationists to use dogs and their extreme sense of smell to research and ultimately help protect many wild animal species. The title alone may attract some young readers to the book. Once they are inside however they will learn how these new pioneers in the field of ""poop or scat detecting can help gather important information about animals including their diet, health,gender, and even age without putting the animal or the researcher at risk. The individual dogs and their specialty are highlighted and enhanced with large, colorful photos. The book includes chapters on the training of dogs, research in the field and open sea (who knew what whale poop looks like?), dogs used internationally to help protect some of the world's most endangered creatures, and even some chapters on the dogs being used to find other signs of animals besides scat. The book should appeal to dog lovers, environmentalists, and those wanting to learn more about the work of scientists. The background information includes an author's note, information about the real dogs in the book, photo credits, a glossary, and more resources, and a bibliography.

Overall Book Score: excellent

---

About the Book

Author:

Wadsworth, Ginger

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580896504

Price: 17.95

Dog Man

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Dog Man is a policeman who sniffs out crime and battles his nemesis, Petey the Cat. He became Dog Man when a bomb exploded and his cop companion's head and the dog's body were killed. Life saving surgery transplanted the dog's head onto the cop's body to create the star of this book. Pilkey tells the reader in the author's note that Dog Man is based on a character he created in second grade. He wanted silly books. His hope is that this book will help children associate reading with fun and perhaps encourage them to create their own silly stories. Children do love these books, so this should be a welcome addition to any Pilkey collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Pilkey, Dav

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545581608

Price: 9.99

Brilliant Bats

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2017

Review

This paperback nonfiction Level 2 reader provides facts, photos and stickers about bats. Each two page spread provides a paragraph or two about bats as mammals, their roosts, guano, echolocation and diet. The main photos show details of various bats. The stickers in the back correspond to the text and readers are challenged to match the sticker with the appropriate bat. There is a table of contents in the front and a glossary and index in the back matter. Although the book is designated for beginner readers, the busy layout of handwritten font asides, inserted information boxes and cartoon overlays may be difficult for those requiring a clear structured format as they read independently. Less would be more in this situation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Laaren

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935500

Price: 4.99

The Bronze Key

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2017

Review

This is the third installment of a promised five book fantasy series. Callum (Call), Aaron and Tamara, are starting their bronze year at the Magisterium school for mages and are celebrating their perceived victory over Constantine Madden, the Enemy of Death. Their party is cut short when Call's life is threatened and another student is found murdered. As Call grapples with the fate of his chaos animal Havoc, the three friends interact with power-zapping elementals that challenge them and their teachers. As the friends re-evaluate their trust in each other and try to survive the clingy new relationship between Jasper and Celia, they place themselves in danger to expose the assassin in their midst. Readers to the series will be able to understand the challenges Callum and his friends face as the plot is a set up for book four, but beginning with the first book in the series will provide a clearer picture of this fantasy world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cassandra Clare, Holly Black and

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545522311

Price: 17.99

Destination Mars

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2017

Review

Seymour Simon brings his extensive scientific knowledge as well as his understanding of elementary students' interest levels to this updated and revised edition of his previous book on Mars. The information is presented in a way that will appeal to young writers but is so scientifically based that it will also appeal to older students as well as adults. The large and incredibly detailed photos add updated information to Simon's previous book on Mars. There is also new information on Mars exploration and possible future missions. This is an important book for both school and community libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062344977

Price: 17.98

The Friendly Postman

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This is an imagined story about the relationship between artist Vincent Van Gogh and the postman who brought him letters from his beloved brother Theo. The story explains some of the darkness and depression in Van Gogh's life and how his brother supported him and his art when few others did. The postman was the connection between Van Gogh and his brother and the artist did paint a famous portrait of the postman, as well as ones of his wife and children. The illustrations show the brightness and light in Van Gogh's work which so differed from the sadness in his life. This book would be a welcome addition for a student very interested in Van Gogh's art and life, but would not necessarily be an important book for a classroom study or library collection. There is some additional biographical information included at the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Yu-ri

Illustrator: Lim, Jeong-yeon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: big&small

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781925249101

Price: 27.99

The Girl in the Picture

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

When Chace, the U.S. Congressmen's son, is found murdered on the campus of the prestigious prep school that he attends, all eyes are focused on Nicole, the girl in the picture. Chace's girlfriend, Lana, a Congresswomen's daughter is still reeling from the fact that Chace broke up with her to date Nicole, when he was discovered dead. An excellent and dark murder mystery with a paranormal twist. Monir has crafted a plot that will keep readers guessing until the end. Shades of the movie "Ghost".

Recommended for grades 8 and up. Anyone who loves a good murder mystery, teen romances, the supernatural and multiple perspectives will enjoy this book. A must have for book shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Monir, Alexandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385743907

Price: 17.99

A Boy Called Christmas

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Nikolas, the boy who will someday be called Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, begins his story as a twelve year old very poor boy living in Finland. "A boy who knew very little about the world except the taste of mushroom soup, the feel of a cold north wind, and the stories he was told." His mother has tragically died and his father, Joel the Woodcutter, is a hardworking but sad and bitter man. Nikolas' adventure begins when Joel leaves him on a search to prove the existence of Elves in the North and thus make his fortune. After several months of living with his cruel Aunt Carlotta Nikolas runs away to retrace his father's steps and reunite. His journey takes him through harsh conditions in which he faces starvation, brutal cold and even death on his way to find the North Pole. He meets and befriends a flying reindeer and names him Blitzen and reaches his destination only to find himself imprisoned by the Elves with a human eating troll and a Pixie who delights in making people's heads explode. With the help of a spell called a Drimwick, a belief in magic and the impossible, and the unfailing ability to find goodness in all Nikolas saves the day, comes to live with the Elves and eventually becomes Santa Claus. Sprinkled with black and white cartoonish illustrations and some wonderful unexpected humor (Blitzen delights in peeing on humans as he flies over, for example) this book would be a welcome addition to a 3rd - 5th grade Holiday collection and a very fun read aloud as well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haig, Matt

Illustrator: Mould, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399552656

Price: 16.99

Moo

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Do you like concrete poems? This book is one 278 page long poem that tells a wonderful story about a 12 year old girl, her little brother, and her family moving to Maine. Her parents like to volunteer their children to help.... more often then they would like. This includes a very "mean" old lady whom they are not to be disrespectful to. The city kids are asked to take care of a scary pig, a mean cat, a parrot, a snake that eats the mice off her roof, and a very stubborn Belted Galloway cow. This turns into a "love" story of different generations, and learning about differences. I recommend this book for both younger kids because of it's easy reading, and older kids for analyzing poetry and relationships.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Screech, Sharon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Joanna Cotler books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062415240

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Peppa Pig and the Lucky Ducks

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Peppa Pig and George are characters created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker for TV. In this book Peppa and George are off to find the ducks that have left the pond for an adventure. This is a counting book that has the two pigs counting the various plants and animals they encounter. Bright, well defined illustrations recognizable to any reader familiar with the tv cartoon introduce counting to our youngest readers. If one is looking for 3 birds- then 3 birds are there to count. The pages are not cluttered with other items to confuse the counter. I as prepared to write this book off as a commercial gimmick- but for those readers familiar with Peppa, she introduces math in a fun, clear fashion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Neville, Astley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763687403

Price: 12.99

Peppa Pig and the Camping Trip

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

In this Peppa adventure, the entire family goes on vacation. Our readers go camping with Peppa in a camper van and then to a campsite.The family introduces readers to the fun of such a vacation-bott in a van and under the stars in a sleeping bag. Simple, bright illustrations "tell" our non readers Peppa's adventures. The text is simple and straightforward and compliments the illustrations. For Peppa's fans, this is another fun read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Candlewick entertainment, Candlewick Press

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763687410

Price: 12.99

The Toy Brother

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

The Toy Brother by award winning author, the late William Steig, was originally published in 1996. Yorick and Charles are the sons of Magnus Bede, a famous alchemist. Yorick, being the elder son and his father's apprentice, has little time or patience for his annoying younger brother Charles, in spite of Charle's best efforts to get along. When the boys' parents go away Yorick tries his luck at making a new potion in his father's lab and ends up shrinking himself down until he has become "no bigger than a cockroach"! Charles is delighted to have the upper hand and being the "big brother". He builds a toy size house and feeds Yorick meals of "three crumbs of bread and a spoonful of clabber cheese". When their parents return they are none too concerned and the mother cheerfully resorts to making small clothes and furniture for her "itty-bitty bantling" while the father searches for the antidote. When Yorick is finally restored to normal size the family celebrate "like a bunch of maniacs" and the brothers have a new found appreciation for each other. Grades K-3 will enjoy this picture book as a read aloud. The language and vocabulary are fanciful and rich and Steig's ink and watercolor illustrations colorful and fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steig, William

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374300890

Price: 18.99

Garvey's Choice

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Award winning poet Nikki Grimes has written a brief, feel-good story about a book loving son who with help from a good friend makes a difficult choice that succeeds in bringing father and son into a closer relationship. The story is written in tanka, an ancient poetry form from Japan, and the story reads easily in just over one hundred pages. So inviting is Grimes' explanation of the five line poems, each one titled and appearing on every page, that readers may be tempted to try writing some tanka themselves rather than turning away from what looks like a book of short poems. Readers who do not turn away will discover a story told in an easily read format. Recommended to boys of about twelve and up and to girls as well, to language arts teachers, to parents and for /.,mnbthe young adult shelves of both school and public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grimes, Nikki

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: WordSong imprint of Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629797403

Price: 16.95

This Book is NOT About Dragons

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Just by looking at the cover of This Book is NOT About Dragons the reader will guess that it certainly is about dragons! The silly little mouse narrator invites and dares all to follow him page to page with reassurances that there are no dragons to be found, although each illustration is peppered with dragon shadows, scary and pointed claws and teeth and scales and a trail of fiery destruction. The illustrator uses 'crumpled paper and various incendiary devises including smoke bombs, firecrackers and blow torches" and qualifies that "No mice or dragons were harmed in the making of this book." As the mouse progresses throughout the pages and creatures and humans all flee ahead of him it finally occurs to him that there are indeed dragons...a page full of dragons of all shapes and sizes and colors. The little mouse is then shown with a copy of the cover where he is painting over the word NOT in the title. Clever illustrations and text shaped like dragon scales and fire make this a fine and fun choice for a Preschool and early elementary read aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thomas, Shelley Moore

Illustrator: Koehler, Fred

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629791685

Price: 16.95

Alan's Big, Scary Teeth

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Jarvis is my new favorite author/illustrator and "Alan's big, scary teeth" is my new favorite read aloud. Alan the alligator is very proud of his appearance and spends time on his grooming and brushing his big scary teeth for ten minutes a day so he can snap and grrr and scare the other animal. What they don't know is that Alan has false teeth that he takes out at night. "Good night teeth. Thweet Dweams, my Thcary Thnappers," Alan would say, as he put them away in his super secret hiding place. Laugh out loud at as the high jinxs continue until the jungle animals come up with a solution they can all sink their teeth into. "BWA-HA-HA!"

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jarvis, Jarvis

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763681203

Price: 16.99

Penguins Love Colors

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Six little wide-eyed penguins love colors and their mother loves flowers. Each is named for a different color flower and distinguishable from each other only by their different color berets: Tulip (Red), Tiger Lily (Orange), Dandelion (Yellow), Violet (Purple), Bluebell (Blue), and Broccoli (Green). The author adds a note that Broccoli is indeed a flower. As a surprise and gift to their mother they decide to use bold splashes of paint to add color to their drab black and white world. A very simple but brightly colored flower, color and rainbow concept book ideal for Preschool (ages 3 -5) read aloud. Children will be encourage by questions such as "Do you think they made a mess?" and "Would she like her surprise?"

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aspinall, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545876544

Price: 17.99

Clayton Stone, Facing Off

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Here is a second book about Clayton Stone, the first being Clayton Stone At Your Service. By the end of this sequel readers know that a third story is in the making. Clayton is a thirteen year old "middle school spy" or junior undercover agent whose grandmother is Chief Stone of the Special Services. Clayton's assignment is to assume a new identity, change schools, and become the best friend of Kyle, son of the second African-American President of the United States. Both Clayton and Kyle are well trained lacrosse players and their abilities on the lacrosse field figure prominently in a fast-paced, action-packed plot. Sure to please fans of the first story or of spy school stories, or of over-the -top adventures, it is just the book for junior high aged boys. Kirkus Reviews said of the first Clayton Stone story, "What really makes this take on the kid-turned-spy story special is that it has heart." This second story does as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Ena

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436484

Price: 16.95

Floodwaters and Flames:the 1913 disaster on Dayton, Ohio

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Today, disaster plans and programs such as FEMA are in place to meet the needs of those caught in natural disasters such as Katrina. Where did these ideas and procedures first come into being- The Great Dayton Flood of 1913. Dayton, located at the crossroads of 3 rivers and surrounded by hills was a disaster waiting to happen. People were aware of a potential problem, but relied on the 20 foot high levees that were in place to protect the city. Sound familiar? On Tuesday, March 35,1913 flood waters broke through the levees and flowed into the city at 25mph, taking along anything in its path. Flood, followed by flames and biter cold March weather left 1000 people dead, not to mention total destruction to property and animal life. This slim book, through photos taken and through voices of those who experienced ;the disaster tell of the suffering and loss of everything dear, but what speaks even louder is the coming together of the people to save, feed and shelter all those in need. From building flat bed boats- one every 17 minutes, to feeding people-some 2000 loaves of bread and 500 gallons of soup and supplying cots, blankets beds and pillows this city laid the groundwork for what is in place today. It is a book that reminds us of the fragility of life and the resilience of people who come together for the common good.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Huey, Lois Miner

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467794329

Price: 33.32

Dragon Was Terrible

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Dragon is more terrible than your typical fire-breathing dragon. This dragon steals candy from baby unicorns. He spits on cupcakes. And he even scribbles in books! The horror. The King has had enough and asks some brave knights to tame the dragon. They all fail miserably. And Dragon becomes even more terrible. He burns all the marshmallows in the village. The villagers have had enough. So regular folks try to tame Dragon. They all fail embarrassingly. And Dragon grows ever more terrible. He even burps in church. Finally a boy has an idea. He writes a story. Then he leaves a trail of marshmallows for the Dragon to follow. Dragon does and finds the boy under a tree reading his story out loud. The story is about a brave dragon and a terrible knight. The Dragon loves the story and soon is sitting calmly and quietly with the other children enjoying story time. Dragon has been tamed! The boy and Dragon are now friends. The King is happy. The villagers are happy. Even the baby unicorn is happy. This is a hilarious picture book about a very naughty dragon, some fed-up adults, a clever boy and the power of stories. It is written in a conversational style, complete with witty comments throughout about how terrible the Dragon really is and how fed-up the adults really are. The illustrations beautifully flow with the story. They are done in muted tones of oranges, browns and greens mainly. The illustrations are both simple and detailed in their presentation. You can see the exasperation and anger on the mommy unicorn's face when Dragon steals her baby's candy. You can see the knight's red heart boxers when Dragon pulls down his pants. You even see Dragon's graffiti on the castle walls. In the end it is the power of stories and books that soothes the beast. A lovely and important message about the importance of books. Also, in dealing with the dragon the adults are pictured with angry faces, battleaxes, maces, and swords. Yet in the end, a calm little boy thinks of a more positive way to tame the Dragon. He reads him a story. This shows an alternative, less negative way, of dealing with bad behavior in general. Perhaps teachers and caregivers could use this books as an introduction to positive ways of dealing with bad behavior. This book would work well in both large and small group settings, as well as one on one sharing. This is a sure-fire hit in any setting. Pair with "How to Dress a Dragon" by Thelma Godin and "There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight" by Penny Klostermann for a fun-filled dragon story time. A first purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

DiPucchio, Kelly

Illustrator: Pizzoli, Greg

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374300494

Price: 16.99

The Great White Shark Scientist

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Scientists in the Field series have done it again! Sy Montgomery and photographer Keith Ellenbogen take the reader to Chatham Massachusetts on the hunt for the Cape's newest summer resident- the "Jaws shark." As with other books in this series, young scientists are given information in a straightforward, scientific manner. While not in "story" form, this book on the great white takes the reader on the boat to find the elusive shark. That they live all over the world, in both warm and cool waters, and until now were mainly found off the coasts of Australia, South Africa and California. With the increase in the seal population, especially the gray seal, the great white now summers off the coast of Chatham were the grays also summer.The reader follows Greg Skomal, the resident great white biologist, on his daily quest to tag new residents and check on returning visitors. Keith Ellenbogen's photographs make you feel like you are there and part of the group. This is a must for all libraries in the northeast and for readers who go on vacation along these waters. Pair this with Mary Cerullo's Shark Expedition.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Keith, Ellenbogen

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544352988

Price: 18.99

My Thumb

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Starting with a lovely, bright cover of a girl happily sucking her thumb, this picture book by Karen Hesse goes on to extol all of the virtues of this most suckable digit, its deliciousness, companionship, and comfort. Though mostly an ode to the thumb, there are a few downsides: it is difficult to run or eat a plum, and "sometimes you get kind of numb, and waterlogged, and aren't much fun." The positive tone is reassuring to those thumbsuckers who are not often represented in children's books (most book explain why they should STOP sucking their thumb). The pictures by Deas are clear and colorful, almost Schulz-like (think a thumb-sucking Sally or Peppermint Patty), and illustrate the story perfectly. The rhyme does feel trite in places, with some rhymes crafted to fit the story, "you, thumb, apply your high IQ / and see us through to start anew," but as a simple story to reinforce the -oo and -um sounds, and with its aim at a common though seldom-written about childhood experience, this is a solid addition to a public or school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hesse, Karen

Illustrator: Deas, Rich

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780312671204

Price: 16.99

Barnacle is Bored

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Simple and clever, Fenske's first book is fantastic. Using many opposite concepts and action verbs, Barnacle laments his humdrum life hanging off a pier. He imagines that a passing fish has so much more fun. Until that fish becomes lunch for a hungry eel. Funny how quickly one's outlook can change due to a shift in perspective. A fun and funny read-aloud and a book that can foster a discussion about routine and the idea of boredom. Make sure to give your barnacle a fun voice or accent when reading aloud for even more story time silliness. A must-have for any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fenske, Jonathan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545865043

Price: 14.99

Penguin Problems

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

You think that you have problems? Well, they are nothing compared with those of a little penguin who is having either a really bad day or an existential crisis. From the too-cold water to the lack of fish to eat to the sameness of all of the surrounding penguins (which one is his mom anyway?), Penguin would like to trade his life for another. Or so he thinks until he meets a walrus who gives him some perspective. For a couple of minutes anyway. It's hard to be a penguin. It's fun to read about his problems and watch students relate to having a bad day where everything feels difficult and off. Smith's illustrations are simple, clear, and adorable. Maybe that penguin just needs a hug and he is cute enough to elicit a few volunteers in your young audience. A great purchase for any collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Smith, Lane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553513370

Price: 17.99

School's First Day of School

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

This book offers the reader so, so much. From the wonderful cover with smiling structures, with School in the center, of course, to its chalky endpapers to its historic name (Frederick Douglass Elementary) to its ability to identify and articulate its feelings, readers will find much with which to identify and study in the pages. Young readers will relate to the nervousness of a first day with unknown things. Librarians, teachers, and parents will love using the book to explore those feelings with their students or children. Adult readers would be struck by the nostalgia of their own first day of school. Rex nails the jitters of a first day and the shaky excitement that there will be a second day. But he also captures the sadness of rejection when children express their dislike for School and the need for quiet time after a hectic day of children using its floors/lockers/water fountains, etc. Robinson's illustrations, one to a double-page spread, are excellent. All types of children are drawn here, a girl in glasses, another in a wheelchair, many shades of skin colors, and the pictures match the story perfectly. Even the font is appealing in this well-crafted picture book that should be on every library shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rex, Adam

Illustrator: Robinson, Christian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596439641

Price: 17.99

Ogres Awake

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

An Adventures in Cartooning, Jr. book by the same authors, this graphic novel begins with instructional endpapers for how-to's on drawing the characters from the book. The story is a tale set in medieval times with a knight who raises the alarm when he sees five sleeping ogres in the front yard of the castle. The king is unfazed and introduces the knight to his plan, which includes garden gnomes and A LOT of potatoes. The knight is ready to do anything to help with the fight, even peel those potatoes. When the ogres wake up, they do crash through the front gate looking for a fight, but when they are fed delicious potato stew instead, all is saved. An easy-to-read, and follow, cute, silly story that will engage your kindergarten through 2nd grade audience. It is also appreciated that it is in hardcover format and in a smaller size for those smaller hands. A solid purchase for those readers who can't get enough graphic novels and who gravitate toward a cover with giant ogre heads.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Strum, James

Illustrator: Arnold, Andrew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596436534

Price: 14.99

Believe Your Eyes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

This short, colorful graphic novel (48 pages) will appeal to the younger readers, 1st-4th grade, who want to read a series like Bone or Amulet, but aren't quite ready to handle the length and language. Cici is turning 10 and as her birthday starts, as she is coping with her parents' divorce and her best friend's pulling away, she learns that she comes from a magical family and that she has fairy wings. Her abuelita has arrived in time to help guide her through her strange first day as a fairy in which she sees people for who and what they really are (her mom=an octopus, all those girls who just go along with what other people want them to do=chickens) and to let Cici know that she only has one day to decide if she wants to return to her normal life or if she wants to choose to believe and embrace the magic all around her. This is book #1 and hopefully husband and wife team Doerrfeld and Page will continue to pen the adventures of Cici as she learns to cope with and control her magical powers, and navigate the pitfalls of being a young girl with real issues.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doerrfeld, Cori

Illustrator: Page, Tyler

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467761529

Price: 26.65

This is the House that Monsters Built

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

Using the familiar convention of "The House that Jack Built" rhyme and repetition, Metzger taps into the Halloween conventions to create a fun read-aloud perfect for this season. With a cast of many beasties and monsters, Metzger's clever rhymes paired with Lee's silly, pen and ink sketches are spot on. From the fun cover crowded with the characters trying to build this monster house to the satisfying conclusion this book is a sure-to-please addition both to rhyming stories and to books for your Halloween shelf.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Metzger, Steve

Illustrator: Lee, Jared

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545611121

Price: 9.99

The Lost Lullaby

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

This book by Segel and Kirsten Miller is the third in what appears to be a trilogy (do nightmares ever really end?). In this page-turner, Charlie and his family and friends are once again up against some strange creatures, but this time the evil mastermind is an 80-year-old human child who has entered the Waking World while her equally devious sister is stuck in the Dream World. At least this is how the hero, Charlie, sees things. Charlie, the pragmatist, is desperate to capture the little British trouble-maker and return her to her sister beyond the portal. His brother Jack, the nurturer, wants to befriend her and find out what she needs. Will the two brothers reconcile in time to save all of the worlds from the fury of the world's most wholesome-looking villains? This book picks up after some crazy events in book two (also involving these dastardly sisters) and while there is enough explanation and backstory given to skip that book and move right to book three, reading book one is a necessity to understand the plot of this one. That being said, the entire trilogy is worth a read for those who enjoy stories with mild horror, suspense, deadly plants, realistic family subplots, and a friendship with the president of the Netherworld, Medusa. Segel and Miller have created a wonderful world, some lovable characters, and a very solid middle school horror series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Segel, Jason

Illustrator: Kwasny, Karl

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744294

Price: 16.99

Recess is a Jungle

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2017

Review

One of the titles in the very popular "Branches" series by Scholastic, Eerie Elementary is great for those horror-loving elementary readers who are eager to be scared, but too young to be terrified. This is book three in the series and the only book that this reviewer has read to date. The history of this haunted elementary school is explained within the action of the plot in a sufficient manner for those who are starting at book 3. And to its credit, I found myself wanting to go back and read the first two books just to catch up on the mischief of this creepy property. Orson Eerie has cursed the school and Sam, Antonio, and Lucy have been made protectors of the children within the school from the odd goings-on. In this installment, the three kick a soccer ball just outside the boundaries of the playground and, believing that the curse does not extend past the gate, decide to retrieve the errant ball. They find that they are mistaken and the woods are just as cursed as the school and its immediate grounds. As they wander through the now-foggy, verdant jungle, dodging sea creatures in the "wasn't-there-before-but-is-now" swamp, they are able to rescue the ball. They find proof that Mr. Eerie's reach does extend to this part of the grounds and that they have been lured into the jungle so that the children of the school remain exposed to supernatural mischief. As they fight their way across the playground, now a huge labyrinth with vicious, child-eating playground equipment, they find that their soccer skills come in handy and make it to the back door to avert disaster. This type of book offers one episode with plenty of action, readable vocabulary, and constant pictorial assistance (black & white, pen and ink style illustrations that are clear and highly narrative). A solid addition to a library collection with 2nd-5th grade readers who want a touch of scary to their story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chabert, Jack

Illustrator: Ricks, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545873536

Price: 15.99

Sabotage: The Mission to Destroy Hitler's Atomic Bomb

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2017

Review

A well-researched and thrilling account of the Norwegian effort to stop Nazi Germany's development of an atomic bomb. Bascomb describes the technical process of using heavy water to create an atomic bomb, the strategies used to disrupt its creation, and the geographic factors that played such an important role in the saboteur's efforts with compelling intensity. The failures, struggles, and eventual success of the saboteurs is at the center of the plot and will keep reader's engaged until the end. Bibliography, photo credits, and an index are provided at the end of the book. An excellent nonfiction read that can supplement WWII teaching for ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bascomb, Neal

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545732437

Price: 17.99

Rose & Thorn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2017

Review

Prineas weaves a version of Sleeping Beauty that pulls in Shoe the Shoemaker from her previous novel, Ash and Bramble (2014). Rose has been raised by Shoe in a protected forest until the boundaries dissolve at the Penwitch's death. She finds herself lead by the Forest to the city where the Watchers, Griff and Quirk, become responsible for her. Griff is the Lord Protector's son and has the gift of removing curses and keeping Story in check. When Rose's complex curse is exposed, she must question all she knows about herself and the relationship she has with Story. Adventure, betrayals and the quintessential kiss,or kisses in this case, find their place as Rose's story plays out. The characterization of Story and the Forest add to the standard fairy tale line.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Prineas, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062337979

Price: 17.99

Some Kind of Courage

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2017

Review

It is 1890 in Old Mission Washington and Joseph Johnson has lost everyone he loves to accident or sickness. The only thing left of value to him is his pony, Sarah, who has been sold without his knowledge or consent. Determined to get his horse back, he starts out on a journey that tests his strength physically and morally. Joseph has been raised to do what is right, but will right win out? Gemeinhart keeps the reader turning the page even though one almost doesn't want to know what happens next. Though the setting is 1800's, the message is still relevant today- will you stay with what you have been brought up to believe even though it may cost you everything you love and value.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gemeinhart, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545665773

Price: 16.99

Paths & Portals

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

Yang and Holmes have teamed up to bring coding to middle schoolers in an accessible way. With its green, black, and white illustrations and clear panels, this series about coding will appeal to both graphic novel readers and emerging coders. This second book picks up right where volume 1 left off, and it ends with a cliff-hanger that will be answered in volume 3, so it is best to read them in order for the story arc. New coders Hopper, Eni, and Josh learn the secret of Stately Academy, Mr. Bee, and his turtle robots. They also practice some coding using Logo. Within the story, the reader is asked to complete some of the tasks put to the characters; this interactive element will engage readers and is a new spin on bringing the reader into the story. As a non-coder, I didn't completely understand the coding, but the story explained enough to hold my interest and the mystery of the evil principal and the role of Mr. Bee left me wanting to pick up the story in book three. The inclusion of bullying rugby players is too bad as it perpetuates the geeks vs. jocks, but since it propels the story and deepens the mystery, it is not completely off-putting. This series feels fresh and timely and would be a great addition to a Maker Space or a collection or school that has a focus/class on coding.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yang, Gene Luen

Illustrator: Holmes, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978162723405

Price: 18.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Little Boo

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

A great coming-of-age picture board book for young children. Little Boo is a pumpkin seed that is trying to scare those around him, but to no avail. The wise wind periodically tells him to be patient that in time he will be able to be scary. The book shows how with time and seasons that Little Boo eventually becomes the Jack 'O Lantern that will scare just in time for Halloween.

The illustrations are beautifully done with impressive coloring that fits the theme of the book. Very sturdy and durable and would be a great addition to Halloween collections. Recommended age groups would be PreK to possibly 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wunderli, Stephen

Illustrator: Zeltner, Tim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627795579

Price: 11.50

A Hippo in Our Yard

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

What a great story time book! Sally tries to let her mother know that there is a hippo in the backyard, but Mom is too busy to go look and see. So when Sally goes to feed the hippo some lettuce, she than notices a tiger in the tree -- you know where this is going from here! But, in the end Sally triumphs with the classic "I told you so!" Well written with simple and clear text. Sally's is marked in red and her family's in black. The illustrations are done by the author in a very simple water-color cartoon style that compliments the story extremely well.

Recommended for PreK to 1st grade. Would be really fun to have different readers to read the parts of Sally and her family.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Donnelly, Liza

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823435647

Price: 16.95

The Cranky Ballerina

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

The message would be not to quit something because you are frustrated, but to put your energy into something that you would be better suited for. Ada is cranky because she doesn't like ballet -- the pink leotard is "waaay too tight", the tutu is "waaay too itchy" and the car ride makes her sick. When the teacher asks her to do a pirouette, she ends up wiping out the ballet class and spinning right into a karate class -- where all of a sudden she is a spinning sensation! There is also a sidekick monster type of character that mimics Ada and occasionally adds comments or reinforces what Ada says.

Cartoon type illustrations that do not fluctuate much in color with a busy background that is a little distracting. The binding is of a good quality and seems to be quite durable. Recommended for PreK to 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gravel, Elise

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062351241

Price: 17.99

Friends is Friends

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

The rating of this graphic novel suffered due to the ambiguity of audience. It's the grown-up, kicked-around, gritty "elephant and piggy" meant for an older audience. There are two stories at work here. Elephant is a tramp and boy pig is a young child. The two meet, exchange some very combative dialogue. Girl pig finds Elephant and, taking pity on him, brings him home and hides him in her closet. Within this narrative, we also get glimpses of Elephant of the past before despair and dirt overtook him. Turns out the pigs are brother and sister; their mother used to love Elephant. A strange, surreal tale of things lost. We take friendship where we can, but sometimes, it's not the best thing for us. And, in the end, you will either be eaten by a ghost polar bear, befriended by a ghost bear who was a ghost polar bear that just ate your brother, or completely alone and hopeless. This is one of those stories that makes you feel like you are missing some larger, really important message, but that, at it's final page, just leaves you scratching your head.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cook, Greg

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596431058

Price: 19.99

Agatha Parrot and the Odd Street School Ghost

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

Agatha Parrot has an exuberant personality and a wild nest of red hair. When the bell in the school tower begins ringing at night, Agatha and her friends set out to discover if the mysterious ringing is caused by a ghost. Full of shenanigans, hi jinx, and various parents, teachers, and other adults, the plot is humorous though a bit slight. Characters are funny but not well developed. Good for children who might not be strong readers who need a mystery to read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poskitt, Kjartan

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544506725

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

---

About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

First 100 Things That Go

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

This sturdy boardbook has a handle so that little ones might carry it around. The theme is 100 things that go and there are categories including in the city, let's work, at sea, and cars and emergency vehicles. There are lots of flaps to lift and textures to explore, and bigger illustrations of different vehicles with parts of each vehicle named. The illustrations are actually pictures of each vehicle with lots of color and definition. This will be a good choice for little ones that love all things transportation. The flaps may make this a short-lived addition to a public library as they might be easily torn, but will be worth it as the little ones will adore it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scholastic, Scholastic

Illustrator: Scholastic, Scholastic

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545903431

Price: 6.99

First 100 Words

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

This is a boardbook with a handle by which little ones might carry it about. With lots of flaps and different textures to explore, babies and toddlers will practice both eye-hand coordination and the sense of the tactile. The illustrations are actually tiny photographs which makes this offering especially true to life, though some of the pictures seem dated. Colors and shapes, my body, and family are among the topics explored on separate page layouts. With the tiny flaps, however, this might be best for private collections as library collections will find that damage will occur much too quickly. Sadly, the top pictures and the pictures revealed as you pick up the flap don't always seem to make much sense or have any correlation. For example, when flipping up a house one finds grass and when flipping up hair one reveals elbow, and glasses reveals knees.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Scholastic, Scholastic

Illustrator: Scholastic, Scholastic

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545903301

Price: 6.99

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Peek-Through Picture Book

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

This book has a lovely distinctly Germanic feel. A little boy and girl in pointed felt caps appear on each page as the song The Twelve Days of Christmas unfolds. Through cut-outs, each additional gift is revealed and added to each to the ones that have come prior, from a partridge in a pear tree through to the twelve drummers drumming. A gorgeous palette of colors are employed to make the illustrations absolutely stunning as the little girl and boy frolic suitably for each new set of gifts: they are drinking milk as the 8 maids a-milking are added and are playing pipes as the 11 pipers piping join in. This is a great holiday book that one cannot help but sing to the familiar beloved tune. I challenge you to read it without singing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101940877

Price: 14.99

Bad Kitty Scaredy-Cat

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

Bad Kitty is back again in a Halloween themed picture book. The end papers are colored like the inside of a pumpkin and the illustrations are extremely busy. When Bad Kitty is frightened one October evening by unexpected beings called trick-or-treaters, from an Awful Alien all the way through the alphabet to a Zany Zombie, one understands why Bad Kitty is hiding. But...suddenly she finds that there is candy involved and she goes on the attack against all of the twenty-six creatures outside the door. With several big words such as lambasted, jostled, quirky, exotic and on and on, adults will definitely have to read this one aloud to the intended young audience. All Bad Kitty lovers will enjoy this.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439788

Price: 16.99

Journey to the Center of Town

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Ever wonder what class pets do when everyone goes home at night? This gang will show you. A student has left his beloved animal toy at school. Pet squad knows he will not sleep without it, so sets out to return it to him before he goes to bed. The squad, a hamster, a chameleon, a turtle, a rabbit and three mice, with help from a big, scary dog, some cockroaches and a rat carry out their dangerous mission and get the animal back just as the child is going to bed. Pen and ink drawings are clean and cartoon like. They fill a lot of space, making the book feel approachable to newer chapter book readers. The story has a lot of humor that younger readers will appreciate. A decent addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: Yaccarino, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250024626

Price: 13.99

Like Magic

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 14, 2017

Review

This delightful middle-school story is told in alternating chapters by three ten-year-old girls, Jada, Malia and Grace, each of whom is dealing with challenging family issues. With each girl struggling with varied problems, the author delves into many different topics. Jada has been made to move from her home town where her beloved Grandma has been a huge part of her life while also wondering why her mother abandoned her and her father when she was just two years old. Grace’s best friend has moved away, her parents are busy with their careers, and she suffers from anxiety so intense that she finds it difficult to even carry on the simplest of conversations. Malia is feeling displaced and redundant as her parents welcome a tiny new baby girl. Will they even need her anymore? The girls’ lives become intertwined through the intervention of a lovely, wrinkly, wispy-haired public librarian named Hazel. She loans each of the girls an elaborate, locked treasure box which looks somewhat like a book which was left in the lost and found. Each girl leaves something in the box for the next borrower (music, poetry, drawings) and, somehow, magically (?) the item each girl finds turns out to be exactly what she needs to move forward in a positive way. In a heartwarming climax, the girls achieve friendship because of the wonderful treasure box and the help of Hazel the librarian.

Overall Book Score: very good

---

About the Book

Author:

Vickers, Elaine

Illustrator: Vickers, Elaine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062414311

Price: 16.99

Jingle

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 16, 2017

Review

The man with the plan continues.... (Swindle, Zoobreak, Framed, Showoff, Hideout, Jackpot, and Unleashed) Griffin and his friends get picked to play elves at the Colchester Mansion's Christmas Extravaganza. How did they get picked for this unfortunate event? Logan signed them up, so he could continue with his acting dreams. Who plays Santa? A biker dude named Fingers. When the lights go out, the famous Colchester Star of Prague is stolen. The kids get blamed and they have to clear their names. A fun read for kids who like mystery series.

Overall Book Score: good

---

About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545861427

Price: 16.99

Heroes for my Son

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 16, 2017

Review

Great book for young and old. More than 60 black and white photos with a short biography and quotes from amazing people.Jim Henson, Clara Hale (Mother Hale of Harlem, she helped babies born with drug withdrawals and HIV?AIDS), Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart to name a few. "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict." Dr. Martin Luther King JR. "We are going to be in the Hudson." Chesley Sullenberger. "I consider myself the luckies man on Earth." Lou Gehrig.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meltzer, Brad

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/ Harper Collins Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062439314

Price: 17.99

Whatever

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 16, 2017

Review

It's touted as "a standout voice, a hilariously honest send-up of sex sexuality, and enough-bombs to make your mom blush." it leaves out the pages of drug and alcohol mind blitzes. Girl and boy sex, leads to Mike being homosexual. Too many pages of Mike "not remembering, and not really liking his friends. The girl he was having sex with told him they are not boyfriend and girl friend she wants to date others. Then its Halloween, Mike wears a cheerleaders costume. Now he likes having sex with boys. A good read for kids who like to do too many drugs, but may not remember reading.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Goslee, S.J.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626723993

Price: 17.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

---

About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Unbound: a novel in verse

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Burg (Serafina's Promise and All The Broken Pieces) tells this verse novel through the voice of Grace. Grace, a light-skinned & blue -eyed nine year old, is called up to the "Big House" to work in the kitchen. She is light enough to pass which makes her desirable. Mama, Uncle Jim and Aunt Sara warn her how to behave and what will befall if she crosses the Master and Missus. Grace cannot control her sense of fairness and she talks back to the Missus. In retribution the Missus gets her husband to sell Mama and her two little brothers at the auction block. Getting wind of the plan Grace alerts her family and they take flight. They go deep into the swamp to seek safety in the Great Dismal Swamp. An author's note provides historical context and background. Written in verse the author has captured the southern lilt of a slave child determined to find freedom. As the author states on her webpage: "Some words are beautiful. Some are not. Some sparkle like glittering fireflies. Others are heavy and hurtful as rocks. I've collected them all. Words shape my world." And words shape this story of Grace and her determination to find freedom and justice. Beautifully done.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burg, Ann E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545934275

Price: 16.99

Dog Rules

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

(Title page has title of Bird Rules with the word Bird crossed out and Dog written over it)

Two dogs find an egg in a nest with a note. The note instructs them to sit on the nest, hatch the egg and teach the baby to be a good dog. Readers are in on the trick as they have seen a devilish black cat leave the egg, nest and note. The dogs fall for the set-up hook, line and sinker. Through all types of weather the dogs watch out for the egg with one dog sitting on the nest. The egg hatches and the baby bluebird imprints on the "bulldogish" canine. The dogs begin training the bird to be a good puppy - but the bird follows his own instincts. The canines finally cotton on to the fact that the baby is a bird - and they accept the baby with unconditional love and open arms. The cat arrives to gloat and laugh at the dogs being caught in her trick - but the baby bird turns the tables with a big "woof" - and scares the cat away. The illustrations use primary colors and have a comic-strip look. Good for reading aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Czekaj, Jef

Illustrator: Czekaj, Jef

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray (Harper Collins Publishers)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062280183

Price: 17.99

Frank and Lucky Get Schooled

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 17, 2017

Review

Frank has a bad day until he meets Lucky at the shelter and rescues him. This is the story of a boy and his dog and their loving relationship. Together they learn a lot - Lucky went to school 10 times and Frank went to school thousands of times. But their learning doesn't stop at school. Lucky loves science and enjoys the natural world immensely - he sees a squirrel ("can I catch it"), a bee ("can I eat it") and a mud puddle ("does it feel good"). Lucky even helps Frank learn about science - botany and entomology from the burrs and ticks he needs to pick off his dog, chemistry as he searches for the best way to get rid of skunk odor, astronomy as they are forced outside because of the odor, math - infinity the number of biscuits that Lucky could eat and percentages to figure bed requirements for boy and dog. They look at reading, history, art and geography - but best of all they share the whole world with each other. The watercolor illustrations are expressive and the thought bubbles are perfectly placed. This book is funny, entertaining, clever and informative. It is a positive treat!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Perkins, Lynne Rae

Illustrator: Perkins, Lynne Ray

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062373458

Price: 17.99

Everyone We've Been

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 17, 2017

Review

An addition to the newest line of memory removal themed books, Everyone We've Been follows Addison as she struggles with feeling crazy, not knowing she's had the procedure done to forget a tragedy and a second time to forget a boyfriend. She's seeing a boy who no one else can see and struggling to remember periods of her life. While this story takes us on a journey of self-discovery, it's really a study on grief and how we as humans deal (or don't deal) with it. An interesting read with a few surprise twists that fans of realistic fiction and mystery will appreciate.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Everett, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538441

Price: 17.99

The Other Boy

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2017

Review

A funny and heart-wrenching debut about twelve-year-old Shane, who after moving to a new community with his mom several years before the beginning of the novel, began living as the boy he actually is, though he was born biologically female. Interspersed throughout are appealing panels of a graphic novel Shane has been writing and illustrating and he shares a love of baseball and video games with his best friend Josh, whom he worries he'd lose if Josh knew that he is transgender. He's also newly interested in a girl at school, Madeline, who seems to like him. His earnest, kind mom is more informed and supportive than his dad, but his dad does eventually come to a new place of understanding. Just as things are seemingly going so well for Shane, a bully finds out and emails a photo of him from before he began transitioning to the entire school.

Shane's earnest first-person voice rings true in this moving work of realistic fiction that takes its time developing the characters. Readers will easily empathize with Shane and will appreciate the believable, auspicious ending and spot on depiction of the dynamics of middle school.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hennessey, M.G.

Illustrator: Monster, Sfe R

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062427663

Price: 16.99

A Squiggly Story

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2017

Review

The imagination and creativity of the pre-literate protagonist assists him in developing his own story. He knows his letters and makes many squiggles on a page - but his older sister who loves words and reading is writing her own stories. He knows letters but cannot make words with them. But his sister becomes his coach and prods him along to a story - beginning, middle and end. This is pretty message driven and his sister provides all of the right prompts. Also, his friends start stretching their imaginations by seeing the young boy's story emerge. Hard to see this as a popular story time book - but should be popular with kindergarten teachers and others.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: Lowery, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380164

Price: 16.95

Look Up!

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2017

Review

The reader needs to study the opening scene of this book and figure out what they are looking at. It appears to be a view of a sidewalk from above with a line of trees to the left and people walking. Turning the page a wheelchair begins to edge into the scene from the right - another turn shows a head peering over a balcony to watch below. The scene is always the same except for the changing bodies - dog walkers, bicyclists, walkers, children playing games, kite flier,umbrellas in the rain and so on. The monotony and loneliness of the girl are palpable by the sameness and the lack of color. In this scantily worded book - the girl calls out to those below to "look up" - she wants to be noticed and a part of the scene. Finally, a boy looks up and notices her. He lies on the ground so she can see more than the top of his head. A woman joins him and soon there are nine people and a dog on the ground looking up. Then the girl looks up at the reader and smiles. The turn of the page shows the same scene with color - the world is now different and kinder. If you look carefully you will see an empty wheelchair with a smiling girl and boy standing next to it. The interesting perspective of this book delivers its power. It is a tale of friendship, warmth and grace. In its simplicity it packs a wallop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jin-Ho, Jung

Illustrator: Jin-Ho, Jung

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436521

Price: 16.95

Digby O'Day Up, Up, and Away

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

In this third installment of the Digby O'Day series, mother-daughter team (Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy) send Digby and his best friend Percy on yet another adventure. In this story Digby and Percy try to help a pet parrot belonging to their nemesis (Lou Ella) have a day out. They attend the Didsworth Air Show and end end up on an adventurous balloon ride. The parrot, Ariel, finds his voice and refuses to return to Lou Ella and sets out for freedom with a flock of parakeets. The story and the illustrations have a lot of humor. This has a distinctly British setting - but it is easy to follow. This is a good book for readers just moving on from early readers. The book includes short interviews with Digby and Percy as well as the author and illustrator. There are games and activities at the end - and a sneak peek at the next installment. Fans of Digby and Percy will not be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Vulliamy, Clara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674441

Price: 12.99

Emerson Barks

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Not unlike many a small dog Emerson is a barker. He has a wonderful life and is loved by his owner, Eva. But he is well known in the neighborhood as a noisy, barking dog. One day he barks and scares the neighbor's cat. The cat runs and despite efforts to find her remains missing. This action is too much for the neighbor - she blames Emerson. Eva is distraught and tells him he cannot bark anymore. The poor pooch sees that his mistress is upset and so he stops barking - he gulps, his collar feels tighter, his tummy aches - but he does not bark. He needs to feel better - so he needs to find Kissy the cat. No one will pay attention when he is quiet - so he lets loose all the barks he is able - because he found the cat. The cat is hidden in the bushes and has a surprise - kittens! Emerson is praised and all returns to normal - except for the addition of many meows. The illustrations and story are good for reading aloud or in small groups. There are many humorous touches in the illustrations - including a taunting squirrel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Woodruff, Liza

Illustrator: Woodruff, Liza

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and co.)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791670

Price: 16.99

Eleven and Holding

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Though she lives in Constant, Colorado, everything in Macy's life seems to be changing and not for the better. Macy will soon turn twelve, but she has decided she will not celebrate in any fashion until her father returns home. He has always returned after stints in the Army and has promised to be home for the big event but it does not look promising. He has been gone for months on a special project for the Department of Defense. She is due to enter seventh grade and leave her best friend Twee behind in sixth, her beloved Grandmother has died and her business sold, her mother seems to think of nothing but Macy's little brother, Jack, and is spending way too much time with a certain man. So, she decides to find her Dad and reveal the truth of what is really going on. Something is just not right and she fears that her Mom and Dad will be getting divorced. This story is told in a very believable way and deals with loss, learning unhappy truths and how best to deal with them, especially at a delicate age. With unexpected twists and turns and told from the viewpoint of the 11-year-old protagonist, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Penney, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062405470

Price: 16.99

Quit Calling Me a Monster

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

This is a humorous book about fuzzy purple creature who resents being called a monster, despite all of the obvious evidence that he quite likely is one. He begins the book by making his case - that just because he has horns, wild eyes, clompy feet, long toenails, crazy hair, fangs, and a "huge toothy smile that glows in the dark" does not mean he should be called a "monster." He continues to claim why it is wrong to categorize him as such, even though he "roars, whoops, cackles, hollers, and screams," not to mention hides in all the places any given child might suspect a monster to be hiding. The text also makes really great use of positional words this way, as he hides in the back of the closet, under the bed, behind the shower curtain, and in the glove compartment - always with a claw or fang exposed, of course. The illustrations complement the text nicely, giving it an added element of humor; at one point during his discourse, he claims that it's not his fault if he lets a claw slip out or growls in his sleep, and that "you should see you when you sleep" (complete with a picture of a drooling, green-faced child making all sorts of silly, snorty noises in her sleep). Perhaps his best assertion is that it hurts his feelings when people call him a monster - a nice lesson for children that deals with elements of bullying/labeling others and reinforces the importance of empathy. The funniest part of the book is when he formally introduces himself by his actual name, Floyd Peterson, and proceeds to hide in a child's closet. When the child expresses his worry that there be a "monster" in there, his dad replies - very casually - "No, son, it's just Floyd Peterson." (I laughed out loud at this bit.) Kids anywhere from PreK - 3rd would enjoy this story, and it would be especially entertaining as a read-aloud. Great addition to any picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Shea, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385389907

Price: 17.99

I'll Wait, Mr. Panda

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

I was so thrilled to find that Steve Antony did a sequel to his 2014 book "Please, Mr. Panda," one of my all-time favorites. This cute, quirky story follows a gruff but lovable panda who is in the midst of whipping up some sort of treat (judging by his apron, and perhaps the central theme of his first book, readers may guess donuts). A variety of animals stop by, one by one, to ask Mr. Panda what he is making, to which he always replies, "Wait and see, it's a surprise." All of the animals (except for the perpetually persistent penguin who stands by and repeats that he is waiting, even though he continues to go unnoticed) decide that they are not ready - or willing - to wait. The penguin's patience eventually pays off, though, as he is rewarded at the end of the story with one giant donut all for him! The sparse, simplistic text make it a quick read but an effective message about the values of both patience and perseverance. This makes a great read-aloud story, especially paired with the original Mr. Panda book. I'm crossing my fingers that there will be a third!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Antony, Steve

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338028362

Price: 16.99

King Baby

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

I absolutely loved this book. King Baby - as he proclaims himself - comes bursting onto the scene as a swaddled, egg-shaped bundle, surrounded by what appears to be divine light. His presence has been graciously bestowed on an array of "subjects" (parents & grandparents, family & friends). He begins his story by inviting all to come and see him (for they have been waiting), promising to give them many blessings, for King Baby is generous. The King, however - despite his generosity - has many demands: he must be FED! BURPED! CHANGED! BOUNCED! and CARRIED! Alas, he says in his high chair next to two clearly exhausted caretakers, it is good to be king. King Baby, however, has growing needs - he wants his "thing" (a toy across the room) and he wants it now! His father brings him *a* thing, but not *the* thing, sparking a special new rage in King Baby yet ultimately prompting him to try something he's never done before - crawl! And now that he's mastered crawling, why stop there?! He vows to walk, and talk, and MORE! The following two-page spread shows King Baby becoming...a big boy! But what of his poor subjects? King baby wonders - who are they without a king? His hand on his mom's belly gives a charming twist, introducing on the very last page, "Queen Baby" - his new little sister. This book is laugh-out-loud funny and entertaining for readers of all ages. Perfect addition to any collection. Recommending for Cream of the Crop!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Beaton, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545637541

Price: 17.99

Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Sutcliffe presents a brief look at Shakespeare's influence on the English language while providing a short, concise history of theatre in Elizabethan London. On each two page spread there are small blocks of text on both pages - the verso has a description of London, its people and its theatre with certain phrases in bold; the recto gives more info on these phrases - all of which were coined by or made popular by Shakespeare. It is a novel look at the man's poetic genius and quite bare. Choosing the words and phrases must have been difficult - but those in the book provide a taste for Shakespeare's influence on what we say even today. The illustrations are a treat to pore over - they are as busy as dirty, bustling Elizabethan London. They provide a great addition to the text. The book ends with a time line and a bibliography. This is a good introduction to Shakespeare and his works.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutcliffe, Jane

Illustrator: Shelley, John

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580896382

Price: 17.95

A Hundred Hours of Night

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2017

Review

Emilia De Wit is 15 years old and her life is falling apart. Her father has caused an embarrassing scandal involving a schoolmate and her mother is a successful, distant, self-absorbed artist. So Emilia decides to go to New York City, a place of which she has often dreamed, leaving her hometown of Amsterdam behind. She has arranged a place to stay and thinks that she is all set, but arrives to find that the Craigslist offering was a scam and finds herself on the streets. Luckily, she is befriended by Seth and Abby, a brother and sister with family issues of their own, and a model-beautiful 17 year old named Jim who has escaped his somewhat dysfunctional family in Michigan. To top it all off, Hurricane Sandy arrives and leaves them in the dark for one hundred hours, without connectivity to the outside world, and without all the other luxuries that electricity provides. Drawing from her own experience of surviving Hurricane Sandy, Woltz brings to life the reality of that devastating event on the city and its citizens. Will it take complete darkness for Emilia and her friends to see the light of truth, the possibility of forgiveness and that life often must be lived in shades of gray? I highly recommend this surprising and unpredictable story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Woltz, Anna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545848282

Price: 17.99

The Inn Between

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2017

Review

Do you like stories that you are really not sure where the story is going take you? This book was not predictable; the plot kept changing so you weren't sure what the outcome would be. A young girl and her best friend are on a family road trip. While traveling you have flash backs and learning that a younger sister was taken. The family stops at the Inn Between two western states. Only people start disappearing and it turns into a ghost story. I would say this book is better for 6th grade and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohen, Marina

Illustrator: Watts, Sarah

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722026

Price: 16.99

Maxi the Little Taxi

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2017

Review

Mr. Buddy's Taxi Service is sending Maxi the Little Taxi out for his first day on the job. He is clean and shiny and ready to go. He has a wonderful time zipping and zooming around town and loves to hit all the mud puddles he sees. Between the puddles, the pigeons and the sticky-fingered little passengers, Maxi gets grimy mighty fast and tentative riders give him a wide berth. What to do. The text is rhyming and makes for a very good read aloud choice. Little boys and girls will delight in Maxi's expressions,the colorful, bold illustrations and will giggle when they hear of Maxi's car wash experience when the scrubbers "tickle his muffler and bumper and hubs." This will make a good addition to collections, especially for little ones that love anything with wheels.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Upton, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Cole, Henry

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545798600

Price: 17.99

Home Sweet Motel

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2017

Review

The first book in Chris Grabenstein's "Welcome to Wonderland" series is titled "Home Sweet Motel." Like most Grabenstein books, this one is funny and pretty quick-moving. It focuses on PT Wilkie, a boy who lives with his mother and grandfather in his grandfather's “Wonderland” motel in Florida. Wonderland hasn't been doing too well financially and their bank tells them that their large balloon payment is coming due at the end of the month ($100,000!). PT and his grandfather aren't the most financially minded people, so this is going to be hard. The illustrations are great and the situations are amusing. I think it's worth adding this first book to your middle-grade collection. -Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grabenstein, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553536027

Price: 13.99

In Case You Missed It

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2017

Review

Sammy Wallach has a decent life: a couple of best friends, a supportive family, an upcoming driver's test, and a crush on a cute boy. And then her father comes under attack by hackers, and her entire personal life, including her private journal, is posted online for everyone to read. Suddenly all her classmates have read her private thoughts. The cute boy knows she likes him, her best friends aren't speaking to her, and it turns out the hackers reveal a big secret that her parents were keeping. This is a very realistic story of families and friends and strength and perseverance. Recommended for general purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Darer Littman, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545904377

Price: 17.99

Teddy the Dog: Be Your Own Dog

Reviewed by: Carla McAlliste - New Gloucester Public Library., New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2017

Review

Teddy is one cool dog and he knows it. He refuses to fetch, he makes messes and is noisy when he thinks he is helping out neighbors, but he thinks he is all that and a side of fries. One day he receives a box in the mail with no return address and inside is a feline with a pink bow in her hair and a bejeweled collar. Whatever will he do? He has been tasked with taking care of Penelope and that is a tall order, especially as Teddy has always been quite content and busy taking care of himself. It is a CATastrophe of gargantuan proportions. After some adjustment, he finally realizes that since he has always advised one and all to "be your own dog" maybe that applies to "being your own cat!" He takes Penelope under his proverbial wing and shows her how to get along in "Teddyville." With big, beautiful and really cool illustrations, this book will fit the bill for the picture book set, especially those that adore dogs and cats. The lesson here is that we are each different and should revel in being ourselves and embracing our individuality and unique qualities.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Boyle, Keri Claiborne

Illustrator: Sneider, Jonathon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062382832

Price: 17.99

A Piece of Home

Reviewed by: Carla McAlliste - New Gloucester Public Library., New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2017

Review

In Korea, Hee Jun is just like everyone else, just another little Korean boy, but when his family relocates to West Virginia, everything changes. He and his little sister, Se Ra, and his beloved Grandmother all have difficulties adjusting. Hee Jun cannot understand his teacher or schoolmates, Se Ra bites and kicks and Grandmother hangs her head, loses the sparkle in her eyes, and misses her beautiful mugunghwa shrubs that she grew in her garden back home. Very, very slowly things improve. Hee Jun begins to learn english and is eventually invited home by a playmate where he discovers a garden full of mugunghwa shrubs which his friend tells him are called Rose of Sharon in the U.S. Maybe a few slips of these familiar flowers, a piece of home, will cheer up Grandmother. This story could not be more timely. With immigrants arriving on our shores every day, and children here learning how to greet these people and make them feel welcome, this book shows that it can take time, but if we all take the right approach, these new citizens can begin to feel right at home. The illustrations are appealing, colorful and expressive. The text is such that the intended audience will probably need this one read to them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watts, Jeri

Illustrator: Yum, Hyewon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763669713

Price: 16.99

Outbreak

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2017

Review

"Outbreak" is the newest superspecial volume from "The 39 Clues" series. This installment is by author C. Alexander London. In this book, the Cahill children (all teens) have to stop a deadly viral outbreak that was caused by (GASP!) their cousin, Sinead! But is Sinead really evil enough to kill potentially millions of innocents, or is she being forced to do it? The book jumps from Boston to Cuba and the Bermuda Triangle and keeps you wondering what will happen next. As an adult, I appreciated the name of the bad guy pharmaceutical company who is only interested in profits: ShkrellX. It's an exciting book and I think it's worth adding to your collection if The 39 Clues series is still popular. -reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

London, C. Alexander

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338037050

Price: 13.99

The Dog Ray

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 31, 2017

Review

When Daisy, age 12, is killed in a car accident and finds out that reincarnation is the deal, she somehow returns to earth as a dog. She is able to remember all about her prior life, all her memories and her strong love for her parents. She is determined to return to them, but how in the world will she do it? She finds herself with a neglectful master, then as a stray eating from garbage pails, next as a loyal companion to a young runaway boy with problems galore, and even ends up at a shelter and is scheduled to be euthanized. This story is wonderfully unpredictable and just plain sweet. Issues such as love, loyalty, family, and grief are touched upon with humor and grace. I heartily recommend this one for ages 11 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Coggin, Linda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679385

Price: 15.99

Puddle

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 31, 2017

Review

A little boy is bored because it is raining and he cannot go outside. So, his Mom decides to draw, though the little boy says "No. I don't want to! I'll never draw!" Soon enough, the little boy is drawn in in more ways than one. He becomes interested in what his Mom is drawing and she actually draws him into the pictures. Mom keeps adding things; the dog, an umbrella, a puddle. Their imaginations run wild and they have to keep reminding themselves that 'it is just a picture." They finally decide that they can go outside after all: they just need their raincoats, rain boots and umbrellas. The ultimate goal, of course, is to find a puddle in which to jump. The text alternates from red to black, with Mom's dialogue in red and the little boy's in black. The simple, colorful, childlike illustrations are perfection, employing lots of bright yellow, reds and blues. Yum's sixth picture book is spot on. Consider it for picture book collections, public and private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yum, Hyewon

Illustrator: Yum, Hyewon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374316952

Price: 16.99

On the First Day of Kindergarten

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This story is basically "The Twelve Days of Kindergarten," making the reader want to sing it out. A very cute little girl goes through the days painting, laughing, sliding, singing, sorting shapes, eating lunch, and doing other things that typically happen during a kindergarten day. Characters are colorful and multicultural. There is lots of activity and lots to look at in the illustrations. This is a serviceable addition to your collection of kindergarten stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Hughes, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062348340

Price: 9.99

Very Little Sleeping Beauty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 1, 2017

Review

It was bedtime but VERY little Sleeping Beauty was NOT sleepy. Daddy wanted her to sleep so she would be ready for her birthday party tomorrow. Songs, tickles, stories, bears, blankets, and a drink all did not work to get her to sleep. Finally Aunty Fairy gets her to sleep and she manages to sleep through her party which then becomes a pajama party. The rhythm of the text encourages readers to predict what will happen next. Different fonts emphasize some words. A fractured fairy tale that children will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heapy, Teresa

Illustrator: Heap, Sue

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544282797

Price: 16.99

Where Did All the Dinos Go?

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2017

Review

This is a bright, colorful book appropriate for kids preschool and younger. The story starts out asking , simply, where all the dinosaurs went. Readers are encouraged to turn the page to "find" the missing dinos...then things start getting silly! The cute, cheeky dinosaurs appear first in a multitude of colors, "blue with lots of spots, or red and green with polka dots," then anthropomorphized as a cowboy ("way out west and a fancy vest") and a businessman casually walking down a city street ("just blending right in with the crowd"). Young readers will delight in seeing these silly, sneaky dinos driving cars and playing ball alongside children in a park. Though the text is spare and the story short, it's a really great option for littler kids who may not be ready for full-length picture books. This would be a perfect choice for a baby or toddler story time, or just for 1:1/lap-sit reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Benton, Jim

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545647892

Price: 7.99

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His Grrrrr!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2017

Review

This is a delightful story about a grizzly bear named Fred who, for "as long as the forest has stood," has won the annual bear contest in events such as fish-catching, hula-hooping, and, perhaps most significantly, "human-scaring" - all while wearing his signature sweatband, of course. Fred's "grrrrr" can scare the sandwich right out of a human's hand which, thanks to years of training, has earned him prizes and trophies, medals and plaques - but at a cost: it turns out that Fred doesn't have much time for friends, though he claims that he's perfectly fine without them. Then, one day, a new, turtleneck-clad bear moves to town. His name is Boris: he's fast, he's strong, and he's clever - and he's out for Fred's crown. Instead of trying to win honestly, though, he sneaks into Fred's cave in the middle of the night to steal his "GRRR!" Upon waking, Fred realizes that his prized growl has been swiped in the night, and he sets off alone to find it. He looks everywhere to no avail, until - one by one - the other animals of the forest begin to help in his search. Though the GRRR remains lost, Fred's new friends urge him to carry on in the competition, pledging their support and eventually helping him win. They also soon discover that Boris is the culprit when Fred's GRR! comes tumbling out from under his turtleneck. Admitting his guilt, Boris explains he really only did it because he's new in town and lonely, and that if he was a "winner," maybe he could earn a few friends. Fred ultimately forgives Boris, seeing a bear that isn't so different from himself - a bear who is, in a Grinch-like twist, "not totally bad." Fred, in turn, offers his paw as a gesture of friendship. There's a great message of honesty, friendship, and forgiveness woven through the lines of this rhyming book. Great illustrations, really fun in a story time setting. One of my favorites so far.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Biddulph, Rob

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062367259

Price: 17.99

Every Single Second

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2017

Review

Nella lives a small insulated Italian community where God is an everyday part of life, and where Nella is being forced into the community after the slated closing of the local parochial school. The story involves secrets kept and eventually revealed; racial tensions from the past and now present that result in consequences that befall a community. Also, friendships issues occur when Nella is torn whether she should share Angela's, her best friend, secret that revolves around Angela's father's PTSD. And what about her great-grandmother, who is elderly, cantankerous and is only understood by Nella.

A wonderful yet simple story about the coming of age. It covers all the basics from friendship to the lost. The story floats back and forth from then to now with the designation posted with each chapter making it easy to follow. Recommended for grades 4-9.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062366283

Price: 16.99

The Devil's Banshee

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2017

Review

Told in the narrative of Alfrin, the Viking Prince, Team Devil is in search of the Devil's wife, the Banshee, in the 9 Circles of Hell. If she is not located, than the Devil will take his wrath out on Hell itself and Elinor will return to be the Devil's Banshee, as she was in the previous book. Lead by Virgil, the team deals with their own fears that surround their deaths and reinforces the bonds of friendship and love. Hosie does a wonderful job on the descriptions of each of the Circles of Hell and puts quite the comical spin on Dante's "Divine Comedy" in the journey of Team Devil.

This is the third book in the series "Devil's Intern". Recommended for grades 10-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hosie, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780823436507

Price: 17.95

Tell Me Three Things

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2017

Review

Jessie's mother died of cancer, her father has remarried and she's been uprooted her Junior year in high school from Chicago, the only home she has known, to live with her new, very rich stepmother and same age stepbrother. Totally alone in a strange new environment at a well-to-do private high school, Jessie deals with the "mean" girls, develops new friends and love interests. But, the highlight of everyday are IMs that she shares with a complete stranger, who has decided to remain anonymous, but also her friend and confidante.

Excellent job in the plot and character development, layering the ability to deal with grief, family, teen issues and romance all with a wonderful sense of humor and realism. A must for Young Adult shelves. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Buxbaum, Julie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978055353648

Price: 17.99

Dan vs. Nature

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2017

Review

Hysterical and raunchy, definitely a young male humor story about Dan, a budding graphic artist, and his buddy Charlie, the nerd that is always getting beaten up, trying to scare off Dan's mother's new fiancé. Dan is afraid this relationship is going to end like all the others that his mom has had -- not good. Hank, according to mom, is the outdoorsy type -- big game hunting and living off the land -- so she buy a weeks vacation in the wilds of Canada so that her two favorite men can bond. Well needless to say, it didn't go as planned.

Well written and extremely humorous. Guys would definitely appreciate the situations that Dan and Charlie, not only put themselves in, but everyone else that is involved with this vacation -- and yes, there are others -- the wilderness guide, a teenage girl and her mother. Oh, yeah almost forgot -- the Baby-Real-A-Lot doll. Recommended for grades 7 -12. Definitely a must have!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Calame, Don

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763670719

Price: 17.99

The Deadliest Creature in the World

Reviewed by: Paula Johnosn - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

Fourteen different creatures lay claim to being the world's deadliest creature in this lushly illustrated book. In short and concise paragraphs the author highlights the features that make each creature so deadly. The facts are presented in the first person -"I zap ants and beetles and store poison in my skin..." from the Golden Poison Dart Frog to "I am the snake with the longest fangs and the most venom" from the Gaboon Viper. Snakes, fish, reptiles, insects, birds, and a lonely mammal are all represented. Each page ends with the declaration, "That's why I am the deadliest creature in the world. The page dominating illustrations support the facts given for each creature and will fascinate with their attention to detail including habitat and the predator/prey relationship. The illustrations are spectacular and will appeal to many age levels. This book follows two other well received books by the same author/illustrator team.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Guiberson, Brenda

Illustrator: Spirin, Gennady

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. LLC

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791984

Price: 17.99

Kill The Boy Band

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

In this darkly humorous book is the tale of four teenage girls wrapped up in the world of Fandom. Their object of obsession is the boy band The Ruperts, a product of British reality TV. What transpires is the reality of obsessions gone too far, continuous self-doubt, revenge and atonement in an odd but interesting story. All and at times none of the girls are sure of the trouble they have gotten themselves into -- starting with the accidental kidnapping of one the band members and all that follows.

Fans of fan-fiction, fantasy worlds, boy band fandoms will gravitate to this book quickly. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Moldavsky, Goldy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545867474

Price: 17.99

You're Pulling My Leg

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

A fun filled book of idioms based on body parts from head to toe. The book is jammed pack with common and not so common idioms. Each is illustrated with cartoon like characters demonstrating the meaning of what can often be confusing English sayings. The book would be appealing to many, including those just beginning to learn the English language. The humorous illustrations and cartoon like graphics will appeal to young readers. This will be a much appreciated book to school and classroom libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Street and Brace, Pat and Eric

Illustrator: Brace, Eric

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823421350

Price: 18.95

GROW! RAISE! CATCH! How We Get Our Food

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

A wonderful addition for young (preschool) readers on farm and sea to table foods. Each page is filled with colorful pictures of the foods we eat and those who help bring it to us. There are quotes from the farmers and fisherman, as well as cool facts shared about the foods - "Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are blue.", "Lobsters shed their shells as they grow.", "There are over 700 kinds of peaches.", and many more fun food facts. The photographs add to the book with many colorful pictures of smiling people and luscious looking food in their natural state. The back pages include information on healthy eating and a glossary of food related words. This book would be a welcome addition to school and classroom libraries and for parents encouraging children to eat healthy foods from their natural source.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436439

Price: 16.95

Up From the Sea

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

This is the emotional story of a young boy surviving the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The author tells the story through narrative verse which captures the terror of the events themselves as well as the grief which follows their aftermath. The terse verse may well make the story more accessible to reluctant readers of historical/realistic fiction. The main character, Kai, loses his entire Japanese family and many friends to the tsunami. His story is complicated by the fact that he is biracial and was abandoned years before by his American father. The author interweaves an opportunity for a despondent Kai to travel to New York to meet with survivors of the 9/11 attack and the hope that Kai may reconnect with his long lost father. The story ultimately is one of hope as Kai learns to live through his grief, finds new purpose to his life through soccer and the effort to rebuild his community. The author herself, lived through the earthquake and helped with the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Her close connection to the events brings an emotional and authentic perspective to the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lowitz, Leza

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553534740

Price: -32.01

Whatever

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

It's touted as "a standout voice, a hilariously honest send-up of sex, sexuality, and enough F-bombs to make your mom blush." It doesn't mention the pages of drug and alcohol mind blitzes. Girl and boy sex , leads to Mike being homosexual (because he's not sure what to do with her boobs). Too many pages of Mike "not remembering", and not really liking his friends. The girl he is having sex with told him they are not really boyfriend and girlfriend, and she wants to date others. Then it's Halloween and Mike wears a cheerleaders costume. He discovers he likes having sex with boys. There really didn't seem to be any character development. Mike just keeps waking up hours later trying to remember what had happened. Then he does more drugs. Mike seems to be confused by his drinking and drugging, clueless to friendships, hungry, and willing to have sex without discrimination.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Goslee, S.J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97816267239978

Price: 17.99

Same But Different

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

The Peete family has written a new book featuring Charlie, a fictional character based on their son RJ, who was diagnosed as a young boy as being on the autism spectrum. This follows their earlier book called "My Brother Charlie'". "Same But Different" follows Charlie and his twin sister, Callie, as they enter their teen and high school years. High school brings with it the first time the twins have been separated, as Charlie repeats a grade while Callie moves on. The story is told through short episodes as experienced very differently by the two siblings. The story rings very true to the wide spread impact of the autism spectrum not only on Charlie but also his sister, as she tries to break away from the drama of living with an autistic sibling while still being there to protect her brother from all the mishaps that happen due to his diagnosis. The book excels at accurately representing all the drama, misunderstandings,and life adjustments that come with being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. It also excels at showing how strong family ties and education can help every young person find a way to navigate an often frightening world. The Peete's bring their own experience with autism and compassion to make this a valuable book for anyone knowing or working with young people on the spectrum.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Peete, Holly and Ryan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545094689

Price: 17.99

The Possibility of NOW

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2017

Review

"Driven" Miss Perfect, Mara, will be valedictorian. She has her lists... She is in a perfect private school on her way to a tier-one college. She has remained in her valedictorian path until her melt down. She's taking a calculus exam when she freaks. She tears up her test and the tests of everyone around her. Someone videos it and Maya now sees that her youtube meltdown has been seen by thousands. Maya leaves high pressure San Diego to go live with her ski bum Dad at Lake Tahoe. Maya learns about herself, her Dad, how to have fun, boys, friends, and how to let go of trying to control the future by learning to live in the now. This would be a great read for over pressured kids and their parents. "Now I have a choice. I can either let the world turn me sour and hatful and afraid. Or I can be the Mara I want to be and face it with as much grace and humor as possible."

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Culbertson, Kim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545731461

Price: 17.99

Unleashed

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Luthor is at it again. The doberman is a retired attack dog who is now living with his human, Savannah. The two, along with their friend Griffin, get themselves into a heap of mischief. For starters, Luthor can't seem to suppress his guard dog instincts. Especially when it comes to a certain truck that frequents the neighborhood. And Griffin is locked in a battle against his enemy Darren to win an invention competition. Join Luthor, Savannah, & Griffin on this roller coaster adventure full of mystery, laughs and fun. The text is easy to read and very familiar and accessible to kids in 4th-6th grade. This would work well with reluctant readers as well. Give to fans of humorous mysteries and dog stories. This is part of a series, but this works well as a stand alone read. A good purchase for libraries in need of humorous stories or need to replace the worn out hardcover edition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545709378

Price: 6.99

Attack of the Dragons

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Here is another avenue of adventure for the ubiquitous Geronimo Stilton, mouse newspaper editor, adventurer, & investigator. Here we delve into Geronimo's family ancestry. Travel back to a time similar to that of the Vikings. You will meet the same characters from all the other Geronimo Stilton books, only ancient versions of themselves. In this adventure the cook for Geronimo's clan is sick. While she is sick, the clan members cannot eat good food. Geronimo sets out to find a cure for the cook & bring it back to Mouseborg, where his clan lives. But on the way Geronimo meets up with some nasty, fire-breathing dragons. Not to mention some bitter frozen weather & other perils in the land of the dragons. Will Geronimo & his crew of misfits make it back safely to Mouseborg so the cook can once again make them all delicious stew? Or will the mousekings become toast at the "claws" of the fire-breathing dragons? This won't disappoint Geronimo Stilton fans. It has everything they've come to love about the series. There is lots of humor, adventure, cute mouse characters, & just the right touch of mystery & peril to satisfy young readers. Not to mention the fun & inviting layout of the book. The text has numerous words that are presented in a variety of fonts, sized, & colors. Young readers can also identify with the words: drooling, smelly, & smarty mousekings for example. This makes the text enjoyable & accessible to the target audience of 3rd-5th graders. The accompanying illustrations are equally entertaining. They are funny, bright, & colorful. And they nicely enhance the story. This book works on many levels. It is part chapter book & part graphic novel so kids who like reading nothing but graphic novels will be happy. Parents (& possibly teachers) who want their kids to branch out from reading nothing but graphic novels will be happy with the chapter book look of this book. It will also work for reluctant or hesitant older readers due to the fun, uncomplicated story loaded with equally fun illustrations. Purchase where Geronimo Stilton books are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stilton, Geronimo

Illustrator: Ferron, Facciotto &

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545872386

Price: 6.99

Camp Out

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Mice are a popular device in children's books for many reasons. This book is a good example of why. Here the mice characters are cute, funny, adventurous, clever, loyal, & resourceful. This is a relatively new series geared toward 3rd & 4th grades readers, primarily girls. Herein lies its only weakness. Boys may be inclined to pass this title by on the shelves. Meet six mouse friends - Junebug, Hyacinth, Violet, Petunia, Tigerlily, & Cricket. Join they as they prepare for a camp out in the woods. They've packed everything they need. The troop is on their adventure. But soon they can't find their troop leader Miss Poppy. What has happened to her? The mouse scouts must band together and use their scouting skills to find Miss Poppy. Throughout the books pages from the Mouse Scouts Handbook are presented. This is a nice touch and a good way to connect the reader to the story. This is a sweet, funny, & quick read. The text is a larger font with wider margins so it is easier to read. The text & story are accessible to its target audience. The illustrations are black & white & are simple yet show the expressions on the mice faces. You get an idea of their individual personalities just from the illustrations. As previously mentioned the one weakness with this book is that it is obviously geared towards girls. So it limits its audience. But this is also an adventure/survival story, so hopefully some brave young boys(say, Cub Scouts) will read this and spread the word. Give to fans of animal stories & those not quite ready for Avi's Poppy series. A good purchase for libraries in need of 3rd & 4th grade chapter books and those where animal stories are in demand.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dillard, Sarah

Illustrator: Dillard, Sarah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Yearling

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385756082

Price: 6.99

Snap of the Super-Goop

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Kids who love humor & mild horror will enjoy this series. Alexander is the main character. He keeps track of monsters (real & imagined) in a special notebook. He sees monsters wherever he goes. His friends & fellow Monster Patrol club members Nick, Rip, & Dottie are concerned. But together the four friends battle the monsters & save their classmates & teachers at Stermont School. This is great for 3rd & 4th grade readers. The text is easy to read & rarely takes up an entire page. Zany black & white illustrations are on every page. They humorously enhance the story. Give to fans of the series My Weird School by Dan Gutman, Zack Files series by Dan Greenburg. A good purchase for larger libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cummings, Troy

Illustrator: Cummings, Troy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545864992

Price: 499

The Science Fair is Freaky!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This will appeal to kids in 2nd-4th grades who like mild horror laced with lots of humor. The science fair is about to happen at Eerie Elementary. San, Antonio & Lucy are working together on their project. In the library they find an old book. Soon after this discovery crazy scary things start to happen. The school comes alive. Science projects explode. And a big erupting volcano appears in the gym. How will the three friends reign in this chaos? And what is the mysterious library book really all about? The friends must unlock the key to the book's powers & save the school. The target audience of 2nd-4th grade readers will enjoy this. Short chapters that are accessible in language & interest levels & lots of illustrations that enhance the story make this a quick sell to young readers. There is nothing new here. But kids will enjoy it immensely and it will get them reading. That is a good thing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chabert, Jack

Illustrator: Ricks, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545873680

Price: 4.99

Catnapped!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

The puppy pirate ship, the Salty Bone, is crewed by a "fearsome" bunch of pirate puppies. There is Henry, the only human boy on board. Old Salt is the oldest and wisest dog. The rest are a bunch of young pups full of mischief. There is a tenuous truce between the puppy pirates and the kitten pirates. But one day they both dock at the same port. Some of the young mischievous puppies can't help themselves. They play a prank on the kitten pirates that involve a toy catnip mouse & barrels of water. The kitten pirates are not amused. They plan their revenge. Soon Henry & three of the puppy pirates are catnapped by the kitten pirates & held prisoner on their ship the Nine Lives. How will Henry & the three pups ever escape & get back to their own ship? Luckily a batch of catnip may help them escape. 2nd & 3rd grade readers as well as struggling 4th graders will love this. The font is large and the black & white illustration peppered are throughout. The illustrations are cute & depict isolated scenes in the story. They don't necessarily enhance the understanding of the story. But they do add a touch of humor. And the target audience will love them. The only weakness here is that the cats are portrayed as villains & in a less than flattering light. Some cat lovers may take offense. Give to fans of Puppy Place series & those who love pirate stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Soderberg, Erin

Illustrator: Cox, Russ

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Stepping Stone

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553511734

Price: 4.99

Where Did They Go?

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This "seek-and-find" style book is a beautifully rendered and creatively imagined exploration of critically endangered animals. Structured like any typical spotting book, each page depicts a landscape with one animal blending in with its surroundings. The search aspect, however, comes with a twist: each animal is truly difficult to find, not only inside the book, but in the realm of the real world. The book explores a sizable collection of animals, from giant pandas to sloths, red squirrels to gray wolves, with a rhyming poem introducing and describing each one. The back of the book features a glossary with an enlarged picture of the animals, along with a deeper description of their habitat and why there are so few of them left. I found this idea to be quite a profound and clever way to introduce the idea of endangered species to children, as the concept and wording are easy to grasp even for young readers. This book comes at a pivotal point in our history, as we enter an age of unbridled environmental destruction throughout the world. I loved this idea not only for its lovely illustrations and straightforward text, but for the impact it could have on an entire generation. One of the best picture books I've seen.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bornoff, Emily

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689209

Price: 14.99

Fala

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is similar to the Dear America series, only for dog lovers. It combines fact, fiction, history & above all oodles of dog information. This is based on a true story and told in the dog's first person narrative. Fala is a Scottish terrier who comes to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who is referred to by Fala as the Boss. In this story we learn about FDR & his presidency, Scottish terriers, & World War II. Like others in this series, this can be read as a stand alone. This will appeal to strong 2nd grade readers up through struggling 4th grade readers. The story is written in a style accessible to its target audience. There is enough detail to make the story interesting & exciting, but not overwhelming. The way Fala tells the story also adds a touch of humor. The margins are wide. There are many illustrations throughout. This not only aides in ease of reading, but adds to the enjoyment of the story. For the most part the illustrations are an enhancement to the story. But many of them are too dark to fully enjoy. This does not distract from the story, however. The price of $7.99 for a small paperback, may dissuade smaller libraries from purchasing this book. But those libraries that do purchase it will not be disappointed. Give to fans of historical fiction and dog stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Klimo, Kate

Illustrator: Jessell, Tim

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553534900

Price: 7.99

Sparky

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Dogs & horses. What 2nd-4th grader wouldn't like this? As with others in this series, it combines history, fact, fiction, & lots of dog information. This is a special cross over/companion edition to the Horse Diaries title CinderS. In this title a young dalmation lives & works at a firehouse in 1871 Chicago. Told in Sparky the dalmation's first person narrative. This was a time when horses pulled the equipment to put out fires. And dogs were there to keep the horses calm. Sparky tells what it is like to work at a firehouse and help put out fires. We learn about Chicago of 1871 and of the infamous Great Chicago Fire of 1871. We also learn about dalmations as a breed of dog. This is an interesting story full of drama, history, & dog information. The text is easy to read & uncluttered. The illustrations are black & white & add to the enjoyment of the story. The only weakness is the $7.99 price for a small paperback book. It is worth it, but may be probitive to smaller libraries. Otherwise this is a fine addition to most library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Klimo, Kate

Illustrator: Jessell, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553534931

Price: 7.99

Cinders

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is a special crossover/companion edition to Sparky (Dog Diaries). Both Sparky & Cinders can be read independently of each other. Cinders is a spirited horse. She began her life as a farm horse. But eventually she ended up as a firehouse horse in 1871 Chicago. Things don't start out well for Cinders at the firehouse. But with the help of Sparky the dalmation, Cinders calms down & settles in to her new life as a fire horse. And soon she must help fight one of the worst fires in U.S. history, the Great Chicago Fire. Told from Cinders first person narrative, we learn what it was like to live & work on a farm and then as a fire horse in Chicago. We also learn about the Great Chicago Fire & the Chicago of that time. And we learn about the Percheron breed of horse. This is an engrossing read full of information, but simply told for its target audience of 2nd-4th graders. The text is uncluttered & accessible to its audience. The accompanying black & white illustrations add another layer of enjoyment to the book. They are detailed & clear. This can be read independently of its companion dog book, but it would make for a broader read to be read in conjunction with its companion. It would also add another level of perspective & storytelling. The $7.99 cost is well worth it, but may prevent smaller libraries from purchasing. This is a worthy addition to most libraries. It is good historical fiction with a twist. Give to fans of both Horse Diaries & Dog Diaries, as well as animal stories in general.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Klimo, Kate

Illustrator: Sanderson, Ruth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101936900

Price: 7.99

Wolf Camp

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is a really cute, comical story about Homer, a dog who secretly pines to be a wolf. The story is told from Homer's point of view and follows him as he gets a surprise letter in a bag of his food inviting him to spend a week at "Wolf Camp." With some persistence and puppy dog eyes, his family fulfills his wishes and bids him farewell as he boards a bus with a collection of other dogs, reminiscent of a child heading off to summer camp. Homer and his fellow campers are greeted by his counselors- two real-live wolves, aptly named Fang and Grrr. After a safety talk, they begin by learning how to howl (with little luck, at first) and set off on their first real "hunt" (as a pet dog, Homer would regularly hunt moose - a stuffed toy moose, that is). The dogs partake in the wolves' catch (only implied through word bubbles, nothing graphic) and are surprised by the "unusual" flavor (he subsequently writes home and asks his family for a bag of Grandma Polly's Pampered Pooch bacon-flavored Doggie Snacks, claiming the food at Wolf Camp is gross). Homer and his fellow canine campers don't get much sleep their first night in the wild, but instead spend it huddled in a pile, kept awake by the mysterious sounds of the forest. With each day, however, they begin to adjust to life in the wild, eventually earning certificates that declared them "honorary wolves." Returning home proves bittersweet, though he is visibly excited as he runs towards his family. The story ends sweetly with Homer curled up at home (under a heated blanket), certificate proudly displayed, reflecting on his experience and howling - convincingly this time - out the window. Really cute story, nicely illustrated, and humorous for both children and adult readers. Fun for any story time setting.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuill, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553509120

Price: 16.99

Little Penguins

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Nominating for Cream of the Crop. It starts with just a few snowflakes. And then five little penguins are excited for winter. They dress in mittens, scarves, socks, & boots and go out to play in the snow with their mama. The snow is so deep and they are having so much fun playing that they lose sight of mama. They soon find each other and head home. They get into their jammies and enjoy cookies and sippies. A happy snow day for a cute penguin family. This is a very sweet & simple story. The text is minimal, from one to four words per page. The words are relatively simple & accessible to young children. and there is some repetition of words so this would make a decent beginning reader as well. The illustrations are done in acrylic paint & cut paper collage. They are gorgeous in their simplicity and enhance the story beautifully. The illustrations are amusing, simple, & detailed all at the same time. Shades of blue dominate most of the pages with other colors providing even more detail. From the first page, where you see the "icy" floor of the igloo home to the kitchen scene at the end, the simple & detailed illustrations tell the story without words. There is a retro feel to the illustrations as well. This would work well not only as a beginning reader, but in large and small group settings and one on one sharing. Pair with "I Am Small" by Emma Dodd for a lovely penguin family story time. This is a wonderful story that is exquisitely illustrated. A must purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rylant, Cynthia

Illustrator: Robinson, Christian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553507706

Price: 17.99

I Don't Want to Be Big

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

The frog from "I Don't Want to Be a Frog" is back for another adventure. This time Little Frog informs his father that he does not want eat his dinner and he does not want to be big (grow up). And Little Frog can be very persuasive as to his reasons. For instance, Why grow up when I have a dad to carry me everywhere? I have big friends to reach up high for things I cannot reach. Think elephant. These are just two examples of Little Frog's reasoning. But Dad is just as persuasive as to why Little Frog shouldn't be afraid to grow up. And Dad is much more realistic than Little Frog. Dad points out that growing bigger doesn't necessarily mean you have to grow up completely. Then Dad jumps in a mud pile with his friend Pig and they have a blast. In the end Little Frog sees reason. He eats his fly & worm soup for dinner. Yummy. But then informs his father that he is never again taking a bath. Sequel!? This is a very humorous story that both children & parents will identify with. The illustrations enhance the text nicely. They are big, bold. The page with the tree frogs is especially eye popping. There is also just the right amount of detail in the illustrations, right down to the expressions on the frogs' faces. They are also quite funny. The text is all in speech bubbles of different colors, between Little Frog, Dad and Pig. The letters are all in different sizes and some of the words are in different colors. This book would be perfect in both small and large group settings. Story time topics could include both frogs and/or growing up/self-acceptance. This would also be nice as one on one sharing. Pair with the author's other title "I don't Want to Be a Frog", "Just a Duck" by Carin Bramsen, and "It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" by Marilyn Sadler for a self-acceptance themed story time. Pair with "999 Frogs Wake Up" by Ken Kimura & "Bee Frog" by Martin Waddell and any of Jonathan London's "Froggy..." books for a fun frog themed story time. Here's hoping there is a third book, "I don't Want to Take a Bath" in the works. Purchase where the first book is popular and where a happy, funny picture books are needed. A first purchase.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Petty, Dev

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101939208

Price: 16.99

Goodnight Everyone

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is a visual delight from cover to cover. Starting with the end papers. These are done in dark blue with a map of the planets and constellations. The illustrations were created digitally are done in vibrant, fluorescent colors of blue, reds, greens & yellows. And when the story introduces all the other animals that are sleepy it is done in varying size pages according to the size of the animal. The illustrations are simple in their presentation, yet brilliantly convey the story. In a market flooded with books about getting kids to sleep, this is a standout. The text is done in fuschia with some white. The story is lovely. Night is approaching & all the animals are sleepy. From the wee mice up to Great Big Bear. All except Little Bear. He is not sleepy at all. But Little Bear can't get any of the other animals to play with him. They are all stretching and yawning and ready for bed. But soon Little Bear yawns and stretches himself. All the animals are peacefully sleeping. Little Bear gets a great big goodnight kiss from Great Big Bear. Good night to all the animals. This is visually stunning as well as just a fun story. And it invites audience participation with all the yawning, stretching, & snoring. This is perfect for all group settings and as a one on one bedtime story. Pair with "Bunnies are Not in Their Beds" by Marisabina Russo, "Don't Let Pigeon Stay Up Late" by Mo Willems, and "I'm Not Sleepy!" by Jane Chapman for a non-sleepy fun story time. A first purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Haughton, Chris

Illustrator: Haughton, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763690793

Price: 15.99

A Fairy Friend

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

If you didn't know it, fairies are everywhere. They are riding dragonflies. Sparkle while you sleep. And frolic in the breeze when you play outside. This book even tells you how to make a fairy friend. You must build a very detailed fairy tree house. And be calm, among other things. This is a charming story told in rhyme. The illustrations are painted in watercolor & Photoshop and are done in mostly muted pastel shades. They are quite detailed and depict the text. There is an old fashioned feel to the illustrations. If you are expecting practical advice on how to build a fairy house you are out of luck here. For that consult Tracy Kane's books. But this is simply a lovely, whimsical story about fairies, an ever popular subject. A solid purchase where fairy stories are needed. Pair with Tracy Kane's "Fairy House" for a whimsical fairy themed story time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fliess, Sue

Illustrator: Keane, Claire

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627790819

Price: 16.99

Du Iz Tak?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

An inventive story that that takes place start to finish in a backyard with a few plants and a fallen tree. And most importantly, with a variety of enthusiastic bugs who with their unique bug language lead readers into an evolving story of nature and its possibilities and dangers. The illustrations done in gouache and ink are absolutely top knotch -- simplistic and yet full of details to pour over. These images are elegantly showcased against a backdrop of plenty of cream colored back space. Readers of all ages will want to read and re-read this story looking for visual and content clues as they follow the seasons and follow the creative language of the bugs! An original story that encourages creative thinking and imagination. A highly recommended "cream" choice for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ellis, Carson

Illustrator: Ellis, Carson

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763665302

Price: 16.99

The Singing Bones

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

A stunning photograph presentation of sculptures by visionary artist/illustrator Shaun Tan paired with very short excerpts from fairy tales collected by the Grimm Brothers, this fascinating work features a foreword by Neil Gaiman and an introduction by Jack Zipes. A note in the end matter lists the primary materials involved in the sculpture as papier mache, air-drying clay and paint - seemingly deceptively simple media for the remarkably textured and varied finished pieces featured in the collection. Managing to convey a mood both playful and eerie, sweet and menacing, Tan's artwork is full of movement and captures the essential mood of of the tales it is exploring.

Readers need not be familiar with the particular fairy tales excerpted throughout, though a short synopsis of each is included at the end, as well as a brief afterword by Tan about the process by which he created the sculptures.

This would pair well with novels that are fairy tale reworkings or as an inspirational work for an art class, but will also draw in teens and adults who are just interested in browsing its pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tan, Shaun

Illustrator: Tan, Shaun

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545946124

Price: 24.99

The Gilded Cage

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

After an unexpected inheritance, Katherine and her brother George find themselves moving to a new world of luxury at Walthingham Hall in England. Life is very different here from their life on a simple farm in Virginia. 20 year old George and 16 year old Katherine are trying to adjust to their new life of high society with it's restrictive norms and culture. Unfortunately, tragedy soon strikes and George drowns under very mysterious circumstances. Katherine seems to be the only one certain that her brother's death was not an accident. Poachers, roaming wild creatures, a possible killer on the loose as well as questionable relatives will keep readers engaged in this who done it.. Will Katherine keep her wits or is she truly going mad? An interesting 19th century murder mystery with a plucky heroine whose farm girl roots will serve her well.

The fast paced writing and interesting plot keeps this historical novel appealing to a broad audience of young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Lucinda

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Hold and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 781627791816

Price: 17.99

Friday Barnes Under Suspicion

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is the second installment about the genius teen detective Friday Barnes, whose lack of social grace is made up for by her talent of solving problems in Sherlock-ish fashion at the boarding school she attends. Friday uses her photographic memory and the scientific method learned from her scientist parents to prove that she has been falsely accused of counter-terrorism. Each chapter provides a new problem interspersed within her daily routine and interactions with various classmates at the boarding school. Reminiscent of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, although with the humorous interplay between Friday and her mis-matched friends, other subjects are subtlety addressed. The cliff hanging ending will have readers begging for the next episode. Gosier's pen and ink illustrations are scattered throughout and have a stylized cartoon quality to them that mirror that chaos that surround Friday.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spratt, R. A.

Illustrator: Gosier, Phil

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626722996

Price: 13.99

Panda Pants

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A father and child panda walk along having a conversation with the child trying to convince the father as to why "I want pants". The child gives lots of reasons why. In the background the reader can see glimpses of something following them, the young panda then finds a scarecrow and tries on the pants, then creatively uses them against the leopard, and by the time the father is almost convinced about the pants, the child no longer wants pants, but shoes. Nicely illustrated that extend the text in telling the story. Cute story with something for both the child and the adult who will recognize the child's behavior of wanting something then losing interest.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Hanson, Sydney

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535761

Price: 17.99

Snuggle Puppy Looks for the Perfect Hug

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A board book with moving tiny tabs that are fairly sturdy and easy to slide in and out to reveal further illustrations. Very appealing to young children to slide and look. A cute, brief, story of a puppy looking for a perfect hug and considers a hedgehog, cat, rabbit, duck, owl, worm, and then Mom and Dad, who give the perfect hug. Nicely illustrated.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Crow (publisher), Nosy

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763689377

Price: 7.99

The Lion Inside

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A small, very meek mouse, is so tiny that nobody ever notices him. He wants to be like the lion that is always the center of attention and is always noticed. Set in Africa, a place with many large animals, the tiny mouse sets out to learn how to be noticed by reading a book titled "How to Roar". He then had to be strong, step out of his comfort zone, and try out what he had learned in his book. This has a surprise ending - the lion is afraid of mice, so the mouse suddenly doesn't feel small, finds his voice, and speaks out to become friends. A positive message, illustrations that go well with the text, this is very satisfying, useful for feelings, perspective, learning from books, making positive changes and has rhyming text. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Field, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545873505

Price: 16.99

The Princess and the Frogs

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A new spin on the Princess and Frog fairy tale. The Princess, who has everything, but wants a pet to be her best friend, searches for a frog who won't turn into a prince when she kisses him on the head good night. Told with humor, the illustrations extent the text with many things going on in the background that add to the humor, are nicely done. The princess finally finds a prince who likes being a frog and a friend. It is nice to see a princess looking for a friend, not just a husband. An enjoyable read for the many princess fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bartles, Veronica

Illustrator: Palacios, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062365910

Price: 17.99

The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This is a first novel, set in modern day England about an average boy who gets a strange letter about an inheritance of a castle. This is a quick paced story that involves magic, time travel, and fighting unknown evil and solving mysteries of a castle created to hide magic and keep it safe from those who want the power. The Prologue at the beginning pulls you into the story with a mysterious event and then begins with the ordinary Alfie Bloom whose life suddenly changes. The story gives just enough depth but moves at a fast pace to keep you turning pages, though some things are never quite explained with depth so there are questions that aren't quite explained. Though in the exciting end, good triumphs over evil.Young fantasy fans will like this fast paced story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kent, Gabrielle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545869294

Price: 16.99

Investigating Seasons

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A good introduction to the topic seasons.Included are chapters on What is a Season?; What causes the seasons?;Wet and dry seasons; and, What the seasons do. Also includes Science and the seasons, glossary, Learn more about seasons, and, Glossary. Appealing format, colorful photographs and graphics that are well places within the text and each are explained in a green text box.Good basic information that is clear and easy to read and include activities to do on your own or in a classroom. Good addition to the seasons section.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Richard, Orlin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467780599

Price: 30.65

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

The true story of Sachiko Yasui, at the age of six survived the 1945 bombing of Nagasaki. This is a well written true story based on extensive interviews by Caren Stelson that begins with an ordinary day of a child with her family and what happened beginning that day and the lifelong consequences. A very moving story, often painful to read about the horrors of war and the need for peace. This is a well written and researched book that includes a personal narrative along with historic facts, photographs, and maps that tell a well rounded story of time and place in history and the aftermath of the bombings on the Japanese people. I was surprised by the spirit of this book that includes how Sachiko was influenced by Mohandas K. Gandhi, Helen Keller,and Martin Luther King, Jr., to make peace the theme of her life rather than hate and resentment. Excellent book that includes background of World War II, prejudices, Japanese internment, effects of radiation, life and survival following the bombing, the thought process leading to the bombing and the alternatives that leaders considered. Thought provoking, powerful addition to World War II resources. Includes Author's Note; Family Tree; Glossary of Japanese Words; Notes; Acknowledgments; Bibliography; Resources; Websites; Index; and, Photo Acknowledgments. For grades 5-8 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stelson, Caren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: CarolRhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467789035

Price: 19.99

Bridge to the Wild: Behind the Scenes at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Libray, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Five days of behind the scenes of the Zoo Atlanta with scientist and researcher Caitlin O'Connell. This is well written and presented narrative nonfiction that goes beyond the feeding and care taking of the animals but also understanding the challenges of wild animals in captivity, from stress, health, reproduction, the hierarchy of animal relationships and how to problem solve. Also included are information on endangered species, conservation, sources and references, bibliography, ignorance and extinction, acknowledgments, index and sample data sheets. Various sections of the zoo are visited and curators share unique stories, information, care and challenges of each species. Accompanied by photos taken during the visit to make this informative and appealing. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connell, Caitlin

Illustrator: Timothy Rodwell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544277397

Price: 18.99

Platypus

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This book offers a quiet, gentle look into the life of "one of the world's most puzzling animals." The information is offered in prose and through facts listed on every page. Additional information and an index are at the back of the book. Illustrations have a dreamy, almost surreal, feel to them and add nicely to the text. A lot of facts are given, including things I had never heard such as a male platypus has venomous spurs behind their back legs making them one of the few venomous mammals in the world. We are being asked more and more for informational texts for children. This will be a good one to give to children to fill that need and to pique their curiosity as well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Whiting, Sue

Illustrator: Jackson, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680985

Price: 16.99

Your Digestive System

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

An introduction for young children about the digestive system. Very basic information, set in colorful backgrounds, both photographs and diagrams are well done following the food journey from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver and blood, large intestine and then solid waste is eliminated "your body gets rid of feces through an opening called the anus." On the previous page we are told "While your food is in your large intestine, the last of the nutrients and most of the water are taken into your body." Note: no mention of a bladder, kidneys, urine, or how liquid waste leaves the body as that is technically the Urinary system. Different book?

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hewitt, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Quarto Library/QEB Pub.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781609928780

Price: 25.32

The Scourge

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

In this adventure laden fantasy, Scourge is a contagious, deadly disease that had been ravaging the population in Ani's world for the past three hundred years. As the government and the townspeople,"pinchworms", strive to quarantine those infected, Ani's peaceful community of river people, refer to as "grubs", are blamed. Ani is kidnapped, along with her friend Weevil, and brought to the island where those diagnosed with Scourge are left to fend for themselves as they die. As they provide resistance on the island, secrets are exposed about the nature of how Scourge is spread and the motivations of the government. The tension of the adventure becomes interrupted at times with the thoughtful musings of Ani, but aside from that, this fantasy promises friendships, betrayals, action and suspense.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Jennifer A.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545682459

Price: 16.99

The Darkest Corners

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This story is deep and shows a great deal of introspection as the protagonist returns to the town of her childhood home and has to come to grips with everything from old family trauma, childhood friendships and relationships, to her Sister's murderer whom she helped convict when she was only 8 years old.

Though Callie left her hometown years ago, she is haunted by many figures and events from her past. As she is thrown back into the middle of old controversies, relationships, and rumors in her home town, she must struggle to reconcile the acts, fears and hopes of her 8-year old self with the new reality and perspective that her older and more perceptive and introspective self finds.

Filled with thrilling action and mystery through Callie's past and present, this makes a gripping read from start to finish while showing a fascinating development and maturation of both Callie and her understanding of the world and herself. Don't let this one slip by!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Thomas, Kara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press / Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521450

Price: 17.99

The Capybara Conspiracy: A Novel in Three Acts

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Seventh grader Olive Henry is a member of her school drama club and has recently won a writing contest. She is tired of the extreme emphasis on sports in her school and wants more attention placed on the arts. Olive and her friends decide to kidnap the school mascot which happens to be a capybara. This fun story is full of humor and action. The play format is unique and is well suited to the plot. Middle grade readers will appreciate the humor and the predicaments the characters get themselves into working together. At the end of the book the author offers information and ideas on how to present this play. Performing this story would be a wonderful activity for a classroom or small group.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Perl, Erica S.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399551710

Price: 16.99

Beetle Boy

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Since Darkus Cuttle's mother passed away he has looked after his grief stricken father, Dr. Bartholomew Cuttle, the Director of Science at the Natural History Museum. One day Dr. Cuttle mysteriously disappears from a locked vault in the museum. Darkus comes under the care of his uncle, a famous and eccentric archeologist. The uncle's neighbors have a beetle infestation where Darkus finds a large beetle that attaches itself to him. The beetle is highly intelligent and is able to communicate using gestures and sounds. With the help of Darkus' two friends, his beetle, and other intelligent beetles, Darkus searches for his father. This well written and humorous novel draws the reader into an unusual story with an interesting cast of characters and a mystery waiting to be solved. The author weaves scientific facts into the rousing narrative. At the end of the book is a dictionary pertaining to insect terms. I highly recommend this enjoyable novel for middle grade readers. It is the first of a trilogy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Leonard, M.G.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545853460

Price: 16.99

Dive! : World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines in the Pacific

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

First-person accounts make this an excellent non-fiction book. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the Submarine Force was called upon to stop the Japanese invasion of the Pacific. This compelling well written narrative uses numerous photographs, documents, and other reference materials to provide a wealth of information. The accounts are full of danger, action, and adventure. Stories of animal mascots, rescued American nurses, and African American submariners are included. The book is divided into four sections and an epilogue. A map is provided in the front of the book. An extensive bibliography, source notes, glossary, timeline, diagrams, and index are provided. I highly recommend this for readers 5th grade and up. This is non-fiction at its best.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545425582

Price: 17.99

High Five, Mallory!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This is the 26th installment in the Mallory series for young readers that are gaining confidence with chapter books. Mallory is starting fifth grade and it is becoming quite a challenge. Between a new cell phone, a change in friendship with her best friend and thinking that she doesn't get along with her teacher, Mallory learns to expand her circle of friends and finds a unlikely support arranged by the teacher-required book report presentation. Two kid friendly recipes are included in the back as well as a summary of what Mallory learns in a top 10 list. Kalis's black and white illustrations are scattered liberally throughout in varying sizes that support the text. The cell phone and texting is used as a plot device that seems questionable for Mallory's age and grade in school.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: Kalis, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467750301

Price: 15.95

Mr. Moon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

As the moon comes up with his sleeping cap and the sun goes down, the sheep get counted, clouds are fluffed, stars tap dance on moon beams and bubble helmet cows try to land safely on the moon. Other night-time phenomenon like glittery fireflies, friendly ghosts, nocturnal raccoons and dew drops frolic in the night in brightly, digitized ground level view illustrations that provide texture, humor and extra details. Each character have humorous details that make simple text charming and engaging. A must read for story times about night.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paraskevas, Michael

Illustrator: Paraskevas, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown books for Young Readers/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399549922

Price: 17.99

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is a sweet, meaningful (and cross-cultural) story about love, empathy, and altruism. Mrs. Goldman is always busy knitting hats for everyone in the neighborhood, including Sophia, the main character of the book. Sophia, a young girl (presumably of Jewish faith; she and Mrs. Goldman discuss how knitting is their "mitzvah," a good deed done from religious duty) who thinks knitting is too difficult yet dutifully assists Mrs. Goldman in the process by creating the pom-pom toppers. Winter arrives and Sophia realizes that Mrs. Goldman has spent so much time knitting hats for others (and, as she states, giving her own away to people who need them) that she doesn't have a hat for herself! This gives Sophia the determination to continue trying to knit, but after several attempts, she is nearly ready to give up. Defeated, Sophia remembers what Mrs. Goldman told her: "your pom-poms add beauty, and that's a mitzvah too." She gathers a collection of pom-poms that she has made over the years and proceeds to attach them all to her initial project, surprising Mrs. Goldman with a unique, fluffy hat that ultimately brings her to tears. The story ends with Mrs. Goldman wearing her special new hat, as she and Sophia take her dog Fifi for a walk down a snowy street. The softly colored illustrations compliment the cozy feel of the story, while the text is relatively spare and thoughtful. Overall a great addition to any children's book collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Edwards, Michelle

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497106

Price: 17.99

Paddington Marches On

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This is one of the seven books about Paddington Bear originally published in 1964 that have been entertaining children of all ages, eight years and up, for over fifty years. School, public and personal libraries should find these first Harper U.S. editions of 2016 attractive, well bound and reasonably priced. The first story in the series, A Bear Called Paddington, provides the background for the ones that follow. There are Britishisms such as "elevenses", treacle and suet pudding and cricket, for example, that will trip up young readers of seven to nine years, but Paddington remains funny, smart and resourceful . His exploits in Paddington Marches On may be tame ones in our current world but these new Harper editions are recommended to all who cannot do without this remarkable bear. "

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michael

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper/imprint of Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062312327

Price: 9.99

A Firetruck Named Just Red

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

Rowan wants a shiny new toy firetruck for his birthday - but instead receives a (visibly) vintage version that belonged to his grandfather when he was young. His grandfather, whom he calls Papa, assures Rowan that the two of them can fix it up even better than it used to be, then recounts all of the times he played with it as a boy. The tales are realistic at first - like when the firetruck, dubbed "Red," helped him rescue his pet cat from a tree - but quickly become much more imaginative! Papa paints a very vivid picture of when he and Red helped water elephants at a circus, and put out a blaze at their local library, sparking the boy's imagination as he listens. All of the sudden, Rowan is able to "hear Red's siren" and "see his lights through the fog," and before he knows it, Papa has introduced a new version of Red with brand new paint, wheels, and a ladder. "Red," Rowan thinks, "will never be new...but we could be a great team." The story ends with an elated Rowan riding on the back of spiffed-up Red, undoubtedly anticipating creating his own new adventures. The story is simple but charming. Young readers will delight in the fantastical storytelling while adults are sure to appreciate the overall message of gratitude and giving.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

De Seve, Randall

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300739

Price: 16.99

The Square Root of Summer

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Gottie has had a rough year, with the death of her grandfather and a breakup with her boyfriend. But now that summer has arrived, everyone is back home and she keeps blacking out and waking up at a different time. She thinks that she is travelling through a black hole, back and forth to different versions of her life. The author tries to cleverly mix theoretical physics with a teen romance, and ends up failing on both accounts. The crazy equations and physics discussions serve only to confuse and distract from the story, and the actual storyline gets lost in the changing timelines. The result is a confusing mess.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Hapgood, Harriet

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626723733

Price: 17.99

Lost-But-Not-Least Lola and a Knot the Size of Texas

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curti Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

School Library Journal calls this fourth in a series of Last-But-Not-Least stories about Lola "A great choice for early chapter book readers." It is cheerful and made more so by the plentiful and comic pen on paper drawings which appear on every double page spread. The title refers to a knot in Lola's curly hair which Lola vigorously resists brushing out and, yes, this series is for girls and the plot is a slight one involving Thanksgiving, which grandmother bakes the best pumpkin pie and Lola feeling she is always getting into trouble. The story does move right along and readers will get to know a few of Lola's classmates who are all listed alphabetically on the last page of the book with the final entry being Lola Zuckerman. Lola may not quite be the up-to-date heir to Beverly Cleary's Ramona as Booklist suggests, but she will have fans among the about six to nine year old readers of this series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pakkala, Christine

Illustrator: Hoppe, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyd Mills Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781629793245

Price: 16.95

Perrazo y Perrito (Big Dog and Little Dog)

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is a great and comprehensive easy reader for children who are - or are becoming - bilingual. It is labeled on the back cover by guided reading level (D), Reading Recovery Level (5-6), Age (4-6), and lexile level. Written in both English and Spanish (with each sentence translated directly underneath), it tells the story of Perrazo (Big Dog) and Perrito (Little Dog) as they go about their day together. The story starts with the two of them then, once full, taking a nap together. The end of the book highlights the friendship between the two dogs, as it shows them "lonely" in their separate beds, and subsequently hopping into one bed together. The illustrations are delightfully appealing, and the cartoonish quality works well for this age group. The book also has a "match the sentence to the picture" section in the back, a sequencing activity that invites readers to put the scenes (5 in all) in the right order, and an introduction to identifying nouns and verbs. The fact that this book is bilingual makes it stand out from a lot of easy readers that I've seen and would work well for children who are ESL or those who are simply getting a jump-start on learning a second language.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544813243

Price: 3.99

Winnie and Waldorf Disobedience School

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan MB - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This book is a follow-up to the book Winnie and Waldorf about a Kindergarten-aged girl and her very best canine friend. In this tale, Waldorf, Winnie's lovable (albeit mischievous) bulldog gets into one heap of trouble after another. From eating Winnie's stuffed animals, to knocking people over as he chases pigeons through the park, Waldorf finally gets "enrolled" in Winnie's Disobedience School - a classroom set up via a desk in her bedroom. Winnie introduces him to his cubby (a cardboard box), "where he can put all his personal stuff during class," and assumes the role of teacher by reading him picture books, teaching him his ABC's, and - of course - music class, where Waldorf's low howl proves to be an excellent baritone. In math class, Waldorf excels at subtraction (by eating, one by one, a row of dog bones) - but for the same reason, has a bit of trouble with addition. Winnie's school even includes art and gym class, where the two of them paint and play tennis. But, during their outdoor play, they notice that the neighbor's dog is loose - and heading right for the street! Waldorf, knowing that no dog can resist joining in a game of tennis (or, rather, fetch with a tennis ball), passes the dog his ball and saves him from the dangers of running too close to the road. Humor abounds in the playfulness of this story, and readers of all ages will delight in the special friendship between the pair. Charming illustrations and bold text make it a fun choice for both a read-aloud or a lap-sit storytelling. Hope to see more books about these two!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hites, Kati

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062311627

Price: 17.99

Saving Red

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

With a well-known author and an eye-catching cover, this novel is sure to be picked up. With its spare verse, likable protagonist, and well-paced action, it won't easily be put down. Sones is a master of the prose poetry novel and this one is packed with weighty issues like PTSD, mental illness, dysfunctional families, homelessness, runaways, and then to top it all off navigating the unfamiliar territory of a first crush. Sones captures the voice of protagonist Molly who, due to some unnamed tragedy, has disengaged from her former friends and her family. Instead of being the book that deals with her journey back to them, this book deviates from the familiar trope. Thanks to a community service project, Molly encounters the homeless young woman, Red, and decides that she will "save" her, which means that she will reunite this woman with her family, working a "Christmas miracle" in the vein of "It's a Wonderful Life." But like the Capra film, the person who is doing the saving ends up being saved by the one she is trying to help. As Molly attempts to gain Red's trust and to get personal information from her so that she can track down Red's family, she learns to open her heart to another person and confront her own demons. Molly is drawn in by the dynamic, impulsive Red and as Molly works to help Red confront her schizoaffective disorder, she learns how to forgive herself and possibly heal the tear in her own family. The love story piece is contrived, but it irons out some plot holes and offers a 3rd party to whom Molly can share the details of her mission. The book manages to walk the line between heavy and hopeful and should appeal to teen readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sones, Sonya

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062370280

Price: 17.99

Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A girl desperate for money to care for her ailing father; a boy desperate for money to escape his bullying stepbrothers for the summer; a child mummy desperate to break up the boredom caused by an endless curse; a kidnapped girl desperate to be found; and a bat desperate for a nap; this perfectly-paced middle grade novel packs a lot into 200 pages. The book begins with a foot chase and the action doesn't let up until the satisfying conclusion. Set in 1934, post-Depression-era America, and told in alternating chapters, Tunie and Peter meet by chance in the Ancient Egypt exhibit at the Harbortown Natural History Museum; this is also where the mummy Horus spends his cursed nights. The three work together to solve the mysterious disappearance of Dorothy James, racing against time and some shady crooks. The book has likable characters, dastardly villains, touches of humor, suspense, a bit of lucky happenstance, and plenty of pluck. With its message celebrating the power of kindness, the necessity of friendship to survive, and a talented bat friend, the book will be enjoyed by those readers ready for mild suspense and those lovers of mystery and action stories.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Voskuil, Hannah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101933336

Price: 16.99

Deep Dive

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

The LEGO books have high appeal for young readers. The pages are very busy, with a mix of LEGO figures, facts, tips about building, and photographs. The photographs are beautiful and the "build it" feature is kind of lame and feels like a tacked-on feature that provides a connection to LEGO. A few jarring/incongruous elements of this title: the presence of Neptune in a factual book with no mention of who he is and what part he plays in the stories about oceans. The LEGO "swimmers" added to scenes that would be incredibly dangerous to include swimmers. The write-ups on several pages have words continuing across the gutter or continuing around a feature; this can be confusing to an emerging reader. The presence of a sticker sheet is never an easy one to deal with in a library book. So while this type of book will appeal to your LEGO/ocean lovers, it is not going to be an easy book to navigate for all emerging readers. That being said, any level reader will enjoy the photographs and the facts that are included, and it is worth having these types of titles because it might engage a reader who is drawn to the LEGO logo, but then stays for the words, learning something due to that intersection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545947701

Price: 4.99

Dino Safari

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

The LEGO books have high appeal for young readers. The pages are very busy, with a mix of LEGO figures, facts, tips about building, and photographs. The photographs are beautiful and the "build it" feature is kind of lame and feels like a tacked-on feature that provides a connection to LEGO. This book should mention in the very FIRST SENTENCE that there were NO HUMANS in the time of the dinosaurs. There is a strange implication on page 4 that dinosaur explorers existed and this isn't corrected until page 7 and then only in a fact bubble not in the main narrative. Pronunciations would have been helpful in the book rather then at the end. The presence of a sticker sheet is never an easy one to deal with in a library book. So while this type of book will appeal to your LEGO/dino lovers, it is not going to be an easy book to navigate for all emerging readers. That being said, any level reader will enjoy the photographs and the facts that are included, and it is worth having these types of titles because it might engage a reader who is drawn to the LEGO logo, but then stays for the words, learning something due to that intersection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545947664

Price: 4.99

Knights & Castles

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This title in the "Lego Adventure in the Real World" series is a larger format and longer in length than others (Dino Safari and Deep Dive) and the extended page, larger size is a plus as the write-ups are contained on one page and don't spill over the gutter or around features. The pages are still busy, but the larger format helps with added white space. The book seems to be at a higher reading level, using fonts that will be tricky for emerging readers and with no pronunciations throughout the stories or write-ups (there is a glossary and index at the end). The tendency to add in a joke seems distracting and can take up the space of a photograph, which are well-chosen, clear, and pleasing to look at. The facts offered are excellent. Half of the book covers knights and half castles (32 pages on each) and it is heartening to see the inclusion of real knights and castles, both in photos and literature. There is a grammar error on page 60. The absence of stickers is better for libraries wishing to purchase this title. This type of book will appeal to your LEGO/knight lovers, but it is not going to be an easy book to navigate for all emerging readers. That being said, any level reader will enjoy the photographs and the facts that are included, and it is worth having these types of titles because it might engage a reader who is drawn to the LEGO logo, but then stays for the words, learning something due to that intersection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penelope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545947671

Price: 8.99

Girl Mans Up

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

As she begins eleventh grade, Pen faces hard decisions about her longstanding best friend, Colby, who has become increasingly disrespectful and cruel toward the many girls he plays and uses his friends for various things - including scoring weed and helping him hit on girls. Pen also must contend with ongoing verbal abuse from her Portuguese speaking parents, who blame her appearance and genderqueer presentation for the bullying that she's encountered throughout her childhood, often with her brother Johnny as her only protector. When Blake, the latest girl Colby sets in his sights, turns out to be interested in Pen instead, it forces a series of raw and ugly confrontations with Colby, which are further exacerbated by Pen's befriending of Olivia, who Colby hooked up with over the summer and who is now facing an unwanted pregnancy. Pen is a vividly drawn, relentlessly honest character whose struggles will be deeply felt by readers. The portrayal of the brutal social dynamics at play between her friends and her conflicted loyalties is spot on as is the sweetly real first love she develops with Blake. Heart wrenching, inspiring and filled with gritty, authentic dialogue, this character-driven novel shines due to its endearing, realistically flawed and brave protagonist.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Girard, M-E

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062404176

Price: 17.99

Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

This thorough and broadly focused examination of the detention and internment by the United States of over 100,000 Japanese immigrants (called "Issei" meaning "first-generation") and their second generation Japanese-American children (or "Nisei") during World War II is both searing and informative. Marrin takes his time exploring socio-political forces at play during the era, providing readers with an expansive understanding of how this shameful event in U.S. history came to be. He unflinchingly examines military conquests, governmental policies, war atrocities and propaganda across various cultures, including those of Japan, while still making it clear that the camps were a crime committed by the U.S. government against those imprisoned within them, the majority of whom were U.S citizens. Woven throughout this historical presentation are the personal narratives of survivors of the camps and their relatives, some of whom served in the U.S. military during the war even as their loved ones were imprisoned. A concluding chapter that touches on Muslim Americans in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 attacks does not shy away from drawing parallels and ends with the hope that our democracy can keep an injustice like this from happening again. Featuring plentiful black and white photographs, this is an engrossing and well-researched non-fiction offering that could be paired with fiction titles like Cynthia Kadohata's "Weedflower" and Matt Faulkner's graphic novel "Gaijin." Backmatter includes source notes, a list of suggested reading, and an index.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Marrin, Albert

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553509366

Price: 17.99

Wally Does Not Want a Haircut

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

Wally sheep does not need (want)a haircut. Even though it gathers greenery, keeps him from dancing in the hoedown and separates him from giving mama a hug, he cannot be convinced. All the barnyard animals display various updos, spikes and braids after they show him how their haircut does not hurt. He finally agrees when his meltdown lands him stuck by his bushy wool in a haystack. All ends well after a few painless snips and he is able to hug his mama. Driscoll's enthusiastic sheep are created using pencil sketches painted in Adobe Photoshop. Wally's wool has wild texture with leaves, twigs and stringy wool among the fluff. The text provides sounds like "Swicka! Swicka!", Bzzt! Bzzt!" in various large fonts across the page demanding the reader to exaggerate the sounds. Why would Wally want a haircut when that is going on? Useful for story times themes about farm, hygiene and friendship or for instigating a discussion with a wee one who relates to Wally.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Amanda

Illustrator: Driscoll, Amanda

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi/Alfred A Knopf/Penguin Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535792

Price: 16.99

Sting

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

In this sequel to LOOT by Watson, March McQuin, his twin sister Jules and company are back to make another try at a heist. This time gathering a trio of sapphires with a curse is the target for this teen-aged team of seasoned thieves to make all their dreams (or nightmares)come true. Fortunes are won, lost and garnered back. Written in short chapters of 3 -4 pages, the action, drama and creative plotting never stops as they travel from Europe to the States. This is fun and frolic of the criminal kind for readers in grades 5-8, reminiscent of a Ocean's Eleven movie plot. Although the multi-ethnicity of the cast is not revealed until halfway through the adventure, this may only be for those not familiar with the first book. Watson provides enough background for first time readers to understand the complex relationship between the characters. A winner of a thriller.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Jude

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545863469

Price: 16.99

Jubilee

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

Judith doesn't speak. It's not that she can't, it's that her mouth and her brain don't seem to be able to work together ever since her mother abandoned her on a small island with her aunt Cora. Judith, called Jubilee by Cora, who loves her whole-heartedly and celebrates every day that she has been allowed to spend with her, instead draws and uses gestures to communicate. This is a quiet story about the ways in which we do communicate and the ways in which we let people, or don't let people, into our lives and our space. Judith believes that if her mother would only come back and see her and explain why she left her all of the pieces of her life would fall into place. But when Judith finally does come face-to-face with her mother, she realizes that she has all of the pieces and that it is up to her to accept how they fit. A gentle story with lovely characters for those readers who will stick with a story until its very end, realizing the worth of having experienced it as the last page turns.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Giff, Patricia Reilly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744867

Price: 16.99

Making Friends with Billy Wong

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Eleven year old Azalea hates having her summer "on the road to ruin" when her mother orders her to spend it not in Texas but in a small town in Arkansas. There she is to help a grandmother Azalea hardly knows as she heals from a recent fall. In the same town is the Billy Wong of the title. He lives with his great-uncle, helping him in his grocery store. The year is 1952. Until the 1960's, Chinese-American students like Billy and living in the south, could not attend the public school system and take part in sports, clubs and activities. Friendships, seriously troubled children, family and racial issues all emerge in this story that is told by Azalea but interspersed with mostly one-page, almost poetic thoughts and descriptions by Billy. With its interesting title and most attractive dust jacket, girls primarily of about nine years old through twelve, should find the book a rewarding read. An Author's Note with photographs describes some of the writer's research into those years before civil rights legislation was passed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scattergood, Augusta

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545924252

Price: 16.99

Deadly Flowers

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

With the seldom-written about topic of female ninja, this book twists and turns and takes the reader on a heart-stopping, magical ride. The story is appropriate and entertaining for an audience of sixth grade and up. Kata has been training as a ninja, one of Madame Chiyome's "deadly flowers," since she was 3; it is the only life that she really remembers and one that she lives with the utmost seriousness. At 15, Kata is assigned her first mission. She must work with Saiko,a newly arrived recruit who is a warlord's daughter and seemingly unfit for a ninja's life. When the mission goes horribly wrong, Kata is saddled with Saiko, her 10-year-old brother, Ichiro, and a pearl containing the soul of a demon; a pearl which must be protected at all costs lest it fall into the wrong hands. With fast-paced action and many narrow escapes, Thompson weaves a story imbued with early Japanese folklore and paints a picture of life lived in the feudal towns during 16th century Japan. A page-turner and the set up for a second book. Highly recommended, especially to those girls who are told that only boys were/could be part of this stealthy, mysterious world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Sarah L.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629792149

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Quest for the Crystal

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Readers familiar with the Ninjago story will appreciate this episode. The action jumps right in with no backstory as the ninja race to save Lloyd from Morro, the ghostly Master of Wind. With one picture per page, poorly reproduced but satisfying to fans, and with clear text on the same-colored textured background, a 1st-3rd grade-level reader will tear through this action packed story and ask for the next one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Howard, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545905893

Price: 3.99

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Like all of the "Fact Tracker" books, this one is a companion to a Magic Tree House book, in this case #55 Night of the Ninth Dragon. Readers don't have to read the MTH title to appreciate this book. The characters Jack and Annie show up in the margins to define terms and offer additional facts, but the text centers around its subjects without going into direct mention of the story. Covering dragons, unicorns, mermaids, creation myths from many traditions, and other mythical creatures like the griffin and Bigfoot, this book gives a fair amount of information for lovers of fantastic beasts and for those budding cryptozoologists. With short, easy-to-read chapters including plenty of facts and illustrations, this title is well-researched and will appeal to readers of the series and readers who love diving deeper into a subject.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Molinari, Carlo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101936368

Price: 5.99

Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

This thorough and broadly focused examination of the detention and internment by the United States of over 100,000 Japanese immigrants (called "Issei" meaning "first-generation") and their second generation Japanese-American children (or "Nisei") during World War II is both searing and informative. Marrin takes his time exploring socio-political forces at play during the era, providing readers with an expansive understanding of how this shameful event in U.S. history came to be. He unflinchingly examines military conquests, governmental policies, war atrocities and propaganda across various cultures, including those of Japan, while still making it clear that the camps were a crime committed by the U.S. government against those imprisoned within them, the majority of whom were U.S citizens. Woven throughout this historical presentation are the personal narratives of survivors of the camps and their relatives, some of whom served in the U.S. military during the war even as their loved ones were imprisoned. A concluding chapter that touches on Muslim Americans in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 attacks does not shy away from drawing parallels and ends with the hope that our democracy can keep an injustice like this from happening again. Featuring plentiful black and white photographs, this is an engrossing and well-researched non-fiction offering that could be paired with fiction titles like Cynthia Kadohata's "Weedflower" and Matt Faulkner's graphic novel "Gaijin." Backmatter includes source notes, a list of suggested reading, and an index.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Marrin, Albert

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553509366

Price: 17.99

People Who Help A Kid's Guide To Community Heroes

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2017

Review

Who lives in a community? We all do of course. And who are some of the important members of every community. They are the people who help to build a safe and friendly environment for everyone to enjoy whether you live in a large city or a small town. Some of these people include police and fire fighters, and health care providers. There is a glossary and questions at the end. Can you name some other community helpers? What might you like to do to help in your community?

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kreisman, Rachelle

Illustrator: Haggerty, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red chair Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781939656896

Price: 26.65

Doing Her Bit: a Story About the Woman's Land Army of America

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2017

Review

We have all read about the various things women did while the men were off fighting during World War II. They worked in factories, flew planes and even played baseball! During World War I, women were recruited to help farmers care for their livestock, plow fields and bring in the crops. this is the story of one such woman, Helen Stevens. she was a college girl who saw a poster that wanted girls to enlist in the Woman's Land Army. many had never seen a farm let alone work on one and those that had farm experience were limited in what they were allowed to do. In Helen's story, she is sent to the Women's Agricultural camp to learn about farming and to work on farms. But learning to plow, hoe, tend livestock, whitewash buildings farmers would not hire them and when they did, farmers did not want to pay them a man's wages. This fictionalized account of the "farmettes" brings to readers young and old another piece of American history that few people know about.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hager, Erin

Illustrator: Hill, Jen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580896467

Price: 16.95

Not As We Knew It

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2017

Review

A short read for middle-grade readers that thrums with emotion. Ned and Jamie are twins. The brothers share the love for many things, Star Trek, stories, and combing the beach and tide pools of their tiny island. What they don't share is cystic fibrosis; only Ned is afflicted with this terrible disease while Jamie is perfectly healthy. During one beachcombing excursion, the two find a strange fish-like creature on the beach and bring it home to their garage. The story weaves in legends of mermaids and the pull of the ocean as the boys care for the strange, injured creature. And as Ned gets sicker and sicker. Jamie hopes that the creature is magic and brings with it a cure for Ned's illness. All of the foreshadowing of the tales pulling people into the sea to "set them free" comes to a head on a stormy night after the boys agree that it's time to set the creature free back into the ocean. Jamie finally realizes that only Ned can go on this adventure as badly as he might want to join him, or hard as he might try to stop him. A powerful read about the bonds of a family and the pain of saying goodbye and picking up the pieces and continuing to live. The book is British and has some terminology and geography that might be foreign to readers in the U.S., but the author does a great job setting the scene and explaining the situations, so this should be a minor hurdle. A lovely, moving book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Avery, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535099

Price: 16.99

Find the Constellations

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

This is an updated edition of the 1954 classic. The updates mainly concern Pluto. Pluto is now considered a dwarf planet and therefore no longer considered as part of our nine planet solar system, that many of us learned as children. So the updated information on pages 56-59 now reflect that status. A very good definition of a planet versus a dwarf planet is given on the copyright page, which lead to Pluto's reclassification. Otherwise this is the same wonderful, exciting and information packed book we have all come to know and love. Everything you every wanted to know about the constellations, stars and even a bit about planets is presented here. this book shows you how to star gaze and what it all means. You don't even need a telescope to do it. The night star map illustrations are amazing. They first show you views of the night sky as we see it. Then the illustrations show the same night sky with lines connecting the stars to show the various constellations. It is simply wonderful. The text, although packed with lots of information, is written in a relaxed and familiar style that is accessible to children from grades 3 and above. This is perfect for amateur astronomers and star gazers of any age, but ideal for grades 3-7 astronomy buffs. There is a good index/glossary provided. Whether you need to replace an old worn out copy or have never had this in your collection, this is a first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rey, H.A.

Illustrator: Rey, H.A.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544763425

Price: 9.99

The Stars

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

This is an updated edition of the 1954 classic. The updated information concerns the status of Pluto, which is now considered a dwarf planet and now not considered one of the nine planets of our solar system. There is also new and updated scientific information on the planets, stars, and constellations. There is an abundance of information packed into this book. First, the the night sky, stars and constellations are explained in relatively simple terms. There are also simple illustrations of the constellations, the old views and the new views. Next, the constellations are presented in wonderful detail, complete with equally detailed illustrations. Next there is a detailed examination of the stars. There are time and star charts, magnitudes of stars and constellations, various calendar charts of stars, star gazing via longitude and latitude and more. The final section of this book deals with planets, moons, planetary tables, the celestial clock, the zodiac and more. To round it out, there is a very detailed glossary/index along with a universal sky chart. This book is not just for children. It is for any astronomer, from beginner to expert. Knowledge and enlightenment are to be found within the pages of this book. This is a must for all astronomy/science collections, both juvenile and adult.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rey, H.A.

Illustrator: Rey, H.A.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544763449

Price: 14.99

Fly Guy's Ninja Christmas

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

This is the 16th title in the immensely popular Fly Guy series. And this one is just as humorous, silly and entertaining as all the other titles. This time Fly Guy is celebrating Christmas. Only he is doing it ninja-style. It is Christmas Eve and Fly Guy is enjoying a bedtime story, complete with milk and cookies, with his best-friend and human boy Buzz. Later in the evening, there is a red-suited intruder in the house. Fly Guy uses his ninja skills to protect Buzz and the rest of the family. Fly Guy has unknowingly attacked Santa Claus. But he soon makes things right with the jolly big guy. And all ends well by Christmas morning. Fans of this popular easy reader series will not be disappointed. The familiar zany and colorful illustrations humorously depict Buzz and Fly Guy's antics. The same easy to read text will be enjoyed by 1st and 2nd graders. Words such as "thwak", "ninjazzz", and "surprizzz" may confuse some younger brand new readers so this may not be the best choice for them. But this would make a lovely read aloud for the same younger readers, as well as one on one sharing. Purchase where Fly Guy is popular. And for libraries in need of new and silly Christmas stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545662772

Price: 6.99

The Taken

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

This is a paperback reissue of the first title of a popular new animal fantasy series. The author is part of the pseudonym Erin Hunter, responsible for the Survivor series. In this series, foxes are the topic. Isla is a young fox who lives on the outskirts of a human metropolitan area. One day Isla returns to her den to find it destroyed, her family missing, and surrounded by mysterious and unfamiliar foxes. Isla flees for her safety and is thrust into the metropolitan world of the humans. She has to navigate that world, while be chased and hunted by unknown foxes. Isla discovers her mysterious and magical power of cunning. She then meets a dog who is not what he seems. What has happened to Isla's family? What will become of Isla? The magic and mystery only deepen. For grades 4-7. This is a detailed and magical world of foxes, some of whom are part of the Taken. There are various alliances, shape shifters, and danger and mystery around every corner. Give to fans of the Warriors and its spin off series all by Erin Hunter, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, and Wolves of Beyond series, both by Kathryn Lasky. Perfect for readers not quite ready for the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. The ending will leave you excited for the next installment. A good purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Iserles, Inbali

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545690829

Price: 6.99

Ghosts

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2017

Review

This is a graphic novel that celebrates the Day of the Dead and sheds light on family challenges.

Cat’s family is relocating to a northern California seaside town where the air is better for her younger sister who had CF. The story line is introduced as the family drives north. Readers learn about Mexican cultural traditions and sisterly love in this new graphic novel. Although the subject matter is somewhat scary the author’s treatment of ghost is refreshing and entertaining.

Written by an experienced and well revered author this is a graphic novel that all librarians will want to add to their collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Telgemeier, Raina

Illustrator: Telgemeier, Raina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978054554042

Price: 10.99

The Way to Game the Walk of Shame

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

An unlikely romance grows from an agreement made to protect Taylor's reputation. This story takes on typical stereotypes by tossing the goal orientated Ice queen and the irresponsible lady's man into a relationship. The characters are believable in their new found unlikely roles. Readers may applaud the ending or feel that Evan has lost himself. Either way Nguyen has penned a YA romance novel that will be well received by reluctant readers and romance lovers.

Not a necessary purchase but may be considered for public libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nguyen, Jenn P.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads ( Feiwel and Friends)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250064071

Price: 9.99

All the Feels: All is Fair in Love and Fandom

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

Reading All the Feels will immerse teens in a world of fandom. Game players and superfans will be comfortable with the plot while others will struggle with the life style. As a shy college student Liv finds the gaming online environment preferable to her classes and classmates. Readers get up close to Liv's ideal Spartan but it is likable Xander who steals the show as a supportive character and romance interest.

The story is a little choppy but the text messages maintain interest. Not a necessary purchase yet it will hit the spot for gamers and movie lovers. The title is interesting if not confusing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Danika

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads ( Feiwel and Friends)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250084095

Price: 9.99

Here Comes the Shaggedy

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 18, 2017

Review

If you are a Goosebumps fan, you will eat this up, so to speak. This is another sub-series within the plethora of Goosebumps books. There is nothing new here. Just familiar and disgusting monsters pitted against unsuspecting adults and their more aware children. The children are aware of the monsters and the danger they present and try to convince the adults. In this installment a scientist moves himself and his two kids to the Florida swamps. A gross and disgusting monster dwells there - the shaggedy. And he soon makes his horrifying presence known to the brother and sister pair. Can they convince their dad to move before it is too late? Purchase where Goosebumps is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stine, R.L.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545825474

Price: 6.99

A Number Slumber

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 18, 2017

Review

Rhyming vocabulary combined with bright illustrations make this concept book a winner for the preschool age group. Bedtime is obviously portrayed as various animal species prepare for sleep. Dark yet brightly colored backgrounds reinforce the night scenes of each two page spread. The author's use of pastels lends itself to the blurred edges however it can be difficult to see where one animal starts and another ends. Little ones will delight with finding all nine newts as they appreciate all the blankies and bed time toys.

Libraries who collect number concept books will want to add this title. A Number Slumber is perfect as a gift for any pre-school child.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Jan

Illustrator: Bloom, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press ( Highlights)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629795577

Price: 16.95

The Fix-It Man

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 19, 2017

Review

The Fix-It Man exhibits excellent problem solving abilities, an engineer skill set, and a good heart. Joshua is an endearing character who loves to fix things around the house and appreciates his little sister. The text is printed in a clear font that is manageable for early readers. The publisher's information however is among the smallest and necessitates a magnifying glass to discern content.

Teachers will find this a perfect fit for their STEM and STREAM programs. Mechanical drawings, cartoon characters and graphic novel spreads combine to make this an interesting and attractive addition for any library serving children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hood, Susan

Illustrator: Chung, Arree

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062370653

Price: 17.99

Buddy's Bedtime Battery

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2017

Review

Good bed time reading selection for families with high energy offspring. Buddy loves robots to the point of distraction. When night time arrives his parents help him power down with specific activities intended to sooth a busy toddler.

Little ones are sure to adore the illustrations featuring an adorable active toddler surrounded by many robot toys and bedding. The text and illustrations might not always match but the storyline is loud and clear. Bring a smile to the face of parents with active children by gifting this book to be added to their family bedtime arsenal. This reader raised an active offspring who activated her good night button till about age five.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Geist, Christina

Illustrator: Bowers, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House ( Penguin Random House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553513394

Price: 16.99

What Color is a Kiss?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2017

Review

Monica is a budding artist who adores painting. One question causes her to ponder all the colors on her pallet; what color is a kiss? In the end she needs her mother to weigh in on the dilemma. The most appealing feature of the book is The hand printed text. Although useful for art classes it is unclear how wide the audience will be. For public libraries this is an unnecessary purchase. Primary schools with art classes may consider this for their picture art book collections.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bonilla, Rocio

Illustrator: Bonilla, Rocio

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580897396

Price: 16.95

MILA 2.0 Redemption

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2017

Review

In this final book in the MILA series, MILA is hiding out with the help of Lucas and uncovers the larger plot of General Holland's horrific vision in this sci-fi thriller. MILA, an android that has been designed as a replica of burn victim named Sarah, continues to integrate Sarah's humanity with her war-like weaponry as she reconciles her actions in the previous book with new information that sends her and the reconvened support team to a private school hiding huge secrets. MILA has to choose the right way to proceed in life-effecting ways as she protects future generations in the process. Although readers will understand and follow the action without confusion, the depth of the storyline should be enjoyed from the beginning of the series. The first book in the series made the cream of the crop list in 2014.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driza, Debra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062090423

Price: 17.99

The May Queen Murders

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2017

Review

With a title like May Queen Murders, you know that it doesn't look good for one of the main characters after she is crowned May Queen. This is a dark story with twists and dark turns. Jude sets her book in a backwoods, forgotten-land type of town called Rowan's Glen. In this area, superstition and granny-women stories dominate and dictate the rhythm of life. Ivy loves her home, this carved-out area within a larger town, but she recognizes the derision and suspicion the "townies" have toward the small circle of families making up the Glen. When animals start disappearing and then turning up mutilated, the most famous and feared legend, that of Birch Markle, is rekindled. The last time Markle struck the town was 20 years prior when Terra MacAvoy was found murdered and mutilated days after being crowned May Queen. Now the council elders have decided to celebrate May Day again and Ivy's cousin Heather has been selected the new queen. When Heather goes missing, Ivy's worst fears are ignited. As secrets are unearthed, Ivy's perception of all that she has known is blown open. Sometimes secrets should stay buried and sometimes they need to come into the light so that all of their jagged edges can be exposed and the darkness of the past can finally be illuminated. A thoughtful, sometimes gory, YA novel about the danger of presumptions, the power of stories and secrets, and the lengths in which people will go to protect their name and conceal the truth.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jude, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544640412

Price: 17.99

The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 23, 2017

Review

Recommending this title for cream consideration. In a home converted to a children's hospital during World War II, tween-aged Emmaline sees horses with wings in all the mirrors. All the children at Briar Hill are in various stages of Tuberculosis and are isolated from everyone except the few caregiving adults: the sisters, the gardener and the visiting doctor. When Foxfire, one of the winged horses is injured and appears in the abandon garden of the home, Emmaline takes it upon herself to help protect Foxfire from the sinister Black Horse who preys on them and has also escaped the mirrors. Emmaline is the strong-willed, imaginative, narrator of this story who covets Anna's colored pencils, disobeys the sisters, and engages in some kleptomania in the name of protecting Foxfire. The horses in the mirrors are a fantasy world that Emmaline has constructed to survive the tremendous personal pain and heartbreak that she experiences in her life, or are they real? The mystical horses give her purpose and adventure in the isolating setting as she watches children die, knowing that she will most likely face the same fate. Shepherd has entwined the universal pain that war and chronic illnesses create in persons with the fantastical in at times lightly humorous story, in a way that balances the two and may have readers wondering if there are horses in their mirrors.

Publisher Note: Pages 59-90 were repeated in the review copy, but other librarians has confirmed that their copies do not have these extra pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press//Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101939758

Price: 16.99

A Week of Mondays

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2017

Review

Another version of the Groundhog Day trope, A Week of Mondays features a 16 year old girl who begs the universe for a chance to do the day her boyfriend dumps her over again, in hopes of stopping it from happening. As she continues to wake up to the same Monday over and over again, she can't figure out how to make it right, and quickly regrets her wish. Finally, on Monday #7, she gets what she wants, and her rockstar boyfriend does not want to break up. However, she's finally realized that that's not what she wants. This book has nothing new to offer and is not a recommended purchase for most collections.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Brody, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374382704

Price: 17.99

That's Me Loving You

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2017

Review

A sweet story that conveys the love that a parent/caregiver feels for their child whether they are nearby or not. The lyrical text accompanied by soft, retro-style illustrations weave a comforting and touching tale of love. Boys and girls of various races are featured throughout the story that creatively shows that they are never really separated from their family in spirit. The children experience the wonders of nature on their own outdoors with imaginative clues that their loved one is reaching out to them. In the final pages, a child is with parent/caregiver making a school lunch together then ends with the smiling child heading out for school on their own.

The simple text with lots of white space is balanced by the detailed illustrations that help create an atmosphere of safety and contentment. A positive story that will resonate with parents/caregivers and children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy

Illustrator: White, Teagan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101932384

Price: 16.99

Just My Type : Understanding Personality Profiles

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2017

Review

For young readers who are curious about what makes people tick, this informative book will help them get a better understanding of themselves and others. This book provides a elementary overview of personality profiling with examples such as ancient Chinese astrology, Freud and Jung, Myers-Briggs to the Big-Five Factor Markers (BFFM) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Within the 6 chapters, text is supplemented with diagrams, call-outs, photographs and charts. Also included are try-outs where readers are asked to answer questions to determine an assessment. This information should resonate with readers who are looking for insights into their own personality. Source notes, glossary, for further information section, index, photo acknowledgements and author background are included in the back pages.

Material is concise and provides a basic overview of this field in an easy-to-understand format that is appropriate for readers age 12 to 18. A strong introduction that should interest readers to want to learn more the workings of the human personality.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978146778010

Price: 34.65

Whoops!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 28, 2017

Review

What is going on? A cat that can't meow? A dog that can't woof? A mouse without a squeak? Leave it to the wise old owl to send the animals to the old lady in the tumbledown house to straighten things out. It turns out however, that the old lady's spells are not working so well. Laughter from the reader is guaranteed with each rhyming misplaced spell! The mixed media illustrations are quirky and humorous and flow well with the integrated text. The images of the animals are stylized and sleek and at the same time very endearing. There is a satisfying conclusion for the three animals with the initial problem. A clever twist at the end involving a frog, the old lady and the wise owl will leave readers with an even bigger smile.

A great story to share at a storytime or one on one with a child.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Suzi

Illustrator: Ayto, Russell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681808

Price: 16.99

Smart Online Communication: Protecting Your Digital Footprint

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 28, 2017

Review

A timely and important book that thoroughly covers the importance of smart online communications so that ones digital footprint is protected.

The text is clearly written and is supplemented by numerous photographs and sidebars that make the information accessible and interesting. Real life examples and suggestions will help young readers understand how important it is to be a smart user of technology. Topics such as hacking, cyberbullying, phishing, spyware, viruses, spam, cookies and apps are covered within the four short chapters.

A Glossary, Learn More about Online Communication page, and Index are included in the backpages. This book would be a smart addition to both public and school libraries for younger middle readers to access information to become good digital citizens.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Linden, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467794879

Price: 22.99

The Story of Seeds

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 1, 2017

Review

An inspiring book that brings to the forefront the challenging situation facing seeds on our planet. Seeds are in crisis and this book does an excellent job providing information on the loss of plant biodiversity and why it a is huge global problem.

Photographs and helpful call-out are used frequently throughout the eight short chapters. The clear and concise writing provides in-depth information, making this book a helpful reference book for research. The book ends on a hopeful note with a useful call to action section that offers suggestion on what the reader can do to make a difference.

Backpages include Seed Resource section, Additional Resource section, Glossary, Author's Note, Sources, Timeline and Index. A strong addition to both public and school library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Castaldo, Nancy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978054432039

Price: 17.99

Oval Office Escape

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2017

Review

In this second book of the Commander in Cheese series Ava and Dean take on a new furry resident of the White House. Their continued travels through the WH mice tunnels brings them to the Oval Office where they manage to alter a presidential decision about the C.A.T.

Though a silly tale there is lots here for the early reader to enjoy and the ending is a surprise. The storyline is historical and educational without any stiffness. Vocabulary is perfect for the step 2-3 reader and the illustrations enhance the text. Pictures of all the USA Presidents and related facts complete the book. This is a good new series for the K- third grade classroom. Public libraries who collect paperback easy readers will want to add this book to the first Commander in Cheese title; the Big Move.

Series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Leavitt, Lindsey

Illustrator: Ford, A.G.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101931158

Price: 4.99

The Big Move

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2017

Review

A new series introduces readers to a family (generations) of mice who live in the White House. On inauguration day two appealing young mice (Ava and Dean) learn that the new female president has two children. There journey takes them to the second floor where they seek a Lego to add to the mice family treasure room. Interaction with humans supply humorous events into a slightly historic and fun test.

The back pages contain a map of the second floor, factual relevant information as well as portraits of the Presidents through Obama. The illustrations will attract early readers and will help to hold their attention. Those who read this first book will want to find the next three additions on the shelves of their classroom. Recommended for K – 3 classrooms and public libraries who collect paperback easy reader series.

New series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Leavitt, Lindsey

Illustrator: Ford, A.G.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101931127

Price: 4.99

Interference

Reviewed by: Ann Mare Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Kate Hamilton, 16, a senator's daughter living in Washington, D. C. has just been the center of a campaign scandal caused by a photo from her ex-boyfriend. Rather than lose the campaign, her father drops out of the race and moves them to his hometown in rural Texas. Here Kate has a culture shock, still concerned about a college recommendation she needs, a photography portfolio she needs to complete, a new high school to navigate and keeping out of trouble. Kate learns her father has a hidden agenda,and a new campaign. Romance, friendships, matchmaking and football in a small Texas town mix with a political campaign. A good contemporary fiction with a quick pace that is enjoyable to read as Kate, who can't seem to not interfere for the outcome she hopes for.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Honeyman, Kay

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545812320

Price: 17.99

Frost Like Night

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

"Frost like Night" by Sara Raasch is the final novel in her "Snow like Ashes" fantasy trilogy. If you liked the first two, you will enjoy this one as well. This book didn't feel as fast-paced and interesting as the first book (which I would rate as excellent), but it's still a fun and worthwhile read. Meira must learn to control her powers and make a sacrifice to not only save her people, but to protect all the people of Primoria from the evil Angra who is controlled by the destructive magical power of Decay. I enjoyed that chapters were done in different points of view and the switching between them wasn't tough to follow. I'd recommend this book if you already have the other two. It is a satisfying conclusion to the series. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raasch, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062286987

Price: 17.99

The Secret Fire

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

This is a satisfying ending to the Secret Box trilogy that features Jax Malone and her cousins, Ethan and Tyler. Their adventures begin right where the second book ended inside the Museum. The three have to locate and destroy the urns of Faith, Hope and Love to protect the world from getting controlled by Epimetheus, who has plans to overthrow or erase Zeus from the mortal world. Jax is kidnapped by Ricardo, the Greek god Epimetheus, before the boys leave the museum and their communication link is broken. Jax and her cousins must solve their problems separately which may be disappointing for those who enjoyed the interplay between them. Ethan and Tyler enter the world of the Greek gods to find the last urn and learn various trivia about the Greek gods and their relationships that influence why Epimetheus is working havoc in the mortal world. Those new to the series will need to pay attention to the chapter headings to distinguish which character is narrating. Give to readers who are not yet ready to read the Percy Jackson series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ringwald, Whitaker

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062216205

Price: 16.99

Tractor Mac: Teamwork

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Young tractor and truck enthusiasts will enjoy this fifteenth picture book featuring Tractor Mac and his working vehicle friends. Farmer Bill has volunteered to help create a community pond and it takes all the different anthropomorphic vehicles to assist in the tricky construction. After a few days of cooperation, Deke, the blue tractor appears and slowly takes over everyone's job. Of course, his interference creates an accident that demands all the vehicles pool their talents to save Deke and his worker. Although the purpose of the story is to illustrate teamwork, the details provided about the building project and the various uses of the tractor, steam shovel, and bulldozer will engage budding engineers and construction workers. Illustrations are detailed and yet do not read as overly busy on the page. Each page provides a few lines of text which matches the smaller book size. A diagram of Doug the Steam Shovel with 18 part names adorn the inside front cover and Tractor Mac with his 22 identified parts adorn the inside back cover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301132

Price: 8.99

Maisy's Moon Landing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

This fourth installment in the Maisy first science book series is a pop-up book with tabs. Cousins's bright primary-colored signature illustrations are consistent throughout. Maisy is the character shown on each moveable piece, but Maisy's friends do make a few appearances in the background. On the first page Maisy wonders about being so far from home. On each page after, she takes off in a rocket, travels 3 days to get there, lands on the moon, drives on a moon buggy and gets back in the rocket to parachute in a capsule to end the adventure. The left side of each two page spread has an information block with three words and their corresponding pictures identified. For Rocket launch the three words are rocket, sun and space suit. Readers will also learn satellite, landing module, crater, parachute and recovery ship. This treatment of the subject would make for a fun story time on space.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690403

Price: 15.99

Sing With Me Action Songs Every Child Should Know

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Sing With Me - Action Songs Every Child Should Know is a compilation of 13 nursery songs accompanied by suggested hand and motions for each. The songs are mostly standard and familiar - including Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle, Twinkle, Pat a Cake. The illustrations accompanying each are delightful, warm, and colorful and include whimsical and sweet animals as well as children. Each is done in acrylic ink, pencil and collage on a plywood backdrop with simple text that include mostly the first verse of the songs and rhymes. This is an ideal book for any day-care or preschool library to encourage adult and child interaction and early literacy. It would also be perfect for a gift to new parents.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stoop, Naoko

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805099041

Price: 16.99

The Hole Story of the Doughnut

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Author Pat Miller delivers in this wonderfully illustrated and true "whole" story about the "hole" story of the invention of the doughnut by ship's cook Hanson Gregory. Born in Rockport, Maine Gregory went to sea in 1844 at the age of 13. He eventually worked his way up to Captain and sailed both Schooners and Clippers for many years. He was known for his bravery and seamanship but became famous for his invention of the doughnut as a young assistant cook in 1847. The usual breakfast fare in those days on the boats was a deep-fried cake that tended to be crisp and sweet on the edges but came out heavy, raw, and greasy in the center (hence, they were called "sinkers"). Gleason had the idea of using a pepper lid to cut the middle out before frying and the doughnut "a new breakfast tradition was born"! Lower and middle elementary grade children will enjoy the story and find the illustrations colorful, clever and fun. Many are in a circular "doughnut" shape with the center cut out and placed on the following page or of brightly decorated doughnuts! The author includes a Timeline of Gregory's life and the history of the doughnut, a bibliography, a real photo of Gregory and some alternate stories of the origin of the doughnut. Maine children will especially appreciate the Maine connection!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Pat

Illustrator: Kirsch, Vincent X.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544319615

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

How to Find Gold

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Recommending for Cream consideration. A young dark-skinned girl named Anna and her friend, a crocodile, take a walk and decide to find some treasure. They discuss their facial expressions, how much gold weighs and where to search. After some time drawing their ideas, they come to the conclusion that all gold is not buried, but sunken! They take a trip on a boat that resembles some of their drawings and they dive deep into the caverns to a sunken ship being held to the bottom by a huge blue octopus. After finding the treasure, they decide to bury the booty along with the map that shows where to find it! The two friends walk away satisfied with their imaginative adventure. Schwarz's pencil, crayon and watercolor illustrations create the magic in this picture book by add layers of meaning to the simply stated story line. The character's playfulness, movement, and expression are created from the use of singular color and minimal lines. At other times, full blown chaos with sea creatures and pounding waves in dark-colored washes and waxy crayon hues show the depth of the adventure. Speaks to many levels of imaginative play.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schwarz, Viviane

Illustrator: Schwarz, Viviane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681043

Price: 16.99

The Incident On The Bridge

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

An unusually structured, riveting mystery told from multiple points of view about Thisbe, a smart young woman last seen standing on the side of the Coronado Bridge in California, and presumed by many to have jumped to her death when she turns up missing.

Careful pacing stretches out the suspense and both Thisbe's back story and those of a cast of secondary characters are spun out incrementally, including Thisbe's loyal and determined sister, Ted; a newcomer, Fen, who spotted Thisbe on the bridge that night; a guy, Jerome, in whom Thisbe was interested; and many more. Though readers are privy to more information than those featured in the story, the tension is still effectively maintained throughout and the novel plays out as a puzzle whose pieces are artfully slotted into place. The portrayal of Thisbe as a perfectionist teen shaken to her core after being played by Clay, an opportunistic guy in her class, is spot on, though even Clay is a multidimensional character instead of being presented only as a villain.

This gripping thriller will be appreciated by older middle school and high school fans of writers like Adele Griffin and Lauren Oliver.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McNeal, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375870798

Price: 17.99

Beauty Queen

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

This is the paperback edition of the 7th book in the twisted fairy tale series, Whatever After, for fantasy readers in grades 2-4. Siblings, Abby and Jonah, have a magic mirror in their basement that sends them to different fairy tales at the stroke of midnight. Unfortunately, Maryrose the fairy wiped Jonah's memory clean in the previous episode and he doesn't remember. What is worse, Abby has purposefully ruined her friend's painting at school because of jealousy. When the mirror finally allows them access to the fairy tales, they find themselves in the Beauty and the Beast construct and as various friendships are made with the Beast, jealousy is the focal point of the lesson to be learned. Although it is the seventh adventure, readers new to the series will be able to easily navigate the setting and understand the workings of Mlynowski's fantastical fairy tale world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545746571

Price: 5.99

The Sea Pony

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

Piper Green is back in the third installment of the Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series. This review title is the paperback version. Islands off the coast of Maine are the setting of this story for newly independent readers in grades 2-4. The layout provides lots of white space, full page illustrations by Qin Leng that add detail and short chapters. Piper is an energetic, quick to act, imaginative seven-year-old narrator who wants a pony when one is delivered on the ferry for Nora Bean's farm. The special hole in the fairy tree in Piper's yard has materialized a captain's whistle that draws the attention of a seal, sea pony, to the lobster boat when Piper is helping her father bring in the traps. Although Piper gets in trouble for giving away half the bait to the seal, the animal eventually leads them to where their missing skiff has been lodged after a recent storm. Potter provides lots of details in this gentle, but humorous story for readers who have never experienced island living.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553499346

Price: 5.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Excellent Ed

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

All of the children in the Ellis family (Elaine, Edith, Emily, Elmer and Ernie) are excellent at something - except the family dog, Ed. Ed wants to be allowed to do everything that the children do - eat at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch and use the indoor bathroom. While the children all excel at things like soccer, math, cooking and ballet - Ed just can't find his place. He attempts to excel at less than excellent behaviors like breaking things, losing things, and forgetting. The poor dog begins to believe that he isn't good enough for the Ellis family. But the family loves their dog and they see what he is good at. They remind him that he is excellent at cleaning the floor of crumbs, welcoming the family back home and keeping feet warm.

The illustrations perfectly depict a warm and loving family. They are mixed media with a lot of warm yellows. Ed shown with tail in constant motion.

Ed shows that everyone can be excellent at something! This book is an excellent addition to most collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Sarcone-Roach, Julia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Borzoi Book - Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553510232

Price: 16.99

Dino-Racing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

This is another sports and dinosaur mash up from the Wheeler and Gott team that will race off the shelf at high octane speed due to the topics of cars and dinosaurs. In rhyming text, with colored fonts that identify specific dinosaurs, drag racing, dune buggy racing, stock car racing are illustrated with brightly colored Claymation looking dinosaurs. Each page is busy and action packed. One drag racer is a female driver. Adult readers will get a chuckle from the numerous puns in all the product advertising on the car sponsors such as "Primordial Soup", "Plantzoil" and "Dinotel". Perfect for a sports themed story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wheeler, Lisa

Illustrator: Gott, Barry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512403145

Price: 17.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Oops Pounce Quick Run! An Alphabet Caper

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

In a mostly one word per page pattern, the story of a mouse being disturbed by the family dog, chased around the house and being appease by a gift of a ball is told through the structure of the alphabet. Action, items, rooms of the house are the types of descriptive words used. Twohy's cartoon dog and mouse show the action, expression and fun and provide a focal point on each page, with lots of white space. As is usually the case, the pressure to hit each of the 26 letters in a natural way can be daunting. This offering is no different with its uneven treatment of identifying words. For example, the letter "I" corresponds to "I'll chase!", the letter "X" is depicted by "XOXO" and "V" is "Very Cool". This picture book will be useful for one-on-one sharing for use in supporting alphabetic knowledge. The sparseness and lack of compelling story limits the possibility of repeat readings.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Twohy, Mike

Illustrator: Twohy, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062377005

Price: 17.99

Trailblazers: 33 Women In Science Who Changed The World

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

An interesting, fact-filled guide encompassing 33 women who made significant contributions to science. The profiles are brief, but the concise text provides the essence of the scientists and their contributions. Just enough information to pique interest in these fascinating and varied women who worked in the fields of biology, medicine, astronomy and technology.

Some of the brilliant minds featured are better known, such as Sally Ride, Florence Nightingale and Rachel Carson. The majority of the women profiled, however, are lesser known. From the invention of Kevlar (which is used in bulletproof vests) to showing evidence of occupational illness (which paved the way to social change) the book highlights a broad range of accomplishments.

Readers who are interested in learning more about these inspirational women will find more in-depth information in the source notes and bibliography section in the back pages. Unfortunately, there are no photographs included. Overall, an excellent collective biography of women leaders in the scientific world. An informative book that should encourage readers to want to explore further into these women and the world of science.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Swaby, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399553967

Price: 15.99

Secrets of the Dragon Tomb

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

When a twelve year old boy takes on the responsibility of his family there is bound to be action and humorous missteps. Add a zany location, dragon tombs, and mechanical beings to quirky and lovable characters to satisfy middle school series readers. The first book in the Secrets of the Dragon Tomb series takes place in 19th century British Mars. Edward is interested in pursuing a future as a spy influenced by his favorite magazines but first he has to save his parents from the devious plans of an archaeologist.

A fun and adventuress plot is littered with surprises as Edward, his sisters and cousin set out to save family members and society. The writing is well executed and the illustrations enhance the story line. Kenneth Oppel's Airborn is a book that readers will want to find once they complete this book and its sequels. Public libraries and middle as well as intermediate school media centers will want to start this series with an eye on those titles that follow.

First in Secrets of the Dragon Tomb Series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Samphire, Patrick

Illustrator: Holmes, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt & Co.)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805099035

Price: 16.99

The Friendship Experiment

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

Maddie comes from a long line of scientists, most recently her recently deceased and beloved grandfather, and her father who is currently working diligently on a cure, or at least treatment for, an inherited blood disease that she and her sister share. More than anything she too considers herself an aspiring scientist and is dealing as well with all the typical angst of starting middle school without her best friend by her side ( as said friend has the opportunity to attend a private school). In a very touching and clever and smartly written narrative we follow Maddie as she tries to cope with all her angst and family issues by scientifically (as her grandfather taught her) to formulate Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) to deal with her life...and unfortunately for her she keeps them all in a private notebook that becomes public and causes a world of hurt and misunderstanding. Maddie eventually comes to awareness of the roles of kindness, empathy, friendship and family. The characters, adult and children, are engaging and likable and grades 5 - 8 will enjoy Maddie's ride. The blood disorder her family shares is real and the author shares an afterward with details. Girls who are themselves aspiring scientists will appreciate the lack of gender bias!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teagan, Erin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544636224

Price: 16.99

Nothing But Trouble

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A well written middle school novel about Maggie, setting off for her first day of sixth grade in a run down school closing after this year. On her own most of the time, wanting to follow in her late father's footsteps of going to MIT to become an engineer, she takes things apart, such as the vacuum cleaner to learn how they work, then puts them back together again.The child of a mother who works then retreats to her room to drink, a grumpy, disabled grandfather, she is strong, creative, and lives by her late father's hacker bible. Hacking was planning and carrying out pranks, not causing damage. Her pranks broke rules, but gave her school spirit. To finance her hacks, she created a website to sell vintage auto parts taken from a pile of parts in the basement belonging to her grandfather. Maggie's new best friend, Lena, a free-spirited photographer, is her new partner-in-crime. This is humorous, full of spirit, scientific, about friendships and a strong female character. A good read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Jacqueline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062369888

Price: 16.99

Under Water, Under Earth

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

This book has some incredible facts about thing that you would find under water and under the Earth. Half of the book deals with the water, then when the book is flipped around, you get the under-Earth information. This definitely adds to the interest of the book. But what really makes the book is that it covers so many topics and uses speech bubble and drawings that are almost cartoonish. This graphic novel style approach makes this book very accessible to a variety of readers. On top of that the information isn't just about things in the US, it covers a variety of things from all over, I mean all under, the world. The only thing that took just a bit away from the book were some of the labels that weren't as clear as they could have been. Still this is a super interesting book that would be great in a classroom or in the hands of any an individual.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mizielinska, Aleksandra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689223

Price: 35

He Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Originally published in 2006, this tenth year anniversary edition is illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. An added introduction by Boyne to this anniversary edition tells how the story for this fable began "I started with a very simple image of two boys sitting on either side of a fence, talking to each other, and was immediately interested in the journey that would bring them there, the conversations they would have and the necessary end that I felt their story would reach." A story about childhood, war, the naive and optimism outlook from a childhood prospective that Boyne so well articulates, a book to be read, and even though you know the ending, you'll think, wow! A powerful book for readers grades 5 and up to read, then think and talk about what war does to children. The illustrations are spare, black, a little blue, red where needed. They pick up the tone of the story and magnify the feelings. Highly recommended!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyne, John

Illustrator: Jeffers, Oliver

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399559310

Price: 18.99

Beast

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2017

Review

This story of first love between Dylan, a very smart and nearly seven foot tall, extremely hairy 15-year-old uncreatively nicknamed "Beast" by his classmates at his Catholic private school and pretty, talented, transgender Jamie, is a poignant and realistic novel that gives only the briefest of nods to the fairy tale that might be presumed by some readers to be its inspiration.

Dylan meets Jamie in a support group for self-harming teens to which he's referred by a doctor who treats him for a broken leg after he falls off a roof. Though it seems clear that Dylan was not actually trying to hurt himself, his bitter disparaging of his appearance alarms the doctor and his caring, if overbearing, mother insists that he try the group. In the very first session of the group, Jamie speaks clearly about being transgender but Dylan is characteristically so lost in his own self-pitying thoughts that he spaces out during it, setting up a premise where she believes he knows she is transitioning and is unfazed by it when in actuality he does not. The reveal happens fairly early on - and is further complicated by it involving Dylan's popular, opportunistic best friend J.P., who has used Dylan for years as a violent heavy to play the role of debt collector in his inethical money-making schemes - but a relationship has already progressed between Dylan and Jamie that has them both hooked.

Deeply painful, transphobic reactions transpire, and readers hearts will ache for resiliant, honest Jamie. Dylan, however, is not an easy character to like, and while the cruelty he's faced for much of his life about his size and the grief that he and his mother feel about his father's death from cancer many years before will garner sympathy, it is likely that even as he begins to transform and admit to himself that Jamie is still the same person, that some readers will hope Jamie stays clear of him. Yet, many others will be swept up by their often sweet interactions and obvious attraction and be moved by Dylan's real and complicated internal monologues about his feelings for Jamie as well as his struggle to change and better understand his relationships with both J.P. and his mother.

An honest and often heart-wrenching romance with multi-dimensional characters, this is a smart first YA novel from picture book illustrator and author Spangler.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spangler, Brie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101937167

Price: 17.99

Arf

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2017

Review

Birdie Gaux and her faithful canine sidekick, Bowser, are back. In this sequel to WOOF, Birdie and Bowser find themselves unexpectedly in the middle of a cold case, the murder of Birdie's police detective dad. Suspicious happenings and characters give Birdie pause - two house burglaries on the same day, the arrival of a young woman with green hair and a man that is a little too interested in the Gaux home. The novel is written from the dog's point of view - and Bowser is quite hilarious. But the humor does not throw the reader off the scent nor does it distract the reader from the serious events. Bowser proves himself a hero - and Birdie proves herself a fine detective. This dialogue driven novel will entertain mystery lovers and dog lovers alike. Here's hoping for installment #3. Spencer Quinn is the author of the bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery books for adults.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Quinn, Spencer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545643344

Price: 16.99

Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh!

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2017

Review

This is a funny story about a very small dog who is spoiled rotten. He eats all the best food, is bathed often, carried in a handbag and dressed in many outfits. Yet - he wants to be a dog and play with the dogs at the park. In an adventure to the park he has an AWESOME time - until his owner calls his pet name - Choochie Pooh. But this small pooch finds that all of the dogs have silly names - big and small. They all realize that their owners really love them. The story is amusing and the illustrations capture the dogs in all of their antics. Preschoolers should enjoy the story - but it probably will hit home more with the adult dog owners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Sean

Illustrator: Hindley, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681197

Price: 16.99

Anna and the Swallow Man

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 22, 2017

Review

This is a World War II novel that is wrought in some of the most beautiful language found in a YA novel. But it is also a disturbing and difficult novel due to the content around the horrors of war and the difficulties of survival. It is written in the third-person. Anna living in Krakow in 1939 with her professor father suddenly finds herself on her own in war torn Poland. Her father has been taken by the Nazis and she has no where to turn. She sees a mysterious, tall stranger on the street and follows him. Thus begins for the two of them years of survival in a war-torn land while always staying on the move. They wander and forage until the war begins to close in around them. Knowing who to trust and where to turn is a constant dilemma. The book is very philosophical and thought-provoking. It can at times be very uncomfortable. Readers who like tidy endings that reveal all - will be disappointed. But war is not tidy and conclusive -

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Savit, Gavriel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553513349

Price: 17.99

Groovy Joe Ice cream & Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2017

Review

The author of the first titles in the popular Pete the Cat series now brings readers Groovy Joe (the dog). Groovy Joe is so excited by his ice cream he bursts into song attracting the attention of others - first a small dinosaur, then a big dinosaur and finally a huge dinosaur. The dinosaurs arrive with spoons in hand, bibs and an appetite for ice cream. Of course, Groovy Joe announces that "it's awesome to share"! Alas, all ice cream containers empty - as does Groovy Joe's. Groovy Joe is never at a loss for what to do - and everyone ends up happy - singing and dancing. The story is very repetitive (but not annoying) and the song is catchy (and can be found online.) The illustrations are bold and fun. This picture book is perfect for story time. Here's hoping Groovy Joe has many more tunes to play on his guitar.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Litwin, Eric

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books (imprint of Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545883788

Price: 17.99

Nobody likes a Goblin

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2017

Review

Goblin lives in a subterranean dungeon with the rats and bats. He lights the torches, feeds the rats and has a mundane existence. Other than the rats and bats his only companion is Skeleton - and they are the best of friends. But one day the adventurers descend upon the dungeon and Goblin hides under his bed. When the marauders are gone he comes out of his hiding place to find that they took everything - including Skeleton. Without hesitation Goblin ventures out into the world to find his friend. He tells his neighbor, Troll, that he is off to find Skeleton. And the Troll says "be careful, nobody likes a goblin." It is soon clear how right Troll was - his first encounter with a farmer leads to a chase by all and sundry. During the chase Goblin finds Skeleton - and runs for his life with his friend. Hiding in a cave he is fortunate to meet a slew of goblins who believe they have found the Goblin King (Goblin is wearing the crown borrowed from Skeleton.) There is a happy ending - and Goblin even returns Troll's goose. Goblin is a terrific friend. He is kind and thoughtful. He is loyal and lovable. The subtle point that Goblin isn't liked because he looks different should lead to good discussion. The illustrations are charming and convey the story-line perfectly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hatke, Ben

Illustrator: Hatke, Ben

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720817

Price: 17.99

Forgotten Bones: Uncovering a Slave Cemetary

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Me 04039, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 29, 2017

Review

This narrative by archaeologist Lois Huey is really two stories. The first is the discovery and excavation of a 1770s slave cemetery in Albany, New York.Ms Huey walks the reader through the steps which bioarchaeologists(those who study human remains)take to secure the area, handle the bones and other artifacts, how they are studied and what can be learned about the culture.While the text is scientific, the reader has no problem understanding the process.The second story is the story of what being a slave in the north was like: where they came from, what they did day to day, how they lived and how they died. For the budding scientist, this is a book that offers a glimpse into the scientific world , for the budding historian, it offers a glimpse of the life of a slave of the north. This is history and science at its best.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Huey, Lois Miner

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467733939

Price: 30.63

Winner Takes All

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

Kate is a likeable, upbeat 10 year old girl. She lives with her parents and a sister and brother. She has the typical events and ups and downs of most 10 year old girls, and tells her story through words and many doodle type drawings, very reminiscent of Big Nate. At times, there is so much back and forth dialog that it gets somewhat confusing. Also, at times, the drawings give details not necessarily mentioned in the text. Overall, though, a good read for many middle age readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Suzy

Illustrator: Becker, Suzy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385388801

Price: 12.99

Words

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The author writes that his aim for this book is to "make the discovery of words equally fun and inspiring" as reading and writing. To this end, each page of the book has one of 300 of the most common words depicted in some way with thick black marker on a white background. Many of them are very clever. This is a good book for young children to look at to identify the pictures and sound out the words. It is equally fun to think about the process the author used to come up with some of the drawings. Some are stand alone, while on some pages opposites or words that are somewhat related are depicted. Some are just fun, like three birds with "OUR" piece of spaghetti going through all of their beaks. This would be a fun book to just sit and look through with a young child or with older children to talk about the author's thought processes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Niemann, Christoph

Illustrator: Niemann, Christoph

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062455505

Price: 18.99

Kingdom of Ash and Briars

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

Hannah West's "Kingdom of Ash and Briars" is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, told from the point of view of the fairy, or in this case a wizard, who takes care of Princess Rosamund after she has been cursed by another wizard. The book starts off showing us how the main character, Bristal, a teenager, comes into her powers and learns how to use them. I would have been more interested if the book had avoided the fairytale reboot and delved more into this original magical world, but once the princess is cursed by Tamarice (the wicked fairy in the original tale) the book seems to plod along. Not a bad book, but not a must buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

West, Hannah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436514

Price: 17.95

Return

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

"Return" by Aaron Becker is a beautiful addition to his wordless picture book series that started with "Journey" and continued in "Quest" (however, each book can be read alone and still make sense). "Return" has a father follow his daughter into her fantasy world where people can use crayons to create whatever they want. Unfortunately, enemies have created a box that sucks up all the colored creations, so the father and daughter need to figure out a way to stop them. I didn't find it as good as the first two books, but still an interesting and lovely read. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Aaron

Illustrator: Becker, Aaron

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763677305

Price: 15.99

A Drop of Night

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

"A Drop of Night" by Stefan Bachmann is a book that makes you feel like you're watching a thriller movie. It is very fast-paced and keeps you interested. The book switches between the viewpoints of a noble-born girl in France during the French Revolution, and a seventeen-year-old girl who has been selected (along with four other teens) for the archaeological exploration of an underground French palace. Needless to say, things go wrong and the teens find themselves being hunted down within the palace. The story felt very unique and would appeal to fans of "The Maze Runner." Unfortunately, while the book kept my attention, at the end I had several questions that remained unanswered. Not a must buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bachmann, Stefan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062289926

Price: 17.99

Frida and Bear Play the Shape Game

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

Frida,the elephant,loves to draw. Her friend, Bear,enjoys drawing as well. But one day Bear could not think of anything to draw. Frida draws a shape and tells Bear to turn the shape into something. And so begins their creative and imaginative day. They each take turns making shapes, squiggles and bits of collage - and the other turns each shape, squiggle and bit into a drawing. Frida and Bear love this game - and play it every day. The reader is invited to look at their drawings - and then play the game. This title should spur some imaginative play at home, at storytime and in the classroom.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Bartholin, Hanne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678371

Price: 15.99

Kindergarten is COOL!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 14, 2017

Review

"Kindergarten Is COOL!" features several kindergartners experiencing their first day of school. They get ready for school and go by either bus, car, or walking. At school they get to meet new people, play, sing, and learn fun things. The subject isn't anything new, but it is nice to see several people of color featured in the book. The story is told in rhyme, which kids really seem to enjoy. I wouldn't say it's a must-buy, but it would be a nice addition to your "going to school" picture books section. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elovitz Marshall, Linda

Illustrator: Chatterton, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545652667

Price: 8.99

Walter Was Worried

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 14, 2017

Review

"Walter Was Worried" by Laura Vaccaro Seeger is a truly unique picture book. It deals with various children feeling different emotions in regards to changing weather and actually creates the features on their faces with the letters of the word (for example, Walter is Worried, and his face has a wrinkle shaped like the letter W; O and E make his eyes; R's are his uplifted eyebrows; I makes his nose, and D is his open worried mouth). Very clever. Totally recommend adding it to your picture book collection, both for learning emotions and letters. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Vaccaro Seeger, Laura

Illustrator: Vaccaro Seeger, Laura

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626722514

Price: 14.99

Hidden

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 19, 2017

Review

Alix, who is 14, lives off the coast of England. Her life is pretty much in a turmoil; Dad left two years ago with a younger woman, her beloved Grampa has died, and Mom has suffered a broken leg. Alix is trying to keep her tiny family afloat. She takes care of her Mom, works a paper delivery route, prepares the meals, and tries to keep running as often as she can to stay on the track team at school. She notices Samir,a quiet and often bullied boy in her class who is a refugee from Iraq. She befriends him and they are together when a man comes in on the tide. They save him from drowning and then are in a position where they don't know what to do next. He is a victim of the war in Iraq, his family members have been killed, and is seeking asylum. From what they have been taught recently, he is apt to be sent right back to Iraq where, he claims, he will be killed. Samir and Alix are in a dilemma. In the current times, this novel about immigration, refugees, and the choices all countries must make around this issue is spot on and told in a way which young teenagers will understand. Alix finds that judging others by their appearance alone sometimes proves catastrophic, whether those people are her family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or law enforcement.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Halahmy, Miriam

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436941

Price: 16.95

Silly Wonderful You

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 19, 2017

Review

In the first half of this book, the Mom is expressing how much things have changed for the worse since her daughter came along. Using words like messy, loud, grumpy, whiny, and stinky to describe her little girl, this reader started to think that a little one hearing this story would not be pleased and might feel a bit like a burden to have around. After the halfway point, things turn around and become more positive but I still don't think that this is a book that the targeted audience will feel good about. That said, the illustrations are lovely, with use of lots of pastels, expressiveness, and busyness. Think twice before committing to this one.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rinker, Sherri Duskey

Illustrator: McDonnell, Patrick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062271051

Price: 17.99

It Ain't So Awful Falafel

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This story is about a young girl named Cindy (actually that's not her real name, her real name is Zomorod but she changes it so she has an American name). It takes place in the 1970s in the US right as the Iran hostage crisis was taking place. Cindy is an Iran teen living in the US at that time. But when the hostages get taken, her whole family comes under attack. The prejudices they have to deal with seem kind of extreme and even crazy, but they are very real. This is a great look at what happens when one group of people is singled out and blamed for what is going on in the world and in the US. The story itself is definitely sad at times but Dumas injects quite a bit of humor making it not as heavy of a read as one might think. The story also did a terrific job of explaining what happened in the Iran hostage crisis, something most young people might not be familiar with. This is definitely a book you do not want to judge by it’s cover. It might look like it’s for the younger crowd, but it will resonate best with older (12 and up) readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dumas, Firoozeh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544612310

Price: 16.99

Blood Brother: Jonathan Daniels and His Sacrifice for Civil Rights

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community School, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Blood Brothers is a biography of a civil rights activist named Jonathan Daniels. Daniels was a seminary student that became involved in the Civil Rights movement in Alabama in the 1960s. He worked in an area of the country that wasn't ready to allow black people to vote, even though it was the law. And because he was a white man helping to get this changed, people resented and hated him. This story is filled with photos and descriptions of what happened right up to the moment Daniels was murdered. It also looks at his trial and why the man that murdered him did not end up behind bars. Interesting read on this time period in US history.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wallace, Rich & Sandra Neil

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Highlights Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629790947

Price: 18.95

Long Road to Freedom

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2017

Review

Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever who has valuable search-and-rescue training which comes in handy during his travels throughout history. His magical first aid kit allows him to transport back in time to assist those in need. This 4th book in the series, brings Ranger back to the days of American slavery. There he meets a young girl in a difficult situation at a Maryland plantation. The girl's younger brother is going to be sold and relocated down south, so the two young children must make a daring escape before it is too late. The author incorporates rich historical information making this an educational read as well as a fast-paced adventure. The detailed black & white illustrations add a great deal to the story. In particular, the illustration that shows the children hiding on the roof to escape the bounty hunters, clearly brings their fear and the element of danger to the forefront. The author's note is very comprehensive and provides pages of additional content on the Underground Railroad. This section also includes B&W photographs, places to visit, book recommendations and website information. Also included is a Further Reading section and a Source Section. A highly recommended series. This series would be of particular interest to those who enjoy The Magic Tree House.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Messner, Kate

Illustrator: Messner, Kelley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545639217

Price: 17.99

The Mystery of Hollow Places

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2017

Review

17 year old Imogene's dad is missing. A well known author of medical mysteries, her dad left home in the middle of the night and never returned. No one has any idea where he could have gone, but Imogene has her own theory. Imogene is convinced that his disappearance has some connection to her long-lost mother -- a woman described by many as "troubled waters." The police and her stepmother are on a different track. So on her own, Imogene decides to become a master sleuth, and track down the mother she never knew. Imogene is a strong character who is brave and determined to do whatever she has to in order to find her dad. She is hoping to find her father, but also to figure out the real story about her mother and why she left so long ago. This story draws you in right from the beginning. With a strong plot and a realistic portrayal of a young person's journey to find answers, this book is a page turner. A strong debut novel by a promising new writer.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Podos, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzar & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062373342

Price: 17.99

Lionheart

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2017

Review

What was that sound? A boy hugs his stuffy Lionheart tightly and declares there is no such thing as monsters. But something is there...so he runs. Thus begins this beautifully illustrated tale reminiscent of "Where the Wild Things Are." The illustrations are imaginative and yet classic, utilizing a soft, dreamy color palette. The boy thinks he is being chased so further and further he keeps running. Along the way, having so much fun, he forgets about the monster and being scared. But Lionheart hasn't forgotten and helps the young boy stand up to his fears and be brave. With all the other animals, they roar bravely together and blow away all their fears. A satisfying ending with the young boy, clearly not afraid anymore, back in bed with his stuffy Lionheart. A tale that has been told before but the outstanding illustrations and interesting delivery make this book on facing your fears a worthy addition. Another great resource for helping children to face their fears.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Collingridge, Richard

Illustrator: Collingridge, Richard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: David Fickling Books - Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545833219

Price: 17.99

Dollars and Sense : A Kid's Guide to Using - Not Losing - Money

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 26, 2017

Review

An informative book that will help children understand money... ultimately helping them to make positive choices that will steer them to a bright financial future. Topics covered include, the history of money, keeping money safe, how banks work, The Great Depression, The Great Recession, debt, and advice on sticking to a budget. A Glossary, Resource Section and Index are also provided in the back pages. Whimsical illustrations appear throughout bringing a lightness and some humor to the informational text. Helpful graphs and sidebars appear throughout the text as well, providing detailed information in an easy to understand format. A well done book on a serious topic that will keep readers engaged and not overwhelmed. A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Elaine

Illustrator: Clark, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580893961

Price: 16.95

Aim

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 26, 2017

Review

It's 1941 and Junior Bledsoe is 14 years old and living in Hickory, North Carolina. His Pop teaches him to shoot and schools him in how to aim straight and true. The times in the woods with his Pop are among the best of times with his father; he also enjoys handing his father tools upon request as his father is a very astute shade tree mechanic. But Pop struggles with alcohol, gambling, and tolerating his own father who has recently moved in with the family. When Pop dies unexpectedly and under somewhat suspicious circumstances, Junior is left to do all the chores at home, share his room with his extremely negative and curmudgeonly grandfather, decide whether or not to quit school, where he is forced to use his right hand to perfect the Palmer Method even though he is left-handed, and trying to figure out how to live down being Axel Beldsoe's namesake. Perhaps he should take a job at the mill that his father despised. He desperately wants to earn respect for the Bledsoe family and attempts to lie about his age to join the Army when WWII breaks out. While trying to find his true aim in life, he takes many missteps and learns, at last, that his first goal must be to earn self-respect. Written in a time when things were much different than the present, young adult readers will be drawn into a world of rationing, saving scrap metal and rubber for the cause, and learning to write in cursive were what everyday life was about.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hostetter, Joyce Moyer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek/An Imprint of Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629796734

Price: 17.95

Polka Dots for Poppy

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2017

Review

Sisters Ava, Isabelle, Charlie Ann and Poppy are excited about shopping for school clothes. They all know precisely what they want, from all things princessy, purply or cowgirl to polka dots. Poppy is the youngest and she definitely loves polka dots. When shopping day comes, everyone is able to find exactly what they want except for little Poppy. She is so unhappy. The next morning, when Mom dresses Poppy, she finds a polka dot outfit in Poppy's drawers. Where did it come from? Creative sisterly love has come to the rescue! With bold, content-filled illustrations and the color words in appropriate colored text, this will be a good addition to picture book shelves everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schwartz, Amy

Illustrator: Schwartz, Amy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434312

Price: 16.95

The Baby

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

The jacket cover describes the book as a "bittersweet drama about friends and family" but simply given its title and that jacket cover, young adult readers, especially girls, will be drawn to this debut novel written by a British author. It is a short read of five chapters, each chapter given the name of one of the five main characters and the name of the month. The stunning opening chapter, Olivia February, describes Olivia's parents leaving the start of their 17 year old daughter's birthday party, the alcohol, smoking and sex at those festivities, and a baby's unexpected birth which ends the party. Four months and four chapters later, the situation is not completely resolved, that was a life-changing party, but the original friends remain friends and the book ends with them enjoying still another birthday party to which the departing "mum" has contributed drinks. However, some of the adults in the story are extremely helpful, a grandmother too, the baby is thriving, and readers receive a serious consideration of the time, money, planning, and good care all infants require. The Baby is definitely not destined to be a shelf sitter and it is recommended to senior high aged readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Drakeford, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House. imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545940276

Price: 17.99

Sam and Jump

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

A picture book that will resonate with anyone who can remember loving and then losing a special toy or belonging as well as about best friends, both old ones and new ones. The author/illustrator's appealing watercolor, pencil and digital"magic"drawings are in absolute harmony with the clean, spare text. The illustrations grow noticeably larger to highlight significant moments in the story. Young preschoolers, three and four year olds especially, will be able to read the story by simply following the pictures. It is a book, then, especially appropriate for young three and four year olds, particularly boys but also for any age of admirers of well-done picture books. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mann, Jennifer

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763679477

Price: 15.99

Crash the Cat

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

This story, one of "unconditional pet love", was inspired by the author/illustrator David McPhail observing his granddaughters and their pet cat, Crash. Crash is a cat that is constantly crashing into things such as persons, toys, an elaborately decorated cake and an open bucket of paint. His actions may leave all but extreme cat lovers quite dubious about the story's final sentence, "Life with Crash is always fun." Really? The artwork in pen, umber ink and watercolors is both lively and amusing throughout. It is a book that should please at least three to seven year old girls who are especially fond of cats.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

McPhail, David

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House Book

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436491

Price: 16.95

Winter's Bullet

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This historical novel takes place in Nazi occupied Amsterdam. Fifteen year old Tygo Winter is useful to the Nazis because of his locksmith skills, a trade passed down from his murdered father. Being forced to assist the Nazis makes him a target of his own countrymen in the Dutch Resistance. Tygo has information about a secret weapon that the Nazis believe will end the war. He is faced with difficult choices because of this knowledge. This gripping narrative is well written, the plot moves quickly, and the action accelerates right up to the end. The author includes authentic cars, guns, and planes that were used in the war, as well as, actual people living at the time. The fictional characters are convincing as they face crucial decisions. I highly recommend this well researched novel for not only those interested in WWII, but anyone who enjoys reading about characters who are faced with challenging decisions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, William

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545853446

Price: 18.99

Going Where It's Dark

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

Buck Anderson stutters and is bullied. He will enter the eighth grade in the fall. His favorite activity is caving, but his best friend who accompanies him exploring underground caves has just moved out of town. Buck knows it is unsafe to go caving alone, but he finds it difficult to resist. To earn some extra money during summer vacation he has agreed to help out an old man as a part time job. This opportunity presents an unexpected challenge for Buck. Buck is good at keeping a secret. The well developed characters are believable and readers will quickly find themselves engrossed in this story that is full of adventure and suspense. I recommend this for readers who enjoy stories about friendship, family, and personal challenges.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553512427

Price: 16.99

One Half From the East

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This well written novel is set in contemporary Afghanistan. Obayda, her sisters, and her parents move from Kabul to a small village after her father loses a leg in an explosion which drastically changes their lives. This story is an eye opener to an old tradition, bacha posh, which still exists. This is when a young girl is transformed into a boy by cutting her hair and dressing as a boy. When the girl reaches puberty, she is transformed back into a girl. There are many reasons a girl may be chosen to do this. The characters in this story pull the reader into an unfamiliar world, yet the themes are universal. The author beautifully describes the everyday life of this region as the plot quickly moves along. There is so much to ponder after reading this incredible story. I highly recommend this young adult debut novel by Nadia Hashimi. She is of Afghan heritage and is the international bestselling author of The Pearl that Broke Its Shell which is also about the practice of bacha posh. The author's note includes additional information about bacha posh.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hashimi, Nadia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062421906

Price: 16.99

Everland

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This dystopian novel is a retelling of Peter Pan. The parallels to the original story are very evident, though not necessary to enjoy the plot. Sixteen year old Gwen and her siblings are survivors of a deadly virus in a bombed out London. Gwen meets Pete, Belle, and the gang of Lost Boys. An innocent romance develops between Gwen and Pete. Hook is trying to find the cure for the virus which he believes may be found in one of the surviving children. The story is well written using alternating chapters told from Gwen's and Hook's points of view. There is much action and suspense moving the plot quickly along. This is the author's debut novel and the first in the Everland series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spinale, Wendy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545836944

Price: 17.99

We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

The White Rose Movement was started and run by a group of students who were greatly opposed to what was taking place in Nazi Germany. The students produced leaflets which were run off on a mimeograph machine and secretly distributed. Some of these students had been members of Nazi youth organizations before they turned against Hitler and his regime. A close look at the siblings Sophie and Hans Scholl and other members of the movement personalizes this brave undertaking. What they and their families endured demonstrates the strength and determination of those involved resisting the Nazis. The black and white photographs enhance this well written non-fiction account. Source notes, bibliography, picture credits, and an index is included. I highly recommend this excellent book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Freedman, Russell

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544223790

Price: 17.99

Vietnam: A History of the War

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This is an excellent account of the complicated and contentious Vietnam War. The book begins with the history of Vietnam and how the United States became involved. The numerous black and white photographs and other illustrations enhance the well written text. First hand accounts show the war from a personal perspective. Combat tactics, the antiwar movement, the fall of Saigon, and reconciliation are some of the many topics covered in this compelling book. The last chapter includes President Obama's and John Kerry's meeting with the Communist leader in 2015. There is a map, timeline, extensive source notes, glossary, bibliography, picture credits, and thorough index. I highly recommend this book for middle and high school students.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Freedman, Russell

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436583

Price: 20.00

Bubonic Panic:When Plague Invaded America

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This is a fascinating history of the bubonic plague. It begins with a vivid description of how the disease attacks its victims complete with color photographs. The author goes on to describe earlier known outbreaks beginning in 542 in Constantinople and around the world before arriving in San Francisco in 1900. The descriptions of the effects on communities and scientific study through the years are engaging and gripping. Readers may be surprised to know that the disease still exists today. There are numerous photographs, maps, charts, illustrations from newspapers, and posters. A table of contents, glossary, timeline, author's note, source notes, bibliography, extensive index, and picture credits complete this excellent book. I highly recommend this third book of the Deadly Disease trilogy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jarrow, Gail

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620917381

Price: 18.95

John Lincoln Clem - Civil War Drummer Boy

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

One of four books in the Based on a True Story historical fiction series.This edition takes place during the Civil War, and we meet John Lincoln Clem, a nine year old who is determined to fight for his country. John runs away from home and sneaks onto a train carrying soldiers from the Third Ohio Union Regiment. The men take him in and help him become a drummer boy. John eventually takes up a gun and starts fighting too when he is captured by the Confederates. In the end he is sent home where he is hailed as a hero.There is lots of adventure and suspense. This book gives a great eyewitness account of how it was to be fighting in the civil war.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Abbott, E.F.

Illustrator: Noble, Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250068378

Price: 15.99

Around America to Win the Vote

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

The story of two brave suffragists on a trek across America to spread the word: Votes for Women! Nell Richardson and Alice Burke were friends fighting for a good cause - the right for women to vote! So on April 6, 1916 they packed up their little yellow car, (yellow stood for Votes for Women) and took off to drive all the way around America! They figured that if they could do that, then it would prove that women can do anything! The newspapers around America followed their trip - 2 women driving 10,000 miles to win the right to vote was very big news! The events in this book were taken from those newspaper accounts of their trip. A fun, informative lively read that children will enjoy. This could be a great addition to American studies for the very young!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff, Mara

Illustrator: Hooper, Hadley

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678937

Price: 16.99

Planets - A Lego adventure

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Lego mini figures take you on a tour of our solar system. There are plenty of actual facts and pictures from space. Lego fans will enjoy this book. Not a must have.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Arion, Penolope

Illustrator: Gordon-Harris, Tory

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545947657

Price: 8.99

Swan Lake

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorail Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

This is a stunningly beautifully illustrated version of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Children and adults alike will enjoy reading this story over and over.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lee, Tchaikovsky - retold by Ji-yeong

Illustrator: Pacheco, Gabriel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: big & small

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781925247374

Price: 25.99

Change Places with me

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 20, 2005

Review

Ever wish you were somebody else? This story takes place in the future and you can have your old painful memories erased, then new ones implanted. "Rose" has done this. She doesn't remember doing it or why. She's a high school student who was withdrawn and now she is outgoing and friendly to all. It's not suppose to happen, but some of her old self is coming back. Her Daddies when she was little and she is being raised by her step mother. Rose resents her step mother for surviving. Her step mom has been trying to reach Rose even before her Dad married her. There is also friend trouble with popular girls Vs. nice girls drama. This is a great coming of age story.

I gave it ages/grades 4- 12 because 4-6 is lumped together; really it's a 6th through 12th grade level.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Metzger, Lois

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Blazer + Bray/ Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062385536

Price: 17.99

How To Train a Train

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2017

Review

This sturdy boardbook is an instructional manual of sorts; it will teach youngsters how to lure a train into coming home with them so that they may keep it as a pet. There are many different kinds of trains. How does one know which train is right for them? They will just know; a feeling will come over them and they will just know that one certain train is the perfect one. Then, they must take the train home and decide upon a name. Next, they can teach their train tricks and eventually the train will take them for a ride. With action-packed illustrations that include wonderful facial expressions, even on the trains, this will be a favorite for toddlers everywhere, especially those enamored of trains. Definitely consider this for your boardbook collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Eaton, Jason Carter

Illustrator: Rocco, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688998

Price: 7.99

Touch and Lift First 100 Animals

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

On each two page spread, there is a photograph of one large animal with something textural to feel on it and six or seven windows, each with a photograph of an animal on the outside and another on the inside. The pages are formed so there is a handle at the top. While the photographs are very clear, there really is a lot going on on each page. In some cases, less is better for younger children. The flaps are also small enough that they may be hard for small hands to open. For the most part, the animals on the inside of the flap do not relate to the animal on the outside. They are all just pictures of different animals. The inside animals are also shown as very tiny images around the curve of the handle at the top. This is colorful and has a lot of things to look at, but may be too busy and too frustrating for very young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054590342

Price: 6.99

Touch and Lift First 100 Animals

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

On each two page spread, there is a photograph of one large animal with something textural to feel on it and six or seven windows, each with a photograph of an animal on the outside and another on the inside. The pages are formed so there is a handle at the top. While the photographs are very clear, there really is a lot going on on each page. In some cases, less is better for younger children. The flaps are also small enough that they may be hard for small hands to open. For the most part, the animals on the inside of the flap do not relate to the animal on the outside. They are all just pictures of different animals. The inside animals are also shown as very tiny images around the curve of the handle at the top. This is colorful and has a lot of things to look at, but may be too busy and too frustrating for very young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054590342

Price: 6.99

Stickmen's Guide to Gigantic Machines

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book provides a history of machines and how they work. There are sections on different kinds of machines. Cartoon type drawings are supplemented by occasional photographs. A table of contents, glossary, and index are included, making this a possible choice for young researchers. Paragraphs spread around each illustration have arrows pointing to what is being discussed, making clear to young readers just what is being described. This would be a good book for budding engineers or those young machine lovers we all know.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Farndon, John

Illustrator: deQuay, John Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793612

Price: 20.04

88 instruments

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

A young, bespeckled boy is in the music shop with this mom and dad who have told him that he may choose just one instrument of the 88 that are there. After trying out instruments that are honky and squonky, squeezy and wheezy, he comes to the piano and chooses that. His parents remind him that the piano has 88 keys which he will need to learn. He accepts that saying he will learn one key at a time. Illustrations are great. It is fun to watch the boy's overwhelmed parents follow him through the store s he tries all of the instruments. The author's playful onomatopoeic add to the fun of this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Thomas, Louis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538144

Price: 17.99

The Lost Ones

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Other books in this series are Freedom's Price and Rory's Promise. The book is great for grades 6 - 12. The Lost Ones is based on two Lipan Apache children from Texas, who were captured during a military Indian raid. They were real children whom were adopted by a military man and his wife. Later they were sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. There are photos of the children from the school which was located in PA. As an aside the author explains how she found this story on Youtube, from the Lipan tribe. Four to five generations later, they never forgot their "lost ones" . This is that story, the fiction is what the children felt or said. The youtube video is mentioned in the afterward. Their graves are visited and their histories that are known is mentioned in the video.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

MacColl, Michaela

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Catkins Creek/ Highlights

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781620916254

Price: 17.95

Six Dots A Story of Young Louis Braille

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Louis Braille was five years old when he lost his sight. Even in a blind school in Paris, there were no books for Louis. And then Dr. Pignier explained a French Army captain invented a code to send secret messages during the war. "The code was read by touch." Luise now had a way to read! The illustrations are awesome, when Louis is in his own world the pictures are black and white sketches .When he is in the real world they are water color and pen and inks. This is a great book for all ages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bryant, Jen

Illustrator: Kulikow, Boris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Borzoi/ Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449813379

Price: 17.99

Merida Book 1 Chasing Magic

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

If you liked the movie you'll enjoy the series. This seems to be the premise for the movie. Merida loves shooting arrows. She meets a new friend who is great at everything. This bothers Merida, but then she has to rescue her friend, Cat. This is a chapter book,but also makes a great read aloud. The pictures are black and white.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barchan-Quallen, Sudipta

Illustrator: Gurihiru, Gurihiru

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Disney/Pixar Random House Children's/Penguin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736432900

Price: 9.99

Merida The Fire Falls Book 2

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

If you liked the movie, you'll like the book. This book follows the story line from the movie more closely. Book number two in a series. Merida dad's friend's son has lost his memories. Merida has to help him get them back. Illustrations are black and white. A great read aloud for younger children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barchan-Quallen, Sudipta

Illustrator: Gurihiru, Gurihiru

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Disney-PixarRandom House Children's/Penguin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736432917

Price: 9.99

The Keeper of the Mist

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

If you liked Harry Potter, you'll this read. There is one major twist...the protagonist is a girl. Keri is a baker in a small village, her mother has died and she is on her own. Then the king died. Who would be his replacement? Keri has three half brothers (all from different moms), who would be chosen? Well, it's Keri and she becomes the Keeper of the mist. The mist hides her country from the magical surrounding ones. The mist protected her people for hundreds of years. As soon as she has been told she will be the new ruler, the mist disappears and outsiders invade. Keri under goes a series of magical problems, of which she has not been trained. This is a great story for magical lovers grades 6 - 12. Price of book based on Amazon.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Neumeier, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553509281

Price: 11.38

The Distance to Home

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

The author,Jenn Bishop, does a wonderful job combining many subject areas that will appeal to middle age readers. She explores the subjects of sibling and parental relationships, growing up, grief, friendships, quilt, dreams and determination all woven into a believable story of baseball. The author tells the story effectively by weaving chapters between the present summer and the previous summer. Although the story does deal with a death in the family, the use of past and present helps show the different stages of grief and how the characters deal with it. The characters were presented realistically and it was interesting watching them grow over a year's time. Part of the baseball thread dealt with families hosting minor league players in their homes, just as is done in our area, and may make the story very appealing to young Maine readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bishop, Jenn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred Knoff- New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101938713

Price: 16.99

Swashbuckling Scoundrels- Pirates in fact and Fiction

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Swashbuckling Scoundrels is a great introductory text to pirates, real and fictional. For those young readers who have been introduced to pirates through film this is a good start to researching the truth behind the tales. The chapters scan the "golden age" of piracy right up to the modern and not quite so romanticized pirates of today, including digitalized piracy. The book covers pirates from all parts of the world and includes famous or infamous women pirates as well. The text is interspersed with many photos and artist renditions of well known pirates. The back pages include source notes, a bibliography, glossary, and additional readings and web sites. This would be a good reader for those interested in pirates or a good place to begin research on them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kaplan, Arie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group -Twenty-First Century Book

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467752527

Price: 33.00

Just a Lucky So and So

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Just a Lucky So and So, tells the story of a young Louis Armstrong. The book will be an appreciated addition to school and classroom libraries, especially if combined with an introduction to jazz. Louis had a hard and poverty filled youth which eventually led to him being sent to a Boys' correctional facility. As it turns out that period of his life led to his formal introduction to music and his introduction to band music.There are many jazz musicians mentioned in the text which may be confusing to young readers without some background information on jazz included. The optimism that Louis displayed throughout his life should be an inspiration to all who face various struggles. The back pages include a thorough author's note and resource list.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Ransome, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434282

Price: 16.95

Good Night, Stinky Face

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeord High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Beautifully illustrated book of "What if" when a child at bedtime asks his mother endless questions about what would happen if... The mother's responses play the game, but are reassuring the child's fear that nothing will happen but an adventure and all will be well in the end.

A sturdy board book for ages baby and up that makes the perfect bedtime story. The illustrations reinforce the story line, though they may be slightly distracting. For those that have read and own the Stinky Face books, than add this to your collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McCourt, Lisa

Illustrator: Moore, Cyd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545905923

Price: 6.99

Dragons From Mars

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true -- than what will you do! Nathaniel loves dragons and wondered if any lived on Mars. So he sent out an email inviting them for a visit -- if there were any. Well before he knew it, they were on their way!

Well written rhyming story with bright illustrations that compliment the text. Made for Preschool through 3rd grade, but would be enjoyed by many. There is plenty of humor when things do not go according to plan, but all is well in the end. A great story about friendship and unity even though there are differences between the people (or dragons)involved.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aronson, Deborah

Illustrator: Jack, Colin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062368508

Price: 17.99

Bossy Flossy

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Flossy is bossy to everyone -- her brother, her friends, her cat and once to her mother until she meet Edward, who was just as bossy, if not even more so than Flossy. This would be a good story to use to lead into a discussion on how to treat others and how you would like to be treated. Friendships are formed when people get along and treat each other with respect.

The illustrations are done in a mixed-media format with cartoon type 3D layout and compliment the text well. Each character has it's own conversation bubble making it easier to follow who is saying what. Recommended for Pre-K through 1st grade.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bogan, Paulette

Illustrator: Bogan, Paulette

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627793582

Price: 16.99

Grumble From the Town: Mother-Goose Voices with a Twist

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Yolen and Dotlich have taken 14 Mother Goose rhymes and have adapted them into two different voices, playing on different points of view. At the beginning of the book is a "Dear Reader" letter that explains the authors' choices and encourages the reader to recreate these and other verse in their own voices. Can be used as group read a-louds and writing prompts. Recommended for grades 2 -4.

Illustrations are well done in pastel color drawings and emphasize what is being depicted in the verse. Set in rhyme format with the original rhymes along with their origins in the back of the book for reference.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Jane Yolen &

Illustrator: Matteson, Angela

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Wordsong

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789223

Price: 17.95

I Won A What?

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

A funny story about a boy who wants a pet, but his parents keep saying no until he convinces them to let him win a goldfish at the fair. Little does the boy know that his prize winning goldfish is not a goldfish at all, but a whale. Story reinforces the responsibility of taking care of a pet which sometimes is not always fun , because of the work that is involved.

The illustrations are created using an Apple computer and a #2 pencil. They coincide with the text and emphasize the feelings of the boys love of his whale and the frustrations and warnings of his parents in owning a pet. The ending is wonderful example of the love between a pet and its person.

Recommended for Pre-K to 2nd grade. A good book for read alouds and for curriculum support with the use of many sight words within the text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vernick, Audrey

Illustrator: Neubecker, Robert

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553509939

Price: 17.99

The Secret Sea

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Recommended for grades 5-8.

Zak keeps hearing a voice in his head or at least he thinks he is, but is unsure. His parents are over protective of what he does because of his heart condition, which leaves plenty of time for his imagination to run wild. But, Zach and his friends don't believe this is his imagination and discover an alternate NYC that leads him to the ghost of his dead twin that he subconsciously forgot. But, it is not his twin that is calling him -- it is a ghost that died 300 years ago and was reawaken when the World Trade towers collapsed on 9/11.

This dark tale takes a look at family, morality and the effects that choices have on life, even the smallest of choices. Well developed story line and character development. Zak discovers that his twin died of TTTS (Twin-to-Twin syndrome), which is further described in the Author's Notes at the end. Also in the story, is Zak's discovery of an 300 year-old-boat that was actually found when demolishing the World Trade Centers -- this too, is factual with more information found in the notes section.

Anyone who is a fan of Barry Lyga will enjoy this book. Must have for library shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lyga, Barry

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250072832

Price: 16.99

Hatched

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

This is the second book in The Enchanted Files series by Coville. This story does not depend on any information in the first book. Gerald, the griffin, prefers poetry to being brave and collecting treasures which are the most important milestones for young Griffins to achieve in the Enchanted Realm. When he flies away into the modern world and carries his conniving gnome teacher with him, a secret gnome city is uncovered and Bradley, an underachieving human boy, assists Gerald in obtaining his goals. Written as pages from Gerald and Bradley's journals, encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and other announcements from the Enchanted Realm, Coville creates an adventurous fantasy tale that pulls the mythical into the modern world. The Griffin world is fleshed out in great detail. Kidby's pen and ink illustrations are scattered throughout and support to the modern world influence in the Enchanted Realm.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Bruce

Illustrator: Kidby, Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385392556

Price: 16.99

Genius: The Game

Reviewed by: Krisitn Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

A gripping must have for your shelves, recommended for grades 7-12 with it's sequel due in August 2017. Three teenage crusaders are the main characters -- Rex, one of the world's best programmers/hackers who lives in New Mexico; Tunde, a self-taught engineer from Africa and Painted Wolf - a teenage blogger and activist from China. They have been friends for quite awhile online, but have never meet until they are chosen to be one of 200 contestants at the Genius Competition to play the Game -- getting ready for Zero Hour. This is sponsored by a technology guru who wants only the brightest members in the world on his team, but for what reasons that is unsure.

Plenty of twists in the plot and the characters to keep you on the edge of your seat. Culturally diverse with descriptions of what it is like in the various countries such as the military rule where Tunde is from, the constant fear of being a child of illegal immigrants that Rex is faced with and Painted Wolf living in a country were many privileges are not allowed and corruption is rampant.

There are illustration through out the book in the form of sketches of designs, schematics, video still shots and examples of written computer code that match up with the various conversations. Well placed and help explain the conservations.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gout, Leopoldo

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250045812

Price: 17.99

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a piano prodigy, a pastor, a pacifist, and part of an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler's life. A remarkable and readable version suited for students who are interested in World War II history. Recommend for grades 7 and up.

Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide the Allies with information that Jews were being transported to concentration camps and the atrocities that followed. He was eventually caught and along with others executed. McCormick gives incite to Bonhoeffer's early childhood and these reasonings behind his decision despite his beliefs.

Black and white photographs with sidebars add to the historical information portrayed in the book. "The Plot to Kill Hitler" would be a good resource on the Nazi Resistance and the contribution that Bonhoeffer and others made to help the Allies win the war.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCormick, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062411082

Price: 18.99

My Name Is Not Friday

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Samuel and his brother, Joshua are freeborn black boys during the Civil War living in an orphanage. Samuel follows the rules, but unfortunately, Joshua has difficulties to the point where Samuel is taken and sold into slavery to compensate for his brothers "sins". After being taken, Samuel is asked by the slave trader to remember what day of the week it was, because that will be his name -- Friday.

Well written, coming of age, historical fiction novel, that uses descriptive language to depict the struggles between free, educated blacks and slaves in the South during the Civil War. Walter does an outstanding and though provoking job of showing what the life of a slave was like on a plantation, and that of a plantation owner. This is all done in the first person narrative of Samuel aka Friday. Thoughts of "Twelve Years a Slave" and "Incidents of a Slave Girl" come to mind when reading. There are historical notes at the end that discuss the Economics of American slavery

Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walter, Jon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: David Fickling Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545855228

Price: 18.99

Bionic

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Active, athletic Mira is pulled in many directions. In order to be accepted by the colleges that her boyfriend likes for lacrosse, she may have to quit the garage band that is depending on her. All this comes to a halt, when a horrific accident leaves her needing prostheses and becoming a candidate for cutting edge research on chip research linking the brain with body function. Mira's experiences with the new technology opens her up to extreme body strength and forces her to identify what path she wants to follow. She faces controversies surrounding her eligibility for regular team sports, personality changes and gains insight into her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and his perceptions of the world. In the narrative, the quickness of recovery and lack of emotional depth explored for the various stages that Mira goes through creates more of a reporting story than an emotionally intense read that her situation demands.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Weyn, Suzanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545906777

Price: 17.99

Escape From Asylum: An Asylum Prequel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Rick is wrongfully committed to the Brookline asylum because his parents think he is a deviant and the asylum can cure him of his evil ways. Confronted with evil experiments, ghosts and hauntings of the asylum, Rick actually thinks he is losing his mind. This is the fourth book of the "Asylum" series and helps piece together the first three books. Creeping and extremely difficult to put down. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

The photos in the book add to the descriptions of what Rick is seeing and increases the creeping feeling you get as you read along. Well developed characters and extremely deepening plot as the story progresses. Highly recommended for fans of the series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roux, Madeleine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062424426

Price: 17.99

Snow Job

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

In his effort to become a better person, Nick makes a list consisting of four phrases to live by: Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand By, Stand Fast. Trying to follow his list proves difficult when Zod, a boy that Nick sent to jail, reappears and persuades Nick to deal drugs. Nick is able to convince himself that delivering cocaine is just a means to an end —a way to get enough money so he can escape snowy upstate New York. Is Nick able to pull off his four phrases or was it an exercise to no avail. Benoit explores how small steps can lead to even larger consequences when one takes charges of their life.

Well developed plot; each drug run will keep you guessing. The story line is mainly about drugs and drinking, but the tension and double crossing between characters will keep readers attention. Recommended for grades 9-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Benoit, Charles

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544318861

Price: 17.99

Projeckt 1065: A Novel of World War II

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Michael O'Shaunessey lives in Berlin at the peak of World War II. His father is the Irish Ambassador and on the night of Kristallnacht, he discovers that his parents are also spies for the Allies. Michael is than thrown into mixed when he rescues a downed British pilot, Simon, who also happens to be Jewish. His involvement in the Hitler Youth allows him to befriend Fritz, whose father is designing a new plane for Germany and with Michael's photographic memory, he is able to reproduce the plans so that Simon can get the plans back when he escapes.

Despite, Ireland being neutral during the war, many of their diplomats carried important information back to the Allied Forces. And, even though Michael is a fictional character, there is much historical information pertaining to the Hitler Youth, that Gratz obtained from Susan Campbell Bartoletti's book "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow".Projekt 1065, the title of the book, was actually a prototype of a plane that the German's were working on. More information on both may be found in the Author's Notes.

Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gratz, Alan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545880169

Price: 16.99

Unscripted Joss Byrd: A Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Joss Byrd is a child star and is on the set of an upcoming movie being filmed in Montauk, NY. The movie is based on the director and his sister's life living with an abusive stepdad. Joss plays the sister, Norah, and has to struggle with being able to portray the abuse that Norah suffered as a child. Her mother, Viva, is the famed-starved mother, who only cares what role Joss is up for next and what she can get from it. Joss just wants to be like every one else her age, but doesn't fit in because she is thought to be entitled because of her fame.

The characters are portrayed realistically and the story is easily followed. The book focuses on the responsibility of parenting, dealing with celebrity culture, the differences between actors public and private lives and the learning disability that Joss struggles with to learn her lines. A nice addition to the Tween section of your library.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Penaflor, Lygia Day

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626723696

Price: 16.99

Forward: My Story Young Reader's Edition

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Amy Wambach's "Forward: A Memoir" in the Young Reader's edition format is a brutally honest look at her life on and off the soccer field. Two-time Olympic medalist and former forward for the U.S. Women's National Soccer team shares her struggles and successes on what made her the champion that she is today.

This book is a quick read and does discuss in detail her relationships with other women. The jacket cover does open up to become a poster with her autograph on it. Young girls will enjoy the inspiration that is the main theme of the book. Recommended for grades 7-9.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wambach, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062457929

Price: 16.99

Left Out

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Landon has always dreamed of playing football, but up until now it hasn't been possible. But, a move to football loving community and the doctor's approval his dream has become a reality. Landon has cochlear implants and his mother worries that he'll get hurt not only physically, but emotionally -- bullies they are everywhere. This is another outstanding book by Tim Green that confronts the topics of confidence, standing up for what you believe in, handling disabilities and highlights having character and kindness.

Fans of football, Tim Green and Mike Lupica will definitely enjoy this book. A fast paced and action filled should be on library shelves. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9789962293824

Price: 16.99

Drag Teen: A Tale of Angst and Wigs

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

17 year-old JT, is a gay high school senior and needs to get out of his town in Florida that holds nothing for him, but working at his father's garage. He is determined to be the first in his family to go off to college, but his parents don't understand why and there is absolutely no money for him to do so. Then Seth, his friend and boyfriend, convinces him to enter a Drag Teen contest in New York City -- the prize a full college scholarship. The only problem JT sees is the last time he tried drag at a talent show in his high school -- he was laughed off the stage. As the journey progresses he meets a guardian angel and a drag queen that in the end make everything worth while.

A fast paced, funny, character driven story that is perfect for the diverse LGBTQIA crowd and compliment to your collection. Recommended for grades 9-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Self, Jeffery

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: PUSH

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978054582993-9

Price: 17.99

Jazz Day

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

A beautifully illustrated book with text in verse that is literally about a snapshot in time. Based on a photograph that was the inspiration of graphic designer, Art Kane, for an article in Esquire magazine. Kane's idea was to photograph as many jazz musicians as he could gather all in one place, which happened to be Harlem in 1958. The text tells the story in verse of the gathering that iconic day and the rhythmic beat of the words adds to the theme of the jazz musicians. The illustrations are colorful and give life to the characters portrayed. At the end of the book the actual photograph is revealed in an awe inspiring double paged spread. Both text and illustrations are a wonderful tribute to the golden age of jazz, however the audience for such a book may be limited. It would however be a wonderful addition to a study of jazz for middle age students to adults or to anyone interested in that musical period in American music. The back pages have biographical information on many of the musicians gathered for the photo, an author's note about the actual photograph, source notes, and a thorough bibliography.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Orgill, Roxanne

Illustrator: Vallejo, Francis

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763669546

Price: 18.99

Catching A Story Fish

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

The story of a talkative young girl full of stories who has to leave her former life behind in Alabama and move to a different part of the country with her parents. In her new home she loses her "voice" due to the difficulty of fitting in a new community, making new friends, and dealing with classmates making fun of her southern accent. It is also the story of family, especially the relationship between the main character, Keet, and her grandfather. The story is told in varied forms of verse which may make it more accessible to reluctant readers. The poetic language is rich and helps to develop both the characters as well as complement the problems and solutions that Keet faces. This book would make an excellent read aloud in the upper elementary classes or an excellent introduction to poetic form for many age groups. An inspirational text for inspiring writers. The author includes a poetic glossary in the final pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Harrington, Janice

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: WordSong-Highlights

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629794297

Price: 17.95

Titans

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 1, 2017

Review

Smart engineering, fast horses, and a strong female blend to make this an exciting read. Astrid's family has been brought to near disaster by the presence of mechanical horse races and the inevitable betting that takes place at the track. The storyline is unique and fast paced as the heroin races on a titan to win the prize money.

Every reader will be brought to tears of fear and screams of joy as they read this well-crafted story. The horses alone are amazing; Scott has provided readers with an intelligent large mass of steel capable of astonishing abilities. When saddled with a bright fearless teen girl the team and book cannot be beat. Most of the characters are well defined, it is however the tight relationship of girl to horse and best friends that dominate the story. Teens who enjoyed The Hunger Games will be interested. Librarians in public and school libraries will want to add to their collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545806015

Price: 17.99

Lottery Boy

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

Those who enjoy nail biting adventure and gritty city streets will be rewarded with a fast paced read. The pages of Lottery Boy drag readers along as Bully and his dog Jack are on the run of their lives. Bully is a strong willed young man who is learning the way of the streets, his depiction feels real and sensitive to his environment. As Bully is chased for his winning lottery ticket the reader is filled with sympathy for the protagonist and anger toward those chasing him. The story begins to feel like a news story, one where those watching want to step in to improve the outcome. This book will appeal to action and adventure seeking preteens and may be just the ticket for reluctant readers. A good first novel for Byrne.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Byrne, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679965

Price: 16.99

We Were Never Here

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 3, 2017

Review

This is a powerful girl read from a new author, one that highlights the scars of illness and accidents. Lizzie is surprised to find herself in the hospital directly from summer camp. As she fights to overcome her invisible devastating illness a handsome young man and his therapy dog enter the picture. A romance is inevitable but psychological twist and turns are unexpected.

Gilmore has created two flawed characters who seem to fit together until she begins to unravel the truth. This story will surprise readers who expect a different outcome. We Were Never Here is recommended for high school media centers and public libraries where YA romance books are collected. Look for more books by Gilmore in the future, she will appeal to readers who like realistic romance.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gilmore, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393609

Price: 17.99

The Memory Wall

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2017

Review

Finding his way through a fantasy game brings Nick to accepting that his mother does have Alzheimer's. He and his dad navigate their way through living at home without her even as Nick imagines his mom is playing online within Wellhall. While Nick is a quiet twelve year old his fantasy game persona is a strong gray elf who is prepared to battle.

Gaming is the primary vehicle within this story, it bring the story to life and helps to identify the characters. Rosen has provided a world within a world offering a glimpse of both the real and fantasy. The writing is compelling and convincing. Not only does the reader experience a neat online game but they learn about a debilitating illness that has the ability to rip a family apart. How the characters deal with their situation is sometimes depressing however it is ultimately hopeful. Put this is the hands of middle school gamers and add to public library YA collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Lev AC

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933237

Price: 16.99

Ask Me How I Got Here

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Written in free verse this book is revealing and satisfying for the reader. Addie is a proficient runner who has choices to make once her world is turned upside down by the discovery that she is pregnant. This strong young woman takes measure of her situation and makes a choice, later learning that some choices leave lasting lingering doubts.

Each poem adds a piece of the story offering readers a slice of Addie. We learn about her family, school, team, and friends in little charming pieces. Most important is the treatment of her self-identity and depression. Beyond being a good read this book is attractive. The use of varying fonts and type size adds texture to the presentation. Poem titles help integrate the storyline and reflect the Catholic School influence.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heppermann, Christine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062387950

Price: 17.99

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2017

Review

Published several years ago as a picture book this newly released board book was obviously an economic decision on part of the publisher. The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark is a cute and appropriate picture book for the 4 – 5 year old audience but in board book format it is a poor choice. Not only is the action violent for the toddler age group but the illustrations are scary. Older pre-school children will enjoy reciting the repeated refrain but they would appreciate the larger format. Although the use of color is appealing there is way too much on each page for the target board book age group.

Public libraries would be better served by the picture book format.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Geist, Ken

Illustrator: Gorton, Julia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545944830

Price: 6.99

The World Series Curse

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

This is the first of the Ballpark Mysteries Super Specials authored by Kelly who is an authority on baseball in the eyes of perhaps millions of early grade baseball enthusiasts. Amateur detectives Kate and Mike find themselves in the mist of some un-sportsman like conduct as the Cubs battle the Red Sox for the pennant. Told as a mystery there is a lot of content within the entertaining story. Extra and ample information is provided in the Dugout Notes at the end of the text.

Kelly knows his sport and his audience, early readers will welcome this addition to their school and public library shelves. This title would be well received as a birthday gift by any young baseball fan.

Ballpark Mysteries Series

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, David A.

Illustrator: Meyers, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385378840

Price: 5.99

Mind-Boggling Numbers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Math is fun when working on it with Ms. Mary Math; she makes solving all sorts of arithmetic questions a challenge. This nonfiction picture book bridges story to fact using mind boggling mathematic calculation. Young prodigy or word smiths will be delighted by the dozen story problems offered within the pages of this rather unique book.

The fanciful illustrations are sure to win over some students who exhibit math phobia. If a problem is beyond a specific reader there is always the fun of counting the silly pigs or imagining swimming in 10.5 million glasses of lemonade. While the scientific approach is appreciated by adults it is the intriguing two page spreads that will entice students. This book is not for everyone but it is not necessary to be a math nerd to appreciate the content and educational back pages. Early education teachers may want to add this to their classroom collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael J.

Illustrator: Patton, Julia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467734899

Price: 19.99

What I Love About You

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2017

Review

Interaction between a parent and child is portrayed in a sweet and fun loving manner. The emotion that is evident in each two page spread spills over any adult reader and listening child. Color is treated with respect of the young child's viewing pleasure using lots of white space and three to four colors per page.

A wonderful group of interesting and unidentifiable creatures express love to their offspring. The alien, animal, and random adult forms are non-gender specific making this a good addition to public libraries everywhere. Perfect for general gifting and valentine selection. This is a book that works for all families, even those who reside in space.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Farrington, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393531

Price: 17.99

A Timeline History of the Trail of Tears

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is a very approachable book for children studying Westward Expansion. Strong text is paired with clear visuals resulting in a well thought out text. Each chapter begins with a large, clear timeline. Headings within paragraphs are done in large colored text so they stand out clearly. A combination of photographs and drawings add a great deal to the text as do sidebars throughout. An extensive index makes the information easily accessible. Good documentation of the illustrations is provided. There is also a table of contents, source notes, and even suggested writing activities. Overall, a good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Behnke, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785822

Price: 23.04

Replica: Book One

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Formatted as two separate stories narrated by two different young women with distinctly different voices, this thriller presents a unique take on the trend of dual perspective narratives, allowing the reader to decide which protagonist's tale to begin first.

Lyra and Gemma, whose histories are inexorably intertwined with a mysterious medical research facility called Haven, have never met and have led drastically different lives. Lyra has grown up at Haven with virtually no privacy, raised by doctors and nurses whose cold indifference has been the norm. Gemma's wealthy parents are overbearing -- she endured many medical procedures as a child and they regard her as fragile.

Beginning at different places, it eventually becomes clear how their backgrounds intersect and along the way both are propelled in different directions to take new risks. Smartly paced and gripping, this series opener will be appreciated by fans of the blend of sci fi, romance and action in Oliver's Delirium trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oliver, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062394163

Price: 19.99

Puppy!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Trog is a cave boy who has the best toys, such as sticks and mud, be he really, really wants a puppy. He finds what he thinks is a puppy and brings it home. But the puppy is sad and nothing Trog does makes him happy. Then a BIG "puppy" shows up and takes Trog's puppy away. It turns out Trog had stolen a baby alligator-like creature from his mother, and that's why he was sad. Trog then goes out and finds what he thinks is a kitty.

The book does not succeed in being the humorous tale that it sets out to be. The book text doesn't explain the baby/mother concept, so it requires quite a bit of skill with contextual clues, which seems too mature a concept for this age group. Some pages are set up like an early comic book, which could add to the confusion of the storyline for toddlers. This book is a swing and a miss.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Graves, Keith

Illustrator: Graves, Keith

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722255

Price: 16.99

Everyone...

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

A picture book on feelings, "Everyone" leads us through a boy's day of emotions with his balloon. Simple line illustrations featuring the color blue show us the meaning of several different emotions. The moral of the story is that everyone has feelings and that it's okay to feel them and to share them. Good for a parenting collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Neal, Christopher Silas

Illustrator: Neal, Christopher Silas

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676834

Price: 15.99

Still a Gorilla!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Willy is a gorilla. Willy thinks he wants to be another type of animal. What if he roars like a lion? Will he be one? No. Still a gorilla. And so goes the silly story of Willy. He tries to be several different kinds of zoo animals, but all he ends up being is silly and still a gorilla.

Some rhyming text makes this a fun read-aloud and the picture are simple and vibrant. Kids will be drawn to this book by the cover alone. And then they'll fall in love with silly Willy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Norman, Kim

Illustrator: Geran, Chad

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545757911

Price: 16.99

Imagine a City

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Busy pen and ink illustrations are the focus of this book about using your imagination. There is brief rhyming text, but the fun of reading this book is in poring over the illustrations and pointing out what you find in the imaginative world where "buses are fish and fish fly the sky."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hurst, Elise

Illustrator: Hurst, Elise

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101934579

Price: 16.99

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Cute forest animals locate a package dropped from Santa's sleigh and make the night delivery. In addition to the good dead they shared it is conversation and problem solving that makes this a good holiday read for youngsters. The animals worked together to achieve the goal and were indeed rewarded.

The bright and shadowed illustrations highlight the winter cold yet all the pages express hope. This sweet story may be just the thing for those families who only celebrate the secular parts of Christmas. Gift to children who love forest animals.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

George, Kallie

Illustrator: Graegin, Stephanie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978553524819

Price: 17.99

The Not So Far Away Adventure

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

As Theo's beloved Poppa's birthday approaches she wants to give him the perfect gift. Poppa has kept a trunk filled with mementos of his travels and adventures. It contains photos and maps and menus and trinkets that each hold a special memory and tell the story of his life. In this very sweet story Theo decides to plan an adventure based on one of Poppa's fondest memories which was a trip to the beach with Nana. They carefully draw a map and set out on the streetcar through the vibrant and culturally diverse city. They walk in the sand, put their toes in the water, collect shells and rocks "that looked just like jewels". They finish the day with lunch and the best gazpacho ever. When they arrive home to Poppa's birthday celebration Theo adds the map and treasures and a photo to the trunk. This is a lovely story about adventure and multigenerational family relationships. The illustrations are cheery and bright collages digitally produced using cloth and paper and photos.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: Luxbacher, Irene

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380973

Price: 16.95

Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel!

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

This story of an unlikely friendship begins with Bat in need of a new home. When old bat turns him down (too full of bats already), fox says yes (but I might eat you), skunk says no (ironically, bats are too stinky for him) Bat continues to search until he spots a perfect place! The cozy nest of leaves and sticks even has a twig for him to hang from at bedtime. He does not notice Squirrel, sleeping in his bed of leaves, already lives there. When Squirrel awakes to find a bat hanging in his home he is none too pleased and as he heads out for his day leaves a polite note requesting Bat vacant the premises. Due to a series of misunderstandings, as well as their separate sleep patterns (Bat being nocturnal) this goes on for several days until Squirrel does realize he enjoys Bat's company after all and welcomes Bat to stay. This humorous story touches on themes of courtesy, sharing, and friendship that young children will enjoy. Meisel's illustrations, done in charcoal and crayon, are warm and enticing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meisel, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629794952

Price: 16.95

Dream Jumper: Nightmare Escape

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

In this first book of a planned graphic novel series, readers will jump right into Ben's nightmare as he saves various classmates and persons, he has yet to meet, before he is jolted awake with a start. His mother makes an appointment with a sleep specialist for his energy-draining sleep patterns at a special clinic. It is there that Ben learns that he has the special power of jumping into other people's nightmares and saving them from the various monsters in the dream world. There is a war going on in this alternate world that directly involves Ben and his extended family. The graphics clearly portray the story line and the artwork provides the range of expression in both facial and body language. The color work supports the various scenes and their locations in a variety of bright hues. All the tropes of a suspenseful evil villain story are found here in an exciting story with a multiracial cast of characters. The next book in the series is slated to be released appropriately on Halloween 2017.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lucas Turnbloom, Greg Grunberg &

Illustrator: Major, Color by Guy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545826044

Price: 12.99

Maisy Goes to London

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

In this energetic, whirlwind tour of London by beloved Maisy, toddlers will learn new vocabulary and will be prepped if London is their vacation destination. Parents planning a trip with their young reader will have to abbreviate Maisy's hectic itinerary. In bright primary colors, Cousins illustrates Maisy and friends visiting various landmarks, seemingly all in one day. Piccadilly Square, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, lunch in a park, Buckingham Palace, a walk along the Thames and then the Aquarium all hold a two-page spread. Maisy's vacation photos of the various landmarks visited are labelled only in the back end pages which will make book processing tricky for some libraries. Useful for themed story times and preschool programs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763683993

Price: 15.99

Sweet Buttercup

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Tori and Miranda's gran runs the Silver Pony Ranch and the girls are training with her for their first horse show. When they are not distracted by the Lady and her puppies, Tori practices hard on her barrel racing skills and Miranda preps Buttercup for the showmanship competition. When Ashley arrives with her horse, the girls must evaluate their own training habits, manners and attitudes about money because of Ashley's condescending and snobbish ways. The timing of one week to prepare for a horse show, especially barrel racing, seems unrealistic to this inexperienced horse person. Wallis pen and ink illustrations provide intricate details about the stalls, the horse ring, the outlying ranch, and the more intimate conversations between characters. This illustrated chapter book is the second in a series by Branches that provide emerging readers the right amount of text to illustration.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, D.L.

Illustrator: Wallis, Emily

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545797702

Price: 15.99

Super Rawr!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

What child doesn't like super heroes and dinosaurs? This book has them both. It is career day at school and Rawr the dinosaur is excited. His classmates, all human children, come dressed as doctors and chefs and such. But Not Rawr. He comes dressed as a super hero. The story is told from Rawr's first person (or first dinosaur) perspective. The text doesn't rhyme, which is fine. There is only one simple sentence per page. There is some repetition of words and sounds. And except for maybe a couple of words, the text is pretty simple and accessible to somewhat experienced beginning readers. The illustrations are simple, uncluttered and straight forward. They depict the text, but that is all. This would work as a beginning reader as well as in small and medium group settings. Pair with Karma Wilson's "How Do Dinosaurs Go to School" for a dinosaur/school themed story time. This could also work as a very basic introduction to possible future career choices for preschoolers and kindergartners. Most kids will enjoy this book. But in a market overflowing with dinosaur picture books, this is nothing special. I have an issue with the cover. It is a touch and feel cover which leads me to assume that there will be a touch and feel element to the contents. That is not the case here. So not only is the cover deceptive, but pointless and unnecessary. A regular cover would have been more appropriate. Purchase where there is a dire need for dinosaur picture books. Not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Doodler, Todd H.

Illustrator: Doodler, Todd H.

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545799690

Price: 12.99

I Used to be a Fish

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Tom Sullivan describes his I Used to be a Fish as a "fictional story inspired by the science of evolution". It begins with a boldly colored red fish who get's tired of swimming, grows some legs, and heads for life on land. Each page progresses through the process of evolution with a simple illustration of each. As the fish evolves he grows fur, survives threats to his existence, changes to a primate, and finally becomes an upright male human. The human form goes on to learn to hunt, draw cave pictures,and build shelters and homes. The book ends with a young boy in super hero garb contemplating what's next. The author adds a very simplified time line "A Brief History of Life on Earth" and Author's Note with some further explanation of evolution. the illustrations are done with black Sharpie on white with bright pops of blue and red colored in. The topic is overly simplified and missing huge gaps. The author's note is at an entirely different level of complexity as the text.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sullivan, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062451989

Price: 17.99

Mitchell on the Moon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

This is the fourth picture book in a quartet featuring imaginative siblings. Mitchell wants to be the hero in this one as the four set out for some trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, Gretchen, the youngest sibling, becomes his unwanted sidekick as he tries to save the vanishing moon from the carved Jack-o-Jerks (pumpkins). As in the other books, imagination takes over and an adventure awaits. Young readers are given clues about this phenomenon by the change of the children's clothes/costumes and the magical things their ordinary items can do. Compared to others books in the series, this story has much more back and forth banter between characters and a less dreamlike presence. Due to the smaller font on the dark background pages, one on one sharing is suggested over presenting in a large story time setting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R.W.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547907031

Price: 14.99

Ninja Bunny Sister Vs. Brother

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

A group of bunny friends will stop at nothing to get the Golden Carrot of Awesomeness. Said carrot is heavily guarded by a thick tangled maze of greenery surrounding it. But that is no match for the ninja bunnies. They think they are the only ones brave and clever enough to get the gigantic carrot. Unfortunately, Ninja Bunny's little sister wants to join in the fun and be a ninja bunny too. The other bunnies want nothing to do with this. Little sister will only get in the way. But mom bunny makes them play with little sister ninja bunny. So the group sets off on their quest for the Golden Carrot of Awesomeness. They soon locate it on Mr. McGregor's farm. The bunnies employ their ninja skills to get at the carrot. But the ninja bunnies ninja skills fail them and they are left on the edge of the tangled maze defeated and exhausted. In the meantime, little sister ninja bunny expertly crawls through the thick maze of greenery right up to the grand carrot. It is perfect. Baby sister single handedly gets the giant carrot and rolls it home. Big brother now agrees. Little bunnies can be super awesome ninjas! Hi-yah! This is a brilliantly executed book. The text is humorous and well written. It is done in a variety of colors, sizes and fonts, for entertainment and emphasis. The text is paired well with the illustrations. And the humor is natural and is in both the text and illustrations. The illustrations are done in ink and watercolor. They are bright and bold. No one color really dominates. There is also very effective use of white space. The little sister ninja bunny is done in a red ninja outfit. So she stands out nicely from all the other ninja bunnies, as it should be. The illustrations are simple yet they show just enough detail and humor to beautifully enhance the story. This book could be used in many different ways. Pair it with Candace Fleming's "Muncha Muncha Muncha" for a funny story time resourceful bunnies and vegetables. Or pair it with "Crunch Munch Dinosaur Lunch" by Paul Bright for an animal brother/sister themed story time. This would work well one on one or in any size group setting. This is a winner of a picture book. Hilarious text paired with perfect illustrations, cute bunnies, ninjas, and an awesome carrot. A sure fire hit. Never underestimate little sisters! A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Jennifer Gray

Illustrator: Olson, Jennifer Gray

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399550744

Price: 16.99

Monkey Not Ready for the Baby

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Monkey likes being the youngest and resists the notion that a new baby will take the spot light soon. Mommy and Daddy do all the things parents do to prepare their children for a new sibling including, reading books, talking about it, and taking him to hear the baby's heartbeat. Only when Monkey holds his new baby sister does he feel ready for the new role of big brother. There is nothing new in this story about getting a new sibling, but fans of Marc Brown will notice some new changes in the illustrations. This family of monkeys shows more expression and the backgrounds show a soft busyness compared to the flat folk art style of his popular works about Arthur. Brown has created all the lettering for the text and the background's lines, squiggles and swirls done with colored pencils and gouache provide frames and integration of the text with the emotion of the characters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Marc

Illustrator: Brown, Marc

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933275

Price: 16.99

I Am Drums

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

"If I had one wish, I'd ask for a headphone jack in my head." So begins this middle grade book of a spunky sixth grader, Sam, who dreams of capturing the drum beats she hears constantly in her head and turning them into drum music for all. The author has drawn a strong, likeable, sometimes too feisty girl, who is determined to follow her dreams against all odds. She needs to deal with her family's financial hardships, her school's elimination of music programming, the usual middle school friendship problems, and her self created problems by not being truthful. In other words, Sam, is a pretty typical middle schooler, dealing with becoming a young adult. Her story intertwined with her passion for drumming will appeal to many young readers, both male and female, who "hear" the music in their heads and want to share it with the world, while not letting that same music drown out the other voices that need to be heard.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grosso, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544707108

Price: -35.01

Two Summers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Friedman has provided readers with an alternate world where Summer is about to experience two school vacations at once. As a child of divorce, Summer is invited by her Dad to France but her Mom wants her to stay at home in NY. The reader is taken through two stories and has to decide which reality is taking place.

The book is creative in its approach and will be appreciated by teen girls who fantasize their first romance. There are some unbelievable parts (a teen having enough cash to pay for a taxis and meal in France) but the storyline is entertaining. In simultaneous existence Summer is involved in two romances, one in USA and one in France; this alone stands out as a delightful dream for any grade 8 – 10 female reader. Throughout the book that is running dialogue about clothing that will ring true to readers. Add this to public libraries that have heavy request for YA romance novels.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Aimee

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point (Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545518079

Price: 17.99

Living Fossils: Clues to the Past

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Attention grabbing illustrations, extremely interesting living fossils facts, and educational back pages combine to make this a very attractive package. There is adequate background to stimulate dinosaur lovers and budding biologist. The then and now format works especially with the addition of survival blocks. Arnold provides a timeline and websites that are helpful to readers of all ages.

Those environmentally inclined will appreciate the illustrations done by a zoologist. Plant's work varies from lovely too scary as the five animal are introduced and researched. This book will circulate from library shelves and primary grade educators will be thrilled with a copy in their classroom collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Caroline

Illustrator: Plant, Andrew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580896917

Price: 16.95

As I Descended

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

This supernatural thriller is a solid read - a Macbeth retelling with ghosts and gay protagonists. Set in a boarding school, Lily, Brandon, and Maria acquire a Ouija board and, unbeknownst to them, open a portal to a dark spirit who has haunted the school off and on in the past leaving a trail of tragedy in its wake. Maria is attuned to the spirit and tries to fight it, but her need to be the best is too much and she is sucked into the darkness. Talley doesn't hold anything back in the book and by the end, Maria has lost everything and the reader is left wondering if wanting to be the best is worth it, worth losing friends, integrity, even your life. A thoughtful, engaging read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Talley, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062409232

Price: 17.99

The Ninjabread Man

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

A retelling of the Gingerbread Man but with a dojo, sensei, and Ninjabread Man! This picture book will find a wide audience. The creatures that Ninjabread Man evades are a Ninja Bear balancing on one finger, a Ninja Snake throwing stars, A Ninja Mouse training with his sword and, of course, Ninja Fox, who feigns a hardness of hearing in order to get that tasty Ninjabread cookie close enough to snap into his mouth. The illustrations are excellent and the book includes a recipe for Ninjabread cookies as well as a short glossary of terms from the book. A fun read-aloud and a solid addition to a picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Leigh, C.J.

Illustrator: Gall, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545814300

Price: 16.99

The Dead Bird

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Originally written in 1938, the story of a group of children who find a dead bird and decide to bury it and honor it has been given fresh life by the illustrations of Robinson. The story may upset sensitive children, but it is a realistic look at what happens when something dies and what we can do to honor the life of another creature. There is a beautiful ceremony for the bird complete with flowers, a song, and tears. This is a simple and lovely book to use with a child who has lost a beloved pet. The ending is a bit jarring because the children forget about the bird, but this also speaks to the reality of time healing sadness over loss. Not a first-purchase, but an worthwhile title to include in a collection or study of loss.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Margaret Wise

Illustrator: Robinson, Christian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060289317

Price: 17.99

Daisy-Head Mayzie

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

With characteristic Dr. Seuss illustrations and a whimsy typical of the author, this is the story of Mayzie who sprouts a daisy on her head. Of course, everyone is alarmed and their instinct is to cut it off, but it is a part of Mayzie and she runs away rather than letting that happen. She finally figures out why she has grown a daisy (to figure out if people love her or not - they do) and the daisy goes away and Mayzie returns to her regular daisy-less life though it does pop up every now and again. A strange fable for accepting yourself for who you are and as per most Seuss books, a long read. Not an essential purchase though it would pair well with Chocolate Touch for elementary readers (grades 2-4).

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Seuss, Dr.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553539004

Price: 17.99

Snakes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Written in the format of a field trip on a particular subject, Fly Guy visits the Snake House at the zoo to learn about these amazing reptiles. With lots of facts and photographs, Fly Guy teaches the reader all about the types, physicality, senses, food sources, and reproduction (oviparous vs. viviparous). The book also mentions careers that work with snakes. Aimed at the K-2 reader, this book, and any in the series, is an inexpensive single-subject source to add to a library collection that has nonfiction readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545851886

Price: 3.99

Sounds All Around

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

A newly illustrated edition of a c1999 book in the Let's Read and Find Out series. Pfeffer is a strong nonfiction author (and is the author of many other books in this seried) and the illustrations by Chernyshova, with her soft palette and cast of children and animals, are delightful. Using sidebars to explain the science, this book could even be used as a read-aloud in addition to using it in an elementary science or music class to explain the science of sounds. This title is a solid addition to your picture book NF collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pfeffer, Wendy

Illustrator: Chernyshova, Anna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062386700

Price: 17.99

There Is a Tribe of Kids

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Leave it to Lane Smith to find whimsy and adventure in collective nouns. As he plays with the language of these groupings, his leaf-clad protagonist journeys across various landscapes to mingle with the nature around him be it animal, rock, or plant. With a gorgeous palette of colors, Smith uses his dappled illustrations to show the child interacting with its surroundings - a lovely sequence shows the child moving like a jellyfish (a smack) or another as a caterpillar (an army). There is a longing in the journey to be home with a tribe of one's own and, happily, this is the outcome in the end. A fantastic book to use to explain the language of collective nouns, but also one for predictive storytelling as each next creature or habitat is shown prior to the child's interaction with it. A must-buy for any collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Lane

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720565

Price: 18.99

My Favorite Pets: by Gus W. for Ms. Smolinski's Class

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Written in the format of school report by Gus for Ms. Smolinski, this humorous book will be a read-aloud favorite. With large pages and clear, crisp, colorful illustrations by Bliss, the report starts off with proper factual information about sheep, but then quickly devolves into all of the things that sheep are NOT good for or what you should NOT do with sheep. Some familiarity with sarcastic tone and irony will make this an even better read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Birdsall, Jeanne

Illustrator: Bliss, Harry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755702

Price: 16.99

Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2017

Review

"Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!" by Melanie Walsh is a children's picture book about a boy named Isaac. Isaac has Asperger Syndrome. He narrates the book, telling us how his superpowered brain works differently than other kids. Isaac may seem a bit more active at times, or need to fidget with a toy while the teacher talks, or be bothered by the lights in a room. The book is funny and well written and gives kids a good intro as to how and why children with Asperger's may act differently. I would recommend it for most libraries.

Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walsh, Melanie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763681210

Price: 16.99

Once Upon a Gorjuss Time

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2017

Review

"Once Upon a gorjuss Time" is a collection of classic fairy tales and stories loosely rewritten to include the main character (the "gorjuss" girl). The "gorjuss" girl is a Scottish artist's creation that has become very popular (similar to “Hello Kitty”), especially in Europe. The stories include Little Red Riding Hood, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Alice, Thumbelina, and Rapunzel. The collection felt thrown together and a bit like the “gorjuss” girl was just shoehorned in. I did enjoy that some of the fairy tales were a bit darker and closer to some of the originals (the Little Mermaid dies and turns into sea foam at the end of the story), but it just felt a bit like a cash grab. The artwork is very interesting and I'm sure some kids will love the book, but it is definitely not a must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Licensing, Santoro

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763677428

Price: 19.99

The End of Our Story

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2017

Review

This book is a great coming of age book, a stepping stone between high school and adulthood. "Bridge"t has loved will since fourth grade, best buddies forever. Wil has loved her just as fiercely. Bridge experiments one night in their JR year by kissing another boy. Bridge doesn't just love Wil, she loved his family. Especially his Dad, she never knew her father so growing up in the family boat house learning how to work on boats next to Wil was her life. Until the night she kisses someone else, and Wil is crushed and just walks away from her. Now the real life horror story part Wil's dad is murdered in their home. Bridge learns that life isn't always what you think it is , or all it should be. How to you help the ones you love? The book is really for mature students, there is sex, drugs, drinking. The story is compelling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Haston, Meg

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Teen/ HarperCollins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062335777

Price: 17.99

Frannie and Tru

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 17, 2017

Review

Frannie is a fifteen year old living in present day Baltimore. Her cousin, Tru, comes to stay with the family for the summer, and so begins Frannie's education in the "real world," from which she's largely been sheltered. Through Tru, she begins exploring dating, drinking, drugs, and rule breaking. The author, Hattrup, attempts to bring something new to the genre by throwing current hot topics like racism, lgbtq issues, and sexual assault into the storyline. But in the end, those tidbits just feel a bit like a gimmick, offering no real education or resolution of these issues for the characters or the readers. An additional purchase solely where coming of age novels are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hattrup, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062410207

Price: 17.99

Scar Island

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2017

Review

Gemeinhart has, once again, put his master storytelling abilities to work in this gripping middle grade novel. Jonathan has been sent to the Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys run by the Admiral, a tyrant who believes that the boys in his care are scabs to be ripped from society so their rottenness can be cut out of them. Built on a remote island that once housed an insane asylum, Slabhenge is as dire as Jonathan feels he deserves. He has been convicted of a horrible crime, and he bears the physical scars as a memento. But the scars on his heart and mind hurt far more, and he is going to have to learn to forgive himself if he is going to survive his stay, especially when a freak accident leaves the boys, deemed too horrible to mix with regular society, on their own in a scene straight out of Fielding's "Lord of the Flies". A study in loss and forgiveness; a testament to the power of friendship; a harrowing survival story: all rolled into one fantastic read. Put this book in the hands of middle school-aged readers, particularly those still struggling to find their way as a reader, and it will be a success.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gemeinhart, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338053845

Price: 16.99

The Goldfish Boy

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 20, 2017

Review

This is Lisa Thompson's debut novel. I hovered between excellent and very good for overall book rating. Most of the book was in the very good category. Matthew lived at the end of a cul-de-sac in England. He has OCD and his main worries are germs and the bad number tenpulsethree. He is 12 and his phobias have gotten so bad this last year that he is no longer able to go to school. There is a 15 month boy who disappears from his grandfathers yard and Mat was the last one to see him from his window. Besides cleaning till his hand beed he likes watching the neighbors and writing down the times and their actives. Mat get some of the neighborhood kids to help trace down Teddy's possible kidnappers within the neighborhood. The reason for the excellence on the story was the ending made me cry when Mat tells his Dr.Rhodes then his parents why he is obsessed with germs. Grade level would be 6 and up for reading. Yes, Teddy gets found. Good book for mystery lovers and maudlin readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338053920

Price: 16.99

Ivy

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2017

Review

This book has a great story for kids grades K-6. I think this would make an excellent movie. Ivy lives in a the town of Broomsweep with her grandmother the town healer. She heals plants, animals, magic creatures, and people. The problem is the townspeople are very tidy. They sweep their steps twice a day. Grandmother is so busy that the gardens are over run, and some days she might not even sweep her steps! There is a new queen is looking for the perfect village and she will be driving in three days! Some magical animals start showing up for help. Cedric a griffin with a missing leg. He has trouble landing and makes a huge mess out of the garden. A fire breathing dragon, who keeps sneezing fire bombs, and pixies who pinch people who are not polite. The stuffy nosed dragon speaks with a blocked nose dialect. "Dote worry," ...."If I had to sneeze, I'll sneeze in the other direction." It could easily be used as a read aloud in a class room.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Katherine

Illustrator: Kaspar, Celia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553539730

Price: 16.99

Mercy: The incredible story of Henry Bergh

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2017

Review

Henry Bergh was the privileged son of a shipyard owner in 19th century New York. He was born in 1813. Because of his wealth he was able to dabble at writing and spend years finding his true calling without worrying about holding down a job. In 1863 he was appointed to a diplomatic post in Russia. One day, while posted in Russia, he saw a horse being beaten by his driver. No one knows why this particular day Bergh was moved to stop and speak up. Bergh ordered the man to stop - and suddenly realized his words had power - the power to put an end to cruelty to animals. He resigned his post and took a detour to England on his journey back to America. There he met with the president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Henry Bergh had found his passion. He returned to New York and started the ASPCA. In 19th century New York animals worked themselves to death, fought to the death as entertainment and were poisoned by their feed - and Bergh fought tirelessly to pass anti-cruelty laws and help enforce them. Bergh also founded the first child protection agency. The book has photos, drawings, a bibliography and timeline.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Furstinger, Nancy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544650312

Price: 16.99

April Fools', Mr. Todd

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 24, 2017

Review

The eighth book in the "Judy Moody and Friends" series and an easy purchase if you have readers of these books; this is a highly-illustrated, readable series perfect for emerging readers. The visually appealing illustrations are in the style of the Peter Reynolds originals and are indistinguishable from those; they match the story perfectly.

In this book, April is coming and with it April holidays like Earth Day and April Fools' Day, which also happens to be Judy Moody's birthday. After Judy's beloved teacher Mr. Todd explains April Fools traditions from around the world, Judy decides that she will prank Mr. Todd. Judy does come up with a prank and it's a cute one, nothing mean-spirited or inconsiderate, and Mr. Todd pranks Judy too, ending the book with a sweet surprise for her "forgotten" birthday. The book offers a few gentle pranks through other characters in the book and also mentions the anxiety that can come when waiting for someone to pull a prank; this can be a great point for discussion. The books in this series don't have to be read in order.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682002

Price: 12.99

Princess Cora and the Crocodile

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 24, 2017

Review

Princess Cora is being groomed to be Queen one day. The problem is her parents and nanny started grooming her at birth and now Princess Cora's life is one royal task after another from three baths a day (to stay squeaky clean as a Queen should) to a full exercise regiment (jump roping for hours) to a full-press of books on economics and history (not ONE fairy tale thrown in!). Finally, Cora can take it no longer - she needs a break, a chance to actually enjoy her childhood - so she does what any princess would, she wishes for her Godmother to bring her a pet. And, of course, she meant a dog, but she GETS a cream-puff-loving crocodile. He, of course, is sassy and happy to help. He offers to take her place for a day, giving her a much-needed respite from all of the chores (and baths). In a series of laugh-out-loud scenes the crocodile proceeds to put Nanny, Queen Mom, and King Dad in their places by making them endure what Cora does. And Cora? She thoroughly enjoys a day of unfettered childhood, picking berries, running, climbing trees, and getting dirty. When she returns to the castle and fixes all of the crocodile's "help", she is able to advocate for herself and bring about some changes. Floca's watercolor illustrations are lovely - evocative of an early British time period with castles and old-fashioned clothing, but the point is the same: the necessity of balance in childhood, and life. And it shows that if you calmly talk about how you are feeling, people are more likely to listen. A thought-provoking read-aloud and, with the right crocodile voice, a fun one too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schlitz, Laura Amy

Illustrator: Floca, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763648220

Price: 16.99

Karl, Get out of the Garden! Carols Linnaeus and the Naming of Everything

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 26, 2017

Review

This book is excellent on many levels. The art is beautiful water color and pen and ink. There is also a portrait of Carolus on page 42 taken from Meyers Lexicon encyclopedia 1905-1909. There are many interesting facts throughout the book. He " hated spending long hours indoors studying Greek and Latin.... (teachers said he) ...wasn't smart enough to be a minister... he often named plants after people he liked....golden flower Rudbeckia hirta, after a favorite teacher, Olof Runback.... Karl's father case the surname Linne after an ancient linden tree that stood on the family land." This would be a great start for middle school's scientific classification study.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sanchez, Anita

Illustrator: Stock, Catherine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580896061

Price: 17.99

Sea Otter Heroes The Predators that Saved an Ecosystem

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 26, 2017

Review

Great resource for studying environmental interactions, symbiosis, and the scientific method used in real life. This is a chapter book: A journey begins, the mystery unfolds, the "aha" moment, proof, unexpected heroes, source notes, selected bibliography, more you "otter" read and watch, and an index. Brent Hughs starts us the journey into Elkhart Slough ( pronounced slew), CA. A boy from Kansas who feel in love with the sea. The mystery how the area shrunk in size from the 1872 South Pacific Railroad, in 1946 the US Army Corps of Engineers dredged the area, and it's very healthy freshwater to seawater 7 mile present day self. Brent's seagrass research in the slough has a follow along section on page 16 using the scientific method. There is also a photo of one of the world's largest sea slugs. A graph on page 21, that shows El Nino is not responsible for the grasses growth or non-growing periods. There is a graph on page 24 that shows the correlation of number of sea otters to the hectare of sea grass. Next are some laboratory experiments, and then the last chapter on unexpected heroes with a page on wolves in Yellowstone. (Could a series be starting?)

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Hillbrook Press/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512426311

Price: 31.97

10 Things I Can See From Here

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 26, 2017

Review

If you buy one book this year you want this book for your gay lesbian section. Maeve suffers from anxiety, her motto FREAK OUT, Calm down, REPEAT. The humor, drama, real life situations are spot on. Maeve tends to run evil statistics of all the things that could go wrong at any given moment. I learned things that I didn't know. I knew about rainbows, but I didn't know about the phrase, "Are you a friend of Drothy's", and that it has been around since the 50's. I knew about the posters with the crown and the "KEEP CALM" logo, but not hat the British government made them during WWII. The humor: One chapter is called Raymond's penis. It describes her first meeting with her mom's boyfriend whom she didn't know was spending the night. He got up early to make mom some coffee, and wasn't expecting to meet Maeve in the living room....He dove behind the kitchen island...and she couldn't lose the image of old man...Before then the only penises she had seen were her little six year old twin brothers and her Dad's. His was with the stepmom's home delivery in a water tub. Maeve's mom is going to Haiti with Raymond for six months and Maeve will have to go stay with her Dad and family in Canada. Dad's drinking and taking drugs again. He get's kicked out of the home. Step mom is due to deliver a new baby, and wants to have it at home. Maeve has a new girl friend who play the violin in parks. And yes, she gets to deliver the baby and it is kind of traffic. Maeve had a bad experience with her best friend. " The ten things you can see from here" is her girlfriend's ideas of ways to get her to focus when she is starting to have an attack. So the book has sex, babies, drugs, and alcohol, definitely for mature audiences.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mac, Carrie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399556258

Price: 9.86

Raisin the Littlest Cow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Because Raisin is the youngest cow in the herd, the other cows pay a lot of attention to her, adoring her, nuzzling her, and telling her how cute she is. That all changes when her baby brother is born and he gets all of the attention. Raisin hates that and acts out, planning to run away. Then during a thunderstorm, she realizes her brother is even more afraid of thunder than she is, so she decides to help him not to be so afraid. The illustrations in this book are very cute and appealing. The story will be a good one to share with young children who have a new baby in their family. It will also be good for young children who have a hard time dealing with change. The binding is not good, a drawback for library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

busch, Miriam

Illustrator: Day, Larry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Blazer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062427632

Price: 17.99

The Hidden Life of a Toad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

This is a very nice book to share with young children who are curious about toads. The author, a trained biologist has always been curious about toads, and wrote this book to learn more about them. Close up photographs start on day 1 when the eggs are laid and follows development with photos taken daily. The speed of development is remarkable and will fascinate young readers. The photos continue for three years, to day 1098 when the toad mates for the first time and the cycle starts again. There is a glossary complete with photos, a page of interesting facts, information about saving toads, information about how the photos were taken, and a page of websites and additional resources. All together, a very nice package for curious young toad lovers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wechsler, Doug

Illustrator: Wechsler, Doug

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580897389

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Backyard Circus

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Peppa Pig and her friends are visiting Grandpa and Granny Pig. Grandpa is putting up a tent for Granny's garden party. Peppa and her friends decide it looks like a circus tent and decide to put on a circus at the party. They all find parts to play and the circus goes on with Peppa as ringmaster. Young children who enjoy watching Peppa the pig on television will enjoy looking at this book. They will enjoy the typical Peppa antics and enjoy reading this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Entertainment, Candlewick

Illustrator: , Candlewick Entertainment

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763694371

Price: 12.99

The Book That Made Me A Collection of 32 Personal Stories

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

This book was printed in 2016 in Australia, and in 2017 in the US. This would be a good book for teachers to carefully pick stories to read to their writing classes (due to authors sexual content). It would also be good for research papers. The 32 authors are from Australia and New Zealand. Some of them were influenced by American authors, utmost were not. The book has a chapter for each person, some photos, a section about the authors, and a list of all the books mentioned and the pages that they can be found.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ridge, Judith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695491

Price: 17.99

Birds vs Blades? Offshore Wind Power and the Race to Protect Seabirds

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

The book is great for really showing the scientific method used correctly. The start with the question about wind power and the possible damage it may do to bird populations. Next, it targets which birds may be harmed. Then scientist chose three of the high risk populations. Capture some birds, and place monitors to learn more about their habits. But why did I say they did the method correctly. At the end of the book, they state, "Clearly, experts' concerns about seabirds and wind farms in crude a lot of ifs. No one yet knows how wind farms will affect gannets. Scientists will continue to ask more questions and do more more research." The scientists who worked on the project communicated their findings with other scientists, government officials, and the general public. The contents include six chapters with photos, author's note, sources, glossy, selected bibliography, further information, and an index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

E. Hirsch, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/ Lerner Pub Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467795203

Price: 27.96

The Emerald Tablet

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor` - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

Gabe and his three friends are accidently lured into a magical adventure after bonding in an ancient ritual that leads into the unknown. This adventure leads Gabe to the death of his parents and clues to why his guardian, Uncle Steve, a professor of the occults, is extremely overprotective. The ending of the first installment will keep you going with a magical cliff hanger making the reader eager to get a hold of the next book in the series.

This fast paced, suspenseful and plot-driven adventure will be well received by readers of the occults and of fantasy fiction. Fans of the Percy Jackson series and of S.E. Grove might want to add this to their reading list. Reading level recommended is grades 5 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jolley, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062411655

Price: 16.99

Home Run

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

In the fourth installment of Tim Green's Baseball great series, Josh deals with the divorce and incompatibility of his parents. The central theme around this story is baseball and adds to the excitement, but it is also emotionally intense in how Josh has to deal with his father's move to Florida and his mother's loss of the family home. Baseball is his life and tries to win a home run derby to secure a better future for his mother and little sister.

A fast-paced sports fiction that sports fans will enjoy. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062317117

Price: 16.99

Nobody is Perfick

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2017

Review

This reissue from Bernard Waber includes eight vignettes of childhood dilemmas and issues. It is written as a graphic novel, though there is only one scene on each page. Illustrations feel more like sketches, with, at times, an almost pointillist feel to them. Issue in the stories include focusing on homework, waiting for rain so new rainboots can be worn, whether or not to share a diary, and more. They are issues with which children will identify. Childlike logic and humor are right on target. Not a Wimpy Kid, but a book children will pick up and read.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Waber, Bernard

Illustrator: Waber, Bernard

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544842144

Price: 9.99

Hey Diddle Diddle

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2017

Review

This is a colorful version of the Mother Goose poem with slider mechanisms on each page. Unfortunately, one of the sliders does not work. Illustrations burst with energy and pop with bright colors and are full of very cute animals. There is a QR code on the first page that can be downloaded so a song version of the poem can be heard as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goose, Mother

Illustrator: Huang, Yu-hsuan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693206

Price: 8.99

Farmer Duck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Farmer Duck is weary. The farmer stays in bed all day, eating bonbons while Farmer Duck does all of the farm work and house work. He finally cannot take it anymore, so his animal friends decide to rescue him. They do, and the farmer runs away, leaving all of the animals to run the farm. This is a reissue of the story first published twenty five years ago. At that time, it was on the inaugural list of books published by brand new publisher Candlewick. Illustrations are soft and lovely. The animals' expressions are very good. Text and illustrations support each other well. Martin Waddell describes his books as "written for that special island of time at the end of the day. They are for parents and children to share." This book certainly fits that.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Waddell, Martin

Illustrator: Oxenbury, Helen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763689186

Price: 16.99

Reach for the Moon Little Lion

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Little Lion, who is quite small for a lion, is mercilessly teased by leopard, hippopotamus, and crocodile. The bully goes on and on and makes Little Lion feel very insignificant and frightened from the look of the illustrations. The bullies tell Little Lion that lions are so big, they can touch the moon. Raven sees him looking at the moon and hears Little Lion's story. Raven comes up with a plan that makes it look like Little Lion is touching the moon in front of all of the jungle animals. He walks away roaring his little roar and feeling good, and his tormentors get their comeuppance. This is a good book to share with children to discuss bullying, how it affects people, and what others can do to help. Computer generated illustrations are sweet.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Muller, Hildegard

Illustrator: Muller, Hildegard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437771

Price: 16.95

Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

In this fantasy for 4-6 grade readers, the Kingdom of Lightning Pass is protected by female sorceresses, one of them being Miss Ellicott the head of the Magical Maidens school where dark skinned, thirteen-year-old, Chantel lives. Chantel is a star pupil and exceptionally good at summoning, although the required deportment of her station seems elusive at times. When Miss Ellicott and the other sorceresses disappear, it takes Chantel, with her magical abilities and lack of deportment, to expose the various forces at work in the city that are weakening the bonds of protection. Dragons, prophecies, adventures and unlikely friendships along the way mix with a witty play on gender roles, bureaucratic ineffectiveness and magic spells. Blackwood creates an enticing magical world around a singular city in a large world. Her details of magical spells and the mysterious history of Lightning Pass will delight fantasy readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blackwood, Sage

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402639

Price: 16.99

Elsie Piddock skips in her sleep

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This is the First U.S. reformatted hardcover edition of the classic jump-roping tale first published by Farjeon in 1937. Kirkus Review gave this version of the story illustrated by Charlotte Voake in 2000 a starred review. There are no other distinguishing notes or changes made to the story except the new format. It is the charming story of young Elise who skips rope so well that the fairies even notice and bring her to their festivities while she sleeps. She masters many, humorous, types of jumping that become useful to her and saves her village when she has grown old and her jumping fame forgotten in her village. Perfect for a read aloud or young readers that are looking for an unusual fairy story. Voake's small and delicately detailed ink and paint illustrations scattered throughout match the ethereal feel of the story with its mute green and beige tones. Perhaps this re-released story will inspire some to get outside and jump rope!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Farjeon, Eleanor

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690557

Price: 12

Wonderful You

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, West Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2017

Review

Narrated by the adoptive mother, this story begins with a pregnant mother looking for the perfect home for her unborn baby. The perfect family is found and the baby girl leads a perfect life and all is well....

Although the overall story is very positive and imaginative, at times the rhyming, extremely sentimental text makes the story feels less authentic. The dreamy, whimsical illustrations, rendered in a soft palette, are in perfect sync with the text, but they too can seem over the top at times, and overly sweet.

This adoption story will ring true to some, but it may not make a strong connection to many families with adopted children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McLaughlin, Lauren

Illustrator: So, Meilo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510010

Price: 17.99

We're All Wonders

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2017

Review

Auggie, the inspirational hero of the bestselling children's novel Wonder is back, this time being featured in a picture book.

The focus on this spin off is strictly on Auggie and his dog Daisy. Although Augie looks different, he wants to be seen as just a regular kid. Everyone is different in their own way and everyone is also a wonder in their own way. We just need to make people see the world this way.

Although this is an excellent stand-alone picture book, it does not have the same depth as the original story. Without the voices of the other characters and the background story of Auggie's condition, the story feels a bit flat. However, the important message of acceptance and kindness is still adequately conveyed to the younger audience.

The illustrations were created by the author using a combination of painting with a stylus, an ipencil in Procreate for the iPad, and Photoshop. Original and colorful, the illustrations help convey the emotions of Auggie and help supplement the sparse text.

Although this picture book is not as strong as the original book, this picture book retelling is a strong addition to any library and carries with it important messages for a younger audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Palacio, R. J.

Illustrator: Palacio, R.J.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524766498

Price: 18.99

The Ethan I Was Before

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2017

Review

A gorgeous middle grade novel that deals with loss. Ethan and Kacey are best friends, the kind of easy friends that don't remember NOT being friends, the kind that intuitively and completely connect. There is a tragic accident leaving Ethan grieving, living in two pieces, the Ethan he is now - broken, overwhelmed by memories and sadness - and the Ethan he was before the accident. Blaming himself, sure he can see Kacey one more time and fix her as she lays in a coma, Ethan's parents move him to Georgia for a change of scenery in the hope of helping him heal and forgive himself. Details of the accident flash in and out of the narrative. When Ethan meets Coralee, he is drawn to her affable, charismatic personality, but he wonders if he deserves another friend. Fantastic characters propel the plot as Ethan navigates a new school, family tension, and heart-wrenching, suffocating sadness into the reality of a future with no Kacey. With a dramatic climax that offers Ethan a chance at redemption, this book is a well-written debut that will linger in the reader's heart long after the last page.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Standish, Ali

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062433381

Price: 16.99

Ones and Zeroes

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Ones and Zeroes, the first of the Mirador series, is the near-future story of Marisa, a girl in search of answers about her past, and the Cherry Dogs, a obscure team who play in the most popular VR fighting sport who get a spot in a highly publicized tournament. I expected Ones and Zeroes to be a story focused on the fighting within the game, but what I found was a remarkably nuanced, mature and gripping tale that pays attention to everything from Marisa's parents and their failing Mexican restaurant, the mysterious car accident Marisa was in as a child that injured both her and the child of a local mobster and her father's rigid silence on the topic, all the way to the illegal and surprisingly realistic machinations of the mega-corporation buying up all of the utilities in Marisa's city.

Marisa is a driven character who attempts to hack her way to the secrets about the childhood accident that left her with a cybernetic arm and an unknown connection to a local mob family. While her curiosity gets her drawn into something much bigger than her or the Cherry Dogs, she never forgets the driving forces of her own personal life or the moral questions that surround her. The story never ignores the impact of the choices the characters make or the overwhelming odds stacked against them. A gripping, rich, and surprisingly nuanced story, a must-read for serious science fiction or dystopia fans.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062347909

Price: 17.99

Chester and Gus

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

The canine narrator in this delightful story is Chester who wants to be a service dog like his mother. Although he is very intelligent, he does not pass his training because of his sensitivity to loud noises. A family adopts him to be a companion for their autistic son Gus. It takes awhile for Gus and Chester to bond. Both experience many difficulties. The plot moves quickly which will keep readers engaged. This well written and satisfying story gives a glimpse for what it may be like for children on the autism spectrum. Middle grade readers will enjoy this moving, humorous and informative book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McGovern, Cammie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062330680

Price: 16.99

A Boy Called Bat

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

Bixby Alexander Tam nicknamed "Bat" is a third grader with autism. Bat and his older sister Janie live with their veterinarian mother. Bat struggles to understand the world around him. One day his mother brings home an orphaned baby skunk that must be nursed until it can go to the wild animal shelter. Bat is determined to keep the skunk as a pet. The story is told in the third person with believable and endearing characters. The well written short chapters have amusing titles. I highly recommend this delightful and realistic portrayal of a family living with everyday challenges. Animal lovers will enjoy the relationship between Bat and the baby skunk. A brief author's note is included concerning skunks.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Elana K.

Illustrator: Santoso, Charles

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062445827

Price: 16.99

Maid of the King's Court

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

The story begins with young Eliza Rose Camperdowne knowing that it is her duty to marry someone who can form an alliance with her noble family that has fallen on hard times. Eliza and her cousin, Katherine Howard, are sent to the court of Henry VIII to be maids of honor to the queen, Anne of Cleves. Katherine Howard eventually became the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Since the story is told from Eliza's point of view the reader is given an inside look at noble families and life at court. This is a dangerous time at court. There is treachery and romance. The author's note explains why she chose to write this version of Katherine Howard's story. Lucy Worsley is chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, a charity that runs several palaces in England including Hampton Court where most of this story takes place. She has written numerous non-fiction and fiction books for adults and children and has appeared in several documentaries. This is her first young adult novel. I highly recommend this well written and well researched work of historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Worsley, Lucy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688066

Price: 16.99

Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Revealed

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

This well written biography explains what life was like for Isaac Newton growing up in a time when magic and science blurred. He was born in 1642. He spent most of his childhood away from his family. As a young boy he lived in an attic above an apothecary's shop. He was fascinated with alchemy, the belief that ordinary metals could be turned into gold. He wanted to know how the world worked. He studied the stars and mathematics. Readers will be quickly drawn into this engaging narrative about one of the world's greatest scientists. His laws of motion changed how people looked to mathematics for explanations, not magic. The book has an attractive layout with numerous black and white illustrations including some pages from Newton's notebooks. The author used primary sources in this well research book which includes source notes, a bibliography, image credits, index, etc. I highly recommend this book for middle school library collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Losure, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670634

Price: 19.99

Beheld

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Choose Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

This is the fourth book in the Kendra Chronicles. Kendra, the witch, is searching for her true love, a warlock named James, with the use of a magic mirror. Using various settings the author masterfully retells the fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, and the Ugly Duckling. Kendra travels from the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 to Bavaria in 1812 to London during World War II and to contemporary Miami, Florida. The characters in each of the stories are well developed and the stories move quickly with creative twists and turns. The first person narration alternates between Kendra and the main character is each of the stories. The stories are a pleasant mixture of magic, romance, history, and adventure. The author includes a historical note and a website address that gives an extensive background to the fairy tales.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Flinn, Alex

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance,folklore

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062134554

Price: 17.99

Happy Dreamer

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

From the shiny cover showing a joyful child to the whimsical endpapers to the colorful, exuberant illustrations on each page, this picture book is a love note to all of those lovely, dreamy, different kids, the ones who don't always sit still or color in the lines. Reynolds struggled with being a dreamer as a child; fortunately, he was supported by his parents, but not all adults appreciated his "zig zaggy brain," so this book is also for adults who work with or love dreamers. It is a delightful read-aloud and so many kids will relate to the message. The only problem for a library is the full fold-out showing the dreamers, but this is merely a physical problem as it could tear; as a concept, the page is beautiful and kids will pore over the different dreamers, pointing and identifying themselves on the page. A first purchase for any public or school library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545865012

Price: 17.99

Bunny vs. Monkey Book Two

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Originally published in the UK (2015) and then bought by Scholastic for the US market. Reading Book 1 is not necessary though it does fill in a little background about why Bunny and Monkey are so set against one another (Bunny lived in the forest already and Monkey arrived believing it to be a foreign planet he had to conquer). Bunny and Monkey both want control of the forest and the showdown begun in Book 1 continues here. The hijinks and battles are filled with forest creatures and hilarity. There are historic references and mentions of science, ecology, and elevated vocabulary, so this is not totally a fluffy read (despite the adorable forest creatures). With bright illustrations and tons of action and bathroom humor (nothing too offensive), this GN will appeal to 2nd-4th grade readers (there is a fair amount of violence and the pages are crowded). Older readers will also get a chuckle, but it will be a quick read at 64 pages. A solid addition to a GN collection and sure to circulate often. As a side note to that, the binding is flimsy, so with high circulation, expect wear and tear.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smart, Jamie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338149104

Price: 7.99

Hilo: the Great Big Boom

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Book 3 in the series. A fantastic science fiction fun-fest for elementary readers. DJ has two best friends, Gina, a human girl, and Hilo, an alien robot who shoots lasers from his hands and loves mangoes. At the end of Book 2, Gina was sucked into a portal and this book begins right where the last book ended. Now DJ and Hilo are looking for a way to open another portal so that they can go and find Gina and bring her back to Earth. There is a some nice backstory of a familiar, well-liked character, and flashbacks to Hilo's creation that illuminate his decision to turn away from his intended purpose, destruction. Plenty of humor and action keep the story moving and the book, once again, ends on a scintillating cliff-hanger. A must-purchase if you already have the first two; if you don't have those, get them! And then add Book 3.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Winick, Judd

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386203

Price: 13.99

Egg

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2017

Review

Having an attractive jacket and an easily remembered one word title, Egg is the story of three eggs and a fourth one that is a surprise. The book's full-color art in brown ink and watercolor paint shows each egg in a different pastel color. Three eggs hatch and three chicks that each match the color of their shells fly away. The fourth egg waits and a full page of the word waits certainly defines the word for those hearing the story. The three chicks return, listen, and then peck the egg until it hatches. A friendly looking baby alligator appears and frightens the chicks away. The rest of the story can be "read" by looking at the illustrations. As for the end of the story, a by then happy foursome observe the setting sun become egg-shaped, hatch, and fly away. The author offers the final word: maybe. The book is warmly recommended as an early picture book for young preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Henkes, Kevin

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books Imprint of HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: -61

Price: 17.99

The Homework Strike

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2017

Review

The Homework Strike is a sequel to Pincus' first book about Gregory, The 14 Fibs of Gregory K. Gregory is a likeable, first year middle school student who wants to do well in school but finds the daily three hours of homework leave him no time for the other things he cares about. His solution is to go on strike and he gradually learns meaningful lessons in civics and in holding steadfast to what one believes. The 14 chapters in under 300 pages are fast moving. Each chapter is headed up by Gregory's humorous, rhyming verse. Caring adults, an exceptional history teacher, and a group of loyal friends all aid Gregory in his cause which, realistically enough, has yet to be completely resolved by the story's end. Recommended to middle graders, both boys and girls of about ten years old and up. The book might make an excellent read-aloud, likely to prompt discussion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pincus, Greg

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books imprint of Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780439913010

Price: 16.99

A Rambler Steals Home

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Derby lives a life on the road most of the year, traveling in her father's RV. But in the summer, she and her father and brother take a hiatus from the rambling life to settle in Ridge Creek, Virginia. Here, Derby's father sets up Garland's Grill in the parking lot of the Rockskippers, the minor league ballpark in town. They cook up burgers and fries and scoop ice cream for the park visitors and enjoy town life for a few months. Derby loves most of the townspeople and the descriptions of many will resonate with any readers who have spent time in small-town America. Derby is a great character, precocious and wise beyond her years and most of her thinking is insightful in a colorful, colloquial way, "but I never would have thought Marcus's stubbornness would be bigger than his comfort. It made me awful sad, though -- the thought of only that tarp protecting Marcus, as if he were just plain old dirt and grass." This reviewer couldn't help thinking that this book would do well with southern audiences but might fall flat with Maine readers. Or the story would be best in the hands of a teacher who wants a read-aloud that sets up place and character; listeners might get more out of listening to it and discussing the situations that Derby experiences. It is a nostalgic book and Derby is almost too good at assessing her own flaws and sussing out the feelings of the adults around her. Her wisdom is pitch-perfect, but might not ring true to actual 12 year olds.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Higgins, Carter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544602014

Price: 16.99

A Squash and a Squeeze

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

First published in 1993, this is a new edition published by Arthur A. Levine Books. The first pairing of Donaldson writing with Scheffler illustrations is simple, humorous, and instructive. An old lady feels that her house is too small so she consults a wise old man who advises her time and again to invite her animals into her home with her. With pleasing rhyme and the repetition of "my house is a squash and a squeeze" the woman feels increasing distress as her house feels more and more crowded. Finally, that wise old man advises her to take all of the animals out and my, how large the woman's house feels! Children will get the message that sometimes a situation calls for a different perspective. Not a necessary purchase like "Room on the Broom" and "Gruffalo," but a fun story to read aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338052206

Price: 16.99

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

Reviewed by: Jill OConnor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Lou can do a lot of things, almost anything that she puts her mind to, but when her friends want to play pirate up in a tree, Lou realizes that she has never climbed a tree before and now discovers that she cannot climb one. She frets over her inability to climb and then she takes measures to correct this flaw, and she almost makes it, but not quite. However, her attempt to climb that tree shows her that though she did not actually get up into the tree, she saw hope that she could get up into the tree with further attempts. A great book about the power and importance of failure and a perfectly illustrated example of "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Spires illustrations are exquisite with many details and plenty of white space for the viewer to fill in the rest of the picture. A great follow-up to The Most Magnificent Thing. Here's hoping for more STEAM books from Spires!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Spires, Ashley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387279

Price: 17.95

Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Written in a conversational style that will appeal to children, and enhance the read-aloud fun, this book by popular middle grade novelist Bildner (Rip and Red series) and talented artist Helquist (Series of Unfortunate Events) offers a window into a story set well before its audience's lifetime. A biopic of the legendary match-up between Martina Navratilova and Chris “Chrissie” Evert, two phenomenal tennis players who traded world titles and vied to be the best in their field. Helquist’s acrylic and oil illustrations capture the look of each player and match the story perfectly. The layouts have action and movement as the two athletes compete and challenge one another. It is powerful to exclaim "the greatest rivalry in the history of sports" was between two women and in the sport of tennis, not commonly thought of as a top sport. And even more powerful is the message that they didn't have to dislike one another just because they competed against one another; they could push one another and LIKE one another and have one another's back even as they strove to be better in their sport. The back matter includes a timeline of the two athletes as well as books for further research. A photograph of the two women would have been welcome, but readers might be inspired to do some outside research after reading or listening to this book. An excellent addition to a sports collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bildner, Phil

Illustrator: Helquist, Brett

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673086

Price: 16.99

One of Us is Lying

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

High school detention is the setting of this murder thriller where a fatal allergic response to peanuts makes the four other students present in detention the main suspects. Motive seems to center around the gossip app developed by Simon, the victim, and suspense moves at a steady pace as each student's back story and secrets are revealed. Chapters are written from the alternating point of view of the four suspects who are blatantly described as stereotypical in their role or interests as the nerd, the druggie, the cheerleader and the jock. Reference to the chapter headings was necessary at times due to the lack of distinguish-ability of the four voices, but this is only a slight quibble. McManus delves into each suspect's character, situation and social pressures. The parents, lawyers and law enforcement involved are portrayed as short sighted which fuels the action and requires the students to take on the murder solving task. Amidst the murder investigation, McManus presents various pressures and family dynamics that are realistically portrayed. This is a fast-paced thriller that can be suggested for fans of beach reads and high school romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McManus, Karen M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524714680

Price: 17.99

Fish Girl

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Rather than living in the sea, a young mermaid spends her days in a large aquarium. She performs daily for visitors starring as an elusive mermaid that remains unseen. Also performing is Neptune, the King of the Sea. Neptune, who is owner of the show, is controlling and of questionable character. The young mermaid (Fish Girl) believes what she has been told by Neptune and lives her life according to his plans. She is comforted by her endearing friendship with a large octopus who looks after her and truly has her best interests in mind. Things start to change as the young mermaid starts a friendship with a young human girl who catches sight of the elusive mermaid. Fish Girl now begins to question many elements of her situation and the truth about Neptune and his true identity is reavealed. The story is riveting and readers will not want to stop until they find out how the young mermaid's quest for independence turns out. Will she and her fish friends find a new life outside of their unnatural watery prison? The artwork is top notch with full color illustrations that add a great depth to the story.

An excellent graphic novel that will appeal to a broad range of ages. A strong coming of age story featuring a strong female character. Readers will be rooting for the loyal octopus and his best friend Fish Girl as they both begin news lives ... one back in the sea and one on land. A strong addition for both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Napoli, Donna Jo

Illustrator: Wiesner, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780547483931

Price: 17.99

Otter loves Easter!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

This is a light-hearted, secular, cautionary tale for those little ones obsessed with Easter treats. Otter is so excited on Easter morning because of the many treats left for him at the end of his bed. After counting up his trove of sweets, illustrated with some numerical values, he runs to tell Otter keeper who quickly expects Otter to share with his stuffed animal friends. Otter ends up eating all the candy himself and feeling too sick to eat breakfast. After a nap, he creates an Easter egg hunt in the backyard for his friends, who lie around the backyard in a way reminiscent of deflated lawn ornaments. Somehow his friends gift all their eggs back to him! The digital illustrations carry a bright pastel color scheme with the focus on Otter in each spread with lots of white space. In contrast, the two page spread depicting Otter, with a bull horn, explaining the Easter egg hunt, is a full page spread with seek-and-find potential. The book end pages are done in a yellow, purple, and green Easter egg design.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062366672

Price: 9.99

A Greyhound A Groundhog

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Recommending this picture book for cream of the crop consideration. Jenkins presents the words "greyhound" and "groundhog" in wordplay and rhyme, with movement and tongue-twisting sounds that is both playful and infectiously comical. A greyhound that is sleeping is introduced and a groundhog peeking out of a burrow is introduced, each in their own space. Their two worlds collide in a fast-paced, joyous chase that only briefly is stopped when a butterfly flutters into their line of sight. The rambunctious play is quickly renewed when a field of butterflies erupts into the air. Through a bog, looking in a log and round, and round, and round...until they drop from exhaustion. Appelhans' watercolor and pencil illustrations provide action, humor, and character within a minimalistic lay out. The text matches the action expressed in the illustrations by flitting across the page, going in circles and being spaced in a balanced way that complement and support the actions of the characters. Perfect for a story times.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Appelhans, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553498059

Price: 17.99

Dogman Unleashed

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2017

Review

In this second book of the Dogman series, the reader will enjoy great plot twists and turns with lots of humor! Dogman is the result of medical surgery that fused a canine with a policeman. Much high jinks ensues in the story which Dog man must put to rights. Be ready for a wild and crazy ride! The author does a great job of getting the reader caught up with the story in the introduction if they happen to pick this book before the first one. This a good choice for the reluctant reader as well as the emergent reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545935203

Price: 17.99

Third Grade Mermain

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yamouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Cora is a mermaid in the third grade and she wants to be a member of the Singing Sirens, but she is failing spelling so she can't be a part of the team until she improves that grade. To encourage Cora to work on these things her mom buys her a diary, in hopes that it will help improve Cora's language skills. Through her writings Cora learns about the nasty side of some of her friends. I found a lot of the story to be flat and focusing too much attention on good looks and who appears conventionally "beautiful". Not a great choice.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Raymundo, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545918169

Price: 12.99

Bird and Squirrel on Fire

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

This is great first graphic novel - bright colors, full of action, easy to read and very funny! A great choice for summer reading and the reluctant reader. Bird and Squirrel are BFF's who just arrived back home after a long trip that took them around the world. Bird really wants to party and squirrel wants to clean, but before they can do either they must convince beaver to break up his dam. If they can't do that the backed up water will put those critters who live down stream from it in great danger. There is much drama and laughs as the two friends try to save the community. A wonderful choice for the early graphic novel reader as well as the well versed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burks, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545804295

Price: 18.99

Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Mr. Postmouse is back and this time he is delivering mail while adventuring with his family. In fact, Mrs. Mouse and kids Pip, Milo, and Lulu even help spread the joy of delivering mail in each locale. With fun details to look at on each page, including the whereabouts of those adorable youngsters, Dubuc takes her young readers from the beach to a cruise ship, from a desert to an arctic tundra, and don't worry about the audience questioning Mrs. Mouse's ability to build an igloo or why Milo has a jet pack - they won't. This book is oversized and colorful and filled with details that are sure to please.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dubuc, Marianne

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383547

Price: 17.95

Stick Cat Cats in the City

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Stick Cat is headed off on a new adventure. He is going to his friend Edith's house, and he is very excited about it because Stick Cat feels it is the ultimate place - she has everything! There are crumbs in the sink, a window and a fire escape! What could be better for a cat?! While he and Edith are just lazing around Stick Cat notices that the little girl Hazel from the bakery across the way is in trouble. Seems that she had slipped and fallen into the bagel batter pot. Now it is up to Stick and Edith to figure out a way to rescue Hazel from the big pot of batter!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062411020

Price: 12.99

The Width of the World

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

This is book three in the David Baldacci series. Vega Jane (actually nobody) has ever left Wormwood, now it is Jane's turn to do just that. In doing so Jane enters a world where things are even worse. There are deadly beasts, torture, forked-tongued demons and other sources of killing. But Jane and her friends push on to fight their foe's savagery. It is unfortunate that this book tried too hard to being diversity into the story and failed. Teens will still read it but may not be all that impressed with it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Baldacci, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 0780545831963

Price: 17.99

Moo Moo & Mr. Quackers present Moo Moo in a Tutu

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

An overly-confident cow, a supportive duck, a cow-sized tutu, what could go wrong? Moo Moo is an impulsive character who has taken it into her head that she will be a ballerina. Mr. Quackers is mildly surprised but, apparently used to her flights of fancy, goes along to cheer her on. Fans of Mo Willems's "Elephant & Piggie" books will enjoy the narrative style of Miller. The drawings are clear and simple, the reader/listener knows that the outcome will not be exactly what Moo Moo believes it to be, and there are many drawings that make use of motion lines to show the movement and reactions of characters. There is nothing particularly new here, but it is a solid debut.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062414403

Price: 17.99

The Last Tree

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

An allegorical tale about the danger of losing the beauty of the natural world to progress and building. A boy delights in his father's stories of a boyhood spent rolling in the green grass. In order to find this green himself, the boy must look at books for the only grass in his world is a small patch 17 blades big. The boy's best friend stumbles upon a tiny tree, the last tree, and when they hear that another luxury condo complex is being built on the tree's lot, they know that they have to save it. They dig up the tree and replant it in a place where it does actually grow into a large tree and the beauty of it, standing alone on a page with gray buildings in the background is a stark reminder of the necessity of preserving nature. Chabbert and Guridi, once again, team up to illuminate a truth that is worth reminding even the youngest of readers (and their parents, hopefully) that nature is important and that children can make a difference. A lovely, quiet book that is worth adding to any public or school library collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chabbert, Ingrid

Illustrator: Guridi,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387286

Price: 17.95

Textrovert

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 14, 2017

Review

Published originally on wattpad under the name "Cell Phone Swap," "Textrovert"is a romance featuring an accidental cell phone exchange as a meet cute for quiet Keeley and football star Talon. From neighboring towns, the phone swap happens at a local carnival. Talon decides that he's going to keep Keeley's phone while he's away at football camp for a week so he can flirt with her and get to know her. He thinks he can tell by her voice that she's a hot teenager. So goes a week of annoying texting back and forth, Talon's bravado bringing out Keeley's attitude. After the phones are returned to their rightful owners, drama ensues. It turns out Talon and Keeley's brother are football rivals, making their romance difficult. This is a mildly cute addition to the romance genre, but not a necessary purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Summers, Lindsey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KCP Loft

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387354

Price: 17.95

Keep Me in Mind

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 19, 2017

Review

Ellia Dawson has been in an accident that left her suffering from amnesia, and she can't remember anything about the past 2 years, which is very inconvenient for Liam, her boyfriend of 2 years. Reed's novel explores love and relationships as Liam comes to terms with the fact that his girlfriend doesn't remember him, and the girl he loved is no more. There are Romeo and Juliet undertones, with warring families, and a brief issue with race, as they are a mixed race couple. Overall, the author does a pretty decent job of delving into the emotionally fraught world of memory loss and love. Consider this a secondary purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reed, Jaime

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545883818

Price: 17.99

The Secret Life of the Red Fox

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2017

Review

An interesting year-long journey with Vixen, a red fox, this non-fiction book will captivate young readers. The story begins in February with the red fox in her secret hideout and concludes in the Fall with the young foxes saying goodbye to their parents. The narrative is very informative, providing plenty of facts about foxes. Vocabulary words are highlighted and defined and are also included in the glossary. In addition to the glossary, a section of additional information about the red fox and listing of more books about foxes is also included in the back pages. The realistic illustrations add a great deal to the text. Done in soft pastels and aqua crayons the realistic images are impressionistic in style adding a artistic flavor. Readers will learn a great deal about the red fox within this brief introduction to the red fox.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pringle, Laurence

Illustrator: Garchinsky, Kate

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781629792606

Price: 16.95

Animals Do, Too! : How They Behave Just Like You

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2017

Review

This book utilizes a clever question-and-answer approach to informing children on the activities of seven animals. Starting with a question regarding various activities, the response includes an animal that does the same activity. Although children and animals may be doing a similar activity, for the animals, it is not always about just doing it just for fun! A great format to provide facts about animals and point out what we have in common with them.

The watercolor illustrations are colorful and expressive and realistically display the animals in their various activities. The back pages include a summary of the animals in the story that include: honeybees, gazelles, cattle egrets, gray tree frogs, leaf-cutter ants, marmosets and flamingos. An excellent addition for any collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kaner, Etta

Illustrator: Faucher, Marilyn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771385695

Price: 16.95

Hooray For Construction Workers!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2017

Review

This book focuses on Construction Workers and is part of the 8 book series on Community Helpers. Critical thinking questions are incorporated into the text via large call-outs. These questions encourage young readers to think critically about the topic and to utilize the full-sized color photographs and review the easy to understand text to get answers. Information on the builders, their tools and how they help their communities are covered. This book will appeal to children who are interested in construction and to those who want to learn more about community helpers.

A Table of Contents, Picture Glossary, Index and Read More Section are also included. Complementary educational resources for the book can also be downloaded free from their the publisher's website. An excellent book for young readers doing that first research project. A strong addition for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bauld, Theresa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512414417

Price: 24.12

Transportation!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 29, 2017

Review

Young readers will learn about the world of transportation and the many choices available to get around. Minimal narrative text appears on each page but all the various modes of transportation are clearly labeled on each page. An explanation of the concept of carpooling and commuting is also included. In the boating section, it should be noted that there is no mention of a submarine. This would have been interesting to add as a boat that goes underwater. The space section is limited to only one page and reads rather flat. A page that covers important signs, signals and navigational aids ends the book. The illustrations are colorful and detailed and fill up the pages making the book comparable to Richard Scarry books or Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip by Marianne Dubuc. Overall, an good book for young readers who are interested in planes, trains, boats and automobiles.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gibbons, Gail

Illustrator: Gibbons, Gail

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823434251

Price: 17.95

Last Day on Mars

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2017

Review

The year is 2213, and thirteen year-old Liam is anxious to catch the last spaceship leaving Mars to his new home, planet Aaru. The Earth sank into the sun five years ago, and now Mars is due to follow the same fate. Liam is reluctant to leave Mars; he was born there and identifies as a Martian. Liam, his parents, and his friend Phoebe and her family are a few of the very last people to remain on Mars frantically working on completing important terraforming research that will assure their lives on Aaru. When the research station mysteriously explodes, Liam and Phoebe's parents are left unconscious, but alive, and their departure is delayed. The spaceship leaves without them and Liam, Phoebe, and an intelligent panda-shaped robot named JEFF must race to catch up to the departing spacecraft while avoiding being murdered for the research data the possess.

Many questions arise in this first installment, and a revelation at the end of the book will leave readers anxious for the next installment. Time travel, spacecraft, harrowing action scenes, and sabotage make this a great science fiction book for grade 5 to 8. There was at least one grammatical error in the text and the action seems clunky at times, but this shouldn't bother a reader who enjoys a good science fiction saga. Recommended for middle school libraries and middle grade collections with an audience for science fiction titles.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062306715

Price: 16.99

Boy X

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2017

Review

This story is about a 12-year-old boy, Ash that wakes up on an island with an IV drip in his arm and at first has no idea why or how he got there. He quickly figures out that both he and his mom (she's a scientist) have been kidnapped. Both are trapped on an island where people have just stolen a deadly virus from the island's lab and Ash is one of the only people that can stop them from escaping with it.

This is a total page turner. Ash and Isabel, another teen Ash meets on the island, have to use homemade bombs and their smarts to try to figure out a way to stop the bad guys. What makes this book even suspenseful is that it is hard to know which people are bad and which are good- they all seem bad but claim to be good. Fast action packed thriller that will keep you up late finishing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338065640

Price: 16.99

The Murderer's Ape

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Feeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2017

Review

Sally Jones is an ape. She might not be able to talk, but she understands what people say and can communicate in her own way. Which is a good thing because when her good friend and captain of the ship they sail on is accused of murder, she is the only one that can prove he is innocent. This story is told from Sally's point of view. She has many adventures trying to set her friend free. The way Sally is portrayed is very believable, some of her adventures seem a bit far-fetched, but overall an interesting adventure.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wegelius, Jakob

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101931752

Price: 17.99

Lesser Spottted Animals

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This book gives a 2-page spread to a number of animals that aren't very well known. For each animal, there are cool fact and fun illustrations. The drawings are accurate but there is a bit of humor in them as well. A really nice feature is the text box at the bottom of every page that gives the size of the animal, where it lives, what it eats, an interesting fact or 2 about it and if it is endangered or not. A nice and humorous resource for those animals you might not have heard of.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Martin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338089349

Price: 18.99

Please, Mr. Panda

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2017

Review

This reviewer was somewhat challenged on the first reading till nearly the completion of the story. Only at the end is the reason for the animal’s rudeness revealed. Please, Mr. Panda is about manners yet the Panda is himself rude when he turns his back and does not tell the penguin and skunk why he has changed his mind.

The illustrations are somewhat appealing but Mr. Panda appears to be in a funk. Even the desired please and thank you do not cause him to smile. The black, white, and gray color scheme is great for infants yet the content of this book suits the toddle audience better. Parents who wish to teach manners may be interested but this is not a necessary purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Antony, Steve

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338106480

Price: 6.99

Where's the Giraffe?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2017

Review

An attractive interactive board book is presented with a colorful flair which is sure to win the hearts of readers. Each two page spread asks one simple question and offers little ones the opportunity to answer while participating in the action. Illustrations are simple yet they carry the flow across the pages. One creatively cut piece of flannel covers the animal being searched for. Given that no lift the flap book is indestructible, these flannel flaps do appear to be well attached. Gift this board book on first birthdays and add to public library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crow, Nosy

Illustrator: Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693343

Price: 6.99

Georgia Rules

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2017

Review

Twelve-year-old Magnolia Grace's life is uprooted from her Atlanta, Georgia routine when her mother announces that her stepfather is divorcing them. The two move to a Vermont farm that Magnolia Grace (Maggie)inherited from her recently deceased father, who she doesn't remember, with the stipulation that she reside on the farm one year. Maggie slowly finds herself letting go of her "Georgia rules" as she is taken under the wing of the large, rambunctious, Parker family with their varied ethnic, disabled, adopted, foster children and their two moms. Maggie matures throughout the year as she grapples with the loss of unmade memories of her father, his art and the influences he had on the small town. Steveson evokes the fresh, free, and natural atmosphere associated with a small town in Vermont and juxtaposes it to the laundry list of difficult situations. At times, Maggie's first person narrative reads older than her twelve years. The dialogue between the children is infectious and illustrates the protected comfort their moms provide. Suggest to fans of the Penderwicks series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Turner Steveson, Nanci

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062374578

Price: 16.99

Ants Rule the Long and Short of it.

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 4, 2017

Review

Both fun and educational, "Ants Rule" is sure to please parents, teachers and early education students. The playful text offers smiling bugs of all varieties and sizes. Each is measured and identified, depicted on simple graphs, and combined to make a circle graph representing the entire diverse group. What appears to be a silly math lesson ends with a fold out page of delight.

Perhaps the single best thing is the colorful design made with a child in mind. Barner has offered a text that provides lots of quiet white space surrounding bright active adorable bugs. The math is presented in an easily digestible manner that will satisfy reader's interest and lead them to ask questions about measurement. This book fits into units related to math and science, add it to early grade classrooms. Public libraries should consider fitting this title into their concept book collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barner, Bob

Illustrator: Barner, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780825436606

Price: 16.95

Charlotte the Scientist is Squished

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2017

Review

Charlotte is a rabbit deeply interested in science but she lacks on important thing to continue her research – she needs space. From the illustrated cover pages this book is fetching, the characters express emotion and each page tells its own story. Charlotte is depicted with passion and exhibits intense dedication to the scientific method so why not launch a carrot space ship in search of a new lab?

Readers will enjoy the squished environment of the rabbit family and may identify with the desire for personal space. Teachers will appreciate the presentation of the five steps in the scientific method and everyone will totally enjoy the creative design features. It may take several readings to identify all the animals, lab experiments and details within the well-illustrated pages. Gift to budding scientist and make sure primary schools add this book to their media center shelves. Public libraries will also want to add this to their collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Andros, Camille

Illustrator: Foley, Brianne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544785830

Price: 16.99

My Awesome Summer: by P. Mantis

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2017

Review

Up close and personal is the view readers are offered in "My Awesome Summer by P Mantis". Told in journal format the newly born insect shares his many summer experiences and eating habits. Some children may be horrified when P. Mantis consumers his siblings providing a teaching opportunity to adults. Readers of all ages are bound to learn something about the praying mantis life cycle.

The illustrations are striking, the depth of color and fine design appear to be done in acrylics rather than computer enhanced. Both the praying mantis and other creatures are rendered in recognizable proportion and anatomy making them appear alive on the page. Pages containing garden flowers are outstanding adding to the quality of this informational picture book. Even the end pages are loading with interesting facts and tidbits. Add this book to all primary media centers and to public library collections.

Consider for cream of the crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Meisel, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436712

Price: 16.95

Even Monsters Need to Sleep

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2017

Review

Libraries already have many good night books on their shelves but room will need to be made for this picture book. The audience might not be as broad as that for other bedtime stories but this book will fit nicely into book bags for many families. Readers learn that monsters come in all sizes and shapes (some will be familiar) but that each needs a good night's sleep. Chris has provided illustrations that give breath and action to Lisa's humorous text.

Within the illustrations many of Chris’s previous characters are lurking. Mr. Magee, Jack in the Beanstalk, and Hudson make appearances adding some additional fun to the book. Bright bold and detailed monsters are endearing making this a great bedtime selection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wheeler, Lisa

Illustrator: Van Dusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062366405

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Armstrong & Charlie

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Armstrong and Charlie are from two different worlds, and are brought together by school desegregation in the 1970's. The new Opportunity Busing program brings Armstrong and several other black students from South Central LA to a previously all-white school called Wonderland in Hollywood Hills. Both boys are nervous about starting sixth grade, each for their own reasons. Charlie's older brother passed away last spring, and his family is still grieving. Armstrong is slightly anxious about going to Wonderland, and faces this challenge with bravado and a tough-guy attitude. The two do not instantly become friends; their rocky relationship is realistically portrayed and reflective of the prejudices of the time period.

Based on the author's own experiences, this excellent middle grade novel will have readers laughing, crying, and rejoicing all the way through as Charlie and Armstrong's friendship evolves. Through humorous incidents, fistfights, first kisses, and field trips, Frank perfectly captures Charlie and Armstrong's adolescence, their discovery of who they are, and their friendship. Recommending for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frank, Steven

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544826083

Price: 16.99

King's Cage

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Aveyard's third installment in the Red Queen series follows Mare Barrow and the evolving struggle between the Red Bloods and Silver Bloods. Mare, once leader of the resistance, has been captured after offering her life for her friends' and is now King Maven's prisoner. She is forced to lie over braodcast, claiming that the Scarlet Guard forced her into serving them, which allows Maven to lay the groundwork for building an army of newbloods (Red Bloods with magical abilities). Meanwhile, Cal, the exiled and true heir to the Silver Throne, and the Scarlet Guard are fighting to end Silver tyranny by forming new alliances.

Told in alternating perspectives from Mare; Cameron, a newblood reluctantly working with the Scarlet Guard; and Evangeline Samos, a member of the Silver House Samos and Maven's betrothed; courtly scheming takes precedence over action in this installment. Aveyard has turned the focus inward, as characters must face their internal conflicts as the intrigue builds around the expanding war for the crown. A slower-paced book for the series, but will satisfy readers who are fans of Red Queen. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310699

Price: 19.99

Lost and Found Cat: the True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Such a wonderful yet heart breaking story, Lost and Found Cat…is a must read for all ages. Based on a real family situation this story utilizes the cat to highlight a family's flight from Mosul through Turkey and Greece to Norway. Even though Kunkush was lost along the way it is the reunion that melts hearts.

This is a story of migration, loss, and love in terms of people and our hero Kunkush. The fear, heartache and bravery of immigrants is visible in the lavish illustrations as well as contained in the well written text. The illustrations express real anxiety and pain shown on the faces of immigrants as they cross the Aegean Sea. Though the illustrations portray several lovely environments the family was experiencing a journey much different than tourist. This is a wonderful book that shows the hardships of losing shelter and homeland yet is not negative or harsh. The reunion with Kunkush completes a circle of love and provides hope for future immigrant families. Add this to all public libraries as well as school and church collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kuntz, Doug

Illustrator: Cornelison, Sue

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (Random House)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524715472

Price: 17.99

Real Friends

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends forever but then things start changing and cliques start forming. Shannon is left out and lost without her best friend. Also, things at home aren't going well, she and her sister fight and Shannon doesn't know how to make that stop and go back to them being friends. The main theme in this books seems to be Shannon trying to find her way with her family and friends. Readers will be able to relate to situations that Shannon gets in. The story did seem to jump around a bit at times and there were a few religious references to Jesus that seemed to not fit in with the rest of the story. Still most readers will really enjoy Shannon's experiences and find them very real.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Seconrd

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626727854

Price: 12.99

Star Scouts

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Librar, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This graphic novel is about a young girl named Avani and she is in a scout troop that she just doesn't fit in with. The things the scouts do are things that she isn't interested in. But then she accidently gets picked up by an alien scout that was trying to pick up a newt. And the alien that picks her up? She is a scout too. Luckily for Avani the things they do in her scout troop are nothing like Avani has ever seen, and boy, does she like it!

This graphic novel has terrific illustrations in it, they totally capture the humor and the action in the story. Avani is by no means a perfect character which adds quite a bit to the story and makes her character believable. She isn't always nice, and readers will find they keep hoping she will be. But the best part of the book is the humor, some of the nick names for the aliens that breath methane gas instead of oxygen are just awesome. Really fun with lots of action and terrific illustrations, highly recommended. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722804

Price: 14.99

Spill Zone

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

This graphic novel is about an area called the Spill Zone in New York. No one knows exactly what happened there but now it's got these weird creatures in it, dead floating people and cars that are no longer 3 dimensional, they are 2 dimensional (basically flat like a piece of paper). Nobody is allowed in there because it's so dangerous, but Addison goes in there to takes pictures so she can sell them and make money to take care of her little sister.

This story is really creepy and the drawings add to it. Addison's little sister Lexa's rag doll is probably the creepiest thing in the story. It talks to Lexa and is somehow connected to the spill, which is probably not a good thing. Great graphic novel for the older crowd.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Puvilland, Alex

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596439368

Price: 22.99

Dogs at War: Military Canine Heroes

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

This book tells about MWDs which stands for Military Working Dogs. These dogs have been trained to help soldiers deal with all kinds of things. They can help sniff out bombs, weapons, and even people that are enemies. And this isn’t something new, dogs have been used in times of war for a long time which is talked about in here. One of the best parts of the book are the actual stories handlers, those are the people that get to have an MWD, tell. The things that dogs have done to protect people is just amazing. Another great feature in the book is the information provided in case you want to help with MWDs when they are sent into a dangerous situation like a war, or, maybe even adopt one. This books does a solid good job of looking at the whole process of how a dog becomes a MWD and what happens to them when their time of service is up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldsmith, Connie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512410129

Price: 35.99

Dinosaur Pirates!

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2017

Review

Pirates and dinosaurs are both popular topics for young readers. This said, a book filled with pirate dinosaurs is bound to be a hit! The dinosaur pirates are on the hunt for buried treasure. But they had better watch out, because a scary pirate ship filled with raptors is on the lookout for treasure too! Great as an interactive read aloud during story time. The detailed illustrations will entertain young dinosaur experts who will want to identify all the various types of dinosaurs. The descriptive text is rollicking and engaging. There is just the right amount of repetition for beginning readers. The full page, colorful illustrations are done in watercolor and pencil and are full of details to entertain! The text is worked right into the illustrations on each page.

A nice addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dale, Penny

Illustrator: Dale, Penny

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693305

Price: 15.99

Florence Nightingale: The Courageous Life of the Legendary Nurse

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2017

Review

A fascinating biography on the life and times of Florence Nightingale, the inspirational woman who contributed so much to the world.

Florence was born in a time period where women were expected to center their life around the family and home life. Florence's parents supported education for women but were less supportive of their daughter's desire to become a nurse. The challenge of trying to please her family yet staying true to herself kept Florence in turmoil for many years. A complex woman with a wide range of emotions, she finally moved forward to pursue what she knew was her Godly driven purpose in life. This biography covers her strengths and weaknesses, providing a realistic, well-rounded account of her life. She was extremely compassionate and gentle with those who were suffering but was tough as nails and stubborn with those who were not up to her standards or to those who thought differently than her. The background stories on the many who touched her life, from family and friends, to colleagues to her beloved pet owl, provide plenty of interesting tidbits. An outstanding, well-written portrait of a powerful woman who made changes in the medical world that saved many lives. A must have selection for both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reef, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544535800

Price: 18.99

Octopus

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial , Kennebunkport, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Octopuses are amazing ocean animals and this book covers a wide range of information on this fascinating creature of the deep. The format of the book is well thought out with each spread consisting of a large subhead, easy to understand narrative text and call-outs that accompany the large 4-color photographs. This book includes nine brief chapters, a two-page glossary that includes photos, table of contents, and index/picture credits. The photography is fantastic and clearly conveys the information in the text.

An excellent book for readers who are doing their first research project. This informational book is an interesting introduction to the octopuses of the world.

A strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McInerney, Joanne

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: QEB Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781682970805

Price: 25.32

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed The World

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

This collective biography profiles six outstanding women scientist who had a huge impact on the world. A mathematician, marine scientist, geologist & cartographer, archaeologist, astronomer and Nobel Prize winner, these scientists may have followed different paths, but they all faced discrimination as women. Of the six, only one of the women is likely to be known by young readers. Katherine Colemen Johnson, the NASA research mathematician has recently received attention as the subject of the film, Hidden Figure.

These inspirational women did not let the challenges of discrimination hold them back and all achieved success in their field. The profiles provide a brief introduction to these women and will leave readers wanting to learn more about their achievements and their impact on the world.

An excellent book that showcases women whose stories need to be told. B&W photographs add a great depth to the stories. Glossary, Sources, Source Notes, Picture Credits, Acknowledgements, and Index are included. A strong addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawlor, Laurie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978082343675051795

Price: 17.95

someday Birds

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Charlie's world is orderly, structured and controlled. Now, however, his world is chaotic, and out of control.His dad has suffered a brain injury while working as a journalist in Afghanistan and is being transferred from the VA hospital in California to a facility in Virginia. He and his siblings are to stay while their grandmother makes the trip with dad. Not wanting to be left, Charlie's teenage sister asks her boyfriend to drive her, Charlie and his younger twin brothers cross country to join their father. You know this is not going to end well, especially for a boy like Charlie. What keeps him going is the notion that if he can spot all the birds on a list that he and his father have compiled, everything will by okay. This is the story of a family struggling to hold onto some sort of normal and of a boy struggling to keep his world in tack and eventually realizing that life is messy and will not be controlled. Readers will laugh and cry as Charlie navigates this chaos. He and his family grow as individuals and as a family in this most satisfying story. If you enjoyed Counting by 7's and Fish in a Tree, make this your next read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pla, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062445766

Price: 16.99

Caroline's Comets:True Story

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

With text from Caroline Herschel's own memoir and correspondence, Emily Arnold McCully introduces younger readers to"the Hunter of Comets",one of the world's greatest astronomers .Born into a family of musicians, Caroline was stricken by both typhus and small pox as a child which left her scarred and stunted in growth,she was used by her family as a maid. McCully's picture book biography tells Caroline's story. A story that takes her from her home in Germany to her brother's home in England where she and her brother realize their passion for astronomy and become "astronomers to the King." With McCully's signature writing style and illustrations, the reader meets two little known giants in science,William, the builder of the most powerful telescope since Galileo's in 1609, and the discoverer of the planet Uranus, and Caroline, who discovers 8 comets and becomes the first woman to be paid for her work. This is a welcomed addition to a curriculum on women, scientists,and astronomy.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978023436644

Price: 16.95

a Letter to My Teacher

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

On the surface this is a thank you, a love letter from a now grown student to her second grade teacher, a favorite teacher, a teacher who made a difference.But this is more than just a thank you, it defines a good teacher. This simple picture book explains the role of a teacher: one who welcomes, understands, encourages, disciplines, has patience, acknowledges, introduces new subjects - math, writing, reading science, with enthusiasm and fun. A teacher is one that prepares a student to go forward and hopefully changes each student as a person. This could be used in a STEAM unit for how this teacher integrates the subjects into her curriculum. Ms Hopkinson defines what an honorable profession teaching is and how a teacher can leave a lasting effect on a student.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: Carpenter, Nancy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 99780375868450

Price: 17.99

Birds Make Nests

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Large, detailed,beautifully rendered illustrations for our younger bird enthusiasts,make this a perfect picture,science book for introducing how, where, and why birds choose to make their nests.The text is simple and sparse. It lets the illustrations convey the message of why various species of birds make their nests where they do and how resourceful they are. Pair this with any number of bird books: Woodpecker Wham by Sayre, Mama Built a Little Nest by Ward, Birds by Henkes and Nest by Hurley.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Garland, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436620

Price: 16.95

Great Leopard Rescue: Saving the Amur Leopards

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

In 2007, there were only 30 Amur leopards in the wild! Sandra Markle, nationally known education consultant and known for her internet based education program for the National Science Foundation introduces the reader to the reasons why the rarest of the big cats is so endangered. Found only in the Russian taiga(the far eastern part of Russia) this cat has been losing ground due to habitat loss, hunted as trophies and its prey hunted,diminishing its food source, and how now, on the verge of extinction, scientists from around the world have formulated a bold plan to save this amazing animal. With stunning photographs to support text written in an understandable format, Markle lays out the problem and the solution that hopefully will bring this leopard back from the verge of extinction. Pair this with Markle' other books: the Great Monkey Rescue- Saving the Golden Tamarins,and The Great Penguin Rescue -Saving the African Penquin. These books can be used in units about endangered species, climate change, and how scientists are coming together for a greater good. This is an important book and should be shared and talked about by readers everywhere.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467792479

Price: 17.68

Beach Party Surf Monkey

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

Book 2 of Welcome to Wonderland series. Wonderland is a Florida beach motel run by P.T. Wilkie's grandfather Walt. In this episode, the new high rise hotel that was built next door to the charming Wonderland Motel wants to expand, and they want to buy the Wonderland to do it! P.T. and his friend Gloria hear about a movie that is to filmed in the neighborhood. So to help save the Wonderland from destruction they pitch the Wonderland as the perfect place to shoot the movie! A fast read full of high jinks, laughs and many shenanigans! A great summer read!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grabenstein, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553536102

Price: 13.99

Elon Musk & The Quest for a Fantastic Future

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

An outstanding and invigorating book on Elon Musk and his need to right the wrongs of mankind by bettering our society with advancements in technology; and his companies that are world-changing. His perseverance, enthusiasm and his determination in not accepting "No" or "It can't be done" as a solution to a problem will have you fascinated and trying to catch your breath as you read along. The book centers on Musk's quest to "guard man's fate in the universe by turning humans into space colonizers" -- the ultimate dream.

No presence of TOC, glossary or index. There are some photos of Elon Musk at various stages of his life along with people that have and continue to work closely with him. Recommended for grades 7 and up and anyone that is fascinated with Telsa, SpaceX and the technologies and advancements made by Musk.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Vance, Ashlee

Illustrator: Johnson, R. Kikuo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062463289

Price: 16.99

The Lotterys Plus One

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

A heart warming story of a family that considers themselves a "raggle-taggle multi crew" opening their home to an elderly family member that doesn't understand what makes them a family. Sumac Lottery's family is culturally diverse with Two sets of same-sex parents - mothers and fathers; a younger sibling that is dealing with gender identity and a whole parcel of various quirks that makes them the family they are. The theme of this lovely story is about love and acceptance being universal -- it is okay to be different, because being different is what makes you you.

Recommended for grades 4-9. Could be used to represent cultural and LGBTQIA diversity, acceptance, and family values.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Donoghue, Emma

Illustrator: Hadilaksono, Caroline

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545925815

Price: 17.99

The 65 Story Treehouse

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

This is book 5, and now Andy and Terry live in a 65 Story Treehouse! It started out as a 13 story treehouse but it keeps expanding! In this expansion a birthday room where it is always your birthday, a lollipop shop, an ant farm and a time machine are all added (plus several more rooms) on so that the treehouse has grown from 56 stories to now 65! Apparently the time machine proves to be a great addition since the treehouse expansion failed its safety inspection so we find Terry traveling back in time to get things straightened out. Many fun adventures!

This series is very popular - you rarely find them on the shelf!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250102461

Price: 13.99

The Release

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

A great final ending for the "Prey Series" is the continuation of Book, Hope and the others trying to reach the camps to free the remaining Less Thans and the Sisters. The ultimate goal is unraveling the Final Solution, eliminating Chancellor Maddox and Dr. Gallingham and destroying the Federation once and for all. It is an action-packed, plot-driven and a very fast-paced book that deals with romance, revenge, betrayal, twins, bullies and being imprisoned among many things.

Recommend the series to anyone who is interested in science fiction, dystopian and apocalyptic fiction. Grades 7-9.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Isbell, Tom

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062216083

Price: 21.99

Flicker and Mist

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

New Heart City has a normal social makeup in the sense that there are the privileged and the not privileged. In this case it is the Lefties who have the ability to disappear who are in the lower social category. The Plats rule the city and dictate the rules. Myra is a young woman who learns that she is not a Plat regardless of her upbringing. One of the best things about this novel is the character of Myra who is a strong female concerned with her community and its people. Nothing new is revealed in this fantasy but there will be readers who become intrigued with the torture and violence involved. It takes a long time to set the stage, this novel starts slow but does get rolling. The cover art work is a plus as it is haunting. Give this to true lovers of dystopian fiction but be prepared for it to sit on the library shelf.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Mary G.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544648401

Price: 17.99

Batgirl at Super Hero High

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2017

Review

"Batgirl at Super Hero Hig" by Lisa Yee is a good addition to the Super Hero High series. It focuses on Barbara Gordon, who previously has worked at Super Hero High in their tech department, but really wants to be a student at the school. She gets accepted; but her father, Commissioner Gordon, has a tough time letting his daughter go off on her own and do dangerous things (even though she is very capable). The book is about friendship and family and learning who you are. I would buy it if you have the rest of the series. It's not the best in the series, but it's pretty good nonetheless.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yee, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101940655

Price: 13.99

The Door in the Alley

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 13, 2017

Review

The first book in the Explorers series, "The Door in the Alley," by Adrienne Kress is a great beginning to an awesome adventure. The book focuses on Sebastian and Evie, two young kids. Sebastian is a boy who has a photographic memory, is very logical, and always follows the rules. Evie is a girl whose parents have died and she is now living in an all-girls boarding school. One day, Sebastian goes down an alley (not on his prescribed route home, but due to his cousin making him late, he decides to make up time by taking a short cut) and discovers "The Explorers' Society."? This sets in motion all sorts of adventure (including daring escapes from bad guys, solving clues, breaking rules, and trying to rescue Evie's grandfather). This is a funny and interesting book that begins with a pig in a hat. I'd say it's a must-buy for your library if you have middle graders who love adventure. The only downside is that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and the second book is not yet out. Reviewed by Kate Radke.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kress, Adrienne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101940051

Price: 16.99

Eliza and Her Monsters

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Eliza Mirk is a high school student with a secret identity: she is also LadyConstellation, the creator of the amazingly famous webcomic, Monstrous Sea. During the school day, Eliza keeps her hood up and rarely ever talks at school. At night she interacts with friends online, but no one knows she is LadyConstellation. Eliza barely interacts with her younger brothers, because to her parents' chagrin, she spends hours holed up in her room with her online friends and creating new material for Monstrous Sea. Her life is turned upside down when the new kid, Wallace, walks into her homeroom. Wallace is a selective mute, a writer, and huge fan of Monstrous Sea. Eliza's time with Wallace forces her to confront her anxiety and begin to interact with people face-to face. This novel tackles the "monsters" of anxiety and introversion with care, while at the same time it celebrates the world of fanfiction, as it seamlessly transitions back and forth between Eliza's real world, her online chats, and work from Monstrous Sea (illustrations drawn by the author). Fans of Rainbow Rowell, will enjoy this book, as well as fanfiction writers and followers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Andersen, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062290137

Price: 17.99

Botanicum

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 25, 2017

Review

This is a beautifully illustrated history of plants. As the reader tours through the seven “galleries" of detailed illustrations they bring to mind antique botanical prints. Starting with Gallery 1 right through Gallery 7 the author identifies each plant and provides vivid descriptions of some of the weird and varied shapes of the flowers, reproductive cycles, environmental characteristics, and adaptations to particular environmental niches. Though the images are not drawn to scale, the visual impact is astounding page after page.

This is an amazing book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Kathy

Illustrator: Scott, Katie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press / Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689230

Price: 35.00

The Summer of Bad ideas

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2017

Review

This is a fun book for tweens and younger teenagers. The story teaches how to get over differences that seem so big as a middle schooler. What to do if you tell a lie so people will like you. How to forgive and make up. Edith and Rae are cousins, one from the north and one from the CA. They are meeting for the first time in FL at the grandmother's house. Edith has many fears , 8 year old genius twin siblings, and wants to become braver. Rae is an only child; she's been in real TV commercials, and has met her Grandmother, Petunia. Petunia has passed away and both families have come to fix the home for resale. The almost 13 year olds find Petunia's Good Ideas For Summertime, 1962 list. They decide they will do all the things on the list to help them know Grandma better. Eddie (cooler name Rae starts calling her) thinks the list is just full of extremely scary things...catch a snake bare-handed, dance in the hurricane, master flirting... The Hurricane turns out to be abandoned dance hall. This one gets the girls brought home by the town police for breaking in.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart, Kiera

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper/ Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 19780062360212

Price: 16.99

The Upside of Unrequited

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

Seventeen, overweight, anxious, never been kissed, and sometimes feeling like the most alone person in the world, Molly relays events in a laugh-out-loud, comedic way that sets her on a course of action after twenty six "unrequited" crushes. When Molly meets Mina, the perfect girlfriend for her twin sister Cassie, in the best place possible, a club bathroom, all the safety of her romantic crushes become challenged. As Molly and Cassie prepare for their moms' upcoming nuptials, which just became legal, Molly struggles with the new changes in her sibling connection and with the possibilities of a real boyfriend. A diverse cast of characters and the universal struggle to be true-to-self make this a lighthearted read for both romance and realistic fiction fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Albertalli, Becky

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062348708

Price: 17.99

The Ship Beyond Time

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

The rules of navigating between time periods, history and myth are expanded in this fantasy sequel to "The Girl from Everywhere". A large game of chess, across historical timelines and map margins, has been forced on Nix and crew by Crowhurst. The history of Hawaii is dangling and the nature of the mythical time is elaborated on. In this sequel, the complex relationship between Nix and her father that drove the plot in the first book is non-existent, although her romantic interest in Kashmir becomes a motivator in her navigating decisions. Along with moments of storm seas, maps, myths and erased memories are moments of description from Nix's inner dialogue that sometimes extinguishes the building tension. Heilig provides notes in the back concerning some of the myths and the historical context of Donald Crowhurst's Last voyage and Captain James Cook. This story ebbed and flowed more than the first one, but for those who love time travel with a hint of romance, readers will not be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heilig, Heidi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062380784

Price: 17.99

Max

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

The novel was originally published in French. This translation is by Penny Hueston. This is historical fiction based on the little known Lebensborn Project that the Hitler regime orchestrated as a way to breed an army of perfect Aryan children. Women with Aryan suggested body features were mated, consensual and non-consensual, with SS soldiers to create a vibrant, young army of young Nazis children. Max, the narrator, is born into this project. As a toddler, he assists in the befriending and kidnapping of children who are then forced to attend a school to make them into perfect German children. When his life intersects with Lukas, a Jew who infiltrates the school and is able to take some physical revenge, Max is challenged to find a slightly more humane look at the real abuse and devastation that result from the war. The standout feature and possible issue of controversy is the clearly mapped thinking of the Nazi regime and the obsessively indoctrinated narrator to the white supremacist, anti-semantic Aryan way of thinking. Although Max is first a fetus and then a toddler, his narration pans as an adult voice with its purpose to only please the Fuhrer. He discourses in a mature, analytical way on sex, breastfeeding, body eliminations, rape, and executions as each subject is twisted and glorified into the propaganda line the children are being taught. Readers will need to patiently read through the obsessive, horrific Nazi propaganda and sexual fixations of the fetus-to-toddler Max, as well as, the minute details of the physical and psychological abuse inflicted on prisoners and the Lebensborn children, in the first two parts of the book before connecting with the developing story line where Max's solid Nazi stance is cracked. The poverty, devastation and confusion the people felt as the war came to an end is vividly portrayed. The author provides back matter about the historical events and the real individuals involved. Readers will most likely seek more information about this tragic program. Suggested for mature high school readers or adults.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohen-Scali, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720718

Price: 21.99

5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2017

Review

This story is about a place that is made up of 5 worlds. Each of these worlds has a beacon that needs to be lit or all of the worlds will die. Unfortunately getting them lit is tough especially with the Toki people trying to stop anyone from attempting it. But Oona Lee and her 2 friends, An Tzu and Jax Amboy are willing to risk everything, even their lives, to get the beacons lit. The drawings in here are beautiful. They are colorful and full of interesting people and cool details. The story is definitely interesting but I wish there had been more of it to help explain things a bit better. Still, this is a fun, action packed graphic novel that fantasy readers will definitely like.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Siegel, Mark & Alexis

Illustrator: Bouma & Rockefeller & Sun, Xanthe & Matt & Boya

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101935866

Price: 18.99

Hero Therapy Dogs

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2017

Review

This nonfiction book, geared towards young readers, takes a look at a variety of therapy dogs. Each chapter focuses on a different type of therapy dog and then uses photos and examples to describe what the dogs do. On top of that, there is a brief history of how therapy dogs came to be. What makes this book stand out for young readers is the large text, colorful photos and clear labeling. It also offers quite a bit of information at the appropriate level without talking down to young readers. Therapy dogs are becoming more common in schools, libraries and hospitals so having such an accessible book on this topic would be an asset for any library or classroom.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fishman, Jon M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512425406

Price: 26.65

Look, A Dolphin

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2017

Review

This nonfiction early reader is all about dolphins. The text is not overwhelming and each page has a large photo of a dolphin. At the end of the book there is a nicely labeled photo of a dolphin and its features. What would have been better is if these features had been labeled on the photos of dolphins earlier in the book when they were being discussed. Also, the book asks the reader a few questions about dolphins but never offers an answer. For young readers, having an answer at the end of the book would be helpful.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenan, Tessa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512414240

Price: 25.32

Fairy Felicity's Moonlight Adventure

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2017

Review

This is a sweet story written in rhyme about a fairy following a snail. The snail leaves a sparkling silver trail for the fairy (and readers) to follow throughout the story. On the way, other creatures join the fairy as she follows the trail to her surprise. Children will love the gentle, sweet drawings and have fun following the snail’s silvery trail which zig zags all over the pages from start to finish. The silver snail trail can be followed if a child wants to interact with the book, but it is not necessary. Simply looking at the little fairy and where she heads works too. A sweet, fun book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Preaa

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689452

Price: 15.99

American Street

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Fabiola and her mother are leaving Haiti to reunite with family in Detroit. Fabiola’s mother is detained by ICE and only Fabiola is able to enter the US. Fabiola’s cousins and aunt embrace her and bring her to live at their house on the crossroads of American Street and Joy Road. Although it seems on the surface they are living the “American Dream”, Fabiola soon discovers their lives are filled with many complications. The author, like Fabiola, is a Haitian immigrant and the challenges of entering a new culture and the spirituality of the Haitian Creole culture were the most intriguing and authentic elements of the story. It seemed that this book was going to focus on Fabiola’s efforts to free her mother from detainment, but unfortunately it does not spend much time on this, instead the story rapidly tackles many other issues such as young love, urban violence, drugs, and abusive relationships without digging deeply enough into any of them. Overall, many readers will still be compelled by Fabiola’s journey and there is much to discuss about the choices she makes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zoboi, Ibi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062473042

Price: 17.99

How Dare The Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2017

Review

Sandra’s memoir is a powerful narrative of survival, strength, and courage. She begins her story the night her sister and others were massacred by rebels in a UN refugee camp. Although Sandra also had a gun to her head, she survives. The narrative then flips back to her early life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the tensions against her people, the Banyamulenge, that forced her family to flee. The family eventually ends up in Rochester, NY as part of a UN replacement program. In addition to dealing with usual teenage issues, Sandra must work through the grief and guilt she feels about her sister’s death, as well as the trauma of a sexual assault. She must also adapt to another culture and learn English. During her junior year of high school, Sandra begins a project that helps her recover and move forward. She creates a nationally recognized photo exhibit that helps others understand the pride and strength of her people. Sandra Uwiringiyimana offers a strong female voice to the growing body of war and immigrant memoirs. Her inspirational story needs to be read far and wide.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Uwiringiyimana, Sandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062470140

Price: 19.99

Girl Code

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Andy and Sophie met in 2014 at Girls Who Code's summer program at the age of 17. Both went into camp with a basic knowledge of coding with various experiences using it. They worked on their final project together, creating the web game Tampon Run, which went on to get worldwide notice based on its dealing with the taboo topic of menstruation as well as the fact that it was coded by girls. They went on to do many, many speaking engagements about their game and their experiences. Both girls are now in college. The book is formatted with alternating segments written by Andy and Sophie. The girls share their full experiences, from their first interest in coding, to the aftermath of Tampon Run and then on to college. The book is a great encouragement for girls to code, and Andy and Sophie are very open and easy to relate to. The back matter includes some easy to follow beginner coding lessons, term definitions, and websites for further lessons/information in coding. This is a first purchase, particularly in high school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gonzalez, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062472502

Price: 17.99

The New Ocean: the Fate of Life in a Changing Sea

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Lovely to look at yet somewhat horrifying this book reveals how humans are endangering their planet. Barnard gives an introductory explanation of six marine animals including where they thrive, their predators, placement in the food chain, and currents threats to their survival. Each factual section is complements by a lovely full page painted illustration.

Each of the illustrations tell a story, some expressing threats to the animal while providing visual information to the reader. Seeing a plastic 6 pack holder bind a turtle in half is a teaching moment about recycling and its importance to the marine environment.

Presented in picture book format this title will find its way onto school media centers and belongs on public library shelves. Art teachers may use this book to enhance their animal lesson plans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barnard, Bryn

Illustrator: Barnard, Byrd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf (Random House)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375870491

Price: 18.99

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2017

Review

Certain to be loved by future entomologist this book will also inform, entertain, and surprise those who declare they dislike bugs. The leading roles go to the grasshopper and firefly as they each are featured in two page spreads. All twenty five insects have their moment in the sun as Murray captures their habits with humor and Sweet illustrated their habitat with color. The text and illustrations work together in harmony offered a wonderful experience to children of all ages. It is Sweet's detailed collage technique that may well make this a winning title in 2017.

The cover will bring readers to the text in a nonthreatening breath of fresh air. Each creature is treated gently in both poetry and illustration. OK, perhaps the spider is a little frightening but the cicada’s smile will win over any negative vibes. The book contains cricket notes which continues learning in and out of the classroom. Art teaches will add this to their collections and classroom teachers will use in poetry and science instructional units. Most important, many children will want this for personal bug research as well as search and rescue missions.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Carol

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt & Co.)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098181

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Lemons

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2017

Review

What does one do with lemons? Our heroin Lemonade used to know but since the loss of her mother and move to nowhere she is somewhat lost. This book is both a great adventure and a sad story of overwhelming loss. Two preteens with deep scars befriend each other and with the help of their community begin to dig out of their emotional "quicksand". Not only is this a fast and entertaining read but it is also a hanky book that will tear hearts in pieces. Savage has written this for those who grieve and for those who care for children dealing with grief.

Contained are two plots that play well with each other and bring understanding, compassion, and love to the forefront. Parent/child book groups should add this to their list and guidance counselors need this book in their offices. Give this to all Bigfoot believers and offer to those who don't believe yet. Lemons belongs in intermediate schools and on public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524700126

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Between Two Skies

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2017

Review

Strong on emotion and weak on sentiment this is a living testimony of those who lost everything to hurricane Katrina. Evangeline is a high school student who lives in and loves a small fishing village in Louisiana until one day when it is covered by sea water. O'Sullivan's first novel is heart wrenching and oh so real! The author has found her readers who will cry with Evangeline after the hurricane, cheer for her as she adapts to new situations and have their faith renewed by a young love story. The characters are alive, they feel pain and struggle to deal with great changes. Between Two Skies is a coming of age story that is wonderfully written, it is lyrical and heartwarming even as the worst situations are played out. This novel reveals how enormous family conflicts can develop yet with love and work the unit continues as each member grows and changes. Hurricane Katrina is not a new theme to YA shelves but this one is special. The sweet love story is the frosting on the cake. Readers of many genres will await the second novel by this new author.. so heads up to librarians.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O"Sullivan, Joanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690342

Price: 16.99

Peekaboo Barn Farm Day

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2017

Review

Never mind who came first: the chicken or the egg; this book is adapted from the app Peekaboo Barn Farm Day. Candlewick Entertainment has adapted their Night and Day Studio product into a somewhat cute farm animal board book. Although the book is interactive and the animals cute there are problems with the presentation. The finger holes are hard to find due to the all over color format. This reader found it discomforting to have the sheep beheaded and the barn door does not close.

Not a necessary purchase for libraries and equally not recommended as a baby gift.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sims, Nat

Illustrator: Lunn, Corey

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Night and Day Studios (Candlewick)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763675660

Price: 7.99

Penguin Day; a Family Story

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2017

Review

Bishop has provided a fascinating overview of rockhopper penguins in this short book. His photographs are the highlight as they tell the story of survival and colony life into which the baby is born. Most amazing are the photos of female penguins leaping into the water and riding the waves. His close up seem to show moving birds in their search for food. Still shots where the background is out of focus give the appearance of action. The size of the font makes this readable by early readers. As with all of Bishops books vocabulary will be built as young readers navigate the storyline. Though not enough information is included for school reports this is defiantly a book that will find its readership among young animal lovers. Those needing to do more research will find some more in-depth information in the author's note. Penguin Day: A Family Story may also create enough interest to send a reader looking for more books on Penguins.

As a librarian I always found that penguins were one of the most favorite animals for the early grade readers and pre-readers who treasure the pictures. Add to public libraries everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bishop, Nic

Illustrator: Bishop, Nic

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545206365

Price: 16.99

Different? Same!

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

At first glance, Tekavec's pages show a group of four seemingly unrelated species from the animal world.What do a zebra, lemur, fly and tiger have in common? A closer look reveals that though they appear very different, they all have stripes! Each page challenges the reader to find the common denominator in each grouping. Curnick's detailed yet somewhat comical illustrations adds to the fun of the search. This is a great STEAM selection for budding scientists. It introduces the concept of different and same, and asks the reader to REALLY look at each offering - good deductive reasoning. Taking a look at the world around you- are we as different as we think, or is there some connection to all of us. The author has also provided a glossary of sorts at the end of the book explaining why the characteristics shown are beneficial to each species.This is a book that can be shared one on one or in a small group.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tekavec, Heather

Illustrator: Curnick, Pippa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771385657

Price: 16.95

Way Home in the NIght

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

At some point, every child what to know what happens at night, to the animals, to the people they have played with, to the neighbors- where do they go and what do they do after the sun goes down.This is what a little bunny sees, hears, and smells as his mom carries him home through the quiet streets of his neighborhood. He sees shops closing up, through the windows of his apartment building he sees a party, a pie being made, a tv flickering. As he drifts off to sleep, he wonders if the party is over, are the guests on their way home, is the pie ready, what are his neighbors doing. Our reader realizes how commom, yet different each night is. This story is like a lullaby, with a simple, gentle text , and the quiet, soft, signature illustrations of Miyakoshi. The author takes a simple walk home and invites the reader along. It is beautifully done

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771386630

Price: 16.95

Little Fox in the Forest

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

For show and tell, a little girl brings a treasured stuffed fox to share. When she is at recess, a real little fox runs off with it. She and a friend follow to retrieve her precious toy. As they go deeper and deeper into the forest, they discover a magical town filled with forest animal families and the treasured stuffed animals of the animal children.

This book doesn't need words to convey the story. Graegin's illustrations begin as muted blue/green, but as the children venture deeper and deeper,into the forest, bits of color emerge until the pages become a colorful, active village. This is a book to spend time with, a book with lots to look at, to talk about, to think about. It is a book to be read over and over. It is a book the reader can put a story to each time it is opened. It is beautifully crafted and illustrated.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Graegin, Stephanie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553537895

Price: 17.99

A Perfect View

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Cici's is special; she is a fairy who sees the world differently. In the third book in this appealing graphic novel series, Cici is preparing to go on her annual camping trip with her father. Cici's abuela is worried that now that Cici has fairy sight going out in nature could be overwhelming. With the characteristic confidence of a child, Cici assures her grandmother that she is fine and ready for anything that might happen. She has been camping many times. What could go wrong? Turns out, everything. Rain, a closed beach, and lost marshmallows threaten to ruin the entire trip, not to mention the forest creature who keeps popping up at the worst times. Finally, Cici has to come to terms with the reality of the trip rather than the vision that she had for it. A gentle exploration of expectations and managing disappointment. Bright illustrations, magic, and a main character that readers can root for make this a nice choice for early readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doerrfeld, Cori

Illustrator: Page, Tyler

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467761543

Price: 22.52

Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2017

Review

Parents of toddlers worldwide would love to know the secret of sleep. Adding "Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep" to the bedtime routine may solve this age old difficulty for many families. British Author Blackburn and illustrator Smythe have produced a charming and quieting book that is part mediation and part self-soothing. The use of color is extremely effective starting with the shades of sunset and gradually moving to dark shades as night falls around the animals of the jungle. The lovely images of animals at rest helps to suggest the desired behavior especially as it is accompanied with relaxation techniques to calm the little one's body.

Children who hear this book nightly will learn how to self sooth as they wiggle body parts and listen to the hum of stillness. Tired parents everywhere are sure to sing the praises of this picture book. Add to public libraries and gift to families with active toddlers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blackburn, Katie

Illustrator: Smythe, Richard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062564269

Price: 17.99

How to find a friend

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2017

Review

Introducing one blue squirrel and one red rabbit, each who are looking for a new friend. In near miss comedy these somewhat endearing characters search high and wide but continually miss each other. Done entirely in a simple palette of three colors the animals take center stage. With the help of inch worms and a predictable accident the two new residents of the woods do meet and bond as friends.

This is an uncomplicated story of friendship with a subtle dose of humor. Preschool children will giggle as the animals miss each other and are sure to be cheering for a good ending. The end papers help to identify the environment. Teachers will welcome this on the primary school library shelves and may like to have it gifted to their classroom. Making new friends is always an issue for early grades, any positive materials are helpful. The simple text printed in large font provides the opportunity of independent reading for early readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Costa, Maria S.

Illustrator: Costa, Maria S.

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544926783

Price: 16.99

One Is Not a Pair

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Nice concept book introducing the idea of pairs. With simple, digitally-rendered images, Teckentrup uses two rhyming stanzas to encourage readers to search out the one image on the page without a match. This book joins Teckentrup's other books Odd One Out and Where's the Pair. The binding is tough and the cover has a great feel; the size of the book is perfect for young readers. A lovely addition to any collection serving curious children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693190

Price: 14.99

Big Book of Animals: A LEGO Adventure in the Real World

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Part of a nonfiction series that uses LEGO minifigures to draw kids in and engage them with facts. Divided into sections (Arctic, Woodlands, Rain Forest, Mountain, Desert, Grassland, and Water), each page covers one animal from that biome with a double-page spread that includes a large, beautiful photograph, a box showing "Minifacts" about the animal, and LEGO illustrations that offer other tidbits, additional facts, jokes, building suggestions, etc. Each section covers 5-8 specific animals and then one page with multiple examples of animals living within that habitat. The book would have benefited from a map showing where in the world the animal(s) could be found or the "Minifact" box could have included location and perhaps status like endangered or numbers in the wild. The book is over-sized and bright and has appeal, especially for animal lovers, but the coverage is shallow and in the case of some animals, severely limited. It is fine to have a page about "giraffes" and show a photo, but to have a page titled "shark" with only a photo of one type of shark, it can feel frustrating to the reader who wants more. The beauty of a book like this is that it can be a jumping-off point for further research. As it is: a nice browsing book that will circulate often and, with its low price-point, an easy purchase for any general elementary-aged collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arlon, Penny

Illustrator: Lee, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338130072

Price: 14.99

The Ghosts in the Clouds

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

In the fourth book in the series, it's wintertime at Hotel Strange and everyone is getting ready for a long winter's rest. But where is Mr. Snarf, ghost keeper of the reservations book? The Hotel Strange crew are just in time to see him hauled away by the Ghost Police. Now they must travel into the clouds to rescue him. In a hot air balloon built by their own hands, the gang travels to the Land of Ghosts. Once there, they discover that EVERYthing is forbidden, from rolling in the soft clouds to sweets to laughing. Thrown in jail for breaking many rules, Mr. Leclair turns to books to set them free, specifically the Rule Book of Ghosts. Citing "Rule Rainbow," it is forbidden to forbid, Mr. Leclair frees everyone, including Mr. Snarf. The power of words, books, and friendship saves the day. Colorful, zany, and perfect for 2nd-4th grade readers or emerging readers. The end is a little abrupt as the crew once again set off in their balloon headed for home, and readers who enjoy some closure to their story could be disappointed. Perhaps Book 5 will be the journey home? Or perhaps the authors felt that rescuing Mr. Snarf and getting away to a joyful fanfare was enough of an ending. Regardless, this is an appealing series and hopefully more volumes are in the works.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ferrier, Katherine

Illustrator: Ferrier, Florian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467785877

Price: 22.88

Ice Boy

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

Ice Boy wants more from life than the hope of one day being "chosen." A too-warm drink, a cold compress - these are not the fate he wants. So Ice Boy takes matters into his own adorable mitten-clad hands and sets off on a journey to discover what else is out there. He does all of the things he had been told not to: he feels the sun on his face, he goes to the beach, he lets the waves carry him away. Ice Boy is now...Water Boy. And, of course, after evaporating...Vapor Boy. This is when you realize that Stein has cleverly woven story with science and illustrated the water cycle. Young readers (or any students of physics) will find the spunky little ice cube engaging. And they will cheer when, after becoming Ice Boy once again, he returns home victorious to a beverage where he is reunited with his parents. Of course, he has collected dust and dirt particles from the air so he tastes awful. The three cubes are dumped out onto the grass. What will happen to them? The water cycle begins again.... Stein has a story time winner here - adventure, a chill main character, and exuberant illustrations make this book a great addition to any picture book/science collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stein, David Ezra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682033

Price: 15.99

Noisy Night

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

It is night time in a tall apartment building and a boy can't sleep. He hears a noise above his head and wonders what the La La La is...thus the book begins. Each page uncovers one person/group that hear a noise above its/their head and wonder what it is. As the reader turns the page, the noisemaker is revealed. It is a nice concept, with large, bright, simple illustrations that perfectly convey the culprits (a little piece of the upstairs is shown so that the readers can guess). All of the noises follow the "aw" sound so it is a solid book for early readers discovering sounds and spelling, and who might feel empowered by always guessing the culprit correctly. Why does the old man always have to be the cranky one? This perpetuates the stereotype that elderly people are inflexible and prone to yell at others. Simplicity can be good, building phonetic understanding and confidence, but this is not an essential purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Mac

Illustrator: Biggs, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439672

Price: 16.99

Midnight Without a Moon

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2017

Review

This is historical fiction at its best. Aimed at upper middle grade and high school readers, this story is set in Mississippi in 1955 at a time before voting protections and the Civil Rights Movement. Told through 13-year-old Rose Lee, the story follows the goings-on of her family: poor, black sharecroppers who work the land of a white plantation owner in a deeply segregated southern town. Rose lives under the iron rule of her grandmother Sweet Pearl. Rose's grandparents have been picking cotton for white Mr. Robinson their entire adult lives and they accept the order of the world where a person with brown skin is less than a person with white skin. The NAACP is on the rise and "stirring up trouble" down in Mississip. The book opens with an intense scene in which Rose is chased off the road by the pick-up truck driven by a white teenager. The intensity never does let up. With the haunting facts of the Emmett Till case right at their doorstep, Rose starts to see that things are not right with the world, and that a shift in the world order could be coming. She is also awakened to the idea that her "midnight without a moon" black skin is beautiful and that she has worth and can make a difference in the world, if she is brave enough to stay and fight. This type of book is made more powerful by discussion and it is one of those MG titles that would benefit adults. It is a powerful read that does not sugar coat the reality for a black person during this time. There are mentions of shootings, lynchings, teen pregnancy, and domestic abuse - all well within the context of the story, but could be tough for student readers. A stellar debut from Jackson!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Linda Williams

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544785106

Price: 16.99

Yvain: the Knight of the Lion

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2017

Review

A graphic novel that uses original text from medieval France, written by Chretien de Troyes, to tell a story of chivalry and valor. During the time when superstition and magic were the norm and a knight was expected to defend a lady's honor, this book captures the gray area of unrequited love and the toll that keeping an oath could have. Anderson read several translations to capture the de Troyes story. Illustrator Offermann mined imagery, architecture, and illustrative styling directly from medieval France, Switzerland, and Spain. The story includes familiar characters from the King Arthur mythology and at the heart of the story a bond between two knights and the strength of two women. The knights were bound to fight for honor even if it meant leaving those they loved behind (or fighting those they loved). The women were chained to a system where honor and oaths triumphed over free will and feelings. The sepia palette of Offermann perfectly captures the essence of the time period, the swirling emotions of a joust, the exhaustion of a campaign, and the pain of keeping one's word even when it betrays one's heart. An included author's note and illustrator's note is highly informative. For fans of graphic novels and Arthurian legend or medieval stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, M.T.

Illustrator: Offermann, Andrea

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763659394

Price: 19.99

The Warden's Daughter

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2017

Review

Told in flashback by an 80-year-old narrator who has had time to reflect on what it meant to be the warden's daughter in Two Mills, Pennsylvania in the late 1950s, living upstairs from the prisoners. Cammie loses her mother to an accident with a milk truck when she is just a baby so it is her and the warden, a distant though loving character. Now, at 12, Cammie has the idea that one of the inmates, Eloda, who has the enviable position of housekeeper for the warden and his daughter, should be her substitute mother. The book is chock full of nostalgia with a "remember when" feel. Remember when children could ride their bikes all day and no one knew where they were...Remember when American Bandstand was the raciest show on television...Remember when an alleged murderer could show up at a prison that had a 12-year-old girl living upstairs and her friends would clamor for a peek or even an autograph. The story hits all of the right notes for the time, but it might be difficult to put it in the hands of a middle school reader today and have them get the nuances. Cammie is realistically written, with strengths and flaws, and her best friend Reggie and inmate Boo Boo are great supporting characters. Eloda hardly has a voice until the end when more is revealed than made sense, at least to this reader. Spinelli is a much-beloved author and the writing here is strong, as usual, but this book feels like something that he wrote with a long lens and while it is obvious that his heart was in the story, it might not resonate with readers today.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spinellil, Jerry

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375831997

Price: 16.99

Newsprints

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2017

Review

Set in the fictional world of Nautilene, which is at war with Grimmaea, this graphic novel follows newsboy Blue, and orphan with a secret. Blue is really a girl, but since girls are not allowed to sell newspapers, she has to hide her true identity. Upon being chased by some thugs working for a competing newspaper, Blue stumbles upon the hideout of an engineer named Jack who seems to be building things. Jack agrees to take Blue on as an apprentice. This leads to the heart of the story. Who is Jack and what is going on in the war? And who is Blue's new friend Crow and what does he have to do with the navy? The book delves into the issues surrounding wartime: a waning workforce, the need for people to step in to help with the war effort (in this case the women in Nautilene), what weapons does each side have, and how far is the military willing to go to use those weapons. Trying to keep her secret, help Jack, figure out Crow, and get the news out on time, Blue barely has time to sleep. Xu's illustrations are fantastic, full of energy and motion, and reminiscent of Japanese anime. The palette is muted with lots of sepia and, of course, blue. The action starts at the title page and doesn't stop until the last page. And even then, there is the promise of a sequel, which is welcome. An excellent debut and one that will thrill graphic novel readers from 3rd grade up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Xu, Ru

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545803120

Price: 12.99

Grandpa's Great Escape

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 25, 2017

Review

A great story and wonderful adventure! Jack is 12 and his very most favorite person in the world is his Grandpa! Now Grandpa may have a few eccentricities - like wearing his slippers to the supermarket, serving Spam with custard for dinner, or thinking it's 1940 when he was an RAF pilot serving in WW II when it's actually 1983! More and more Jack is noticing that he is having trouble being in the present rather than the past. But Jack adores him anyway! His parents however have other ideas for the fate of Grandpa - they decide he needs to be in an old folks home. Too bad the one they choose has a VERY crooked director! So what else is Grandpa to do but bust outta the place! And that's when the real adventure gets going! A great read and fun adventure!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, David

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper / Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062560896

Price: 16.99

Fizzopolis

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2017

Review

Harold Fuzzwonker is a regular kid who lives in Fizzopolis, the home of the world's greatest soda pop - which his inventor dad created. Apparently it's supposed make the longest burps ever! But there are 2 secrets which Harold must keep. 1- he must keep his friend Floyd (a extraordinary fizzy friend) and 2-the recipe for the Fuzzwonker Fizz a secret - especially from the evil Snood Candy Factory! The fast pace and humorous illustrations will keep readers engaged.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carmen, Partick

Illustrator: Sheesley, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books / Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393944

Price: 12.99

How Do Circuits Work?

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2017

Review

If you have young elementary school children interested in learning about and building their own circuits then this is a good book for that. It is well illustrated with good, easy to understand explanations of the various types of circuits, and how they work. Great book to pair with circuit activities you might be doing with kids in after school programs or classroom work.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, James

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 19781512407785

Price: 15.99

Otherwise Known as Possum

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2017

Review

The book would be great for people studying the Depression Era in the south. The story is about a 10 year old girl,Possum. Her mother died in childbirth and her Baby died the next day. She was home schooled by her mom, and now the nosy town women want her to go to school. Possum's thoughts are, "To me, who's been learning up and down the holler my whole life, school'd be as wasteful as a bath on Wednesday." ..."They'd swooped onto the porch, all black wings and beady eyed like giant crows, beaks fixing to stick into our business. I considered taking a shot. After all, a crow is a crow , and I have dead-keen aim, on account of I'm naturally gifted for such things." Colloquialism is used heavily which might impede younger readers. She is allowed to run free day and night with her dog. She feels it's her job to take care of Daddy. There are also many historical references about President Hoover and the soon to be President Roosevelt. How the country is split on what the best course would be to fix the problems of dads leaving families to find work, finding jobs, and Mrs. Roosevelt changing the role of women. Possum has to go to school. she think's her Dad is just forgetting about Mama. He might be getting sweet on the new teacher from the north. The story has a surprise ending that made me cry.

This was the author's debut book; she worked 10 years on this story, did much research, and revision. She died shortly after it's publication.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Laso, Maria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545927922

Price: 16.99

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2017

Review

This is a reprint of Alvin Schwart's 1984 book "In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories" with new illustrations. The stories are still delightfully creepy and fun and the illustrations are the kind of terrifying that kids will love to get scared by. I remember this book from when I was a kid and based on how often Schwartz's "Scary Stories" books still get checked out, I'm sure this will be a huge hit with the younger readers. A must-buy. Reviewed by Kate Radke.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schwartz, Alvin

Illustrator: Rivas, Victor

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062643384

Price: 16.99

The Titanic Mission

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2017

Review

The second book in Dan Gutman's "Flashback Four" series is "The Titanic Mission." The Flashback four are a group of four sixth-graders who have ended up working for a rich scientist who is able to send them back in time to take photos of famous events that were not photographed. Their last mission was a failure and they barely made it out alive, so of course this time they decide to try to take a photo of the Titanic sinking. Gutman is very funny and manages to pack in historical facts in a fun way. Reading this as an adult is super frustrating because the kids keep making foolish decisions, but I'm sure kids will love the adventure and crazy scrapes the kids get into. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for people to want the third in the series (which comes out in April of 2018). ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062236357

Price: 16.99

What This Story Needs is a Vroom and a Zoom

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2017

Review

"What this Story Needs is a Vroom and a Zoom" is the newest "Pig in a Wig" book by Emma J. Virjan. In this story, Pig in a Wig takes part in a cross country car race. With a vroom and a zoom, she takes off in her car! Easy to read with few words and fun illustrations, kids will enjoy the story. A must-buy if you have young readers who enjoy the Pig in a Wig. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Virjan, Emma

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062494313

Price: 9.99

Nate the Great and the Missing Birthday Snake

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2017

Review

Nate the Great keeps up his detecting with the newest book in the series, "Nate the Great and the Missing Birthday Snake." Written by Andrew Sharmat and Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Nate is invited by his strange neighbor Rosamond to a birthday party for her cousin Lizzy. When Nate gets to the party, one of Lizzy's pet snakes has gone missing (and of course it's the biggest python). They ask Nate to help them find the snake. It is written in an easy to read format with simple sentences and has a funny plot that kids will like. Probably a must-buy if your "Nate the Great" series gets a lot of use. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sharmat, Andrew

Illustrator: Wheeler, Jody

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101934678

Price: 12.99

The Lemonade Problem

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2017

Review

"Peg + Cat: The Lemonade Problem" by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson is based off of the PBS television series (which was in turn based off of the book "The Chicken Problem" featuring Peg and Cat). The series is intended to inspire and teach preschoolers about math. Peg and Cat want to run a lemonade stand, trading cups of lemonade for marbles because Peg wants to collect more marbles. The math focus of the book is on "more than" and "less than" and uses graphs too. The story is funny and it makes it fun to learn about math. It will mostly appeal to fans of the show. Not a must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oxley, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694364

Price: 12.99

The Someday Suitcase

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 17, 2017

Review

This is a good book for dealing with illness and loss of a loved one. Clover and Danny are fifth graders with an unusual symbiotic relationship. They are so much more than best friends. Danny is sick and the doctors don't know why. Clover has always felt she wasn't Clover unless Danny was there. They are like one person. Clover is studying symbiosis in science. She loves science and wanted to be a scientist. Her science project for this year's science fair is Danny. She is determined to make him better. She discovers that Danny gets better if she is with him. She finds out about an unconventional clinic in Vermont. Danny and Clover to kids from Florida have aways dreamed about snow, but the grownups won't listen to kids. Danny and Clover take their someday suitcase and stowaway in the back of Clover's dad's hauling truck and make it to the clinic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haydu, Corey Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tecen Books/ Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062352750

Price: 16.99

Big Bug Log

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 17, 2017

Review

Little Bugsy the bug is trying to find his way to Grandma's through Big Bug Log. He is given directions as he goes along and must make his way through doors that flip open, curtains that flip up, up and down stairways and ladders, and down bookworms. What an adventure. Children will enjoy deciphering clues, making their way through mazes and finding the correct way to get to Grandma's where she and other family bugs are awaiting his arrival. With busy and colorful pages, sturdy construction and lots of interactive play, 3 - 7 year old children will return to this book again and again, perhaps discovering new details with each reading. The illustrations are adorable with lots of different smiling bugs, from bees to spiders, ladybugs and even snails.(Is a snail a bug?) Consider this choice seriously for your boardbook collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastien

Illustrator: Braun, Sebastien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693220

Price: 9.99

Where's the Ladybug?

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 17, 2017

Review

This simple, interactive boardbook fits the bill and the pre-school set will adore it. Each page spread asks questions such as, "Where's the caterpillar?" on the leftmost side and on the right there is a soft felt flap under which the caterpillar is found. Other pages follow suit with other little bugs until one finds the hidden ladybug. The last page asks "And where are you?" and the little reader finds a mirror under the felt flap. Giggles will undoubtedly ensue. With bright, simple illustrations and rugged felt flaps, this choice will last longer than some other offerings of interactive books made of less sturdy material. Consider this one to add to your boardbook collection, public or private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustrator: Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693350

Price: 8.99

Payback

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2017

Review

This is book 3 of the series. I started it 2x - I found it hard to get into, though once I did I could see how the kids would enjoy it - especially middle school boys! It is pretty faced paced, and can get a bit intense at times, but overall a good read. I haven't read the first 2 in the series, but I really didn't need to have, as you get the story of what happened previously to lead the characters to this point in the story. The story (series) is about a genetic experiment, a secret town and betrayal. There are 11 kids who are cloned using the DNA from master criminals. The children are then raised in a town where they have the "perfect life" with nothing to want for. They are also closed off from the outside world. That is until one boy figures out what they are and what was done to them. Payback is the story of their escape into reality.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062300058

Price: 16.99

I Believe in a Thing Called Love

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2017

Review

This book is a wonderful tale of romance, and it has a formula if you need to know how to get a boyfriend. Desi is a Korean high school senior in CA. She lives with her dad. Her deceased mom was a brain surgeon. Desi is going to go to Stanford to follow in her mom's footsteps. She is a straight A student, with very little confidence in herself as a possible girlfriend. She has two best friends, Wes a heartthrob , and Fiona a beautiful lesbian. Her friends tease her for her flailures Flirt/Failures. Then a new boy comes to her school. She knows he is the one. Their first encounter doesn't go well, her pants fall off exposing her underwear. She is great at everything from sports to everything else in school but art. New guy is an art major. Her dad likes to watch Korean Drama series on romance. Demi decides that this is the formula she needs to stop being a flailure. High school life depicted by hard working realistic characters. If you are interested in watching some of the series mentioned in the book there is "The Ultimate K Drama Starter Guide" in the back. It includes titles and different genres of story lines.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goo, Maurene

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books/Macmillan Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374304041

Price: 17.99

Dead to Me

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 30, 2017

Review

"Dead to Me" by Cristy Watson is a Hi-Lo book written for high schoolers. It starts with Logan Gomez, a twelve year-old, going on a birthday fishing trip with his uncle. Logan's father passed away back when Logan was very young and his uncle has been like a father to him. His uncle gives Logan a beer (apparently a Gomez family tradition for a son to have his first beer when he turns twelve) and then tells him how Logan's father died. The book jumps to four years later when Logan is 16. Logan is a troubled kid, drinking a lot, getting in fights, hanging out with an older teen who street races, and he has refused to see his uncle since his twelfth birthday. The book focuses on Logan living life as a high schooler, dealing with racism, drinking, and emotional issues. The book is set in Canada, so a few things pop up that I didn't know about (like when a student says, "I can't wait to get my N," and I could tell it had to do with driving, but I had no clue what it meant. It's apparently a Novice Permit, which is a step above a Learner's Permit). A must-buy if your Hi-Lo collection is popular. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Cristy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: James Lorimer & Company Ltd

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781459411609

Price: 27.99

Space, Humans, and Farts

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 30, 2017

Review

Dan Gutman's My Weird School Fast Facts "Space, Humans, and Farts" is an excellent addition to your early chapter books or middle grade books. It uses characters from the My Weird School series to talk about different scientific facts about the human body, outer space, and farts. It is very funny and includes a lot of interesting information (even stuff that I didn't know, like the fact that girl farts are often smellier than boy farts because females have more concentrated hydrogen sulfide in their bodies!) and even some bad science jokes (in that they are groan-worthy). A must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306272

Price: 16.89

Maisy Goes To the Local Bookstore

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 5, 2017

Review

In this Maisy selection, Maisy makes her first trip to the local bookstore. There are so many books that she barely knows what to do. She must pick one to purchase. Ostrich the bookseller helps her to find a lovely book about birds, Charley arrives and finds books of interest to him, as do Cyril and Eddie. Then, a lovely snack is enjoyed at the cafe and then a final decision must be made. Oh, my. Which book to purchase? The bold and colorful illustrations are spot-on and will be familiar to those who have enjoyed the other Maisy books. Of course, as a librarian, I must point out that Maisy and all of her friends could borrow endless books at their local library at no charge. Something to consider.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692551

Price: 12.99

Ghostly Towns

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 5, 2017

Review

This nonfiction, library binding hardcover has 24 pages and is part of the "Tiptoe into Scary Places" series. Markovics provides a quick look at four different places that have an eerie history or spooky phenomena associated with them. Centralia, PA has been burning for fifty years from an underground mine fire. In Bannack, Montana the sheriff was rumored to be behind numerous murders. In Llanellen, Wales during the 1600s, the town is devastated by the plague brought ashore by rescued sailors. The most famous ghost town in the South, Old Cahawba, Alabama is the site of a haunted maze and has a history of lightning strikes. The large font text that briefly explains each ghost town is placed in text boxes across shutterstock images that cover a full page. Young ghost hunters will be intrigued by the real photos, but will need to research further for in depth information. The back matter has a few missteps. A map of the world showing the location and a summary of each site is presented in a clear manner. Only one site is outside the US which makes the heading "ghostly towns around the world" comical. The nine words found in the glossary appear in bold in the text which is helpful. Unfortunately, the vowel choice used in the pronunciation guide to the words "orb" and "residents" do not seem standard.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781684020515

Price: 27.07

Rain

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This story about a rainy day is told with simplicity and has lovely illustrations making it a good choice for very young children. A small boy is seen longingly looking out the window, hoping to go out. Granddad is caring for the boy and tells him time after time it is time to stay indoors. The boy longs to catch raindrops, splash in puddles, and look at everything upside down (reflections in puddles). Illustrations do a good job of showing the street as the water gets deeper and deeper. Finally Granddad takes the boy out. The book supports children's use of imagination and shows the bond of close family relationships nicely.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Usher, Sam

Illustrator: Usher, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: templar books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763692964

Price: 16.99

Hattie and Hudson

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Young Hattie is at camp with her family. She sets out in the morning to take a canoe while singing a song. The song is heard by a mysterious creature who lives in an underwater cave. He emerges from the water and becomes friends with Hattie. Other people who see the monster are alarmed and try to decide what to do about it. Hattie names him Hudson, and, with Hudson's help, comes up with a plan to show how friendly the Hudson really is. He becomes a popular attraction on the lake. Told with gentleness and compassion, this story will attract young readers. Illustrations are done from many perspectives and are wonderful. The overhead views and the closeup of Hudson at the dock are particularly good. A great read aloud.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Van Dusen, Chris

Illustrator: Van Dusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665456

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator,Maine setting

Cuddly Cow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Dept., Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 7, 2017

Review

Cuddly Cow is looking for a quiet place to sleep somewhere in the barnyard. Most of the other animals prove too noisy. Cow finally settles down surrounded by sheep, counts them, and falls asleep. There is a button to push to hear the cow moo. The story is written in quatrain, making it easy to read and to hear. Cute animal pictures will be attractive to young readers. The mooing button will probably be a distraction.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Alex

Illustrator: Scheffler, Alex

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693251

Price: 8.54

Dingus

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2017

Review

The story would work great as a read aloud and discussion starter about kids making mistakes, how it feels, why we do it, and how to fix them. Harry has just finished fifth grade, and is not feeling great about the summer ahead. His best friend, Max, has taken up with the chess players. He has money, goes to camp, and is starting to make fun of Harry to his new friends. Harry's dad is now a stay at home dad with Harry's little brother. Money is tight and Harry gets all of Max's hand me downs. Harry takes Grampa's dog for a walk; he wanted to see if he can use voice control just like Grampa does. When he puts the leash down, the dog runs and Harry loses him. Harry decides to lie because people will be angry with him. Max emails him during the summer and tells him about what a dingus is. Some one who makes mistakes, they aren't stupid, but the mistakes are. Harry discovers he is a dingus!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KidsCan Press LTD

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978177138616

Price: 15.95

The Whopper

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2017

Review

Percy gets a new sweater from Grandma. Percy hates the sweater. Percy puts the sweater on the dog. The dog proceeds to chase a cat, get tangled in bushes, splash in a puddle, and roll in something stinky. Percy throws the sweater away. Percy tells his mom that he lost the sweater. In his room, Percy meets a little blue creature called a Whopper. This book exists solely as a cute way to teach children not to tell lies. However, as Percy chooses not to confess to his lie, the Whopper grows, and eventually becomes hungry, eats Percy, and takes over Percy's life. The Whopper is just about to eat Percy's brother when Percy finally admits what he did with the sweater. This would certainly scare children,probably too much, but I don't think it's an effective way to teach them that lying is bad.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692919

Price: 16.99

Class Pet Mess

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2017

Review

This edition of My Weird School features a vote for a class pet. Andrea and the girls want a bunny, so of course Alexia suggests a snake, and the boys outvote the girls. They get their pet snake and Alexia gets to feed it a live toad for lunch. The class starts bringing their own pets in for show and tell, and Andrea's poodle scares the snake and he appears to have died. There's lots of blame to go around, but Mr. C. reminds them that this snake plays dead when he's scared, and he's actually fine. Buy this volume only where the series is popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062367471

Price: 16.99

This Book Will Not Be Fun

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2017

Review

Featuring a bespectacled mouse, this book promises us that no fun will be had during the reading. However, we and the mouse are quickly joined by a word eating flying whale, a glow in the dark kung fu worm, and a zero gravity dance party. The mouse accidentally finds himself having a good time. But as promised, the book was not fun (for us).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunlap, Cirocco

Illustrator: Tallec, Olivier

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550614

Price: 17.99

Carrot & Pea: An Unlikely Friendship

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2017

Review

Using simplistic illustrations, Carrot & Pea teaches us that our differences can be wonderful. Featuring a Pea named Lee and a Carrot named Colin, we first learn how Colin doesn't fit in with Lee and his pea friends. But then we see all the ways that Colin's differences are beneficial. The illustrations were made using collaged plastic grocery bags, which is incredible to look at the texture and the vibrant colors. The book has a simple and beautiful message. A must purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hood, Morag

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544868427

Price: 16.99

Reformed

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Ian is on his way to middle school in the fall, but first he must survive this summer. He has been sent to Bully School boarding school for 6 weeks and what could be worse for a reluctant bully than a school filled with bullies? After being picked on mercilessly for a few years, Ian teamed up with a group of bullies because they watch his back and stand up for him when others bully him. Truth be told, he is not a bully but is with this group as a means of survival. At bully school, Ian realizes that Devon, the head of his bully group, is not what he seems and may be the perpetrator of one of the most heinous pranks of the summer and against one of their own group! Readers who are bullied or are bullies themselves could benefit from this story and, perhaps, change their ways. Consider this selection for your tween collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Weinberger, Justin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545902526

Price: 16.99

Exploring Space, From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

This book looks at how humans have explored space in the past and where we are headed now. It starts with a look at Voyager 1 and 2 and their mission to help us find investigate our solar system and the space beyond it. From there, it touches on very early explorations of space, moves on to more current history and ends with where we are headed in regards to future space exploration. What sets this book apart is not just the informative yet easy to understand text, it’s the cutout drawings. Each page includes at least one drawing and many include cutout illustrations so the reader can really see and get a feel for the structures being explained. Fabulous book for space aficionados and everyone else. A definite must for any library. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Martin

Illustrator: Biesty, Stephen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763689315

Price: 17.99

The Search for Olinguito

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

This the true story of how a group of scientists stumbled upon the little mammal olinguito by accident and then took over 10 years to prove that it really exits, which they did in 2013. The story is well documented with excellent photos and details. It reads like a bit of a mystery as the scientists try to track down and prove that the olinguito is indeed a new species. The book includes a "Find Out More" section for curious readers that want to know more about the olinguito as well as a "Be a Science Detective" section which would be an excellent tool for classroom teachers. The section asks great questions that will get readers thinking about not only the olinguito but the whole process that scientists go thru when they discover new things. Excellent choice for non-fiction readers, animal lovers and readers that love a good story with a satisfying ending. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512410150

Price: 18.49

Traveler

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Tessa is something called a traveler. She can move between alternate realities and then live in them. But she is dying in those realities and unless she can stop that from happening, she will cease to exist. Very interesting time travel book. The young man that she sees in many of her other realities, Finn, is a great character- mysterious, romantic and caring. His role in protecting her was a wonderful thread throughout the book. The twists in here were good and the revelation of why she is dying and who plays a part in killing her over and over again, was hard to see coming. Very good action packed time travel book. Very Good

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DeLano, L.E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250100405

Price: 10.99

Way of the Warrior Kid

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Marc is a fifth grader getting ready to go into 6th grade, that gets bullied and doesn't have a lot of friends. He is also weak and not good at any physical activity. His uncle, a Navy Seal comes to spend the summer with Marc's family and he begins to teach Marc how to work hard and stand up for himself. This is an inspiring book for young readers. It looks at what hard work can do for a person's confidence and physical fitness. Sometimes Marc's uncle was a bit over the top on forcing him to do and try things that Marc was uncomfortable with. It definitely had a military feel to it when it came to the training Marc's uncle but him through. The ending was good but Marc was a more aggressive than fit his character. Good

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Willink, Jocko

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250151070

Price: 13.99

The Football Girl

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Tessa has been playing football with her friends forever. Now that they are going to high school that is starting to change. They want her to give it up and do something else because it isn't a sport girls play. But Tessa has other plans. There are some great moments in here between Tessa and her new friend turned boyfriend Caleb. The pressure both come under from family and friends on how they should act and what they do with Tessa's desire to play on the high school football team, seemed very real. Tessa herself is an interesting character that seems unsure of why she wants something other than she does, something lots of us will identify with. The ending is a bit disappointing though, not because of Tessa's choice but because it felt rushed and not as thoughtful as Tessa was throughout the book. Very Good

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heldring, Thatcher

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press imprint of Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385741835

Price: 16.99

Babymouse Tales from the Locker

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

This chapter book is about Babymouse in middle school. She wants to be popular and figures that directing a movie for the film club is her ticket. But it's a lot of work being in charge of everything and sometimes, it is easy to become bossy when you are in charge and step all over others that are part of your team. This book did a good job of letting the reader watch as Babymouse begins to control everything in the film she is working on at the expense of her friendships. Lots of great black and white drawings helped capture the mood of the this in the characters. The story itself was good, but not as good as the Babymouse graphic novels. Good

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer L.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399554384

Price: 13.99

11 Before 12

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Two best friends, Arianna and Kaylan, have plans for what they are going do before their 12th birthdays which they are going to celebrate together. Unfortunately, things happen and their friendship gets strained so their party plans just might not happen after all. Arianna and Kaylan are very good friends but when misunderstandings happen, their friendship takes a deep hit. Even though they still care for each other, hurtful things, which happen in many friendships, damage their friendship. The story itself seemed very typical of middle school drama stories, nothing really makes it stand out. For readers that enjoy books about middle school drama.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwald, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062411747

Price: 16.00

Hunted

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Hunted is about a young woman named Yeva (her nickname is Beauty) that has grown up hunting with her father, but when he goes missing in the forest chasing/hunting a magical creature, she heads off to find him. But once in the forest the magical creature begins to hunt her and she has to use all of her wit and hunting skills to outsmart it. This is an interesting take on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. There is lots of action and twists throughout the book and the Beast is more haunting. The middle does seem to slow a bit and may cause some readers to lose interest. But the ending is clever and worth reading through to the end. Fantasy readers that like fairy tales will enjoy this one. Very good

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spooner, Meagan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062422286

Price: 17.99

Little Red Riding Hood

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

This is retelling of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. It starts out with Little Red riding Hood heading off to bring her grandmother a basket of goodies. On the way, she finds several items to bring to her as well. And it is a good thing that she does because she will need them to take on the Big Bad Wolf. This is a fun version of this classic. The drawings are bright and not too scary. Children will enjoy the tricks that clever Little Red Riding Hood plays on the Big Bad Wolf. A nice, at times funny, version of the fairy tale for young readers not wanting too much scare.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bryan, Ed

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693312

Price: 9.99

Frogkisser!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Frogkisser is the nick name given to Princess Anya. She is called that because she has figured out a way to kiss and turn back into humans all of the people her evil stepfather has turned into frogs (or any other animal). But to do that she has to make a special potion that requires her to go on a quest, one that is dangerous and something she had not planned on at all. This book puts a really fun twist on the original Frog Princess fairy tale. The main character Princess Anya is believable and her royal dog sidekick is protective but funny (he can hardly control his urge to eat the frogs). Great choice for readers looking for a fantasy read with adventure and humor. Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nix, Garth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781338052084

Price: 18.99

Optimists Die First

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2017

Review

Petula De Wilde is 16 years old and carrying a heavy burden. Her younger sister died in a strange way and Petula believes it was all her fault. Now she is an only child and she is trying to compensate for her guilt by going to great lengths to keep her parents happy. She is also keeping a scrapbook of bizarre deaths and she is overly cautious in every aspect of her life; avoiding construction sites for fear something will fall from the sky and strike her dead, eschewing public toilets so as not to contract a deadly disease, using copious amounts of hand sanitizer. Just when she begins to let down her guard and experience a bit of happiness, horrible things begin to happen and she realizes that she was right in being a pessimist; optimists die first because they are not careful enough in their everyday lives. Unpredictable and at times humorous, this will make a good addition to YA collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Susin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553496901

Price: 17.99

Wake Up!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Capturing close-up photography is a special art perfected by Lieder. His photos are enchanting, they will delight all ages who peruse the pages. Each baby seems to be sitting right on the page, so lifelike that they take the breath away. Even the members of the insect class are caught at their best. Frost's text is simple, concise and in large print enabling early readers. Certainly older reluctant readers will enjoy trying to identify the animals as pages are turned. The author has provided two pages which does name the animals and gives limited information.

I only wish there was more content in the end pages. An educational opportunity is somewhat missed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: Lieder, Rick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681494

Price: 15.99

Robins! How They Grow Up

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2017

Review

Two robin brothers narrate this charming and informative picture non-fiction book. Christelow has provided readers with a well-rounded package; interesting factional text and lovely illustrations make this book a winner. Children and adults will react positively to the banter between the robins as they educate and entertain readers. Robins! How They Grow Up reaches a high mark for the end pages full of additional facts phrased in question/answer format. There is also a helpful glossary and some websites for research. Put this title into school and public libraries for early grade students. Art teachers may find this an excellent addition to their nature art collections. Great gift for a budding naturalist or scientist.

Consider for cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Christelow, Eileen

Illustrator: Christelow, Eileen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544442894

Price: 16.99

Just Another Girl

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2017

Review

Hope and Brady have been best buds since they were very small and Hope has always assumed that they would end up living happily ever after, though Brady doesn't seem to have gotten the hint. Hope is now sixteen and Brady seventeen, junior and senior respectively and time is running out before Brady heads off to college. To make matters worse, Brady seems suddenly enamored with a new girl named Parker. Can't Brady see that he and Hope should be together? Boys can be so dumb sometimes, but Hope is determined. Of course she detests Parker simply because Parker stands in the way of Hope's dreams. Hope thinks Parker has a perfect life and vice versa. Little does Hope know what Parker deals with just trying to make it through each day. This book captures the angst of unrequited teenage love and makes one think that perhaps you should be careful what you wish for. This is definitely one to consider adding to your YA collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Eulberg, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545956284

Price: 17.99

The Inexplicable Logic of my Life

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2017

Review

This is the authors second teen novel - he wrote Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe which won a number of awards - this book should be headed in the same direction. This is an outstanding story of life, death, friendship, families and all that goes with that. Seventeen year old Sal lives with his adoptive gay father and everything is going along great. He is secure in who he is and his place in the world. But then everything changes and Sal is no longer so sure of who he is or where he's headed. His best friend is Samantha, and her life gets turned upside down when her mom (with whom she has a very contentious relationship) is suddenly killed in a car crash. And then there's Fito, the survivor despite his difficult family life. This story has warmth and compassion for each of the kids as they figure things out and deal with their losses. This book will be a great addition to any YA collection.

Should be considered for Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Saenz, Benjamin Alire

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544586505

Price: 17.99

THe Principal's Underwear is Missing

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2017

Review

From the front cover to the back this is a fun romp through the life of middle school. When a nerd starts to build a positive relationship with the school queen bee all sorts of hilarious adventures begin. In both the written text and appropriately geeky illustrious the characters come to life on the pages. Simple line drawings add interest to the pages and help to define the storyline. Kowitt offers a very funny story that takes all sorts of turns and leads to typical middle school issues. These girls are not to be meddled with, they know what needs to be done.

Order this book for middle school media centers and consider for public libraries. Perhaps there are some specific girls who would love to have this title recommended. Even female principals will get a laugh out of The Principal’s Underwear is Missing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Jan

Illustrator: Kowitt, Holly

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan Publishing)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250031321

Price: 16.99

Mouse is Small

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

Mary Murphy has created another adorable and education board book for toddlers. Not only is this a concept book that shows gradual differences in size but it is funny and attractive as well. Little ones will enjoy the presentation offered from small to large (in both the page size and the animal). The bright colors almost jump off the page and make waiting to turn the next page almost unbearable. This is a book that little ones will want read again and again. Only those afraid of small crawling creatures will be less than delighted.

Great gift for a one year old or even for a baby shower. Add to all libraries who collect board books.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978763690595

Price: 7.99

Orphan Train Girl

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

This is an adapted version of the bestselling adult book "Orphan Train" for young readers. The chapters alternate between Molly's present day story as a middle school age foster child and Vivian's 1929-1930 account of being a young Irish immigrant on an orphan train and settling in the Midwest. Molly is assigned a community project because she is accused of stealing a book from a public library in the fictional town of Spruce Harbor, Maine. Vivian is now an elderly woman who needs help cleaning her attic. Molly must complete twenty hours of community work helping Vivian. Together the two of them sort through Vivian's memories. In the end Molly chooses to tell Vivian's story as a school assignment. She uncovers information about Vivian's baby sister and an infant that Vivian took care of briefly on the orphan train. This well written novel is engaging and filled with historical information. Black and white photos are included in addition to a short history of the orphan trains. I highly recommend this novel which successfully blends historical information and realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kline, Christina Baker

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062445940

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Girl with a Camera: Margaret Bourke-White, Photographer, A Novel

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

Margaret Bourke-White was born in 1904. As a young girl she was interested in the study of snakes and caterpillars. When Margaret was in college studying herpetology she became enamored with photography. She was fortunate in many ways, yet faced difficult obstacles. She had an artist's eye and saw beauty in manmade objects as such as buildings and bridges, as well as landscapes. She became famous in her lifetime as a photographer in the United States and Europe. She was the first female photojournalist during WWII. I highly recommend this fascinating account of her challenges and successes. It is an inspiring story that will captivate readers. This historical novel is written in the first person. Although it is fictional, it reads like an autobiography. There is an extensive author's note and several black and white photographs. My only suggestion is that more photographs of Margaret Bourke-White would have been included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629795843

Price: 17.95

Dreaming the Bear

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

Darcy, a teenage girl, moves with her family from England to Yellowstone National Park. Her father is a naturalist and her mother is working on her PhD. Darcy misses her friends and her life back home. She has not been well since she arrived. Darcy is prescribed walking to build up her lungs. One day Darcy comes upon an injured hibernating mother bear in the woods. Darcy curls up next to the bear. This novel is told from Darcy's point of view including a difficult to explain out of body dreamlike point of view. Darcy and the bear have an almost spiritual relationship. The plot moves quickly between the actual story and the dreamlike point of view. This unique book explores family relationships and the reality of animals in the wilderness. I recommend this to upper level middle school and high school readers looking for a thoughtful journey.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thebo, Mimi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399557507

Price: 17.99

Night Witches: A Novel of World War II

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

This historical novel takes place in Russia during WWII. The Nazis have surrounded Stalingrad where sixteen year old Valya lives. The story is told from Valya's point of view. Valya wants to join her older sister, Tatyana, a fighter pilot with the Night Witches, regiment of female fighter pilots assigned to fly missions against Nazi targets. Valya and her sister learned to fly from their father who is now missing. When their mother and grandmother are killed by a sniper, Valya has the opportunity to prove herself in spite of her young age. This well written novel is fast paced and well researched. The relationships between the characters are intense. Although the author has included historical information within the story, an author's note would have been beneficial. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy action, history, and suspense,

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lasky, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545682985

Price: 17.99

Beastly Brains: Exploring How Animals Talk, Think, and Feel

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

Animal intelligence, communication, and feelings are examined through a variety of creatures from earthworms to elephants. Rats displaying empathy, dogs reacting to unfairness, and crows problem solving are a few of the topics included in the chapters. Dolphins and various types of primates are also included in many of the studies. There are numerous colorful captioned photographs in addition to spiral notebook-like sidebars. The afterward includes information on how to become involved observing animals close at hand and organizations concerning animal study and protection. Thorough source notes, a bibliography, and index round out this high interest subject.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Castaldo, Nancy F.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544633353

Price: 16.99

Roll

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

This delightful story is told through the eyes of eleven year old Lauren or "Ren" as he likes to be called. He is a wonderful narrator in this humorous, realistic, and insightful story about friendships and families. Ren's outlook, opinions, and observations ring true. Ren and his parents have moved to the countryside which is not easy on Ren. His best and only friend, Aiden, lives eight miles away now and has started making new friends. One day Ren sees what looks like pigeons falling from the sky. His new neighbor, Sutton, is raising Birmingham Roller pigeons for competition. She is the same age as Ren. They develop a friendship while she teaches him about this unique breed of pigeons. Rens' father thinks that Ren is training for the cross-country team. I highly recommend this enjoyable and easy to read short book to any reader. The pigeon facts at the end complete this excellent first novel by Darcy Miller.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Darcy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062461223

Price: 16.99

Otter Let's Go Swimming

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Ironically, this is a story about an otter who can't swim and is afraid of the water. Otter and his human keeper go to the beach. Otter dons all the appropriate gear: floaties, swim fins, etc. He looks quite ready and quite amusing. But he finds every excuse not to go in the water. Both Otter's stuffies, Giraffe and Teddy are afraid. Finally Otter admits that he is scared. His keeper helps him through his fears in a gentle, kind and patient manner. Soon Otter, his stuffies, and the keeper are all enjoying themselves in the ocean water. And Otter is even swimming without floateis and he is very good at it! The text is simple, declarative, and accessible to comfortable beginning readers. There are only one to two sentences per page, with a nice amount of repetition. The illustrations are done in greens, blues, browns, yellows and reds, against a white background. They are clear and simple and depict the text nicely. This enables the reader to better understand the story. This is not just a story about going to the beach. This is also about overcoming fears and the patience of friends and/or adults. This story would work well as a discussion starting point for young children to face and overcome their own fears of swimming and the water. It also shows the wonderful effect a calm and reassuring adult can have on a potentially traumatic situation for a child. A worthy purchase for most library collections, especially those in need of beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzar+ Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062366641

Price: 16.99

The Cat Book

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

The reader is invited to interact with the big, cute orange cat in this book. From waking him up and petting him to drying him off when he gets wet. It is a simple and declarative story that can potentially teach a small child some of the basics to properly caring for a cat. However, two tasks the reader is asked to assist the cat with are a bit off-putting when first read. But when you think about it, it is a normal part of owning a cat. Just perhaps not the responsibility of a small child. The first task is when the cat gets fleas and the reader is asked to squish them with their fingers. The second task is when the cat tries to eat a bird. The reader is asked to pry the bird out of the cat's mouth. This may give some people pause reading these parts in a story time setting. But, again, these are two important aspects of owning a cat. Perhaps they would make good talking points to engage young children who are desperate for a kitten. The last pages of the book has the reader putting the cat to bed. Sleep tight. The text is matter of fact. It explains a situation and then asks something of the reader. The explanation part is in black lettering. The reader's action is in green lettering. Otherwise, orange is the dominant color, which is the cat. The cat is always on a white background with a splash of color depicting that page's particular event. For example, there is a puddle of blue denoting the cat being wet. The illustrations were created digitally. They are simple and bold, with everything in thick black outline. This book is small so it would work best in small group settings or one on one sharing. Pair this with Viviane Schwartz's "There are Cats in This Book" (another wonderfully interactive cat book" for an amusing cat-themed story time. I so wanted to recommend this for COC, but squishing fleas and the potential bird lunch for the cat really could have been depicted in a different manner. Otherwise a story with a big orange cat in it is usually a hit. Not a first purchase. But any collection in need of cat stories should consider purchasing this.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Borando, Silvia

Illustrator: Borango, Silvia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candelewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763694722

Price: 9.99

Bunny's Book Club

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

I want to join Bunny's book club! What an exciting, wonderful, magical and fun club. Bunny's love of books began when he listened to story time outside by the library. But once summer was over, story time moved back into the library. Bunny was deprived of his books and stories. He loved then and needed them. Oh no! No more books for bunny. So Bunny devices a way to get into the library at night when it is closed. When he finally gets into the library, "It was better than a field of fresh, crunch carrot". What a great line. so through the book drop he goes and out of the book drop goes Bunny's selection of books. He takes them home and reads them. And he does always bring them back for more. Bunny's animal friends soon begin to love the books too. Soon all the animals are caught red handed at the library by the kind librarian. She issues each of the animals I library card so they can take out books properly. (I'm glad they aren't stealing anymore. That would be a bad example to read to children at story time.) The final, double paged spread illustration is simply joyous. All of Bunny's friends - Bear, Raccoon, Porcupine, Mouse, Squirrel and more- are pictured lounging comfortably at Bunny's home, reading before a fire and enjoying tea and muffins. How lovely. The illustrations are a joy to behold. They appear to be partly rendered in watercolor. The colors are muted and varied, with lots of greens, blues and browns. They are wonderfully detailed, down to the seeds in the flowers and the night scene of Bunny with his flashlight to the joy on the animals faces. Especially the one of the Porcupine hugging his book. The text flows through the book. It is lovely, descriptive and floats off the reader's tongue. Text and illustrations are beautifully matched. They are equal in their importance to the book. Even the front leaves of the book get in on the theme. It shows an old fashioned library due date pocket, with bunny and all his friends names on the card, showing that they all checked out the book. This is a beautiful homage to the joys of reading and libraries. Pair with "Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss and Emily Gravett's "Agian!" for a bibliophile story time. This would be great for group sharing and one on one sharing. It would also make for a sweet gift for everyone, no matter their age, who loves reading and libraries. This might even inspire young listeners and readers to start their own book clubs with their friends. A must purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Silvestro, Annie

Illustrator: Mais-Wyss, Tatjana

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553537581

Price: 17.99

Peeper and Zeep

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Peeper is a small bird who falls and brakes his wing. At the same time Zeep the alien falls and breaks his spaceship. They are both lost. Soon they meet up and become friends. They arrive at Frog's home. He tries to help them, but he never seems to get it right, no matter how hard he tries. Then all three work together to make Peeper and Zeep a home until they can be rescued. Soon Peeper's family and Zeep's family find them. The last page shows both families, and Frog, happy together in the home that the three friends built together. The illustrations were done with ink and digital coloring. Shades of blues, greens and yellows abound. There are both double paged spreads and single ones, depending on the action. The illustrations are happy, simpls and expressive. They depict the simple and accessible text nicely. Young beginning readers should enjoy this. The text is straight forward, accessible and has a good amount of repetition. This is a lovely story about friendship, not giving up, teamwork and rediscovering home. This is a solid beginning reader for kindergarten through second grade. It can also work as a basic introduction to teamwork, problem solving and friendship. A first purchase for most libraries and any library in need of early readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gudeon, Adam

Illustrator: Gudeon, Adam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436743

Price: 14.95

Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

This book, centered on the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright and their success lifting the first flying machine into the air, joins this excellent Science Comics graphic novel series of nonfiction titles.The book is narrated by Katharine Wright, youngest sister of the brothers and eventual public relations director for the fame that came with their invention. Using a muted palette of browns, yellows, and navy blue this book is a denser read then many graphic novels, so it should be shared with those who truly want to read their comics. It would be great for a school report as it is sourced and includes a glossary of terms. There are also short biographies of some of the major players in the flying game around the time of the Wright Brothers. It would be nice if the bindings were hardier as these books circulate often, but the book is a fascinating read and a nice addition to a nonfiction graphic novel collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilgus, Alison

Illustrator: Brooks, Molly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721395

Price: 12.99

Pip Sits

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Pip the porcupine does not like to sit still. He likes to explore and play. So while mom sits and reads, Pip goes off to play. Soon, Pip becomes a mother duck. At least that is what happens when Mother Duck asks Pip to sit on her eggs while she goes out for a bit. The eggs hatch and all the ducklings think that Pip is their mommy. They follow him around in the most amusing ways. Soon, however, the ducklings are drawn to the water. Pip does not like water. The ducklings get in the water and soon find their really mommy. Pip cries for his own mommy who soon appears and hugs him. Everyone is happy. The illustrations are done in watercolor, gouache and colored pencil. They are done in greens, yellows, blues and oranges mainly. They are full of detail that nicely enhance and flow with the story. The text is simple and very accessible to young readers, with relatively simple words and short sentences. There is also a good amount of repetition. This title is a good addition to the I Like to Read umbrella of books. Some children may identify with Pip's wiggly tendencies, as well as the happiness he feels when he sees his mommy. Purchase where collections are in need of early beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Morgan, Mary

Illustrator: Morgan, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436767

Price: 14.95

The Space Disaster

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

A hard book to categorize. McElligott uses the premise of a school for creatures like Frankenstein, a vampire girl, a Wolfboy, a robot, an insect girl, and a young Creature from the Black Lagoon to discuss nonfiction topics in a comic-book-style format. Each title in the series covers one high-interest topic. Space is the topic here with a heavy emphasis on planets. Dr. Cosmic is the teacher and no lesson ever goes exactly as planned. In the vein of Magic School Bus, the lessons become hands-on; in this case, the students are thrown into a planetarium where they must solve three challenges about which type of celestial body they are experiencing in order to return to "normal". It is not completely clear if the danger of each challenge is real or entirely simulated. The pages include very clear drawings with a lot of information. The characters are well-delineated and the action is non-stop. An appealing series for the 3rd-5th grade readers who love the combination of facts with action with the graphic novel format.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McElligott, Matthew

Illustrator: McElligott, Matthew

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553523829

Price: 17.99

A Cat Named Swan

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Life on the streets can be tough, especially for an abandoned kitten. But this little kitten managed to survive. He found enough food to eat. He avoided the many dangers of a street life. One day his luck runs out and the kitten is taken by Animal Control to a shelter. He is safe and he thinks, "Boredom is better than misery". Soon the kitten is adopted by a kind and loving family. Although the kitten doesn't know this yet. He doesn't know what to expect. The family names him Swan. Slowly, Swan explores his new home and the outside surroundings. He gets more and more comfortable with his new family, including the dog. Soon, Swan realizes he is safe, loved and has a forever home with a kind, loving, indulging and caring family. And Swan even has a chance to cause a bit of mischief on the dog. Swan transforms from a woeful street cat to a playful, joyful and cuddly cat. This is a truly lovely story about how wonderful and important it is to adopt a cat from the shelter. The text is simple, straightforward and flows through the life of this kitten and into his new family. Rhyming text is not necessary here. The story and text speak for themselves. I'm not sure how the illustrations were created, but they are done in shades of browns when the kitten is abandoned and the streets and fending for itself. But when he is sent to the shelter and then adopted more color seeps into the story. Now there are happy colors of blues, reds, yellows and greens. The text and illustrations are matched perfectly. This is a great book to use in a unit for preschoolers through second graders on adopting a family pet. Pair with "The Lost Kitten" by Lee and "Pick a Pup" by Marsha Wilson Chall for a story time about animal adoption. Perhaps even round it off with a visit by your local animal shelter. This could also be paired with any number of cat or kitten stories for a feline story time. Say "Itty Bitty Kitty" by Joan Holub and "Kittens! Kitten! Kittens!" by Susan Meyers. This is a first purchase for most libraries, for general collections and feline collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hobbie, Holly

Illustrator: Hobbie, Holly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553537444

Price: 17.99

How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Apparently dinosaurs want pets just like human children. In Yolen's trademark style, it is asked if the dinosaurs would steal their pets from a zoo, choose dangerous pets, not listen to their parents about it, etc. The dinosaurs can be very naughty in their pursuits of getting a pet. But would dinosaurs really act like that? No, of course not. They would choose their pets wisely and safely. They would even care for them and train them properly. The dinosaurs would get their pets from pet stores, farms or the shelter. And not steal them from the zoo. I was disappointed that the author mentioned pet stores as a viable place to get a pet. It would have been nice, and perhaps more responsible, to suggest that the best place to get a pet is to adopt from the shelter, considering the rate of homelessness and abandonment of cats and dogs. The rhyme isn't as fresh and flowing in this title has it has been in previous titles in this popular series. But I don't think that children would notice. Teague's trademark illustrations are still wonderfully amusing and detailed. They depict the mischievousness of the dinosaurs and the situations with humor and absurdity. I'm not sure how the illustrations were created, but they enhance the text exponentially. In this title, they shine a bit brighter than the text. Pair with "Dogosaurus Rex" by Anna Staniszewski for an amusing dinosaur pet story time. Purchase only where the other "How Do Dinosaurs..." books are popular. Not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781338032789

Price: 16.99

Mommies are Amazing

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Whether they are human, or in this case feline, mommies definitely are amazing. Here, rhyming text simply states the many ways that feline moms are amazing. Mommies are magic, joyful, fearless, etc. Each double paged spread depicts a different mommy cat and her kitten with a different amazing reason to accompany each illustration. I do not know how the illustrations were rendered, but they are done in shades of browns, yellows and grays against a light cream background. The illustrations lovingly portray the text, with enough detail that the reader can almost feel the kitten's love and comfort as he snuggles into his mommy. This is a perfect choice for group or one on one sharing. It would also work well as a beginning reader for slightly more experienced beginning readers. For the most part, the words and sentence structure are simple and accessible. This book works well on many levels. First of all it is a book about cats, a popular subject for many children (and this adult". Also, mommies are shown to be many things that children need and identify with - protecting, playing, cuddling, tender and more. Pair with "Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes and "Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat are You Going to Sleep?" by Bill Martin for a sweet and calm kitty story time. Or pair with "A Special Day for Mommy" by Dan Andreasen for a lovely story time, perhaps for Mother's Day. This title joins it's companion "Daddies are Awesome", which was published in May of 2016. A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Costain, Meredith

Illustrator: Lovsin, Polona

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627796514

Price: 16.99

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines: Designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

In telling the story of how Lin came to win the contest to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Harvey and Phumiruk take the reader back to Lin's childhood and the places and ways in which she found her path to art and architecture. With the opening picture of Lin and her brother running up Lizard's Back Hill (so named by Lin and gorgeously drawn by Phumiruk to hint at the slumbering lizard that begat the moniker) to the freedom she found as a child to explore and create to her experiences studying buildings all over the world, Lin's story is one of seeing the world and interacting with nature to enhance the beauty and effect an emotional response. Her story is also one of determination and perseverance because though her design was chosen out of 1421 entries, there were people who did not agree that it should have won. Lin had to endure challenges to her design, but she stayed strong and, in the end, it was constructed as she envisioned. With clear storytelling and beautiful images to match, a young reader will see how much it means to go after your dream and how much it meant to create this memorial to the people who had survived or lost a loved one. The page in which the finished memorial is shown is quite emotional. And readers will find out that Lin is still at work designing new beautiful sculptures and artwork for the world. An Author's Note includes a photo of Lin at the time of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial contest (1981) and offers a little more of Lin's philosophy for her design. A well-done picture book to use when studying artistic inspiration, determination, or biography (though no timeline or additional photographs are included).

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harvey, Jean Walker

Illustrator: Phumiruk, Dow

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250112491

Price: 17.99

Rex Wrecks It!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

It is impossible not to like a story with a be-speckled robot, a unicorn bunny, a cute monster, and a naughty T-Rex. Such are friends Gizmo, Sprinkles, Wild and Rex. The first three friends play nicely together. They have fun and are respectful of each other. They all like to build things. But now matter what they build, Rex always wrecks it. The three friends are upset and frustrated with Rex. They try everything to stop Rex from wrecking. But still they like Rex and want to help him. So all four friends build something together. Rex helps out and behaves while they are building this awesome creation. It is so big and strong and great that they think that even Rex can't wreck it. But once it is built the friends all look at each other and decide that it is just as much fun to wreck things together as it is to build things together. And they all pile on and happily wreck their "awesomerific" creation. This is a lovely story about friendship, patience, differences and working together. Pair with "Tyrannosaurus Wrecks" by Sudipta Bardham-Quallen for a naughty dinosaur story time. Or pair with "David Gets in Trouble" by David Shannon and Todd Parr's "Do's and Don't s" for a beginning introduction on bad behaviors and how to positively remedy them. A first purchase for most libraries. Especially where board book collections are popular and need reinforcing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clanton, Ben

Illustrator: Clanton, Ben

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candelewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693084

Price: 7.99

Find the Dots

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

It is difficult to categorize this book. It is a counting book. It is a learn your colors book. It is a unique and interactive experience. The reader is invited to find, identify and manipulate a progressively larger amount of colors, dots, and/or pages. This is done by turning, twisting and bending pages and flaps accordingly. The colors of the dots are simple and vivid. But some of the hues may be difficult for children to detect. Think pink and orange. This is an amazing book. But I am not sure who the intended audience is. It is best suited for one on one sharing. If you a brave enough to get it for a public library, it should be used only under supervision from the librarian during a story time. If you buy this book for the general collection it would be disastrous because it invites the reader to manipulate the pages in various ways. The shelf life would be one check out, if that. This is not a suitable purchase for a library. Stick with Herve Tullet's "Press Here". It would work best as a gift for someone who likes interactive books.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Mansfield, Andy

Illustrator: Mansfield, Andy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Studio/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763695583

Price: 15.00

Hooray for Fish!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Hooray for fish, indeed. Told in rhyming text, we follow Little Fish as he introduces us to all his fishy friends. The text is simple, from happy fish to scary fish and everything in between. There is also a lot of repetition. Some of the rhyme is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, but in a subtle way. It is happy, silly and inviting. Children will love to meet each and every fish. The best fish is saved for last, though. Mom fish closes out this joy of a picture book. A happy ending to a happy book. The illustrations are clear and bold. They were done in gouache and hand lettered by the author. They are vivid against blue hued backgrounds. The illustrations and text meld together well. This is a fishy book, a counting book, a color book, and even a beginning reader book for slightly more experienced beginning readers. Pair with Audrey Wood's "Ten Little Fish" for a fishy story time with parental ties. This book was originally published in hardcover and is now issued in board book format. Even if you have the hardcover edition, I strongly recommend purchase of the board book format as well. Younger children will love this. A first purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candelewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693527

Price: 8

The Negro Leagues: Celebrating Baseball's Unsung Heroes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Separated into five short chapters, this nonfiction book is perfect for 4th-7th graders (ages 10-13) who are interested in delving further into a piece of sport history. Many young readers might not realize that baseball was not always an integrated sport and that, as a counter to the period of time in which black players were denied entry into Major League Baseball, the National Negro League was formed. Doeden is a prolific nonfiction writer whose research is meticulous. Using archival photographs and stories from newspapers of the day, all sourced at the end of the book, Doeden provides historical perspective, short biographies of many of the major players of the NNL, and touches upon the legacy of these players in modern-day baseball. An excellent start for the sports fan and burgeoning sports historian. Includes Source Notes, Glossary, Further Reading, and Index.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Doeden, Matt

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512427530

Price: 17.99

Shell, Beak, Tusk: Shared Traits and the Wonders of Adaptation

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

This book is going to attract your animal book fans! With a clear unifying concept, that of convergent evolution (some animals develop the same traits like quills or tusks, but are in NO WAY related), and gorgeous photographs, one per page, this is an attractive book. The information is well-researched and interesting; also has photo credits and an index. The one critique is on page 16 - the information about fireflies seems to have a typo - it claims that fireflies are tricksters, shining their lights to attract other insects who then become dinner. But the text states that the *firefly* approaches and is then eaten by...a firefly. It is a small thing, but it is unclear and made this reviewer re-read several times. Bridget Heos is a known name in nonfiction writing, so there is an expected high level of writing and fact-checking and aside from one small misstep, this is a great addition to an elementary nonfiction collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heos, Bridget

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544811669

Price: 16.99

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Together with poets Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, Alexander has put together a book that celebrates poets and poetry. The book is divided into three parts, the first mimicking the style of specific poet as a tribute to that poet; the second celebrating poets with poems that honor the lives of those poets; and the third honoring the poets with a poem of gratitude written to those poets. The poems are paired with artwork from Holmes, who won a Caldecott Honor in 2016, and the juxtaposition of her vibrant collages with the joyous words of Alexander, Colderley, and Wentworth makes this book a phenomenal teaching tool or pleasure read for those kids, or adults, who enjoy reading poetry. The entire book is a love poem to the art of poetry and to the people who have touched the lives of millions from the thirteenth century (Rumi) to today (Naomi Shihab Nye, to name one). A short bio of each poet honored in the book is included at the end of the book. A wonderful book to add to any library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Kwame

Illustrator: Holmes, Ekua

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680947

Price: 16.99

Secrets & Sequences

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Book three in the Secret Coders series. Hopper, Josh and Eni are back at Stately Academy trying to stop the evil Principal Dean and the testosterone-driven rugby team. They learn that Principal Dean is not their biggest enemy, Professor Bee may not be what they thought he was, Hopper's dad may not have left on his own, sometimes even rugby players have a heart, and that coding might just save the world. These books, with their green-tinged panels, are great for students who love the combination of adventure and coding. They would be great for a coding club or class or they can be read on their own as an action story because while the books ask the reader to solve what will happen using the code, they also show what the Coders end up doing with the code. This volume once again ends with a cliffhanger and your hooked audience will want to know what happens next.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lang, Gene Yuen

Illustrator: Holmes, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626726185

Price: 18.99

Searching for the Lightning Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

This is the seventh book for young fantasy readers in the Dragon Masters series. A baby Lightning dragon has hatched and is flying around creating havoc. Fire is a danger and only the baby's new Dragon Master will be able to calm him. Carlos has been identified as the new Dragon Master, but he needs convincing. As the whole team works together to make sure everyone is safe, an evil magic appears and kidnaps the baby dragon leaving a cliffhanger of an ending. Lovers of dragons in grades 3-5 will enjoy this series. The font is large and Damien Jones' black and white illustrations match the scenes described in the text. The first page of each chapter is over-designed with a special curvy dragon. It seems to add clutter to the already busy page.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Tracey

Illustrator: Jones, Damien

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338042894

Price: 15.99

Forget Me Not

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Terry's young adult novel debut purposefully shines a light on Tourette's Syndrome (TS) and the ways it can create misunderstanding and turmoil in high school friendships. Calliope June (Calli) has become the new student again, as her mother's tenuous relationships move them frequently. Before school starts, Calli meets her neighbor Jinsong who seems to have similar interests in astronomy. That newly formed friendship is challenged during the first days of school as Calli's tics become apparent to her classmates. Readers will need to take a second to figure out that Calli narrates in verse and Jinsong's voice is written in prose, but it is the perfect vehicle for focusing the reader on the inner challenges that Calli and Jinsong must face. Realistic school situations and creditable explanations of TS are presented that will inspire class discussions. A new title to hand to fans of Wonder.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Terry, Ellie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250096272

Price: 16.99

Witchtown

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Sixteen-year-old Macie has always had to gear up for the next con. Her mother, a natural witch, travels with her from haven to haven, setting up large burglaries and wiping everyone's memory as they leave. Witchtown, established by a millionaire natural witch for a spot of historical fact and safety for natural witches, proves to be more challenging to their purposes. Although Macie attends to the casing of the place and planning, she is faced with a genuine friendship and a romantic interest for the first time. Not everyone in Witchtown is looking out for the best interests of the witches. Between the stubborn poltergeist in her new herbal store and a betrayal by someone close to her, Macie begins to see more about her own state of being a void and the way she must rally those she trusts. Oakes plants an anatomy of a con, a coming of age tale and political intrigue into a world where witches are the way of power and protection. Suspenseful hocus pocus for the modern teen.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Oakes, Cory Putman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544765573

Price: 17.99

Carve the Mark

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Roth has created an interstellar world where each planet has a different culture but they all depend on a currentstream that imparts energy to each being. As children come of age, they gain currentgifts that are either positive or negative in nature. Violence and power are a way of honor in Cyra's culture. Being the sister of the king should have it's benefits except her currentgift of taking on pain and transferring it to others makes her more of a weapon that her brother twists to his advantage. The only relief from pain she gets comes from a break in the current energy when Akos, who is kidnapped from his peaceful, zen-like planet, is near her. Akos has a talent for potions and his currentgift stops the stream's power from activating any gifts. Polar opposites of violence versus peace, honor versus self protection, drugs versus abstinence of substances, secrets versus transparency, pain versus being numb are weaved into the many plot twists and turns of this intergalactic thriller. Each character illicits some emotional reaction be it negative or positive. Divergent fans will be pleased with this new series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Roth, Veronica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062348630

Price: 22.99

A Season of Daring Greatly

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Jill Cafferty is about to make history by being the first women to be drafted to the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team, directly out of high school, no less. The pressure to be a role model for all the little girls and to continue to refute the nay-sayers inside and outside of the team makes her question whether she should have just accepted the scholarship to Stanford. Flanked by likeable, albeit sexually biased, male baseball players, she breaks into the team with politeness, humor and focus. Some of the loneliness of traveling and the strict rules required in the baseball business are illustrated. At times, the details of her physical training and the moment to moment press itinerary made the pace of the story wane a bit. Jill is a strong character with a sense of humor that reads older then her eighteen years, but readers will be inspired and can forgive that little quirk.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Ellen Emerson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062463210

Price: 17.99

Grendel's Guide to Love and War: A Tale of Rivalry, Romance, and Existential Angst

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Recommend for cream consideration. Tom Grendel holds his life together by providing mowing services and a listening ear to the personal histories of all the geriatric women in the retirement community he lives in. The sudden loss of his mother to a stroke when he was 9, and the active PTSD that makes his veteran father a neglectful one, creates the back drop of Tom's need to provide these services. Tom's carefully constructed routine is shattered when his newly deceased neighbor's nephew Rex begins to have loud, nightly parties. The noise makes his father have an episode and his father leaves. Tom takes it upon himself to solve the problem in order to have his father come back home. As Tom and his best friend Ed try to solve the problem, the pranks between them and Rex escalate to an alarming level. And on top of that, Tom finds himself a little attracted to Rex's unreliable, gothic sister Willow. Only when Tom faces a few truths about his mother's death, and enlists the help of his sister and the wise, geriatric women are they able to take back the neighborhood. Kaplan provides the right amount of chemistry between the quirky first person voice of Tom, the ups and downs of neighborly revenge and the deceptively deeper levels of emotional trauma that permeate his world.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaplan, A. E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399555541

Price: 17.99

50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

First published 15 years ago, this is the 2nd, revised edition of the top 50 Americans all kids should know. There are actually 58 people because many of the people are duos (Bill and Melinda Gates, Wilbur and Orville Wright). The book begins with a Tribute page which seems like it was more relevant 15 years ago as it references the events of September 11, 2001 without any real explanation. There are many young readers who might know about 9/11, but as it recedes into history for many readers today, it can't be assumed that the young reader will understand this reference. The Introduction offers a philosophy behind the book and the selection of the included "heroes" and challenges the reader to submit names of real heroes in their own lives to a website. The book lists the heroes alphabetically, but the heroes covered range in time period, gender, and discipline; the included diversity was impressive. Each hero receives a double-page spread with their birth and death dates, their claim to fame, a quote, and a very short write-up about what made the person or people heroes. All of the pages include a "Dive In!" box with a book to read for further information about the person and all of heroes have an "Explore Some More!" section with a challenge to the reader to think about the context of the hero within his or her lifetime. An interesting source for a biography unit in which each student could select a hero and start with this book and then, using the suggested resources on the page, find out more about the hero. It does run the risk of going out of date as the websites and sources age and will need to be continuously updated with future editions. Other than that, with its large pages, bright colors, clean layout, bright photographs, and easy-to-read prose, it is a book that upper elementary/early middle school students will enjoy browsing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Denenberg, Dennis

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512411324

Price: 35.99

Home in the Rain

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

With lovely characteristic watercolor illustrations, Graham brings to life the trip home through a terrific rainstorm. Juxtaposing the quiet, safe world within the car with the wider, wilder world, all dealing with the pouring rain, Graham not only shows the experiences of animals and other people experiencing the storm, but he shows how a family prepares for a trip and, as we learn, for a new family member. Francie, her mom, and her baby sister are all travelling home from Grandma's and Graham lets us in on the secret that the baby sister is not actually born yet. Through the shared, sweet moments between mother and daughter, the grace and sanctity of family is an inspiration for the new baby's name. A solemn, gentle picture book that would be a hit at story time, or for a quiet read before bedtime.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Graham, Bob

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692698

Price: 16.99

The Go Between

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

How can you tell if you have real friends or if they like you because your mother is one of Mexico's biggest telenovella stars? This question has always haunted Cammi's friendships. She even has a set of rules that guide her friendships: you cannot be her friend if you ask for her mother's autograph, take a selfie with her mother, or post a picture of her house. Things change for Cammi when her mother takes a role in an American television show. Her rules no longer apply. She attends an elite private school, but because she is Mexican her classmates assume that she is a scholarship student. Cammi does not correct these assumptions. She wants to see if people like her without knowing her mother is famous and to teach them a lesson about assumptions. This novel is one of the few that tells the story of a wealthy immigrant, but some readers may find it unbelievable and disappointing that Cammi's character would not confront the stereotypes and racist assumptions. This novel is best for younger YA audiences. It is an immigrant story that wraps up neatly without thoroughly tackling the big issues it introduces.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chambers, Veronica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781191930941

Price: 5.99

What Girls Are Made Of

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

At the young age of fourteen, Nina’s mother tells her that all love is conditional, particularly the love of a man. From this conversation Nina believes that a man’s love is determined by her beauty, her willingness to have sex, and anything else the man decides will make her worthy. Nina’s mother also mentions that her love for her daughter is conditional, but does not explain those conditions. When Nina does become sexually active, she handles it without her mother’s help, since Nina worries that her sexuality may violate her mother’s conditions of love. Nina’s soon enters into her first serious relationship with Seth. He calls all the shots and leaves Nina when she does not prove to be as fun and adventurous as he would like. After their break up, Nina must confront her pregnancy without the help of her mother. Arnold explores female sexuality and coming of age honestly. Birth control and abortion options are explicit and informative. Scenes that describe sex and masturbation are detailed and sometimes uncomfortable, but not gratuitous. This is a mature and thought-provoking book that explores important issues.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Elana K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512410242

Price: 18.99

Cheep! Cheep!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Pretty much, any book that Sebastien Braun does is good. And this one is no exception. Part of the "Can You Say it, Too?" series of lift the flap board books, this title has sturdy, big, recessed flaps. That being said, life the flap books don't have a long shelf life on library shelves. But the sturdiness of this one may make it last a bit longer. The illustrations were created digitally. They are bright and happy. They depict a variety of springtime animals guessing who is making noises under the flap. And it is always the baby version of that particular animal. Chicken wonders who is under the flowers. Cheep! Cheep!, it's a baby chick. And so on. There is no story here. Just five different animals discovering their mini-me's under flaps. It is a simply written and nicely illustrated springtime, or anytime, book. It could also work well as a new beginning reader, with accessible and simple words and only one sentence per page. A worthy purchase for any board book collection and where other books in this sweet series are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastien

Illustrator: Braun, Sebastien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693299

Price: 8.99

Bull

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

This novel-in-verse is quite different than the other books about greek mythology. It is a retelling of “Theseus and the Minotaur.” Each character’s story is told in a different poetic form which is explained in more detail by the author at the back of the book. The different styles and rhymes give the story a very modern rhythm and flow. Like other retellings, readers of this story will understand the meddling of the Greek gods in human affairs, but unlike other retellings Elliot focuses more on the Minotaur and than the traditional hero, Theseus. The story is peppered with f-bombs among other swears and some language is better-suited for an older YA audience. Other passages may not sit well with young, empowered female readers. Pasiphae, the Minotaur’s mother, is labeled a whore and slut and her body is described as “worse for wear.” Some readers may wonder why an author would allow himself the power to re-imagine a tale and work so creatively with language and not avoid such sexist slurs against the female characters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544610594

Price: 1.99

MWD: Hell Is Coming Home

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

This graphic novel tackles PTSD and the difficulties of returning to civilian life after combat. Liz served in Iraq as as dog handler, but when her tour ends she returns to her life in a small New Hampshire town. Liz is given an opportunity to pull her life back together by an understanding Vietnam Vet and his wife who run the animal shelter; however, she is still suffering too much to take advantage of this opportunity. She finds comfort in a dog at the shelter, but even this relationship cannot help with her drinking and flashbacks.The illustrations are all in pencil and the lack of color creates the right tone for Liz’s suffering. Luckily, there are second chances for Liz and the story does end on an uplifting note. This was a group project that took two writers, Brian David Johnson and Jan Egleson, and two illustrators, Laila Milevski and Karl Stevens, ten years to create. Although there are many young adults looking to enter the military, this book is not geared towards them. It is a mature and harsh look at sexual politics in combat and PTSD that will not be relatable for most young adults.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Brian David

Illustrator: Milevski, Laila

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763657062

Price: 24.99

I Feel Fall Weather

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

This is a 24-page, non-fiction beginner reader in the series Observing Fall. The topics covered include the change in seasons, the temperature, wind, rain and differences of weather during the fall season. A glossary provides the page numbers for each section that are two to four pages in length. The single sentence in large font is the perfect layout for the beginner reader. Each page is illustrated with a full sized photo corresponding to the sentence in a white box at the bottom of the page. The glossary words are brisk, fall, temperature and weather. There is no pronunciation guide. The index identifies jackets, leaves, puddles, umbrella and weather. There are no sources cited, although this is not necessary due to the nature of the statements being observations about fall. A mix of races are represented. The text ends with the interactive question that allows discussion about fall where the reader lives. The Lerner website provides an extension educational resources that correspond to the title. Preschools and school libraries seeking more books about fall can confidently consider this series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schuh, Mari

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: first step nonfiction/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512407976

Price: 23.99

Shark Dog!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

While on a trip with her famous explorer dad, a red-headed budding explorer is adopted by a shark dog. Having the nose, gills and fin of a shark with a grey dog body creates a few complications when the new pet is brought home. Understated text that correspond to funny cartoon illustrations about fetching sticks (pulling a tree out by its roots), fetching dad's slippers while scuba diving, and clearing the beach will make dog and shark lovers beg for such a pet. The slight nod to keeping animals in their habitat is acknowledged when shark dog gets homesick. A comical read that will fly off the shelves. Some of the text does get hidden in the grass and water illustrations, but reading before presenting to story time groups will alleviate that design flaw.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adamson, Ged

Illustrator: Adamson, Ged

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062457134

Price: 17.99

Ronit and Jamil

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

The story of Ronit & Jamil demonstrates that themes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet are still relevant to modern-day, teen romance. In this novel-in-verse set in Israel, Ronit is the daughter of an Israeli pharmacist and Jamil is the son of an Arab doctor. Ronit’s father brings medicine to Jamil’s father, and a young love is sparked with a single glance. To sneak past their family, Ronit and Jamil furtively text each other and find ways to meet, but alas, their secret is discovered and they must escape their families to be together. Laskin begins the book with a brief history of Israel and impartial explanations of the tension between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The novel contains scattered words in Hebrew and Arabic which are defined in footnotes. At the beginning, each chapter alternates between the two lovers and readers must keep track of the language and pronoun clues to know who is speaking. This is not a flaw, but something to consider for reluctant readers. Unlike Shakespeare, this story of young love does not end in tragedy; it contains a strong theme of hope for the young lovers and the future of their country.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Laskin, Pamela L.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062458544

Price: 17.99

One Amazing Elephant

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Twelve-year-old Lily Rose Pruitt's family is a circus. Literally. Her long absentee mother is a trapeze artist and her beloved grandfather is an elephant trainer. Lily lives with her loving father. Tragedy strikes and Lily goes to Florida for her grandfather's funeral. While there she attempts to reconnect with her mother, with only a smidgen of success. But Lily at least gains a better understanding of her situation. Lily also meets some of the other circus folk. Some of them are nice, but some are very mean and cruel. That includes her wayward mother's boyfriend. Which complicates everyone's life from grandma & Lily to the elephant. Most importantly, Lily slowly overcomes her fear of elephants and forms a close bond with her grandpa's elephant the Amazing Queenie Grace. Told in alternating chapters from Lily's perspective and from Queenie Grace's perspective, you can experience the grief and other emotions that both human and elephant are experiencing. The writing is so heartbreaking when you experience things through the elephant's perspective. Animals really do have emotions, suffer grief and love. Lily and Queenie Grace are bonded. They even somewhat help each other through the grieving process and through the trials and tribulations of life. When a circus employee and Lily's mom's boyfriend plot to steal and sell Queenie Grace, Lily and her friend Henry Jack kick into action. Things don't end as Lily hoped, by she does end up saving Queenie in an unexpected way, her family and herself. Lily Rose is a wonderful heroine. She's been through much in her young life. But she always tries to see the good side in everything. That is an important lesson. It is also a theme throughout the book. Other equally important themes are friendship, how grief changes you, the power of art in the healing process, and that most people do the best they can with what they have. The treatment of circus animals is also woven throughout the book. This is both a heartbreaking and uplifting story. The writing flows. It is emotional, detailed, direct and poetic all at once. The chapters range from one or two lines (Queenie Grace's perspective) to ten pages (Lily's perspective). The ending wraps up nicely, but not as you would expect. But it is Queenie Grace who has the most wonderful surprise at the end. It was truly a "wow" moment. I'm not going to say anymore. You will just have to read it for yourselves. Give to fans of "Because of Winn Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo, "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate and "Chained" by Lynn Kelly. A first purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Oatman High, Linda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062455833

Price: 16.99

How the Queen Found the Perfect Cup of Tea

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Recommend for cream consideration. When a self-centered queen's daily tea routine becomes boring and tasteless, she embarks on an adventure to find the perfect cup. James, her servant, and her corgi companions travel in a hot air balloon and land in Japan, India and Turkey. At each stop a child welcomes her and invites her to an activity in progress which she tries. They then invite her to help them make tea which they share together. The repetition of the various stages provides the audience with the differences of each culture and foreshadows what will make the perfect cup of tea. Now the queen knows that tea taste better when you make it yourself and share it with friends. There is a perfect balance of text with illustration throughout the book. Illustrations are whimsical, comical, and filled with detail. The prim and stiffness of a spoiled queen evolves into a more relaxed, hair out of place, friendly one completely through the illustrations alone. Swiatkowska provides illustrated instructions on how three different cultures brew and serve tea. The various characters exude spunk and personality that are implied through the text. It is the perfect recipe for a satisfying book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hosford, Kate

Illustrator: Swiatkowska, Gabi

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467739047

Price: 18.99

This & That

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

In an uncluttered setting of walls and a box, a mouse puts a little one to bed by spinning a tale of this and that. A repetitive pattern of "this & that", a silly rhyming situation, and then…, continues until the bedtime kiss is received. Each silly or absurd situation is a clear rhyming sentence that Horacek brightly illustrates with action and many details. The two mice appear in each scene and provide a seek-and-find element as they move through the "this & that" of the story. A useful story for the bedtime routine that emphasizes the ingredients of a story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fox, Mem

Illustrator: Horacek, Judy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338037807

Price: 17.99

Saint Death

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

This is a bleak, stark, and unflinching look at life and death for two teenage boys in a Mexican town near the United States border. It is a life that invariably involves drugs, violence and poverty. Arturo is a good person. He scrapes by doing odd jobs and the occasional gambling. He manages to stay clear of the drugs and the gangs. But his childhood friend Faustino has been working for the local drug lord. Faustino has a wife and child to think of an he needs money to get them to the United States. But he "borrows" money from the drugs he sells and is unable to pay it back. He know what will happen to him if he doesn't. So Faustino begs Arturo to win the money back for him in a card game. Reluctantly he agrees. As it turns out the card game includes the vary same drug lord that the money is owed to. Ever present throughout the narrative is the voice of Saint Death (Santa Muerte). She can help you, guide you, save you. At the fateful card game Arturo thinks Santa Muerta is on his side. He is winning back the money. But things soon fall apart. The reader is helpless as Arturo careens towards a tragic fate. Mr. Sedgwick is a brilliant wordsmith. He writes in the third-person present tense. And since this is a story set in Mexico with Mexican characters, he follows the formatting of Spanish-language conventions. This may be a bit confusing for some readers at the beginning. But once you get used to it, it flows brilliantly. Interspersed throughout this heartbreaking story are various social conditions regarding NAFTA and why the poverty, drugs and violence are allowed to flourish. They have definitely impacted the characters in this story. This is a story of friendship, loyalty and the value of life. And it is set against a cruel, unforgiving and all too real backdrop. Arturo's ending is both tragic and awe-inspiring. When the card game goes horrible wrong, Arturo is offered an easy out. Join the gang and work for the drug lord. But Arturo doesn't want to be a man "who would only add more horror to the world, more pain". He sacrifices himself for his friend, for Mexico and ultimately for himself. This is a timely and relevant book. It needs to be read. A must purchase for all public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sedgwick, Marcus

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626725492

Price: 17.99

Ella and Penguin: A Perfect Match

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Irresistible Penguin tries everything that his cute friend Ella loves. Together they learn that being friends does not mean that have to love the same things. The lesson here is that each person or animal can have their own favorites, make their own choices, and follow their own path while remaining friends. Though the sentiment is wonderful for 4 – 6 year old, it is the pictures that truly brings this book to life. Each illustration compliments the story while providing fantastic detail. Notice that the hard mint candy has the same design as the kitchen cabinets. Then check out the size of Penguin's pink cheeks when he is embarrassed and his reaction to the finger paint. Children will want to go through the book several times looking for all the small animals painted into most pages.

Add this to primary grade schools and purchase in public libraries. If libraries do not have the first Ella and Penguin storybook they should consider adding both to their collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maynor, Megan

Illustrator: Bonnet, Rosalinde

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062330895

Price: 17.99

Rabbit Stew

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Rabbit Stew is apt to cause some discomfort as the reader makes a guess regarding the ingredients of this special stew. Wahman prolongs some fear till the very last page but readers will not complain as this is a fun read and well-illustrated book. There is lots to look at and be amused by in the large and colorful illustrations. Two page spreads provide space for hidden critters above and below ground.

An ideal use would be in a nursery school environment where children are read to at circle time. The poor binding however does not lend itself to library collections where the book may only survive one or two circulations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wahman, Wendy

Illustrator: Wahman, Wendy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press ( Highlights)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781629795836

Price: 16.95

The Bolds to the Rescue

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Humor and heart are the primary words that come to mind when reviewing this sequel in The Bolds Series. The house fills as a crocodile climbs out of the toilet, two disguised horses knock at the door and a singing dog follows the adjoining house owners. Each are welcome and incorporated into the households regardless of their situation. This book is about acceptance, tolerance and inclusion as much as humor.

Clary expresses his love of humor in the text while Roberts exhibits his quirky silliness in his illustrations. Together these British fellows have provided early chapter book readers with a fun new series. Some however may not want to sit on a toilet seat for several weeks. Add to libraries where series books are collected.

Series title

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clary, Julian

Illustrator: Roberts, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Corolrhods Books ( Lerner Publishing Co)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512410228

Price: 16.99

Children of the Past: Archeology and the Lives of Kids

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Many books have been written about the lives of peoples of the past. Lois Huey has taken this theme and looked at the lives of children. She begins with the cave roamers. The hand and foot prints found in and around caves dating back 20,000 years ago, belonged to the children of the time. She brings the reader through the ages, looking at how children lived and played 20,000 years ago, the hunter-gatherers of 8,000 years ago, the farmer kids of 1,000 years ago and the children of Fort Moss dating back 250 years ago.She shows the reader that children have made an imprint on history. The book is set to impart information. It is done in a way that keeps the reader wanting to continue. Photographs, diagrams, maps support the text and add visual information. Huey has let the reader slip back in time to see how their peers lived. This is an excellent book for a unit on history, archeology, even art.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Huey, Lois Miner

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512413168

Price: 30.56

The Banana-Leaf Ball: How Play Can Change the World

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Wow, this is how to teach fairness, corporation and empathy. One night a young boy flees as his East African village is invaded and he is forced to hide in the forest. Once rescued he is provided with a hut in a refugee camp without his family. Beyond his poor living conditions and boredom, Deo has to deal with gang bullies. This book takes us inside the situation and reveals how one kindness and the practice of good sportsmanship can change a life. Through the game of soccer the lives of many are changed and two boys find friendship. The art of play is a game changer.

There is lots to be learned and more to wonder about while reading this excellent book. Social and cultural situations vary the world over but the need for understanding and compassion are known in all societies. Deo's story may seem far apart from our own yet we all need to reach out a hand to help. Revealed in large and endearing color illustrations it is soccer that changes things and improves the human situation. The text is based on a true story. Inspiring content complemented by lovely illustration, The Banana-Leaf Ball is an excellent addition to all public libraries and school media centers. Art teachers in all grade levels would appreciate this book as a gift.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Milway, Katie

Illustrator: Evans, Shane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: CitizenKid (Kids Can Press)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 09781771383318

Price: 18.95

Magnets Push Magnets Pull

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Magnets and magnetism are all around us. Magnets are found in computers, doorbells, televisions, cell phones to name just a few. David Adler explains what magnets are, how they are used and the two basic forms of magnetism in this easy and fun book. Anna Raff's big, well defined, friendly illustrations support the text and give a visual to the concept. The author has also included some activities, and a simple glossary for the reader, including making your own magnet. This is an ideal book for your STEAM collection. Hopefully the reader will recognize the power of magnets and how they work in our lives.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David

Illustrator: Raff, Anna

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823436699

Price: 16

Missing

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Winter is a high school senior who wants out of her town and single wide where she lives with her abusive father. Enter two brothers who stir confusing feelings and seem to create problems. Lennon has been beaten and Jude comes to support his brother. The story moves in rather weird directions but comes back round to one frequently stated reality; all the young people in Reeve’s End are desperate to leave. At times the action lags or perhaps it just becomes disjointed but the main characters hold the story together. The surprise ending will satisfy mystery readers.

Missing has suspense, romance, deceit and lots of physical violence. Readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery will applaud this new book by Armstrong. Her usual readers may be somewhat disappointed by this title but they will anxiously await her next book.

Add to YA collections that have a following for the author and thrilling mysteries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Armstrong, Kelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown (Random House/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550324

Price: 17.99

The Tree: a Fable

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

A single action,used for good, can have consequences.The cutting of a single tree for something like building a home leads to the homes of the birds and animals living in the tree being lost. Can this mistake be rectified and a solution for all involved be found? Neal Layton poses this dilemma to our youngest readers. In their wish for a home, a couple begins to cut the one tree that stands in their way. As they saw, a bird's nest falls to the ground, owls fly out of their hole in the tree, and rabbits come out of their burrow at the base of the tree. Saddened at what they have done, they work for a solution that will be beneficial to all and come up with a home that works for all. The text is simple and big! The illustrations are full page, calm, light but very telling, so that the non reader knows what the story is about. A simple, quiet book about living in harmony with nature and all who share the earth.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Layton, Neal

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763689520

Price: 16.99

Double Cross: Deception Techniques in War

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Janeczko takes readers on a journey from the Civil War through Desert Storm as he describes the many ways that the military uses deception techniques. While World War 11 seems to be the focus there are many interesting pieces of information gleamed from previous and more recent battles and wars. The maps drawn by Minot aid readers to comprehend the battle areas. Authentic illustrations and photos add to the readability of this book. Though the presentation pretends to be a work of fiction it is an excellent non-fiction title that is appealing to young readers and very well documented.

This title will appeal to low readers in the upper grades and is sure to please middle readers who wish to understand the deceptions in warfare. Double Cross provides adequate information to be useful for report writing. There are seventeen pages of after matter in the form of source notes, bibliography and image credits as well as an index. Add to all public libraries and to middle school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Janeczko, Paul

Illustrator: , Various sources

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763660420

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Spindle Fire

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

An imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, Spindle Fire is centers around two half-sisters who are polar opposites, and must deal with a mysterious faerie queen's curse.

Isabelle is the king's illegitimate daughter who had her sight taken away by a faerie tithe. Aurora had her sight and touch taken by faeries. The two girls rely heavily on one another and share a complex relationship, until the king orders Isabella to a convent after political negotiations go awry. Furious and heartbroken, Isabelle runs away leaving Aurora to fend for herself. Aurora pursues her sister and stumbles upon a spinning wheel, pricks her finger, and is sent to the parallel world of faerie, leaving her mortal body behind in a deep slumber. Isabella hears of Aurora's plight, and sets out to find the faerie that can undo the curse.

This is the first book in a two part series. The world building is done well, though Isabella and Aurora's split and abrupt dislike of one another may leave readers feeling detached from the characters. Very similar to Meg Cabot's Two Princesses of Bamarre, this title is perfect for avid middle school and early high school readers of fairy tale retellings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillyer, Lexa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062440877

Price: 17.99

Hello, Universe

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Kelly weaves together the voices of four very different characters in this thoughtful book for upper elementary/early middle school readers. Virgil is painfully shy, Valencia is brave, deaf, and lonely, Kaori is a burgeoning psychic with a sure sense of self who only works with other kids, and Chet is a bully. Instead of devolving into stereotypes though, Kelly gives each child an inner voice, with alternating chapters, where we see multiple layers of thinking; no one is all one thing and all have reasons that they do things, not that it means the reader has to like them, but there can at least be understanding. Virgil would like to be friends with Valencia, who is his classmate, but he can't get up the nerve to speak with her. He seeks out help from Kaori, who attends a different school and who is working on getting the universe to give up its secrets in order to get Virgil and Valencia to meet. Valencia has been having a terrible nightmare, so she also seeks out Kaori's help. Chet, also a classmate of Virgil and Valencia, feels like he has something to prove and wishes that all of the "weird" kids would stop getting in his way. When the prank Chet pulls on Virgil goes awry, Virgil ends up trapped in the bottom of a well. Readers will turn the pages as quickly as possible to see if the universe really can work its magic to rescue Virgil, enlighten Chet, and bring new friendships together. The lovely ending is thought-provoking and will leave readers wanting another story about these quirky characters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062414151

Price: 16.99

We Were Liars

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

Lockhart's suspenseful novel centers around the wealthy Sinclair family. The narrator, seventeen year old Cadence, has suffered from a debilitating accident that has left her with memory loss and headaches. Throughout the story, she struggles to piece together what happened her last summer on her family's island, and what the accident was. The adults in her life are tight-lipped and will give her no clues as to what really happened, so she must struggle on her own to solve the puzzle. The dramatic conclusion will leave readers both thrilled and satisfied.

This is the deluxe edition of Lockhart's novel, which includes thirty two pages of new content, including writings from Gat and Cady, a map of Beechwood Island, a Sinclair family tree, and the original book proposal. A good purchase if your copy of We Were Liars needs replacing. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lockhrt, E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacourte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524764586

Price: 18.99

Things to Do with Dad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2017

Review

As the story opens, a happy young boy and his father are making what seems to turn out to be wonderful, magical pancakes which they are then seen happily eating and enjoying. As they finish the meal, they both unhappily notice the "Things To Do" list on the refrigerator. As they begin to do the list of chores, the boy manages to turn each one into a fun project or adventure. He becomes a block builder while Dad builds a bookcase. He is knight fighting the vacuum. Finally he becomes a pirate and the bed sheets become the sail on his ship and hanging out laundry becomes a trip to the circus. Illustrations are colorful and capture the emotions of both the dad and young boy so well. The boys flights of fancy and his father's willingness to play along make this book fun. This is a good book to share with young children, while adults could learn something about the fun of playing along with a young child's imagination.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuppardi, Sam

Illustrator: Zuppardi, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681463

Price: 15.99

The Rooster Who Would Not be Quiet

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2017

Review

A colorful and very saucy rooster struts across the first pages of this book followed by a hen and ten small chicks. In a small village, there is so much noise, people have a hard time sleeping. No one knew what to do about the noise, so they fired the mayor. He eventually made a law saying there is to be no noise in the village so it becomes silent and stays that way for seven years. Then the rooster, the hen and the chicks strutted in. They roosted in a tree outside the mayor's window where the rooster's crowing made the mayor very angry. No matter what he did, the rooster kept crowing. This is a classic story of "be careful what you wish for." The wonderful, vibrant illustrations show a happy town where everyone seems to be having fun. Once it becomes quiet, no one is happy. Happy faces reign again as the townspeople sing with the rooster, showing the results of speaking up and speaking out. A fun story to read and to look at.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Agra Deedy, Carmen

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545722889

Price: 17.99

Gem & Dixie

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2017

Review

Sisters Gem and Dixie live with their mom in Seattle and struggle to get their basic needs met amidst difficult family circumstances that include their mom's substance use disorder and neglect. As young children, older Gem often played the role of caretaker for younger Dixie, but their relationship has become strained as they've aged and Dixie's appearance and ability to navigate social situations has allowed her to play others for what she wants and needs, while Gem's at times bitter edginess has resulted in her increasing isolation. When their estranged father unexpectedly returns and claims he wants to rejoin their family, it sets off a chain of events in which the sisters embark on a clandestine journey across the city; one that is mirrored by their sorting of their many years of emotional baggage.

Narrated by Gem, this is a novel that is achingly real in its presentation of how fractured families can become and the complicated dynamics which arise. Each sister is fully depicted with nuance and compassion and readers will easily empathize with them as they struggle to create a future. Smart and heartbreaking, this should appeal widely to teens who favor contemporary fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zarr, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062434593

Price: 17.99

Things I Should Have Known

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 26, 2017

Review

David thinks Chloe has everything. Chloe thinks David is a jerk. What they don't know about each other is that outside of school, they lead completely different lives with one big thing in common: they both have autistic siblings. Chloe worries that her sister Ivy is lonely and wants to find her a boyfriend. She thinks Ivy's schoolmate, Ethan, would be perfect. The only problem is that neither Ivy nor Ethan are comfortable going out alone, so Chloe tags along on their first date. When Ethan introduces his brother David, Chloe is shocked. Distant at first, Chloe and David become closer as they struggle with trying to help Ivy and Ethan develop a relationship. This book tries to be too many things. Part commentary on Autism and its effects on a person's life, and part teen romance, it fails a bit on both parts. Average at best, this book should only be purchased where the author's works are popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

LaZebnik, Claire

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544829695

Price: 17.99

Agatha Parrot and the Thirteenth Chicken

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2017

Review

In this third book in the series, Agatha and her friends are so excited to be watching thirteen newly hatched chickens. Four of the girls agree to take chickens home for a weekend. When they have a chicken soccer game, they discover they are missing a chick. Mayhem ensues as they try to figure out what happened to the thirteenth chick. This is a high energy story with lots of action. Black and white drawings help readers envision what is happening and make the book more approachable. Full of unusual characters and events, this may appeal to readers of Clementine and Ivy and Bean.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poskitt, Kjartan

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544509092

Price: 16.99

Mr. Benjamin's Suitcase of Secrets

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2017

Review

This is a very odd book based on a true incident. The author read about it and was fascinated so wrote the story. Mr. Benjamin was a philosopher who had extraordinary ideas. He apparently lived in France (the book does not say that, but signs on stores are in French). When people began to get punished for having different thoughts (at the beginning of WWII, though only the presence of soldiers with vague swastikas on their sleeve indicate that) he decided he must leave. By then, as shown in frightening illustrations, enemy soldiers pointing guns are all over. He enlists the help of Mrs. Fittko to take a secret journey to escape. He comes carrying a heavy red suitcase, the contents of which he refuses to divulge. When he gets to the border, he is turned back. Mr. Benjamin and the suitcase then disappeared and were never found. No one ever discovered what was in the suitcase. Illustrations are collages done in black, gray, and red so are somber. People are all very serious. In the back are historical notes about Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Fittko who really did lead refuges to escape. I cannot figure out the intended audience for this book. The story is not one that would be of interest to younger children. It is just odd.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Chang, Pei-Yu

Illustrator: Chang, Pei-Yu

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: North South

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780735842809

Price: 18.95

Round

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

This lovely ode to nature will captivate young readers. It is told in the quiet, calm voice of a young girl as she explores round things, mostly in nature. She loves to feel their smoothness, watch them grow, and when they move. Illustrations are lovely, with a textural feel to them. There is back matter on why things are round. I would love to read this one on one with a small child to talk with them about "round." I think they would love it!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sidman, Joyce

Illustrator: Yoo, Taeeun

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544387614

Price: 17.99

Droughts

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

This book provides a look at droughts appropriate for the intended audience. As the drought progresses, illustrations show its effects through the eyes of young children. Side bars provide added information. Activities designed to increase understanding are included as well as back matter including ways to save water and a glossary and a "Find Out More" section. A good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart, Melissa

Illustrator: Ceolin, Andre

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062386663

Price: 17.99

Grimelda, The Very Messy Witch

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

"Grimelda, The Very Messy Witch," is a humorous, rhyming picture book for ages 4-8.

Grimelda must clean her messy house (which she loves - "messed is best," says Grimelda) in order to find the "pickle root" required for a pickle pie recipe. Along with finding the missing pickle root, Grimelda discovers her lost hair brush beneath her bed. While brushing her messy locks, Grimelda discovers her long lost spell book in the tangles of her hair. She begins to mix a potion to make her house "nice and messy" again, and in the process loses the sought after pickle root.

The cartoon like illustrations are colorful, expressive, and captioned. And, what child, after all, cannot,at some point, relate to a messy house or at least a messy room?

"Grimelda, The Very Messy Witch presents as a humorous and entertaining read for its intended audience. A wonderful "circle" book for a short, entertaining read during the Halloween season.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Diana

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062264480

Price: 16.99

No Tooting at Tea

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

"No Tooting at Tea," is engaging and hilarious! An invitation to a tea party with "rules" leads one to anticipate the breaking of those rules. "No Tooting at Tea," is in danger of bringing mouth covered giggles from its intended audience. A "perfect tea party," is hosted by an older sister, who tries to instruct the younger sisters in the rules of tea party etiquette. When the older sister begins to spout off rules, she is interrupted by rude noises. The "tooting" is blamed on the dog and other various toys in the yard. As the older sister cancels the tea party and heads to the kitchen with cups,saucers, and treats,she realizes that the "tooting" is actually emanating from the teakettle on the stove. Embarrassed, she reconvenes the tea party. At the tea party's conclusion, the oldest sister, herself, accidentally "toots." The younger sisters, ever forgiving and gracious, show their good manners by stating, "you never said there was no tooting AFTER tea." "No Tooting at Tea," is funny and clever with well planned page turns and good repetition of text. Could be used to introduce a discussion of good manners in any situation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heim, Alastair

Illustrator: Not, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544774742

Price: 16.99

Good Night! Good Night!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

Adorable bunnies are not ready for bed but Mom provides just the right stimulation and affection to get them all tucked in as well as tuckered out. Berger's collages of three bunnies in various sizes as well as Mom and the bunny doll provide light and detail in contrast to the dark night time backdrop. Simple clothing items and line drawn facial features are perfectly balanced by the special additions like the monster mask and recurring star motif. The story line is not new but certainly full of energy as the bunny family works its way through the stores, song, hugs, kisses and then little bunny mandated extras. This is a silly but loving bedtime story that is bound to please adult readers and young listeners. Add to preschool collections in libraries and gift to tired Moms everywhere.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Berger, Carin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062408846

Price: 17.99

Littles and How They Grow

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2017

Review

Destined to be a favorite of families awaiting new arrivals this new book is a winner. From the cover illustration to the final page the text speaks the truth and the illustrations capture a new baby household. A tired nursing mom devotes all her loving attention to one baby while love struck grandparents play hand rhymes with another. Love radiates on each page where sweet babies are the focus. The unique layout featuring several pages of many colored dots adds space to the text and seems to open the visual appreciation of the illustrations. Each page expresses daily routine and presents the gradual development of the infants. The fact that the babies are multicultural and that various family members are shown increases the value of the book in the eyes of the reader. Defiantly a perfect book for new mothers and a great gift to families with older siblings. Public Librarians will want this book in their collections. Littles and How They Grow will not stay on library shelves long as the cover illustration of three bundles of joy screams for attention.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dipucchio, Kelly

Illustrator: Ford, AG

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books (Penguin Random House )

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399555268

Price: 17.99

Bayberry Island An Adventure About Friendship and the Journey Home

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2017

Review

This would be a great book to read aloud to grades 3 and 4. It's a great start to a series like "Red Wall". The main characters are Twig and Lily. Friends who are on a ship trying to find their way home. The illustrations are really nice pencil drawings. The book shows children how true friends can get us through anything. This book is the sequel to "Brambleheart".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cole, Henry

Illustrator: Cole, Henry

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ Harper CollinsPub.

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062245519

Price: 16.99

Family Game Night

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2017

Review

Unfortunately I clicked on illustrations and there are none .But now that I have your attention, this is a great book about a family that doesn't function well, and how kids hide problems from friends, and how families learn to heal. Annabelle's mom is a hoarder. Mom has a system newspapers of even dates, milk jugs, camping equipment, toys... The only room that isn't stacked with stuff to the ceilings is Annabelle's. Annabelle's room is clean because she open her second story window one day and threw everything out that wasn't hers. Then she checks her room every day to make sure nothing has found it way in. She has an older high school brother who is never home. A little sister who makes herself sick. A's rule is never to allow anyone from school within five miles from her home. I found these lines very well written and so true: "Complaining about parents is sort of like an Olympic Sport. But I don't compete. The kids with real problems never do....You almost never hear the other stuff. "Mom was drunk again." or "Dad didn't have enough money for bail." A's dad has had enough and he runs away from home. Grandma comes, she hasn't been here in years. The calm of everyday life falls apart, then things slowly get better.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lambert, Mary E.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: poor

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545931984

Price: 16.99

All That I Can Be includes When I Get Bigger and When I Grow Up 2 Books in 1!

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Review

These stories are old favorites that are being published in paired stories. The first story is" When I get bigger". Little Critter is thinking about all the things he will be able to do. He can go to the store by himself, go to Grandma and Grandpa's by himself,and go to first grade by himself. Oh the things he will be able to do! " When I Grow Up" is Little Sister's adventures. She can be a tightrope walker, teacher of lions and tigers, a mail lady, or an airplane pilot.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mayer, Mercer

Illustrator: Mayer, Mercer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399553776

Price: 5.99

Spell Across America " Scripps National Spelling Bee"

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Review

This book is great for teaching spelling, figurative language, and word ladders. It also looks at the U.S. through different state with short stories. with more than 40 chapters. It has an index of sidebars and of all the spelling words learned in the book,

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hirschmann, Kris

Illustrator: Hindle, James K.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721753

Price: 17.99

Perfect

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Review

Perfect is the sequel to Cecelia Ahern's YA novel Flawed. Celestine is in hiding after being branded as flawed in a dystonia society where perfection is required. Not just a scary futuristic story line but one that shares several amoral behaviors of our time. Compassion, caring and family ties are all viewed as weak by the social system. The needs of the administration and drive for perfection are the only things that matter to the government. Carrick and Celestine strongly portray the young freedom warriors much like those in our society who are protesting an administration lacking in concern for its people. Other characters are portrayed well enough to understand what drives them but it is the youth who stand out.

Not having read Flawed I can say the story stands alone yet the first book would have shed light on the characters and community. It is worth mentioning that the black print on the see through red jacket just does not stand out, making it difficult to read. I advise public libraries to purchase Flawed and Perfect. Librarians will want to share them with followers of The Hunger Games.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ahern, Cecelia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan Publishing)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250074126

Price: 18.99

The Whole Thing Together

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2017

Review

Two families, four adults and five youth adults share a summer home but have limited interaction with each other. Sasha stays in the house with her parents and older sisters on alternate weeks to the ones Ray spends in the house with his parents and same older sisters. This family dynamic brings the reader into an interesting blend of loving family ties and hostility deriving from the divorced adults who co-own the summer house. Initially this storyline felt contrived but it soon took off with a life of its own. The author has clearly portrayed her characters exposing their warts and blemishes. The characters of interest are Sasha and Ray but their sisters and parents are major contributors to the plot. The level of dysfunction is hard to watch (and you do feel like you are watching the two families come apart) yet those poor relationships make the book more than just a romance novel.

Add this title to school media centers where YA fiction is collected. Definitely add to public libraries but know the subject matter is more complex than the author's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. Recommend that readers have facial tissues close at hand.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brashares, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press ( Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385736893

Price: 18.99

Nighty-Night

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2017

Review

Another adorable and very useful board book by Patricelli; Nighty-Night will win the hearts of toddlers and their caregivers. Baby goes through a special routine before bedtime without any uncomfortable moments or tears. The illustrations are life like and amusing starting with a bowl of spaghetti on the toddler's head and ending with him/her sleeping peacefully. Color is used to represent the setting sun and the dark of nightfall. In between several bright backgrounds complement the family members, pets and of course the loved bear. Parents of babies and toddlers who lack sleeping skills will want to use this book nightly. Like other titles in this series Nighty-Night is a great baby shower or baby's first birthday gift. Libraries who collect board books will want to add this title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patricelli, Leslie

Illustrator: Patricelli, Leslie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679323

Price: 6.99

Big Rigs on the Go

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

Big Rigs on the Go is a good introduction to non-fiction for the younger set. Preschool children and early readers will enjoy the large colorful photos and equally bold and simple text. Parts of the semi truck are discussed and labeled for easy identification and there is a basic index completing the package. All readers will appreciate the bold colors and large encircled page numbers. There may not be much content in this book but it will hold the attention of transportation lovers. The inclusion of female drivers is a plus. Early researchers are sure to ask for the three titles listed in the Read More section.

This reader has always said there can never be enough truck books. I recommend this for all public libraries who share that belief. The cost of the library bound edition may well be prohibitive for small libraries and classroom collections but a paper copy may be considered.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spaight, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bumba Books (Lerner Publishing)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780512414509

Price: 25.32

Thunder Underground

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

This book is a series of poems about what is under the house, the city, and the ground. Through various poetic forms, readers will meet moles, bugs, and rabbits and see and learn about roots, volcanoes, subways, and buried treasure. Perhaps the best part of the book is the wonderful illustrations which show in great detail all that happens in a place usually not seen. A fun book for children to look at and from which to learn.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Masse, Josee

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: WordSong

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781590789360

Price: 17.95

Rivers of Sunlight

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2017

Review

Yet another stunning and deeply informative entry in the Sunlight Series, this newest title will mesmerize its readers. Bang has painted beautiful lustrous images of the earth's water supply as it is moved by the sun. Each layer of design is superimposed over another equally spellbinding layer of color and texture. Swirls, dots, stars and lines add depth to the overall illustrations. Readers experience a journey around the world as they follow a small boy in a sail boat as crossing colorful and detailed two page spreads.

Chisholm's science is descriptive and reliable as in previous books within the series. The content is impressive in terms of amount of information and presentation. Together the authors have provided early grade readers an accessible environmentally conscience non-fiction picture book that will appeal to everyone. An essential purchase for primary grade school and public libraries.

Consider for Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bang and Chisholm, Molly and Penny

Illustrator: Bang, Molly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545805414

Price: 18.99

Sunkissed

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2017

Review

After being caught kissing her sister's ex-boyfriend, Kat as been informed that she will be spending the summer with her slightly exotic Aunt on a remote island off the coast of Sweden. The land of no cell phone use and Friday night discos listening to ABBA. Her only saving grace is a cute Swede named Leo and the Tuff Troll, a grueling island race that she now wishes she hadn't said yes to.

This fun an engaging story is character-driven, incorporating Swedish values and traditions. Kat's positive determination not to let her banishment ruin what she has for a summer vacation lets the reader feel her growth and changes that Kat makes to accommodate her new friends and accomplishments.

Recommended for grades 7-12. This is an adorable coming-of-age and romantic novel that will be enjoyed by teen romantics, the outdoorsy types and those that enjoy a good personal challenge. Even though this is the third book in the "Ladybirds" series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McLachlan, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250061508

Price: 16.99

Dividing Eden

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2017

Review

For fans of Joelle Charbonneau, she has done it again; this time into the realms of fantasy. Royal twins Carys and Andreus were never meant to rule, but when their father and older brother were assassinated and their mother, the Queen, is pronounced incompetent to rule -- they are pitted against one another in the Trial of Succession. Each have their weaknesses and have protected one another over the years, but now that protection is in jeopardy and their weakness could be exposed.

Many characters are involved in this novel and a little weak to start, but eventually personalities are developed along with their motivations. There are many questions that have been left unanswered and will hopefully be enlightened to all in the next installment. Definitely ended with a cliff hanger.

Recommended grades levels are 7-12. The author's fan club will enjoy her next foray along with those of Sarah J. Maas and Kiera Cass.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Charbonneau, Joelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062453846

Price: 17.99

Whose Poop Is That?

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2017

Review

Everyone should have a copy on their shelves -- even if it just for the giggles and snickering that you will hear when it is pulled off.

"Whose Poop is That?" has big and bold wonderfully illustrated pictures that have digitally mastered using pen, ink and color. It describes seven types of animal poop and asks the reader to identify the animal who it belongs to by using visual clues such as food, foot prints and what can be found in the poop.

This is an adult driven text that will be enjoyed by all, especially grades Pre-K through 2nd grade. In the back there are additional facts that are provided in "The Scoop on Poop" and "Animal Poop Facts" sections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Linde, Darrin

Illustrator: Oseid, Kelsey

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781570917981

Price: 16.99

One Good Thing about America

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2017

Review

The book is a must purchase for schools in Maine where immigrants and minority students face steady harassment and discrimination. Written by an author who lives in Maine working in Maine schools, the story is timely, sometimes funny and very real. Anais, who becomes Annie in America, is a nine year old African girl going to school in Maine for the first time. She has emigrated from the Congo with her mother and younger brother, leaving, among others, her beloved grandmother behind. She writes often to that grandmother about learning English, coping at school, and moving from motel to shelter to an apartment. Annie is asked by her grandmother to find one good thing about America everyday. Middle-grade students of nine through twelve will find the letters easy to read and often surprising. Small pen and ink sketches throughout the book's 152 pages display what is new and important to Annie such as pizza, ice-cream, the beach, the Goodwill store. Appended are four websites of information about immigration, a note from the author, and a list of words Annie is learning that sound one way but are spelled a different way. Excellent for both reading aloud as well as independently, the differences and similarities between cultures are presented in an easily understandable and entertaining style. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Freeman, Ruth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436958

Price: 16.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Chicken in School

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Pportland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2017

Review

Zoey, a curious and imaginative chicken, has a good friend, Sam, a pig, who wants to go to school because he hears that at school there are snacks. Clara, the cow, has reservations. Where will the classroom be and who will be the teacher? Zoey, devises a plan and sets up a school inside the barn and becomes the teacher. Clara, the cow, Pip, the mouse, and Henry, the dog, and, Sam, the pig, all do want to attend. After all, isn't school, about reading, coloring and eating snacks? Well, yes, all that, and apparently more, as Zoey throws a slant on things and shows her friends just how much fun school can be when one uses their imagination! Preschoolers through Kindergarten will enjoy this picture book with it's colorful and robust illustrations. Pacing is good although the tension might be a bit stronger. However, the idea of adding imagination to the mix of traditional school activities makes this book worthwhile.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehrhaupt, Adam

Illustrator: Kober, Shahar

Publisher: Harper./ Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062364135

Price: 17.99

Two Truths and a Lie

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2017

Review

Young biologist and budding scientist will find Two Truths and a Lie irresistible. Presented in nine chapters of three stories each the book requires readers to decide which story is false in each chapter. The authors have chosen well as many of the stories have factual information that makes them believable yet each sounds slightly inaccurate. Royal fleece flower roots and tree living octopus might sound strange yet the storylines appear factual. Once the reader gets over the slightly gross areas there is lots to love in this fun non-fiction.

Beyond the content the big story is the presentation. Fun and colorful fonts, brightly informational sidebars, illustrations of a monkey scientist, and a scrapbook like appearance combine to make an attractive package. Young readers will enjoy the format as much as the content. Back pages include a research guide, answer guide, bibliography, photograph credits and an excellent index.

This book belongs in the hands of intermediate grade science teachers, on library shelves and on list as a holiday or birthday gift book. This is the first in a new series, librarians will want to watch for future titles in the It's Alive series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pasquette and Thompson, Ammi-Joan and Laurie

Illustrator: Weber, Lisa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062418791

Price: 17.99

Lilly and Fin A Mermaid's Tale

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

The book isn't part of a series with the same characters, but it is a new genre style of fictional writing for younger readers ages 7-10. The book doesn't introduce the main characters until later. The storyline is cute with two friends trying not to be captured. The book is 17 chapters long, it would work well as a read aloud. The back of the book has some extension ideas: there are hidden pictures in most of the pictures, knit your own Lilly and Fin hat, and a Lilly and Fin game. The pictures are cute.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Funke, Cornelia

Illustrator: Funke, Cornelia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524701017

Price: 9.99

John Ronald's Dragons+ The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

This book is a great read aloud to help students understand how authors find their stories. John loved dragons and being outside. John and his cousin Mary invented their own language. This later became Elvish. During WWI, John was on the battlefield, and he invented another language to block out the sounds. John went to college and became a professor. ..." one day ...when grading papers...he wrote In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.He didn't yet know what a hobbit was...but he followed it anyway." In the back of the book, is: an author's note, Illustrator's note, a catalog of Tolkien's dragons, quotes from Tolkien's scholarly writings on dragons, and a bibliography.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mcallister, Caroline

Illustrator: Wheeler, Eliza

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720923

Price: 18.99

The Midnight Witching Hour

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

There are no illustrations. This is a great ghost story with a twist at the end. Could be used as a read aloud and making predictions. Rosie moves to a new town. Omar's best friend has just died and Omar thinks it is his fault. Creepy things start happening to Rosie and Omar. Rosie tries to help Omar with his sorrows.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fallenstein, J.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: poor

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781512427714

Price: 7.99

Antisocial

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

Anna is a high school senior who ditched all her friends for a boy and then has to beg their forgiveness when her superstar boyfriend dumps her. To make things even worse, someone has decided to hack into student social media accounts and share that information with the world. As more and more secrets are revealed, Anna struggles with her own issues. Will her secret text messages bashing her friends be revealed? Did her ex even care about her? Will her friends forgive her? Does she have feelings for her best friend Jethro? On top of this, Anna suffers from social anxiety disorder and these situations are making everything worse. With the help of her friends and strategies she learned in therapy, she tries to power through it all. The horror of invasion of privacy, threatened friendships, and complicated love relationships are all topics teenagers can relate to. The pace is quick and the message is strong. Everyone will be double-checking passwords after reading this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Blake , Jillian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101938966

Price: 17.99

Hearts & Other Body Parts

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Placing Frankenstein's monster (or in this case, Frank N. Stein, who goes by his middle name, Norm) in a current high school sets the stage for this fantastical, campy tale, that also involves three witch sisters, Esme, Katy and Veronica, also students at Middleton High. When a handsome vampire transfer student named Zack Kallas arrives with his father, pitting the three sisters against one another and girls from the town begin to go missing, it's up to smart Esme, her talking cat, Kasha, and kind-hearted Norm to sort out the truth. A decidedly silly reworking, the clever details will be best appreciated by teens who've read Shelley's Frankenstein and Stoker's Dracula, but may not appeal widely and often get in the way of the storytelling, which suffers from slow pacing and underdeveloped characters.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Bloom, Ira

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338030730

Price: 17.99

Blue Ethel

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Ethel was old. She was fat. She was black. She was white. And she was very set in her ways until the day she turned BLUE.

In this fun story about a purrfectly contented cat named Ethel. She was quite happy with her routines until the day, when rolling in her favorite sidewalk square where some children had been doodling with chalk, Ethel turns blue. She was'nt supposed to be blue and it made her feel well, BLUE. Ethel is just not herself until she sees her friend Fluffy and he is of all things, PINK Together they explored their world as only friends who are COLORFUL can.

very positive lesson on individuality.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reinhardt, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374303822

Price: 17.99

Posted

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Another winner from the author of "Ms. Bixby's Last Day". The old adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me, could not be further from the truth here. Set in the world of middle school, an often cruel, embarrassing, fun, and enlightening place, for both students and teachers alike. The author captures the atmosphere, moods, humor, and the agony of what it is like for kids who endure the trials and tribulations of middle school. Told with humor and frankness, this is a story of bullying, with a non-boring anti-bullying message. It is also a story of friendships, the value of good and open communication, and the power and importance of words. It all begins when cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School. Too many students were misusing them. Told in the first person narrative of Frost (Eric) we learn how it all came about, what happened and how it ended. With the cell phone ban, students had to find a new way to communicate with each other. Frost and his clique of friends DeeDee, Wolf and Bench come up with a method of communication. They use post-it notes to "talk" to each other during school. This quickly catches on and soon all the students are "talking" through post-its. They are left on lockers, books, doors, etc. The post-it messages start out well enough. But inevitably some students start misusing them. Soon, the post-its war starts. Hurtful, spiteful and mean messages are soon being left around the school. Friendships are ruined. New cliques and alliances form. Old cliques disintegrate. Words, indeed, can and do hurt. In the midst of this post-its war, a new girl arrives at the school. Her name is Rose and she gives Frost and others something to think about. This is a wonderful, poignant, important and timely story. There is subtle humor. The anti-bullying message is masterfully woven into the story. The main and secondary characters are well drawn, believable and flawed. There is a subtler message here as well. Teachers can and do play an important role in helping, guiding, and shaping students. This story vividly shows that words should not be trifled with. They can do good, but they can also be used as weapons. Once words are spoken, or put on post-its, they cannot be taken back. This book should be required reading for all middle school students, whether you have been bullied or you have been the bully. The book vividly demonstrates why bullying is wrong, to value friendships and to use words wisely and for good. A first purchase for all school and most public libraries

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, John David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Book Press/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062338204

Price: 16.99

Poor Louie

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Poor Louie is a pampered chihuahua living the good life. That is until mom and dad begin to prepare for the arrival of a new baby (or 2)?! Nothing is the same. Walks are shorter. Dinner is served cold. As Moms belly grows bigger and bigger, Louie wonders "will there be enough room left for me"? Just as Louie decides to take matters into his own hands the unexpected happens. Louie meets his baby brother. Just the kind of story to introduce older siblings the the new arrivals.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fucile, Tony

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763658281

Price: 16.99

Counting with Tiny Cat

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

A book that is brilliant in its simplicity. This is not your typical counting book. In fact, I would not trust Tiny Cat to teach anyone how to count. Tiny Cat starts out with good intentions though. He has got 0-4 down pat. He starts with no balls of yarn, with a bland expression on his face. One red ball of yarn and he's got an intrigued look on his face. Two balls of yarn and Tiny Cat is looking pretty mischievous. Three balls of yarn and his tongue is sticking out with determined joy. Four balls of yarn and Tiny Cat is absolutely delirious. He is joyfully overwhelmed and can no longer keep track of how many yarn balls there are. With each page more balls of red yarn appear. And judging by his facial expressions, Tiny Cat is in his happy place. Until it becomes a bit too overwhelming. In the end Tiny Cat falls asleep atop a pile of an unknown amount of red yarn balls, with a contented grin on his face. This is a simple, funny and wonderfully expressive book. The illustrations are done in ink and crayon and colored digitally. Only four colors are used - white, gray, black and red. All set against a white background. There is minimal text. Except for one page, there is just one or two words per page. The text compliments the illustrations. The illustrations, however, make this book. They are a joy to behold. So much expression shown on Tiny Cat's face, just for counting (or not counting) balls of red yarn. This obviously shouldn't be used as a counting book. Although, it does show how to represent nothing, and many. This is a hilarious cat story, plain and simple. Pair this with the author's other books, "There are Cats in This Book" and "There are No Cats in This Book" for a fun-filled, interactive cat-themed story time. A first purchase for most public libraries and for any collection where cats are popular.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schwarz, Viviane

Illustrator: Schwarz, Viviane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763694623

Price: 14.99

20 Games to create with Scratch

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

In this well illustrated book on learning to code games using SCRATCH the reader will not only learn how to write the code and produce a fun game, they will also learn great tips on how to design a game. What makes a great game? Is scoring important to have as part of your game? How do you add sound effects and movement? The level of learning increases with each chapter and challenge. The book also has a helpful glossary. By the time the reader is done working through all the challenges they will be able to design and code their own games.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wainewright, Max

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: QEB Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781682970843

Price: 33.00

Heros & Villians

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

This is book 7 of the Guys Read Library of Great Reading. In the 10 new original stories there is much adventure, well illustrated comics, and some non-fiction too! The included writers are: Laura Halse Anderson, Cathy Camper and Raul Gonzalez, Sharon Creech, Jack Gantos, Christopher Healy, Deborah Hopkinson, Ingrid Law, Pam Munoz Ryan, Lemony Snicket, and Eugene Yelchin. There are stories of a Mexican family trying to cross into the US but get caught, a couple of girls being middle school warriors at the ready to help where they can, and a scary graphic story! All the stories are great reads with lots of variation, yet keeps with the general theme. A great addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scieszka, Jon

Illustrator: Stokely, Jeff

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062385611

Price: 16.99

Banana Muffins and Other Stories

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

In this third book of the series sister Annie and brother Simon once again get into some sibling disagreements. The book starts with them baking muffins and disagreeing on whether or not there needs to be chocolate chips in the batter. As they try to entertain the baby from next door, Annie comes across some of her old baby things and decides she wants to play with them too - Simon tries to tell Annie that she is way too old for a pacifier, or a rattle! This too leads to a disagreement. In the end though they have enjoyed the muffins together gotten baby Theo to take a nap and Annie comes to see that she really doesn't need her baby things any more and that she has a pretty great big brother!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Neill, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674984

Price: 15.99

Just A Girl

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Smart and incisive, constantly making anagrams out of cool words in her head, but a lousy student, high school senior Rianne is at loose ends about what to do after high school. Her family is unsupportive - her mom has stipulated that she must leave home immediately after she graduates and though her dad is newly back in their small Minnesota town, he's been mostly absent from her life for years. Rianne's reputation as an easy hook up follows her and though she has a group of friends who are frank about their own sexual experiences, Rianne knows that she's judged by them and often feels like an outsider. Then Luke, a popular guy she's casually seeing, makes it clear he'd like things to be much more serious between them just as Rianne meets a Russian student from the local university and to whom she is drawn. Complex and richly-drawn characters shine in this contemporary novel and the experience of the rural setting will ring true to many Maine teens.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mesrobian, Carrie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062349910

Price: 17.99

Big Cat, Little Cat

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

One cat lived alone. Then the family brought another cat home. The big cat showed the little cat all it needed to know, where to eat, where the litter box was, etc. They became the best of friends and spent all their time together. Time went by - days, months, years. Little cat grew and grew until he become bigger than Big Cat. They had a good life together- eating, playing, exploring, hunting and the daily crazies. At the end of every day they would cuddle and dream together. They were together all the time. So many years went by that Big Cat got so old that he had to go and didn't come back. Death is never mentioned. But it is gently implied. This is a difficult time for the whole family, human and cat alike. Everyone is sad for the loss of Big Cat. Until one day the family gets a new kitten. And now little cat becomes big cat and show the new kitten everything he needs to know, from where to eat to where the litter box is and more. Life indeed goes on. The illustrations are bold and simple, done in black and white with thick black outlines. The background is mostly white. It is a gray background once when big cat has left the family forever. There is a beige background three times for when the two cats are cuddled together. The illustrations simply and beautifully depict the story. The text is spare, often just 3-4 words per page. When big cat goes away, everyone is sad. This is not shown on their faces however. There is a two page spread. On one side is the human family shown in black silhouette with heads down and the little boys hand extended toward little cat. On the other side is little cat all alone looking back at his human family. It looks as if there is a single tear coming off the cat's face. Or it could be the tip of a whisker. I will leave that up to each reader to decide. This is a wonderful book on many levels. It is a moving cat story, a friendship story. It's a comforting story about friendship and loss. And it is good bibliotherapy for young children on the loss of a pet. And it reaffirms the circle of life. Pair with "Desser, the Best Cat Every" by Maggie Smith and "The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye" by Jane Yolen for a unit on grief and loss of a pet for pre-K through first grade. Or for a subdued cat themed story time. This is simply a lovely story about the joys of growing up and old together, whether you are feline or human. A first purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Elisha

Illustrator: Cooper, Elisha

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626723719

Price: 16.99

Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2017

Review

How do you tell the story of a man who is famous for his sport without sharing little known information about his private life? Winter has providers his readers with legendary baseball tales without making the book all about baseball. Lots of insight is provided about Mantel, his family and team. Learning about his childhood medical problems impacts how this player will be viewed by readers. The illustrations are true to the time period, details like clothing and wallpaper are consistent with the 1940's and 1950's. Large attractive illustrations grace the book from beginning to end. This reader however is somewhat distracted by all the large noses.

Baseball fans are sure to want this book in there school library. Perfect for that first biography assignment, Mickey Mantle the Commerce Comet will see lots of circulation in primary schools.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, Jonah

Illustrator: Payne, C.F.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933527

Price: 17.99

Ramona Blue

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

When Ramona was five, Hurricane Katrina destroyed her family’s home and broke the family apart. Her mother left to start a new life, while Ramona, her father, and her sister remained in the trailer that was supposed to be a temporary home. Now a teenager, Ramona holds down two jobs while going to school. She is saving up for her future, a future which she has little time or ability to contemplate. When a friend from her past, Freddie, returns, he introduces Ramona to swimming, a sport that might make college a possibility, but Freddie also begins to stir up confusing feelings in Ramona, who thought she liked girls. Murphy does an expert job of giving voice to Ramona’s inner world; she takes the reader along on Ramona’s rollercoaster ride of adolescence in a way that instantly makes her feel like an old friend. Murphy does not finish the story with a nice, neat ending. As Ramona and Freddie get ready to leave for college, Ramona’s confusion about her sexual identity is left open which feels true to her character. Fans of Eleanor and Park will enjoy this complex, romantic read, as will fans of Murphy’s earlier novels.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Julie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062418357

Price: 17.99

Pixie Piper and the Matter of Batter

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

Can you imagine being a descendant of Mother Goose? Well that's what Pixie Piper is! And on this summer vacation she gets to spend it at Chuckling Goose Farm. Pixie is looking forward to meeting some of the other girls who are also descendants and learning how to bake special cakes! There are sad stories, stories of great friendship and many adventures and mysteries to solve. There is even an evil character Raveneece who causes much trouble, but Pixie and her new friends are able to work their way out of it. All and all a full of adventure tale with a great assortment of characters, wonderful insight to school friendships, and family situations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Annabelle

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393807

Price: 16.99

First Day of Spring

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

Pig and Goose meet for the first time when Pig say Goose come flying in on a wonderful spring day. Pig admired Goose' ability to fly and asked him to teach her. They became fast friends as Goose instructs Pig how to go about learning to fly.They both soon realize that a pig cannot fly! They did however realize that a pig and goose can still be good friends and enjoy a yummy picnic! This a great book for the emergent reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781580895941

Price: 12.99

Count All Her Bones

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Fans of April Henry will not be disappointed by this book. This story picks up six months after Cheyenne escaped from her kidnappers in Girl, Stolen. One of her captor’s, Griffin, helped Cheyenne escape and both teens feel a bond after surviving such circumstances. They are both planning on testifying at the upcoming trial, that is if they can both be kept safe. Cheyenne’s father and stepmother have hired a bodyguard who is teaching Cheyenne, who is blind, how to defend herself against future attacks. When Cheyenne sneaks out to meet up with Griffin, she finds herself in danger once again. Like Henry’s other novels, the plot moves quickly and the suspense will not disappoint. Henry includes interesting Acknowledgments at the end to discuss the research she did for this book, such as self-defense for the blind. If April Henry is popular in your library then you want to purchase this sequel to Girl, Stolen.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, April

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627795913

Price: 17.99

Grit

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Set in fictional Sasanoa, Maine, Darcy Prentiss is learning the hard lessons of life in a small rural town. The plot intricately juggles many threads: the disappearance of Darcy’s friend, Rhiannon; family tensions; and the unfair stigma applied to sexually active teenage girls. Darcy, her sister, Mags, and cousin, Nell, must all handle the secrets that come bubbling to the surface by the end of the summer. Darcy’s determination in the face of adversity will stay with readers; her voice is authentic and her conflicts will be familiar to many young women. The plot unfolds slowly, French has not written a thriller, so much as thoughtful, haunting realistic fiction. French is a Maine author who sets her story against the backdrop of rural Maine blueberry fields, quarry parties, and local fairs. This book explores the complications of modern girlhood in a sophisticated style, put this in the hands of readers who have read Laurie Halse Anderson, A.S. King, and Sara Zarr.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

French, Gillian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062642554

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Kings of the Castle

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

"Kings of the Castle," is a colorful, imaginative picture book with unusual, creative creatures. It is slightly reminiscent of "Where the Wild Things Are." George, a monster, wants to build a sand castle that will be the envy of any other monster. When an unknown creature arises from the sea, George tries hard to befriend the sea creature, but soon discovers that they are unable to communicate. As George is about to give up on making a new friend, George's faithful companion, Boris, carries a stick to the sea creature. The sea creature proceeds to draw a picture of himself (Nepo) and George in the sand. Deciding that perhaps they can be friends after all, George and Nepo build a sand castle together and declare themselves kings of the castle, throughout the night until dawn, when the sea reclaims the castle. In the end, George and Nepo learn that although sea castles can be destroyed, some things CAN last forever - like friendship. This book would be appropriate when discussing the importance of making lasting friendships and perhaps when reading "monster" books! The illustrations are lovely, soft, and engaging.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Turnbull, Victoria

Illustrator: turnbull, Victoria

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692957

Price: 16.99

Behind Closed Doors

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

Josie and Tasha are not exactly friends, but they are both dealing with some tough family issues that they would prefer to keep a secret. Josie is a 15-year-old girl who lives with her mother, an obsessive-compulsive hoarder. Josie has never had a friend over her house and has to shower at school or the community pool because her mother’s hoarding has become so bad that they can’t cook on their stove, see out the windows or use their shower. She can barely fit down the hall to get into her bedroom. Josie wants to run away and have a place of her own. Her paper route helps her buy clothes so she can keep up appearances at school. When Josie’s mother is sent to prison for not paying her taxes, Josie has to figure out how to survive and raise the money to get her out. In the meantime. Tasha has run out of places to stay while trying to get away from her mother’s boyfriend who has started to make sexual advances to Tasha. She ends up running away to Josie’s house. At first, the two are irritated with each other, but eventually they become very close friends as they try to support each other and figure out the mess the adults in their lives have created. The story seems a bit forced in some places but the struggles of both girls will resonate with teens.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Halahmy , Miriam

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436415

Price: 16.95

The Great Granny Cake Contest

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

This second book in the series, Hubble Bubble, finds Pandora’s grandmother creating chaos as usual. Each book in the series contains 3 short stories. The first story follows Granny and Pandora to a museum where Granny decides to bring a few artifacts to life. In the second story, Granny and Pandora enter a baking contest on their favorite TV show. When it is clear that they are not going to win, Granny takes out her magic wand and a food fight breaks out. In the third story, Pandora is having trouble growing carrots for the school contest. When granny tries to help them grow faster, they start growing so fast they pop right out of the ground. Short stories, short chapters and numerous illustrations make this a good beginning chapter book for young readers. The illustrations are full of humor and chaos that will appeal to children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Corderoy , Tracey

Illustrator: Berger , Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow-Imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695033

Price: 14.99

The Super-Spooky Firght Night

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

The first book in a new series, Hubble Bubble, follows the adventures of Pandora and her granny who is a witch. The book contains three stories made up of short chapters and numerous illustrations. In the first story, Pandora is planning a Halloween party with the help of both her grandmothers. Things turn a little crazy when Granny Crow uses her magic to liven things up. From live paper bats to musical broomsticks, the party is full of magic. In the second story, Pandora and her friends visit “Fluffy Friends” to make stuffed teddy bears. Once again, Pandora’s Granny livens things up again by making their fluffy friends come alive. In the third story, Pandora is on a bus with her classmates headed to go swimming when they bus breaks down. It doesn’t take Granny long to use her magic to fix the transportation problem and make swimming lessons an unforgettable experience. These action filled stories accompanied by Berger’s lively illustrations are sure to delight young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Corderoy , Tracey

Illustrator: Berger , Joe

Publisher: Nosy Crow-Imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695026

Price: 14.99

Frederick Douglass: the Lion who Wrote History

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Walter Dean Myers added another important book to his distinguished list of writings before his recent death. Frederick Douglass: The Lion who Wrote History is a powerful picture book biography for children ages 5 to 8. Douglass’ moving life story includes teaching himself to read, escaping slavery, speaking out as a leading abolitionist, advocating for women’s rights, urging President Lincoln to enlist black soldiers into the Union army, and serving in the government after the Civil War. When teachers and parents ask for books about perseverance and grit, here is book you can share with them. Myers does not write down to his young audience. There is no fictionalization, and primary sources are listed at the back. Readers learn of some of the terrible struggles of life as a slave, and this knowledge adds to the reader’s appreciation of what Douglass achieved in his lifetime. The illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award Winner Floyd Cooper add to the book’s appeal. His oil on board paintings softened the story of Douglass’ struggles and provide historical details and emotional depth. This book is highly recommended for all collections. Even those libraries that already have a picture book biography on Douglass will want to consider adding this work.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Myers, Walter Dean

Illustrator: Cooper, Floyd

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060277093

Price: 17.99

Orphan Island

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater Sschool, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

"Orphan Island" is a wonderfully intriguing coming of age book for middle graders. Jinny, the strong and sensitive female protagonist, would make a great character study. Only nine orphans are allowed to live together at one time on Orphan Island per the "rules." Each year a boat mysteriously floats onto the shore of the island bringing one new orphan. At this point the most senior orphan must depart. No one on the island knows where the boat comes from nor do they know its destination. The eldest orphan remaining on the island is responsible for teaching the newest orphan the rules and regulations of living on Orphan Island. Jinny, the protagonist, is terribly conflicted when it's her turn to leave. She wishes to stay with her former charge with whom she has strongly bonded and at the same time she misses her best friend, Dean, who departed the island (without qualms) the year before. Because she defies the rule and chooses to remain on the island, she ends up having two charges for whom she is responsible! And the newer charge certainly gives Jinny a run for her money! Orphan Island, itself, is a metaphor for childhood and the trip on the departing boat represents the unknowable future. Jinny is a strong, independent, risk taking girl who teeters between childhood and adulthood. Jinny's resistance to leaving the island provides wonderful tension and pull throughout the book. Her sensitivity and need still for a safe, secure and familiar environment are most evident in her personal interactions with other orphans. This wonderful coming of age story with an imaginative, unique setting on a wild and beautiful island will quickly draw readers into its mystique. This book would be enjoyed most by girls; however, the male character are interesting and engaging as well.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Snyder, Laurel

Illustrator: Litchfield, map at and jacket cover, David

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/HarperColllins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062443410

Price: 16.99

And Then Comes Summer

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Tom Brenner is the author of And "Then Comes Halloween" and "And Then Comes Christmas." His newest book is an ode to summer. He has captured "summer" in 32 pages. This is a "when and then" book of what summer is about. "When the leaves and grass sparkle, then get out those flip flops." "When you hear the lawn mower, then get your bike out." The author takes the reader through the summer and all that it holds -parades, fireworks, camping trips, all the things this short season offers. Ms Kim has added to the wonder of summer with her soft, kid friendly illustrations that convey the sights and sounds of summer to our youngest readers. This is a must for public libraries and to a school library curriculum about seasons, and either the first book offered after Memorial Day or the last book the teacher reads before sending her students off to explore summer. It is beautifully done.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brenner, Tom

Illustrator: Kim, Jaime

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763660710

Price: 16

Jake the Fake

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

"Jake the Fake," is a hilarious middle grade graphic novel. With cartoon style illustrations on nearly every page, I would recommend this particularly for reluctant reader boys, all boys in general and for fans of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," series. Jake, feeling NOT musically or artistically talented in any way, shape or form, somehow manages to get himself accepted to the Music and Art Academy where his very talented sister is already a senior. Feeling at a loss as to how to interact and be accepted at such a school, Jake develops a plan to "outwierdo" these "weird" kids. When required to participate in the school "talent" show, Jake nearly has a heart attack. He decides to simply stand on the stage but then starts telling some very weird jokes. To his great surprise, his jokes are a huge success and bring down the house. After many congratulations and adulations, Jake says, "I felt like myself, I felt real." This is a book that again reinforces the idea that, in the end, one CAN be successful and happy just by being their true self. When reading "Jake the Fake," kids can relate vicariously to sometimes feeling "out of their own comfort zone" as they relate to Jake's antics.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robinson, Craig

Illustrator: Knight, Kieth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books/Random HOuse

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553523515

Price: 13.99

Mini Science Fun

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me 04039, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

One in the series"Mini Makers," this offering introduces the young scientist to the fun and amazement of science. This volume offers experiments on a small scale- tiny tornado in a bottle, tiny volcano, and a tiny submarine and car to make.Each chapter, including one on "thinking like a scientist" and "being safe" teaches the the reader about a type of science: chemical compound, physics,and electricity and magnetism. The directions are clear and easy to follow, the photographs are clear and support the text. This is a fun "little" book that will make any reader excited about science. There is a glossary and information page in the back. Use with your STEAM curriculum.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Felix, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512426340

Price: 26.65

Boys Dancing: From School Gym to Theater Stage

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Not only are there boys involved in this multi-school production but the boys are highlighted. Yes boys can and do dance, this is an equal opportunity title that is joyful and full of character. Four boys are followed as they progress from school gym dance lessons to a large arena and audience. Individual dance routines celebrate classic children's literature; a theme the dancers and readers understand and identify with.

All the children involved are shown working hard at their passion while their joy radiates off the page. The photography is wonderful, catching dances in the middle of their steps, hops and jumps. Adult child interaction is captured on the page as the teacher student connection evolves. Any child interested in music and dance will find this title exciting. Parents of girls and boys who love music will want to expose their child to this title and to dance lessons. Public Librarians should place this title in their collection. Music teachers in primary schools may well want to add this title to their classroom collection or recommend to the school librarian. Gift Boys Dancing to children who dance through the house and swing to the sound of music.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ancone, George

Illustrator: Ancona, George

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682026

Price: 16.99

the forever garden

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

According to the Author’s note, this story is based loosely on a Talmudic tale that has a message of taking care of the earth and each other. In the forever garden, Honey spends a lot of time in her garden tending her plants. The little girl who lives next door watches Honey from the fence and the window. On nights when Honey eats in the garden, the little girl goes over to enjoy dessert. When Honey announces that she needs to move to take care of her mother, the little girl is concerned about the garden. Honey explains that the garden belongs to everyone and someone else planted there before her. The little girl asks to plant a tree and labels it Honey and Laurel’s tree so that people will know the tree belongs to them. When new neighbors move into Honey’s house, Laurel has to show them how to take care of the garden. The digitally colored pen and ink illustrations are warm and delightful just like this touching tale. This would be a good story to emphasize friendship and taking care of the earth.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Snyder , Laurel

Illustrator: Cotterill , Samantha

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553512731

Price: 17.99

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

It is the 1700's and Henry "Monty" Montague, recently expelled from Eton and threatened with being cut off from his father's estate for "mucking" with the boys, starts his year of a Grand Tour of the Continent in his carelessly delightful and frivolous way. His traveling companions include his fifteen-year-old sister Felicity, his long time best-friend Percy and Lockwood their bear-leader. Felicity is being escorted to finishing school but is secretly studying medicine. Percy is a bi-racial orphan who was adopted and raised with Monty. Percy has kept his epilepsy a secret from Monty until now. Monty's childhood crush on Percy has recently become an all-consuming passion. Lockwood is responsible for travel arrangements, financial transactions and keeping Monty from gambling, sodomy, drinking and embarrassing his father. When Monty is discovered in an extreme position of undress while a guest at Versailles, he compulsively steals a trinket from the Duke of Bourbon that sets the group on an adventure of dangerous proportions. After an ambush on the road that leaves them without Lockwood, the trio regroups and focuses on learning the dark history of the item stolen that puts them in danger. Throughout the action and various cities in Europe, Monty pontificates in his first-person narrative on his deepening desire for Percy, the challenge to his self-centered, privileged view and the risks he needs to take in creating a future outside of the suffocating position of manager of the estate. Along with the historical notes on the Grand Tour, the politics, epilepsy, race relations and queer culture in the 1700's found in the back matter, Lee seamlessly peels back the culture for the reader in each comical,action-packed scenario as Monty matures into his own exasperatingly funny way.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lee, Mackenzi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062382801

Price: 18.99

Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if you ant to Survive the Cafeteria

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

Another tale about the rules you must not break while at school. This time, 5th grader Kyle is very nervous about buying lunch in the cafeteria for the very first time. As he boards the bus and tries to enjoy his book on insects, the very talkative Ginny decides to fill him in on the rules you must not break at the school cafeteria. Of course, Kyle ends up breaking every rule that Ginny warms him about. For starters, He “holds up the line”, takes “too many things”, “aggravates the lunch lady” and “talks to the big kids”. Even after breaking all the rules Kyle manages to survive and informs Ginny he will not be paying attention to any of her rules again. The acrylic illustrations bring the story to life as many of the people he meets are transformed into insects like the book Kyle was reading on the bus. Another successful tale from the rules duo that is sure to be enjoyed by children. Share this with students at the beginning of the year to transform the boring rules conversation into loads of fun!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grandits, John

Illustrator: Austin , Michael

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544699519

Price: 16.99

Patrick and the President

Reviewed by: Margy - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

Both the author and the illustrator of Patrick and the President are from Dublin, and their knowledge of Ireland adds authenticity to this work of biographical fiction in picture book format. All eight grandparents of President Kennedy were born in Ireland, and he visited the county for four days in the spring of 1963. While there he visited a school and a distant relative’s home for a reception. Young readers will get a glimpse of the joy and pride shown during that visit for the American president. “Is it real?” young readers will ask. Yes, President Kennedy really did visit Ireland for four days, and yes he really did go to a school and a relative’s home. But the boy named Patrick is part of a work of fiction, the author’s imagination. He did not exist, but children like him really did get to see and visit briefly with President Kennedy. The author Ryan Tubridy is a Irish talk show host, and the illustrator P.J. Lynch has illustrated several works of historical fiction in picture book format including When Jessie Came Across and Sea and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. His watercolor illustrations are realistic with period details and perspective from history, and they add to the book’s warmth. This book is recommended as a supplemental purchase for libraries that can afford to add a slice of history in story form to complement their nonfiction biographies of President Kennedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tubridy, Ryan

Illustrator: Lynch, P.J.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689490

Price: 16.99

John Deere, That's Who!

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

This picture book biography follows the life of John Deere as he works to improve the plow of the 1830s. Deere is introduced as a blacksmith from Vermont who is experiencing tough times. When Deere’s forge burns, he rebuilds. He is then hit by another fire and is “out of cash and out of Luck.” Deere decides to head west with many other pioneers. He settles in Grand Detour, Illinois and his luck starts to change as his blacksmith services were in great need in the small town. John heard many farmers complaining about the plows though, and he wanted to improve the design. He finally comes up with a new design that helps improve the hard work of plowing the fields. He sends for his family, pays off his debts and the John Deere Company is born. An author’s note provides interesting facts about him and his company. A bibliography and glossary is also included. The illustrations are done with acrylic on plywood and a unique combination of stains and glazes giving it a folk art feel that matches the time period. This book is a good edition to any library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Maurer, Tracy Nelson

Illustrator: Zeltner, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627791298

Price: 17.99

The Treasure Box

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

In the midst of war, Peter and his father are forced to flee their home taking only a book in an iron box with them. As the journey becomes more and more difficult, Peter’s dad becomes ill and dies. Fellow passengers urge Peter to leave the iron box behind but he leaves his suitcase behind instead and takes the box with him. However, as the difficult journey continues, Peter realizes that he will never be able to carry the iron box over the mountains and buries the box by a tree where it will be “safe from bombs and fire.” Peter grows into a man and eventually feels it is safe to return to the tree where he buried the book. A little girl is looks on as he digs up the iron box and opens it. She is shocked that it is only a book as she expected to see a hidden treasure. Peter explains that the book is more valuable than rubies as it explains their heritage. Peter then brings the book back to the city where he used to live. They have built a new library and he places it back on the shelf. No specifics are necessary about the war or the specific refugees as this tale touches your heart about all those who have to flee their beloved country. The end papers appear to be collages of books that were destroyed in the fire, as do some of the illustrations throughout the book. This is a very powerful tale that needs to be shared with all ages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wild , Margaret

Illustrator: Blackwood , Freya

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690847

Price: 16.99

Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Choose Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

Ladies of Liberty introduces primary and mid elementary students to a diverse group of American women who lived from the early 1700s through the early 1800s. Nuns, African Americans, Jews, Native Americans, the rich, the poor, famous and not-so-famous all helped shape our country as outlined in these sixteen biographical sketches. Each woman is given two pages, one a general overview, and the second a brief detail about part of her life. Readers are only given a glimpse of each woman and don’t get emotionally close to the women. By the end of the book, however, children will understand that women of all sorts helped form this country. In this case, the book’s whole may be greater than the parts. Cokie Roberts, the National Public Radio commentator, based this book for children upon her earlier work, Founding Mothers. She researched using journals letters, diaries, and other books. Diane Goode’s pen and ink and pastel sketches add greatly to the book’s appeal. Her illustrations give character including humor and strength to these women, and they highlight details presented in the brief two-page biographies.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Roberts, Cokie

Illustrator: Goode, Diane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060780050

Price: 17.99

Keep a Poem in Your Pocket: Classic Poems and Playful Parodies

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

J. Patrick Lewis, one of the leading children’s poets in America, has selected thirteen poems by famous poets such as Carl Sandburg, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Jack Prelutsky, David McCord, and Langston Hughes to parody. Each poem is presented in its original text and then Lewis’ parody is on the opposite page. As explained in his introduction, his goal is “not to try to write better poems than the originals…but to take a well-known poem and echo it by tweaking and twisting to make it new.” This challenge he gave himself seems to be more successful with the light or happy poems. Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Happy Thought” is charmingly parodied with “Sleepy Thought.” Twisting “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Frost into “Stopping by Fridge on a Hungry Evening” takes a much longer leap. The acrylic and ink illustrations by Johanna Wright portray a group of diverse children and add to the book’s light and humorous feel. The parodies would be most appreciated by children who know the original, classic poems and who might want to create their own parodies.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewis, J. Patrick

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Wordsong

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789216

Price: 17.95

Get Coding!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

This book was written by a group of techy kids from around the world known as Young Rewired State. It is written in a way that is very engaging and challenging, and appropriate for kids grade 4 and up. As the reader works their way through various "missions" they learn to write code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript these being the most important programming languages to know for building websites, building programs and apps and games. The goal of each mission is for the learn to continue to develop their programming skills as they work to complete each mission. In the beginning you are given a brief history of computer programming, the different parts of computer programming, and information on some of the leaders in the field. They explain how to use the book, key skills you need to know written out in detail. I feel this book will be a great learning tool and resource for anyone wanting to learn how to write code.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rewired State, Young

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692766

Price: 12.99

The Lost Kingdom of the Bamarre

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This story is about a young girl Peregrine, that was taken away from her family when just a toddler and raised by a wealthy, powerful lord and lady. Perry, that is her nick name, was so little when it happened that she doesn't remember anything about her family or her past life. That is until a fairy visits her, and tells her that she is a Bamarre, the very people her adoptive father despises and treats as if they were worthless. Now Perry has to decide what to do with that information. This is really good fantasy. The fact that the reader knows all about Perry's past from the get-go will grab their interest and make them want to find out what will happen if and when Perry finds out. This story has a very fairy tale like feel to it. It also has a few twists and quite a bit of adventure. There definitely is fighting and death in the story so don't pick this one up if you are looking for a sweet, mild fairy tale/fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Levine, Gail Carson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062074669

Price: 16.99

Emmett's Pig

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

This is the "I Can Read" 60th anniversary edition of the classic "I can read" book first published in 1959. This current edition is identified as level 2, Reading with Help or Guided Reading Level K. Emmett lives in an apartment building in the city, but dreams of owning a pig and being a pig farmer someday. His obsession with pigs motivates his mother and pipe-smoking father to purchase a pig for him that will live on a farm in the country. This edition has preserved the longer chapters with multiple sentences per page found in the original story, as well as, Williams' signature artwork. This anniversary edition contains a letter from the Editor-in-Chief to parents and back matter that includes a history of "I can Read" titles on a timeline. It also contains sketches and original story layouts for some of the popular characters in the series throughout the years. Suggested for libraries looking to update their easy reader copy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stolz, Mary

Illustrator: Williams, Garth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062655264

Price: 9.99

Hockey an Introduction to Being a Good Sport

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2017

Review

A good book for the young child who is getting started in the sport. There are many tips and tricks for the player along with a story to move them through the book. The reader will learn about rules, some fun facts, and skills needed to play the game. Most importantly good sportsmanship and team play are well addressed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Derr, Aaron

Illustrator: Kelly, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781634401319

Price: 26.99

Older Than Dirt

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - m, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2017

Review

An interesting, informative story about the formation of earth told by a very knowledgeable ground hog and a clever and very smart earth worm! The reader learns how the earth was the result of a Big Bang that left a cloud of dust and and gases. Formation of continents and oceans and rivers are all described in easy to understand terms with simple graphics and explanations. Humor is sprinkled throughout and the story moves right along. I found this to be a wonderfully informative book and a great way to get the reluctant reader turned on to science and reading! I hope there are more books like this!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dr. Mike Perfit, Dan Brown &

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544805033

Price: 18.99

The Golden Compass - Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2017

Review

A well known, well loved story is now in graphic novel form. Having read the book with an all boys book group I have to say the graphic version is MUCH easier and more enjoyable to read. I think that group of boys would have liked the book WAY better if this version had been available back then. The whole story is here - all the daemons, armored polar bears and the alethiometer are here and in force! This volume has the full journey of Lyra to the far north, her rescue of kidnapped children and her escape by a hot-air balloon. And Lord Asriel's drive to build a bridge to another world. This will be a great addition to any collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pullman, Philip

Illustrator: Melchior, adapted by Stephane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535167

Price: 21.99

Venturess

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2017

Review

This is the second book in the "Mechanica" series. Nicolette (Nick) has established a workshop in the village through her own mechanical skills and the mysterious dark properties of ashes that she inherited from her mother. The people believe that Nick is engaged to Fin, the prince of Esting, in this "after" happy ending Cinderella story. After an attempt on Fin's life, Nick uncovers the hidden plot by Fitz to spur the king to go to war with Faerie using soldier automatons, even ones impersonating Fin and Nick. When a cryptic letter from her beloved housekeeper arrives for Nick requesting her assistance in Faerie, the Nick, Fin and Caro make the treacherous journey by airship with Nick' s menagerie of automatons hidden on board. As the fey in Faerie evaluate Nick and company's trustworthiness, dark secrets are revealed that force Nick to make some heartbreaking decisions. The interconnectedness between the three friends/lovers may be confusing for those who have not read the first book. In this installment, the three share a bed throughout their time in Faerie and it is clear the three have a loving bond, but nothing sexual is discussed. Some readers may find navigating the pronouns for Faerie folk a bit challenging. Fans of the first book and steampunk will enjoy the details and abilities of the automatons, airships and the adventure that ensues.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cornwell, Betsy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544319271

Price: 17.99

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2017

Review

It's a few days before Christmas and the biracial Vanderbeekers family with two parents, five kids ranging from ages 4 to 12, and a menagerie of animals are given the terrible news that their landlord, Mr. Beiderman, will not be renewing their lease to the Brownstone apartment in Harlem. Mr. B. has been a recluse during the six years that family has lived there and no one in the family has met his face-to-face. Drawing on their individual strengths and talents, the children try in their different and comical ways to influence his decision to change his mind. As the deadline to move looms, information about "the Beiderman's" recent past changes the motives in the children's actions and influences the predictable tear-jerking outcome. Attending a first eighth-grade dance, sibling conflicts and past family tragedy are weaved into the warm and cozy relationship that the Vanderbeekers have with each other and the close knit neighborhood around them. This would be a perfect read aloud for the holidays. Fans of the "Penderwicks" series should add this title to their reading list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Glaser, Karina Yan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544876392

Price: 16.99

Space Runners: The Moon Platoon

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2017

Review

Refreshingly nice and adventurous Benny has won a scholarship that will take him to the moon. . On the cover Kraatz offers an accurate representation of the mode of transportation and provides a peak at the four main characters. As the first of a new series this book sets the background, reveals the environment, and introduces earth and moon dwelling characters. Benny surrounds himself with tech minded young women and an entitled young man. Somehow these unlikely friends come to life in the adventure scenes as they fly through space in mind boggling vehicles. There is a lot of imagination within these pages, images are held together by good writing.

Adventure and science fiction readers will enjoy this read even as they wish such a compound existed. The author has penned a book that will be respected by girls as well as boys for its honest approach to loyalty and teamwork. Space Runner: The Moon Platoon reveals a setting that appeals, characters that intrigue and a story line which leaves room for sequels. Intermediate schools should look at the series and public libraries who collect science fiction will want to purchase this book as well as its sequels.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kraatz, Jeramey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062445971

Price: 16.99

In the Middle of Fall

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 19, 2017

Review

Large painted illustrations are joined by simple yet descriptive text in this lovely offering. Even the little mouse hanging on the sunflower speaks of the change of seasons. As a concept book this title stands out from other fall offerings. Henkes explains what changes take place in a clear and simple text while Dronzek complements the concepts with beautiful detailed illustrations. Animals dot the two page spreads adding comfort and delight to the text. Families living in northern states will cherish this pictorial of fall as it is viewed from their own windows. Southern residence are sure to envy the colors of a northern fall. Primary schools and public libraries will want to add this picture book to their collections. Art teachers will appreciate a copy gifted to them. In the Middle of Fall is an excellent read aloud and story time book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Henkes, Kevin

Illustrator: Dronzek, Laura

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062573117

Price: 17.99

Making Bombs for Hitler

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2017

Review

Lida is a nine year-old Ukrainian girl who is taken along with her sister by the Nazis. She is separated from her sister when she is knocked unconscious, and awakes to find herself on a train headed towards a labor camp. The horror of work camp life not glossed over, and Lida is subjected to incredibly cruel living conditions. She finds solace in repeating her mother's phrase "you can make beauty anywhere" and in her job at the laundry as the camp's only seamstress. Her impressive skill with a needle and thread get her noticed by Nazi officials, who then have her sent with other girls from the camp to make bombs in a factory every day, until the camp is liberated after the war.

Although Lida is a nine year-old, she speaks and acts much more maturely for her age, and the details of camp life seem appropriate for an older audience. However, the book is written for a younger reader, which makes this title tricky to assign to one specific age group. This would be a good title to give to a lower-level reader who is studying or interested in World War II fiction. Plot points and backstory, such as how Lida and her sister were taken by the Nazis in the first place even though they are Ukrainian, are glossed over, and little explanation for her parents' deaths are given. This can be slightly disorienting for a reader who does not have enough prior knowledge about the time period, but the storyline will keep readers engaged. Recommended for middle school students.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Skrypuch, Marsha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545931915

Price: 17.99

Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2017

Review

In this third book of the series, Arlo and Andrea (from the My Weird School" series) have a conversation on a number of different historical topics. For instance - did you know that neither Thomas Jefferson nor John Adams actually signed the Constitution or that Baseball was invented before the Civil War, but then the civil war brought about it's wide spread popularity? You will learn these and many other interesting facts about American History in this fun read. This book could be used in the classroom for some fun fact finding our independent reading. The kids will get some good information but also a laugh or two while they are reading it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306241

Price: 16.99

Poison - Deadly Deeds and Perilous Professions

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2017

Review

Take some history, throw in some chemistry and ask the question whodunit and you have a great read that will keep the attention of even the most reluctant of readers. The book starts with an introduction to poisons - did you know that in the early 20th century Coca-Cola had a jolt of cocaine in it? Doctors use to use poisons to try and heal their patients? Each chapter contains a Tox Box that highlights a single poison and it's properties. Did you know that Fowler's Solution (a combination of arsenic trioxide, alcohol, and lavender water) that was introduced by Dr. Thomas Fowler in the 1780's was prescribed for a host of aliments by many a doctor. In the short term it may have been effective, but in the long term it could give the patient cancer. It remained on pharmacy shelves into the 1950"s! A very entertaining narrative of the history of poisons, and their applications.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Albee, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101932230

Price: 17.99

Forever Or A Long Long Time

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2017

Review

Flora is 10 and her brother Julian, 9. They have been adopted and have been with their forever family for 2 years. They were in the foster system for several years and experienced some good times and many scary, nearly neglectful and injurious times. They have memories, or more accurately, feelings of things that happened before they came to be adopted. Convinced that they were never born as they have no baby pictures and no memories of being born and feeling that a real mother would never have disappeared, they entertain several theories of how they came into existence; they came from the sea, from blood, from chaos. They are waiting constantly to be sent to another home and, therefore, are always frightened. Julian hides food as he is afraid he will never have enough; Flora loses her words and simply cannot communicate. When Mom and Dad announce that they are to have a new baby, one that will be born in a natural way, the children decide that there will never be enough love to go around and that they will become superfluous and will lose the love they have guardedly learned to expect. When their Mom takes them on a quest to find out all that happened to the children in their younger years and how they came to be in the system, the definition of family is questioned. There are some extremely sad revelations about what transpired in some of the kids' placements that made this reader angry and tearful. I very much recommend this book for anyone aged 8 and above, even or maybe especially adults. I nominate this for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Carter, Caela

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062385680

Price: 16.99

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 25, 2017

Review

This is a great book to use as a read aloud. It is a series of short stories that was written by Terry Pratchett when he was 17 years old. Many of the stories have very humorous foo notes. In the Witch's Vacuum Cleaner, there is a conjuror who gets a spell cast on himself. He now can do real magic, but he has no control over it. The story says, " ... was generally very good at that sort of magic that's learned by hard practice in front of a mirror." The footnote says, " And even harder in front of people, for not many mirrors shout things like"Rubbish!" And if your mirror does, you probably don't need to worry about whether or not you can learn to do magic tricks. Knowing how to run away very fast would be a more useful skill." There are fourteen stories in the book. It was published in 2016, but the cover was published in 2017.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pratchett, Terry

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006265309116

Price: 18.99

Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

Expertly written by Smith and beautifully illustrated by Tavares, this book tells that story of the exploits of early balloonists around the turn of the 19th century, and, specifically, of Sophie Armant Blanchard, first woman to pilot a balloon alone. Sophie lived at a time when women were not encouraged to leave the home, so the fact that she dared to soar above the world was remarkable! Sophie caught the flying bug as a girl watching birds dip and dive over ocean. When she met balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, she realized that her dream could be fulfilled, her passion fed; she could soar with the birds. The Blanchards were caught up in the headiness of drifting above the Earth, lighter than air. With luminescent illustrations by Tavares, this cross-discipline story, part biography, part history of early flight, will appeal to readers interested in stories of little known, strong women in history, and those enamored of stories about the engineering of flight, or can be used in a biographical study in class, or as a read aloud in a story time focused on great feats, unknown people in history, or perserverance (since Sophie didn't give up despite strong opposition to her flying). Give to readers of Wright Brothers stories or pair with the Science Comics GN Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared, or with stories of strong girls like Drum Dream Girl. Includes an author's note and an illustrator's note along with a selected bibliography for further reading. An excellent addition to a library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Matthew Clark

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677329

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Escape from Funland

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2017

Review

The Talaska family just love to enter contests and usually have pretty good luck. The newest contest is sponsored by a defunct clown-filled amusement park called Funland. If the family wins the contest,the clowns will turn their house which is in dangerous disrepair into a house full of fun with carousels, slides, a hall of mirrors and all sorts of wacky rides. In order to win the first step of the contest, the family must secure hundreds of likes. This is a cute story about a family that always work together toward a shared goal with senses of humor intact. It also teaches a lesson and that is that likes are not necessarily from true friends; true friends step up to help when it is truly needed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doyle, Bill

Illustrator: Jack, Colin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521818

Price: 15.99

Maisy's Bus

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2017

Review

In this colorful and sturdy boardbook, Maisy is driving a busload of friends to the beach; familiar friends including Dotty, Cyril and Tallulah are on board. The illustrations are bold and simple, just what we have come to expect from a Maisy offering. The book is shaped somewhat like a bus and will withstand many hours of happy listening and handling by baby and toddler hands. This is one you must consider for your collection, public or private.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763694067

Price: 5.99

Itty Bitty

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 26, 2017

Review

This sturdy boardbook will appeal especially to kids enamored of tiny things. Itty Bitty is actually a tiny, tiny dog. He comes across a huge bone and decides to make it into a home. He chews a doorway, windows, and then eats all of the inside of the bone. It seems huge and he needs furniture, curtains, and the like, so he travels to a department store but everything there is way too huge, but then he finds the Teeny-Weeny Department which is filled with everything he needs in exactly the right sizes! Illustrated in bright colors in a simple fashion, this book will be one that little ones will definite request over and over. This might be a wonderful choice for a family that is planning a move and trying to calm anxious little ones who might not be too thrilled with the plan.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693138

Price: 6.99

Lights, Camera, COOK!

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2017

Review

I have been known to watch more than a few episodes of the reality show Top Chef Junior. And it could very well be that behind the scenes on that show is much as it is depicted in this book, but I don't know.... The story takes place around 4 kids who are chosen to be contestants on a TV cooking show for kids. There's confident Caroline, hyper Tate, nervous Rae and wow over the top Oliver. Who do you think gets eliminated first? These foodie kids get put through the paces of being on a cooking show and all that entails. Besides testing their cooking skills and food knowledge, the producer also puts them through interview challenges, and tries to get Rae and Oliver to get "into it" on camera to create "good TV". Not very nice! This is an easy to read book with plenty of illustrations. I think the real foodie kid will keep with the series to find out who wins it all.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Blard-Quintard, Aurelie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544912601

Price: 12.99

No Good Deed

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2017

Review

Connolly presents a modern day time-travel tale that puts a twist on the Robin Hood Legend. While on a break from the Archery Olympic trials, U.S. citizen Ellie goes exploring in the ruins of Nottingham Castle and finds herself in the medieval time of Prince John and the fingered as an outlaw by the Sheriff of Nottingham. As Ellie flees from one escalating situation to another, various characters are introduced that correspond to the characters surrounding the Robin Hood legend. Medieval clothing, code of knights and the poverty conditions of the villages are explored in detail. Adventures, medieval politics and hints of romance make this a light-hearted time travel romp that ends with a happily ever after promise. Readers looking for explanations for the time travel enigma will be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Connolly, Kara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743938

Price: 17.99

Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2017

Review

This is the eighth installment in the Judy Moody and Friends series. The layout is for new readers with three longer chapters, large font and Madrid's color illustrations on full page spreads throughout the book. Third grader Judy Moody begins to question whether the tooth fairy is real when on the playground her friend overhears a fifth-grader saying that they don't exist. Judy enlists Stink and his wiggly tooth to prove that the tooth fairy exists. After a few attempts, the tooth pops out and is strategically placed under his pillow that night with Judy secretly waiting to see the tooth fairy. Luckily for Judy, when it seems like the tooth fairy did not come and the parents are informed for the first time, the tooth fairy makes an appearance the next night. Readers who still buy into the tooth fairy will be allowed to further their own narrative with this story line. Content includes the tooth fairy's going rate for a tooth as $3.70 and Stink having plans to buy a raffle ticket with his earnings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763691677

Price: 12.99

Ruby Rose, Big Bravos

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

"Ruby Rose, Big Bravos," is a wonderful book for exemplifying the importance of patience and persistence. The star of the story is a determined little girl protagonist with a very supportive teddy bear.

One day, Ruby Rose and/or her teddy bear, Bearishnikov, decide to have a dance recital. (Whose idea it really was is questionable.) Ruby's Dad is not thrilled with the idea and does not want the house messed up. Despite this, Ruby forges on and is able to surmount most of the obstacles that come her way until just before the performance when it begins to pour rain. Nobody but Dad shows up for the show. Ruby is devastated and she and Bearishnikov return to her room. Suddenly, their is a knock on her door. Dad appears and says "showtime!" After consulting with Bearishnikov, they decide that they can't let down their fans (even if it's only one) down and that the show must go on. Suddenly, Ruby hears a loud "clap, clap," which she believes is thunder. When Ruby returns to the stage, she discovers that a little rain did not deter her fans from coming to her recital after all.

Bright, colorful cartoon like illustrations fill the pages of this story. A great little read to demonstrate that one doesn't have to let a little rain ruin their parade.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Rob

Illustrator: Ohi, Debbie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER? Harpe rCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062235718

Price: 15.99

Daddies are Awesome

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

This sturdy boardbook celebrates Dads and all that they do for their little ones. Many different breeds of dogs are pictured with their puppies playing,kissing,reading, and cuddling. The illustrations are simple and playful and incorporate lots of white space. The rhyming text makes this a good read-aloud. This will be a book that little ones will request again and again. Consider for your collection, perhaps especially for little ones who love dogs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Costain, Meredith

Illustrator: Lovsin, Polona

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250107206

Price: 7.99

Halloween ABC

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

This extremely sturdy boardbook is an ABC book and every single word is a Halloween related word: bats, ghost, nightmare,quiver,zombie, etc. Each page is extremely colorful, shows the letter in both upper and lower-case, and illustrates the chosen word in bold and simple colors. This is definitely a book that little ones will enjoy learning their alphabet from...just a tiny big scary but not at all horrifying.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ho, Jannie

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695279

Price: 6.99

Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

This I Can Read level 1 beginner reader brings back Clark the Shark and his assorted fishy friends: Benny Blowfish, Ella Jellyfish, and Joey Mackerel just to name a few. Everyone is extremely worried about having to give book reports but Clark is filled with confidence; his report will be the best ever. Teacher Mrs. Inkydink,who is an octopus, urges her students to "be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart." When Clark starts his oral report off with a joke, it seems that all will be well, but he suddenly freezes and forgets all that he was going to say. What to do, what to do. The illustrations are expressive and amusing; Clark sports his signature red and white striped t-shirt and red cap and all of his friends are appropriately attired for the classroom. At the end of the book are three bite-sized facts about sharks that young readers will find of interest. Consider this for your youngsters ready to tackle simple sentences.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Bruce

Illustrator: Francis, Guy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062279132

Price: 16.99

Flat Stanley and the Missing Pumpkins

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

Flat Stanley and his brother Arthur are off for two weeks at Uncle Bob and Aunt Sue's farm. Plus they will get to go to the county fair. Aunt Sue bakes wonderful pies and is always trying to fatten Stanley up, even though he says he is not skinny, he's just flat! Cousin Billy, Stanley, and Arthur help around the farm. Uncle Bob is trying to catch whoever is stealing his pumpkins, so Stanley decides to act as a scarecrow to unveil the culprits. When he uncovers the thieves, everyone is very surprised. Cartoonish illustrations make this very appealing for level 2 readers who are developing their skills. Who doesn't love Flat Stanley? Add this to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Jeff

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062365989

Price: 16.99

Muddle & Mo

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

Muddle is the duck and Mo the goat in this brief and amusing picture book. Almost all of the pages display one bright yellow duck and one zany white goat against a solidly blue background also showing a few words. This uncluttered page design entreats listeners to notice the changes in expressions on Muddle and Mo. The words are mostly Muddles who perhaps because the two are best friends believes Mo is also a duck. Observations by Muddle such as "Your feet don't waddle." or "You have a wonky tail." are laugh out loud funny to three to five year olds unfamiliar with the word wonky as they are. First published in New Zealand, this is a delightful story about friendship best for all ages three years old and up and up and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slade Robinson, Nikki

Illustrator: , the author

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544716124

Price: 14.99

Baabwaa and Wooliam

Reviewed by: connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

A truly wonderful, hilarious tale combined with the expressive, detailed, and eye-catching illustrations of Melissa Sweet. This tongue in cheek tale of two bored sheep, Wooliam and Baabwaa, (whose favorite past times are knitting and reading) decide that they are ready for an adventure. Suddenly a sheep, in wolf's clothing, whom, by the way, Wooliam has read about in his books, approaches Baabwaa and Wooliam and declares that "he" will be their adventure. But the wolf becomes curious about the fact that Wooliam has read something about "him" in a book and wants to know more. The wolf becomes humiliated when Wooliam suggests that the wolf doesn't know "how" to read. Baabwaa tells the wolf that that Wooliam would be happy to teach him to read and that she can knit him a new coat to replace the "disgraceful" one that he is wearing. In between lessons, the sheep chases the two sheep around the field because "he is just following his nature," says Baabwaa." Baabwaa decides its good for them as they've spent too much time reading and knitting anyway. In the end the wolf (in his newly knit bright red sweater) suggests that the two "chattercheeks' be still as he is reading.

This is a fun story. Children will enjoy the dry wit and humor. It would be a wonderful book to read when children are studying fairy tales and reading new modern day twists on them.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763660741

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Baabwaa and Wooliam

Reviewed by: connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

A truly wonderful, hilarious tale combined with the expressive, detailed, and eye-catching illustrations of Melissa Sweet. This tongue in cheek tale of two bored sheep, Wooliam and Baabwaa, (whose favorite past times are knitting and reading) decide that they are ready for an adventure. Suddenly a sheep, in wolf's clothing, whom, by the way, Wooliam has read about in his books, approaches Baabwaa and Wooliam and declares that "he" will be their adventure. But the wolf becomes curious about the fact that Wooliam has read something about "him" in a book and wants to know more. The wolf becomes humiliated when Wooliam suggests that the wolf doesn't know "how" to read. Baabwaa tells the wolf that that Wooliam would be happy to teach him to read and that she can knit him a new coat to replace the "disgraceful" one that he is wearing. In between lessons, the sheep chases the two sheep around the field because "he is just following his nature," says Baabwaa." Baabwaa decides its good for them as they've spent too much time reading and knitting anyway. In the end the wolf (in his newly knit bright red sweater) suggests that the two "chattercheeks' be still as he is reading.

This is a fun story. Children will enjoy the dry wit and humor. It would be a wonderful book to read when children are studying fairy tales and reading new modern day twists on them.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, David

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763660741

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Journeys Young Readers' Letters to Authors Who Changed Their Lives

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

Journeys contains fifty two letters grouped in three parts: upper elementary, middle school and high school written by students in grades four through twelve. The letters reveal how a particular book changed the student's view of the world or of themselves or both. Each letter briefly describes the letter writer and summarizes the chosen book. Journeys does not appear to be a book that would be readily picked up by students. It has no illustrations and no immediate and easily accessible list of the fifty titles chosen. Journeys is instead recommended to those adults, teachers and other professionals who may not be aware of this competitive program offered by the Library of Congress Center for the Book that receives thousands of the letters each year. A copy of Journeys in school and public libraries where it could be discussed might inspire classes to write their own letters.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

edited by Catherine Gourley, Library of Congress Center for the Book

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681012

Price: 18.99

Tea with Oliver

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

"Tea with Oliver" is written and illustrated by Milka Song. The illustrations are captioned, outlined in black and fairly light colored. The expression of the characters is simple but revealing and expressive. Oliver the cat wishes to have tea with someone. A mouse, named Philbert, is willing to have tea with Oliver but is too shy and hides underneath Oliver's couch. Philbert, attempting to gain Oliver's attention, first writes Oliver an invitation to have tea and pushes it out onto the floor. Oliver doesn't see the note and promptly sweeps it back under the couch. Next Philbert tries sending the tea invitation by making it into a paper airplane. But Oliver thinks it's only a bug and brushes it away. Finally, Oliver's friends arrive and announce they're having a party at his house, but no one is the least bit interested in having tea. And, to top it all off, as Oliver tries to entice his visitors to have tea by bringing out a trayful of teacups, he gets bumped by a "cha-cha-ing" guest whereby the teacups all go smashing onto the floor. Oliver is ready to give up when, lying down on the floor, he is able to see Philbert underneath the couch. This time, Philbert introduces himself personally and hands the written tea invitation to Oliver. This is a "clever" short story about the friendship between Oliver the cat and Philbert the mouse. It begs to be read several times over and will leave it's readers smiling with a satisfying ending.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Song, Milka

Illustrator: Song, Milka

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062429483

Price: 17.99

What's Your Favorite Color?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

This companion book to What's Your Favorite Animal is a charming and colorful addition to any library. Each of the fifteen artist provide a two page spread that illustrates and explains their favorite color. Readers get a glimpse of the illustrator's personality as they read each entry be they short or fill a page. The presentation is pleasing and enlightening; this book is sure to entertain readers of all ages. As a librarian it is fun to see individual artist preferences.

Carle has created this book in support of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Located in Western MA this is a wonderful day or vacation trip destination for families and professions. Public libraries, primary school media centers, classroom teachers, and art teachers will want this book included in their collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carle and Friends, Eric

Illustrator: Various,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Godwin Books (Henry Holt and Co.)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805096149

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Brrr! Brrr!:

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

Written with the toddler in mind this is a good example of an interactive yet simple book for the 1-2 year old child. The art work is interesting, colorful, and representative of the wild and cold animal habitat. Using one simple question a child's curiosity is aroused. In most instances once the flap is raised that animal utters its recognizable sound. This reader wonders why the author selected the word splash for the whale. The wolf entry surpasses expectation with its double flap revealing an adult wolf and then three cubs.

A good selection for families who love the outdoors and for public libraries who collect board books.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Braun, Sebastien

Illustrator: Braun, Sebastien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696221

Price: 8.99

King of the Bench; No Fear

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 4, 2017

Review

Steve introduces himself as a bench-warmer on the first page of this humorous middle age book. Readers need not feel sorry for our fledgling athlete as he has a strong self-image and knows his value. There are however many situations when he is scared of both the ball and larger players. Readers will laugh with Steve as he suffers embarrassment purchasing a cup in the sporting store, is teased by the top player, and has to sit beside the Coach Earwax on the team bus.

Full of silly pen and ink illustrations this is a great read for Wimpy Kid followers. The age of the readers will mostly be younger than the middle school characters but that leaves room for 11 and 12 year old reluctant readers. Add this to grade 3-5 school media centers and to public libraries. Gift to aspiring athletes who are not naturals but appreciate humor. This book has heart and humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Steve

Illustrator: Moore, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062203304

Price: 13.99

York

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

This intelligent cipher story is a well-crafted but dense read. Coming in at a whopping 476 pages, and using sophisticated vocabulary and ideas, the book is for a strong reader who can stick with a rambling, but intriguing plotline told through several characters' voices. The story centers around a cryptic game called the Old York Cipher which was created in the mid-1800s by a brilliant brother/sister team, Theresa and Theodore Morningstarr. In current day York, a world reminiscent or/parallel to New York City, another brother/sister team Tess and Theo are about to be evicted from their beloved apartment in one of the last remaining Morningstarr buildings. The city has promised to sell all five of the buildings to single-minded, somewhat shady developer Darnell Slant, who is looking to move the city into the future. In a desperate effort to save their historic building, Tess and Theo, along with Jaime, a fellow classmate and current tenant of their building, go on a quest to solve the heretofore unsolvable cipher. And Ruby's plotting lets the reader know that the game chooses its players so the kids may really be onto something. Unfortunately, the kids are moments too late in a twist of an ending that will lead to Book 2. Give to readers of The Westing Game or The Mysterious Benedict Society series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruby, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062306937

Price: 17.99

Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

A beautifully colored GN for the older MG/YA readers. There are a few references that might confound younger readers or be considered offensive (medieval torture devices, dying a virgin, use of "damned", severance pay), plus elements like cursive writing which can be difficult for younger readers to decipher; and while language, alone, would not make it totally inappropriate for a younger reader, there is a sophistication and complexity of plot that might stop a less practiced reader. Told in homage to a knight's quest, Rickety is a skeletal troubador wandering the land with his buddy Gelatinous Goo. He cannot remember who he was before or what he seeks, but his dreams are haunted by a tune, "The Road to Epoli". When wandering the land, Rickety and Goo come upon an imp who dangles the possibilty of information, and a bed for the night, from his liege, the King of Grimly Wood, but the travellers find that they are, instead, intended for the main course of the King's dinner. Rickety is tricked into performing an unsavory task for the King in exchange for Goo's life. He crosses paths with L. Nerman Fuddle, a gnome that the King is convinced should be his next meal, and Xorgana the unicorn, protector of the Wood, and discovers that there is more to his story than he can remember. The end of the book sees Rickety setting off with renewed vigor on the quest to uncover more of his backstory. Filled with lush illustrations, subtle humor, a gorgeous cover, and the promise of more adventure to come, this book will fly off the shelf.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Costa, Ben

Illustrator: Park, James

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399556135

Price: 18.99

Backyard Witch: Maya's Story

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

The third collaboration between Heppermann and Ron Koertge, this volume of the Backyard Witch series focuses on Maya and her struggle after losing the spelling bee to one of her best friends, Sadie. Maya's identity is tied to her spelling success, so losing makes her sad and causes her to question who she is without the "best speller" moniker. Cue Ms. M, the Backyard Witch of the title - though this time she shows up as the substitute librarian. Ms. M distracts Maya with a ghostly mystery in the library and, through helping Ms. M solve the mystery, a bit of quiet kindness to her brother, and the magic of some mnemonics, Maya does get past the hurt of losing and recognizes that she can try again in next year's spelling bee. Short chapters, age-appropriate vocabulary, and a message that doesn't hit the reader over the head make this book a hit. It should be shared with 2nd/3rd grader readers. The entire series is worth investing in; hopefully, there will be a fourth book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hepperman, Christine

Illustrator: Marcero, Deborah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062338440

Price: 16.99

Animal Crackers

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

The illustrations in this elementary-level GN are lovely, vibrant and colorful and filled with adorable (not scary) clowns and circus animals, but the story suffers from too much authorial voice. Sava offers too much exposition, especially in a GN where the story can be SHOWN as much as told. Owen, his sister Zoe, and their Uncle Doug go to the circus. Zoe discovers that she has a knack for talking with animals and learns that they are unhappy (they were stolen from the zoo?). The word "dumb" is used over and over to describe the animals; this won't sit well with many young readers. Cue the evil ringmaster who attempts to sic his acrobatic henchmen on the three innocent circus watchers so that he can kidnap them and use Zoe's skill to his financial advantage (how was he going to get away with this?). Cue the gypsy Esmerelda who gives Owen a box of magic animal crackers so that he can fight the ringmaster (why couldn't she fight him herself?). Everything is told point-blank with zero intrigue unfolding for the reader and no explanation is given about the ringmaster or the backstory of the circus. The plot is appealing, but it needed more crafting and editing. Kids deserve more nuanced, intelligent storytelling.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Sava, Scott Christian

Illustrator: Acton, Alison

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626729353

Price: 15.99

Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2017

Review

Not sure about the audience on this GN. The topic is the circus and as a prequel to Animal Crackers, which felt aimed up upper elementary readers, it seems like it should be written for the same audience, but the language and action in this book are a bit saltier. The opening scene is between a boy, Owen, and his parents and they are all very snippy with one another. Then, upon arriving at the circus, there is a large line of people waiting and everyone gets yelled at by the man in charge. Then an out-of-control clown arrives, almost runs Owen over, and admits that he is there to take Owen and Owen's parents let him go off with this wild clown. The action from there is frenetic and completely unbelievable and much of it is not really explained. There is a dastardly plot to take over the circus from Buffalo Bob, Owen's uncle, by Contorto. The plan hinges on the fact that the animals are missing from the circus. Of course, Owen finds the magic animal crackers and makes a good show of running through the list of animals from an elephant to a mouse to a rhino to a bear. Readers not too concerned with believable plot; those who just want 100% adrenaline from their story, could be entertained by this book.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Sava, Scott Christian

Illustrator: Holmes, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626725041

Price: 15.99

The Other F-Word

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Milo and Hollis met once when they were in second grade. They are bonded together by a father they have never met: sperm donor #9677. Although, Hollis does not like to think about being a “lab experiment”, Milo thinks about it all the time. He reconnects with Hollis seven years later to let her know that he has been on “The Donor Progeny Project” and he has found out that they have siblings. Together, Hollis and Milo connect with their siblings and after much research and discussion, they all decide to make contact with their sperm donor who had indicated that he was open to future contact. The rest of the story is full of discovery for Milo and Hollis, the dual narrators. The other three siblings are very tangential to the story, but this is not a serious flaw. Authentic dialogue, a well-paced plot, and genuine emotion without melodrama will appeal to many readers. This book should be part of every collection serving YA. Diverse family situations become more common every day and teens will appreciate seeing all types of families represented in their literature.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Friend, Natasha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374302344

Price: 17.99

Matthew Espinosa: More Than Me

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Matthew Espinosa had millions of followers on social media by the age of nineteen. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be creative. He was always making his family laugh, making videos for class, and talking too much in class. When he discovers YouTube, he has a bigger audience and becomes “instafamous”. Since then, Espinosa has made movies but mostly seems to be a star of social media. He shares his experiences with celebrity and answers personal questions in the #AskMatt sections of the book.This autobiography is filled with large pictures and bold graphics targeted to appeal to Generation Z. Although Espinosa promises to share an entirely different side of himself in this book, most of the information is very superficial and seems polished for public relations purposes. This is an additional purchase. Buy only if your library patrons are followers of Espinosa.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Espinosa, Matthew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062490803

Price: 19.99

Eagle Strike: The Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Eagle Strike is the fourth book in the popular Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz (story adapted by Anthony Johnston for the graphic novel).The graphic novel format stays true to the original novels and brings the action and suspense to life with colorful, action-packed graphics. Alex Rider, a young MI6 agent, is on vacation when he is thrust back into danger after a failed assassination attempt. He is busy trying to save the world from an evil super villain while trying to find out the truth about his father’s death. The two illustrators, Kanako and Yuzuru, two sisters from Japan, worked together to create the artwork. Most pages are multiple panels of varying size. There is a manga-like quality to the illustrations, especially in the fight scenes. This graphic novel series will be popular with readers of the novels and conversely, it might be a good stepping stone to the novels for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horowitz, Anthony

Illustrator: Damerum, Kanako

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692552

Price: 14.99

Scorpia: The Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Eagle Strike is the fifth book in the popular Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz (story adapted by Anthony Johnston for the graphic novel).The graphic novel format stays true to the original novels and brings the action and suspense to life with colorful, action-packed graphics.Alex Rider, a young MI6 agent, is on a school trip to Italy for nefarious purposes. He is looking to uncover the secret of Scorpia. The plot he uncovers is as evil as any James Bond story. Alex also uncovers the truth about his father, but the cliffhanger ending will create more questions and leave readers desperate to read the next in the series. The illustrations were created by Emma Vieceli and colored by Kate Brown. Most pages are multiple panels of varying size. There is a manga-like quality to the illustrations, especially in the fight scenes. This graphic novel series will be popular with readers of the novels and conversely, it might be a good stepping stone to the novels for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horowitz, Anthony

Illustrator: Vieceli, Emma

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692575

Price: 14.99

Serena Williams

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This biography from Lerner jumps into the action of Williams's life starting with her Grand Slam win in 2015. After putting her in this context as an ultimate champion, the book backtracks to Williams's early life and tennis-focused childhood. The book includes plenty of photographs and a timeline of selected career highights from 1999-2015. Also includes a TOC and an index. The book does not offer depth of material, but would nicely satisfy a reader curious about who Serena is and where she fit in with sports history up to this point. Add to an elementary biography or tennis section.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fishman, Jon M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512413342

Price: 26.65

North American River Otter

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Beautiful, full-page illustrations are the star in this informational text about river otters of North America. Attractive design for K-3 readers (ages 5-8) with clear text, one or two fact bubble per page, all legible and cleanly set apart from the photo or text. There are plenty of facts to allow a lower elementary student to use this book for a report or to satisfy a curious reader. End matter includes a "Science Lab" page that invites the reader to draw a picture of an otter and label its parts, "Science Words," with photographs to further illustrate the vocab, and an index and bibliography for further reading. A well-crafted nonfiction book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781944102548

Price: 25.64

The Door to January

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Once again, Maine writer, Gillian French, sets her story in a small, fictional Maine town. It is summer and Natalie has returned to Bernier to work at her Aunt’s diner. Natalie has also returned to confront her nightmares. Ever since she and her family moved away from Bernier, there is an old house that has been reaching out to her in her dreams. Natalie and her cousin, Teddy, explore the old house and eventually learn its’ dark history. They decide that they must confront the wrongs of the past which involves Natalie putting her life in danger. At the same time, Natalie must also confront her peers in Bernier and see if she can learn to trust any of them who played a traumatic role in her past. This paranormal, time-travel story, weaves suspense with the issues of small-town life. As in her first book, French skillfully unfolds the layers of her twisted plot. Readers will keep turning the page to find the surprises that await at the end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

French, Gillian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781944762100

Price: 16.95

The Mesmerist

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, POrtland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2017

Review

"The Mesmerist" is a story for children who enjoy ghouls, monsters, and the supernatural with a bit of faerie magic thrown in. The setting is London during the Victorian era. Jessamine, a thirteen year old girl from the middle class and her mother have been making a living by practicing spiritualism - communicating with the dead. It's all been just a show until Jessica discovers that she truly does possess otherworldly powers. Grace finds that she must quickly transform herself from a middle class young lady into a fighter of evil. She is recruited by the "League of Ravens" as the city of London is under attack from malevolent forces which she discovers killed her own father. As she fights bravely to save the city of London and avenge her father's death, she encounters ghouls, monsters, and spirit summoners. A fun, suspenseful read for those who enjoy an age appropriate, but slightly gory horror story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Ronald

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion/HOughton Mifflin hHrcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544445284

Price: 16.99

Malala: Activist for Girls' Education

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

The story of Malala Yousafzai, beginning with her birth and continuing through her current humanitarian work. A translated work from the 2015 "Malala: pour le droit des filles a l'education." Fronty's illustrations capture the designs and patterns of Islamic/Middle Eastern art and perfectly accompany the harrowing, inspirational story of the girl who refused to be silenced. Frier's text is bold and doesn't shy away from the fear and danger of the rise of the Taliban in Pakistan nor the actual shooting of Malala (illustrated with a striking yellow starburst against a dark page). The end matter of the book is extensive. There are photographs of Malala, a timeline of her life, a map and information about Pakistan, and information about many of the issues dear to Malala's heart about which she tirelessly fights. A top-notch biography/informational text that can be used in many classes, or as a read-aloud about strength and persistance in the face of grave danger and overwhelming odds.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frier, Raphaele

Illustrator: Fronty, Aurelia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781580897853

Price: 17.99

Windfall

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2017

Review

Winning the lottery may be a dream for millions but the reality of such a win can be devastating. In celebration of her friend Teddy’s eighteenth birthday Alice purchases a lottery ticket which is a huge winner. From the moment he opens the card containing the ticket everything changes for most of the characters in this well written YA novel. Readers may be surprised by some of the decisions made as they await the blossoming of a long time budding romance. Adventure, personal relationships, shared stories and lifelong dreams are well developed storylines Smith focuses on as the lottery disaster plays out. Characters are somewhat unique but their existence feels real and their backstories are intriguing.

This book would work well in a discussion group, specifically in a High School Sociology class or a YA reading group. To get an alternate view of the effects of winning a landfall I would suggest paring Windfall with Lottery Boy by Byrne. Add to public libraries who collect YA romance novels.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Jennifer E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press ( Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399559372

Price: 18.99

Hear the Wolves

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Left home on her own twelve year old Sloan battles her emotional instability and fear of abandonment until being alone is no longer possible. With the protection of her hunting rifle she faces the incoming storm in search of community and food. Scott has created a survival story with a varied list of characters, each contribute to the story but their interaction is often strained. This humanness, the desire to live, and a slow growing concern for others makes the book enticing. There are however some very graphic wolf attacks, some readers may find them difficult.

Fans of Hatchet are sure to see Sloan's strength and bravery. Regardless of her sex, this character will stand up to the expectations of both male and female adventure readers. Consider for public libraries and gift to survival story readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338043587

Price: 16.99

Gone Camping A Novel in Verse

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Great book for teaching poetry to kids. The book is made up of many different types of poetry. It's about a family who goes camping and it includes all their adventures. At the end of the book is a Provisioning for poetry which includes definitions figurative language: rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, anaphora (poets starts several lines with the same word or phrase), apostrophe, assonance, hyperbole, imagery, interjection, etc. It also includes different types of poems (which are included in the book) alarm poem, aubade (sunrise poem), blank verse variation, blessing, chant, charm, cinquain, concrete, plus 34 other kinds of poems. The illustrations are pen ink and watercolor.The inside pages are without color.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wissinger, Tamera Will

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544638730

Price: 15.99

I Like the Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

This picture book sized easy reader for the newest reader is designed for success. The theme is animals found on the farm. The various animals pictured include cat, kitten, cow, calf, dog, pup, pig, piglet, hen, and chick. The last sentence brings it back to the title. The repetitive one sentence per page begins with the phrase "I like the..." and a small picture above the sentence and a full page photo on the opposite page that correspond with the animal named in text provide clear support. The layout is uncluttered and the children pictured have various skin tones.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: I like to read/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823438334

Price: 14.95

The owl and the pussy-cat

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

This is a 2017 release of the classic poem by Edward Lear originally published in 1871. In this charming tale the mismatched owl and pussy sail off in their pea green boat to the land where the bong trees grow to dance by the light of the moon, the moon, the moon...

A lovely read aloud with cheerful watercolored illustrations. Young and old alike will want to read this again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lear, Edward

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763690809

Price: 16.99

It's St. Patrick's Day!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

This is a non-fiction book focused on St. Patrick's day for early readers. This book is in a series entitled "It's a Holiday!" Readers will learn that there was a religious man who lived in Ireland named St. Patrick and Ireland celebrates the holiday. No other information is provided about the background for the celebrations. The focus is on parades, dancing, foods eaten and turning the Chicago River green. The photos are clear and crisp. One photo of a parade in Japan shows a child in a Valentine's Day costume which could be confusing to a new reader. The layout includes a table of contents, a pictorial for symbols and a picture glossary. The last page provides an index, three other titles about holidays and photo credits. Two of the books suggested were from different publishers which were refreshing. Although there is not enough information for reports, new readers interested in practicing their reading skills will find this useful for that purpose. A note to educators in the beginning of the book, direct them to the few critical thinking questions inserted in bubbles in a few places during the text.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sebra, Richard

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512425611

Price: 25.23

Release

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

A thought-provoking, moving dual narrative that alternates between one day in the life of 17-year-old smart, gay, self-aware Adam; whose evangelical Christian family's conditional love has led him to conceal much of his life from them, and the experience of Katherine, a young woman with a substance use disorder from Adam's same small Washington state town who was murdered by her boyfriend, and whose ghost, in the company of a massive faun, revisits the scene of the crime and the people tied to it.

The day explored here is a particularly eventful one for Adam - in which he must contend with bombshells dropped by both his brother and his best friend, Angela; deal with being sexually harassed by his adult supervisor at work; and prepare to put on a good face to say goodbye to his ex-boyfriend who is moving away. Also in the course of the day, he visits and has sex with his current boyfriend, in a scene both instructional in the spirit of Judy Blume's Forever, and also imbued with a similar sense of sweetness and emotional resonance as that classic teen novel. The speculative elements of this otherwise realistic fiction novel are gloriously weird and appealingly matter of fact in their presentation and though readers will likely connect more fully to Adam's nuanced, introspective story, Katherine's spirit's entanglement with what seems to be a sort of ancient and sacred spirit provides an interesting balance between the two. The simple, yet evocative writing style suits characters both well.

Ness has stated that this story is also influenced by Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and while readers familiar with it and Blume's Forever will enjoy spotting the references and parallels, it's not necessary to have read them to appreciate this.

An unusual, smart and engrossing coming of age novel that stands out for its inventiveness and its characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ness, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062403193

Price: 17.99

Where do jet planes sleep at night?

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

this companion book to "Where do diggers sleep at night" and "Where do steam trains sleep at night" is sure to appeal to all your transportation fans and future aviators. I found the rhyming text a little old for some of our small fry, but i'm sure you could vary some of the more difficult wording like transatlantic and presidential to make it flow better. The bright pastels are engaging and the little mouse on every page is a delight to see.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sayres, Brianna Caplan

Illustrator: Slade, Christian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random house

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399554483

Price: 16.99

Trees

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

There is much to be learned from the trees that surround us. Trees sleep in winter and wake up in spring. There heads are in the clouds and there feet are on the ground. Trees are marvelous beings. This is a beautifully illustrated book that will show even the youngest conservationist about the importance of the cycle of trees.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lemniscates, Lemniscates

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Studio

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763690014

Price: 14.99

Yoga bunny

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Yoga bunny wakes up and decides it is a perfect day to do yoga. As he begins lizard walks by and bunny invites him to join in. Lizard is way to grumpy and keeps going on his way. Next fox zooms past in way to much of a hurry to join bunny in a few poses. And bird has hiccups. Bunny decides to continue on his own when two curious mice to join him. Lo and behold, so do lizard, fox, and bird. Bunny was so happy that he opened his mouth and let out a big "ommmm..." and everyone else did the same. "Thank you, Yoga Bunny." Delicious!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Russo, Brian

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062429520

Price: 17.99

Once you know this

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Eleven year old Brittany lives in poverty with her mother, brother and grandmother. Her grandmother is sick with dementia, there is never any money, and she has to worry about her mother's abusive boyfriend. At school, Brittany has her good friend Marisol and her teacher Mr. McInnis to help get through each day. When Mr. McInnis pushes Brittany to dream about her future, Brittany has a hard time seeing beyond her family struggles..However, she decides she must come up with a plan to help the people she loves. Brittany shows a lot of courage as she helps her mom realize that she needs to escape her situation. The book tackles tough subjects of domestic abuse, suicide and living in poverty and is written from Brittany's point of view. The topics will resonate with many mature readers giving them hope for the future.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blejwas, Emily

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524700973

Price: 16.99

I Want to Be in a Scary Story

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Even better than Taylor's Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise, this interactive picture book centers around the construct of a little monster who wants to be part of the story. He thinks that he wants to be in a scary story, but when the usual scary-story tropes are introduced, he clarifies that he wants to DO the scaring, not BE scared; each page piles on a little more drama, building the suspense until the shout-out-loud ending. A great text to introduce elements of the horror genre, a fun Halloween-time read aloud that doesn't mention the holiday, or an entertaining monster-filled humorous story that allows audience interaction and guess work. The book also invites a lively monster voice from the reader. Sure to be a crowd pleaser; the exuberant purple monster with his arms up on a bright orange cover will call to young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Sean

Illustrator: Jullien, Jean

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763689537

Price: 15.99

Scorpia: The Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Eagle Strike is the fifth book in the popular Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz (story adapted by Anthony Johnston for the graphic novel).The graphic novel format stays true to the original novels and brings the action and suspense to life with colorful, action-packed graphics.Alex Rider, a young MI6 agent, is on a school trip to Italy for nefarious purposes. He is looking to uncover the secret of Scorpia. The plot he uncovers is as evil as any James Bond story. Alex also uncovers the truth about his father, but the cliffhanger ending will create more questions and leave readers desperate to read the next in the series. The illustrations were created by Emma Vieceli and colored by Kate Brown. Most pages are multiple panels of varying size. There is a manga-like quality to the illustrations, especially in the fight scenes. This graphic novel series will be popular with readers of the novels and conversely, it might be a good stepping stone to the novels for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horowitz, Anthony

Illustrator: Vieceli, Emma

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692575

Price: 14.99

There Must be Lobsters

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Fear of new experiences is common during childhood, this is a book that is supportive of children and pets who fear the large expanding beach and waterfront. Grimi has given us a storyline that can only soften the heart of children and adults alike as they cheer with Sukie. Certainly this is a useful book for children who suffer all sorts of fears. It shows that together with a friend and a favorite comfy article scary places are worth visiting.

The artwork by Molk is attractive and colorful. Touches like the lobster claws on Eleanor'sbeach bag add to the ocean environment while the large multi shaded blue waves are realistic and a little scary. Good dog Sukie, you not only saved Chunka Munka but you overcame your fear of the beach. Add to K-3 media centers and to public libraries near ocean or large lake beaches.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crimi, Carolyn

Illustrator: Molk, Laurel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675424

Price: 16.99

All-Star Batman Volume 1: My Worst Enemy

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

This is not a novel you can jump right into. Although it is Volume 1 in the All-Star Batman series, the plot requires you to be familiar with villains of the DC Universe and Batman’s backstory. Batman is attempting to help his friend, Harvey Dent to heal his scarring and rid himself of his split-identity as Two-Face. As they travel across the country, Batman and Dent find obstacles and enemies at every turn. Many of these obstacles are planted by Two-Face to thwart Batman’s attempt to help Dent, who has been a friend from childhood. The graphics are completed by a team of pencillers, inkers, colorists, letterers, and cover artists. The panels are very colorful and eye-catching, but that still does not help pull together all the characters and all the storylines.This graphic novel would have appeal to readers who are already avid fans of the DC Universe. If Batman or other DC graphic novels are popular in your library, this first in a five book series might be considered for an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Snyder, Scott

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: DC Comics

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781401269784

Price: 9.99

Tap Tap Boom Boom

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Bright and bold illustrations take the forefront yet the text is not to be dismissed. Tap Tap Boom Boom loses nothing in this paperback edition. The illustrations are still large while delicately detailed. Raindrops in all sizes falling from the sky, splashed from cars or being shaken off a dog are the focus in this city community. This reader delighted in the rhyme, sense of companionship and detail of the illustrations. Defiantly a purchase for K-2 classrooms and as a gift to urban families. Libraries should order a hardcover copy. Who knew that a rainstorm could be so much fun?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bluemle, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763693046

Price: 6.99

Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Perfectly timed for Halloween week, Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show were a hit at storytime. Ross conjured up detailed illustrations filling the pages with a variety of items to ponder. Most unique is the handlebar design broomstick which seems perfectly normal in this cluttered and messy community. Grimelda herself is a beguiling character, she is among the strong young females so frequently seen in books lately. The rhyming text moves the storyline and offers humor.

Not as essential purchase but should be added as a companion to Grimelda the Very Messy Witch.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Diana

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062264497

Price: 16.99

This Would Make A Good Story Someday

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Great coming of age book. Sara is going to reinvent herself with the help of two best friends before she starts middle school. Only, her two moms have a different plan. They are taking a month-long family trip by train. Sara's a bit skunky because she really wanted to stay home. Her little sister Ladybug is best friends with Frog Fletcher from "The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher" and "The Fletcher Family Takes Rock Island." Many postcards and Emails are sent back East. One Mom won the trip to the West coast because she is a writer, as did another family with a teen boy, his dad, and his two great aunts. The great aunts are best friends and teach Sara about living and dying. "She and Miss Ruby are probably worse than me and Em and Saanvi for giggling and arguing and goofing off. Can't imagine if they'd been in middle school together....I'm betting that they wouldn't be allowed to have the same lunch period, that"s all I'm saying."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Levy, Dana Alison

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101938171

Price: 16.99

Queer, There, and Everywhere

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

"Queer, There, and Everywhere" is a must have for school and public libraries as a valuable resource on LGBTQ history and personas. Prager presents a short history of the Queer community along with 23 short and straight forward biographies of remarkable people who have shown life's diversities. Well written and easy to follow; provides eye-opening information in some of the biographies. The end of the book provides a more current history and the status of the LGBTQ community. There is a TOC, glossary of terms and a well researched bibliography. The illustrations are sketches at the beginning of each bio and are representations of the person that is being discussed.

Recommended for grades 7 up. The LGBTQ community and many others will find this book of great interest for pleasure and informational reading. Could also be used as a resource for a paper on LGBTQ history.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Prager, Sarah

Illustrator: O'Ferrall, Zoe More

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062474315

Price: 17.99

Us In Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Nice addition to a librarie's cultural and short story collection. The stories are based on actual accounts of Latino children and their struggles in an America society. Stories deal with the DREAM Act, family heartbreak, dysfunctional families and more. Each story has an a sketch associated with the main character that is well done and compliments the meaning of the character's story. The book has a TOC, translation glossary of the many Hispanic words used within the stories and a note section at the end the book that shows the research done into the events that have inspired the short stories.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Delacre, Lulu

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062392145

Price: 16.99

Marty Pants

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Marty just knows that his teacher Mr. McPhee is an alien bent on the annihilation of the human race. Problem is he can't convince anyone else of his teacher's dastardly plan (well, anyone else except his friend Parker who fancies herself a budding psychiatrist and listens to Marty in an advisory role). Through hi-jinks and many, many missteps, Marty does prove that McPhee has a secret, it just might not be the one Marty thinks. Short chapters, plentiful black & white line drawings, and a ferocious, head-sleeping cat named Jerome will draw in dormant readers from 1st-4th grade (ages 7-10). And Parisi manages to wind in great vocabulary words along with concepts like misdirection, irony, and wordplay (the girl of Marty's dreams is named Analie N.) Marty is delightfully clueless and hilariously sure of all of his theories, which become funnier as the reader realizes the truth. A great book to put in the hands of Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Parisi, Mark

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062427762

Price: 12.99

Hyper to the Max

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Max is a kid who can't sit still. One day he wakes up before school with the Super Fidgets, and comes up with a game to preoccupy his mind in order to help him focus. Max swears an oath that whenever anyone speaks to him, he must reply with a rhyming sentence - otherwise he will have to give up his entire comic book collection! Max tries to avoid speaking to anyone, but Mandy Beth, Max's pesky neighbor, is determined to trip him up. Max is a quick thinker, and comes up with many rhymes, but will he lose his game after being challenged to rhyme with "orange"?

Hyper to the Max is the fourth book in the Maximus Todd series. This is a good beginning chapter book for young readers, with helpful and comical illustrations to help visualize the plot and character emotions. Large and diverse fonts also will appeal to an elementary school reader. A good addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nicodemo , L. M.

Illustrator: Ross, Graham

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Formac

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781459504196

Price: 16.99

Revenge of the Green Banana

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

6th grader Jimmy Murphy attends a Catholic school and is determined that he will change his troublemaking behavior this year at school as he tries to win over the girl of his dreams, However, on the first day of school his new teacher humiliates him in front of the entire class. He and his buddies decide that they must seek revenge and proceed to plot against her. Although the plan of revenge seems a bit harsh, boys who have a hard time staying out of trouble will appreciate the frustration Jimmy feels throughout the story even if they don't understand the context of attending Catholic school. The author and the main character also share the same setting this story up as autobiographical.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy , Jim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544786776

Price: 16.99

Blight

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

The future world described by Blight is one that's all too believable: A world in which massive agricultural corporations have taken full legal control over the production of food. They have patented the plants themselves, and maintain strict control over what food is grown to provide enough for society.

There are those who try to live outside the corporation's controls. They're called Scavengers, and they will steal food, grow illegal crops, and do whatever they have to in order to survive.

Tempest is an AgraStar security guard, helping to protect the crops and resources of the corporation. AgraStar provides food, a home, and a group of fellow workers who are the closest thing she has to a family until the day an industrial explosion sets off a catastrophe that changes everything and has her questioning all that she knows.

In the chaos that follows, Tempest runs into other people who present a very different view of the world than AgraStar has given her thus far, and in a classic coming-of-age story she has to come to grips with these differing views and decide the truth for herself. Strong worldbuilding, dramatic conspiracies, and exciting action keep the story gripping and the pace moving right along. This dystopian story has broad appeal for fans of the genre and is clearly only the first of a promising new series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Duncan, Alexandra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books / Harpercollins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062396991

Price: 15.99

The Last Message Received

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

A dramatic and interesting, if at times tonally repetitive, collection of final communications shared by those who received them, published by a teen who also runs a Tumblr dedicated to the same purpose. From bitter break-up texts to messages between estranged family members or left before the senders died by suicide or in unexpected accidents, each is recorded here and presented with a simple and stylized design using drawn graphics and a limited color palette that melds well with, and does not distract from, the content. Some include brief commentary from the person who received them and due to the their nature, many elucidate the heartbreak, anger, regret and grief felt by their recipients. While these anonymous messages pack an emotional punch, it's possible that their presentation in this collected form may cause some to disconnect a bit, which may lessen their impact. However, it's clear from several messages included at the end of this book thanking Trunko for her Tumblr that there are plenty who find them illuminating and validating of their own experiences. Included in the back matter is a helpful list of online health and advocacy resources, books and crisis hotlines, this will definitely find a niche among teen readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Trunko, Emily

Illustrator: Ingram, Zoe

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399557767

Price: 14.99

Mr. 60%

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Matt Nolan is in his second semester of his senior year of high school and has mastered the art of just getting by. To his classmates, he is known as the go to guy for your drug of choice. The vice principal can't wait to get him out of his school because even though he manages to never get caught, all the adults know he deals drugs at school. Matt lives with his Uncle Jack who has cancer and is in a lot of pain. Matt uses the money he gets from selling drugs to take care of his uncle. Matt is used to dealing with everything alone, until he meets Amanda in an after school club he is forced to join. Although Matt does not expect to become friends with Amanda, he can not seem to keep her from finding out about his secret. With her support, Matt learns to want more out of life. Brief chapters and simple text make this a good selection for reluctant readers. Readers must beware of detailed descriptions of terminal illness, strong language and drug use.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith , Clete Barrett

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553534665

Price: 17.99

Exoplanets: Worlds Beyond Our Solar System

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

This slim volume provides an accessible overview of recent scientific research about planets beyond our solar system, with a focus placed on those considered to be in what is termed "The Goldilocks Zone" -- planets that are not too cold or not too hot to potentially host life.

In short chapters embellished with artists' renderings, graphs and telescopic images, the author explains how this field of astronomical research has progressed from Carl Sagan's relatively recent (1997) supposition that there was no evidence to support hypothetical life elsewhere in the universe to a growing consensus that its confirmation is really only a matter of time. Science-minded middle and high school students will find this useful for class work, as will teens who favor non-fiction about the natural world. Concise explanations of how this branch of astronomy was and is studied and a round up of significant discoveries are included in the narrative, which culminates in a list of source notes, a glossary, a bibliography, a list of resources for further information and a thorough index.

A review of this title in Kirkus makes note that its tally of accepted exoplanets is already outdated and also mentions that a nearer Earth-like planet has been discovered since the time of its publication. However, for a field of study clearly moving at rapid speed, this gives teens a readable and solid background.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Latchana Kenney, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512400861

Price: 35.99

Pizza Mouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is an easy reader in the larger picture book format. The mouse narrator explains that no one likes mice, but so what? He lives in the city and looks for food. When he finds a whole piece of pizza, he decides it's time to take it back home. Going home means negotiating the subway and slipping into the hole in the subway wall that has little mice waiting for daddy. The text consists of one or two simple sentences per 2 page layout. The large pencil and digitalized illustrations with the many details a city backdrop would provide overwhelms the small amount of text that a new reader must decode. At times it has a find-and-seek quality for both the mouse in the illustration and the text. Although Garland provides a mouse's perspective on human feet, the styling of the feet seems a bit odd especially when the mouse is trapped by feet while holding a piece of pizza. The layout lends itself more to a wordless picture book than to one for new readers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Garland, Michael

Illustrator: Garland, Michael

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: I like to read/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437610

Price: 14.95

It's Halloween!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is a non-fiction book focused on Halloween for early readers. This book is in a series entitled "It's a Holiday!" Halloween is identified by date and season, starting in Europe and is a time for costumes and candy. Trick-or-treating is explained and decorations are described. Full page photos match the one to three sentences per 2 page layout. A note to educators in the beginning of the book, direct them to the few critical thinking questions inserted in bubbles in a few places throughout the text. The layout includes a table of contents and a picture glossary for the words: costumes, decorations, glow and harvest. The last page provides an index, three other titles about holidays and photo credits. The three reference books suggested are from different publishers which is refreshing. Although there is not enough information for reports, new readers interested in practicing their reading skills will find this useful for that purpose.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sebra, Richard

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512414301

Price: 25.32

The Dollmaker of Krakow

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

R. M. Romero's The Dollmaker of Karakow is a juvenile novel with an interesting premise that falls a bit flat. The story begins with Karolina, a doll in the Land of Dolls. The kingdom is attacked by rats and falls into their control. Karolina wakes up as a doll in Poland during World War II. She soon discovers that the Dollmaker who created her has a magic that even he did not know about. What follows is a complexly woven tale as Romero pairs the stories of war and discrimination in The Land of Dolls and in Poland in the real world.

This might be the right book for some reader, but it would not likely appeal to a broad selection. Romero creates a picture of the horrors of Jewish families and those who aided them during this time that is stark, accurate, and compelling. However, it is mixed with the magic of the dolls and the Dollmaker in such a way that it may cause readers to think the historical aspects are as imagined as the magical ones. Karolina is meant to be the voice of the story, and her particular way of speaking is sometimes alienating for the reader.

Though, there are moments of pure emotion and excellent historical accuracy, they are overshadowed by a confusing blend of fanciful magic and factual horror and a stilted narrator.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Romero, R.M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524715397

Price: 16.99

LGBTQ+Athletes Claim the Field: Striving for Equality

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

LGBTQ+ Athletes Claim the Field: Striving for Equality is a respectful and clear explanation of some of struggles and triumphs that queer athletes have experienced both in the past and today. Kristin Cronn-Mills has complied the stories of many athletes across many sports and draws connections between them to create a complete picture of the stories of this varied crowd.

Cronn-Mills does an excellent job explaining about the discrimination that gay male athletes face and the perceptions of others that lead to this discrimination without disrespecting the athletes or validating the idea that gay people deserve this kind of treatment. Transgender and intersex athletes are also given attention, with respectful descriptions of what it means like to be a trans athlete and an introduction by a trans man describing his relationship with sports throughout the years. The struggles of gay female athletes are given less attention than their male counterparts, and bisexuality is not really mentioned. However, despite these shortcomings, Cronn-Mills does a commendable job presenting this subject. The author also includes positive representation of organizations and athletes who have done well by the LGBTQ+ members of their sports.

This book would be an excellent addition to most schools and libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cronn-Mills, Kristin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467780124

Price: 34.65

Cinnamon

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Cinnamon is an engaging and magnificent picture book that feels both classic and modern. Neil Gaiman weaves a story of a young princess in India who was born blind and does not speak. The Rajah and the Rani offer a great reward to anyone who can teach the girl to speak, but no one can until a giant man-eating tiger comes to the palace.

Gaiman's prose is lively and echoes the oral tradition in a way that will draw readers young and old into the story. Divya Srinivasan's use of bright color and complex patterns balanced with large areas of simplicity are the perfect accompaniment for the text and make this a book that will perform for a large story time and a one-on-one reading equally well. Some readers may be dissatisfied with the ending, which is left fairly open. Even so, Cinnamon well deserves a position in most libraries and classrooms.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gaiman, Neil

Illustrator: Srinivasan, Divya

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062399618

Price: 17.99

A Band of Babies

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

A diverse group of adorable toddlers are having a regular day at their daycare until a new friend Benny arrives. He is ready for an adventure and immediately gets the babies up marching with instruments in hand. The fun is just beginning as the little ones now head to the store where they find plenty of delicious treats. Before long babies are ready to take a nap and the story ends with the babies snuggled together in a heap. The light text leaves plenty of white space to showcases the enchanting visuals. The rhyming text is playful and full of energy that works well with the animated babies. The illustrations are soft and gentle created with colored pencils and a pastel palette. The illustrations are quite light and could be hard to see when using book in large group setting.

An excellent choice to read to toddlers at a library storytime program or music/movement program.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gerber, Carole

Illustrator: Dyer, Jane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780061689550

Price: 17.99

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is the fifth book in the Princess in Black chapter book series for readers in grades 2-4. In this episode, Princess Magnolia aka the Princess in Black has planned a playdate with Princess Sneezewort. Before the playdate begins, Princess Magnolia is secretly followed by a sneaky monster who likes to eat goats. When the Princess in Black is summoned, Princess Sneezewort is inspired to become a secret superhero princess also; and Princess in Blankets is born. In a declared secret hero playdate, the sneaky monster is hog-tied by secret hero ninja skills. After bringing the monster to the Goat Avenger, who sends it to Monsterland, the three engage in the customary victory dance. Pham's bright and colorful illustrations appear in each large font chapter. Princess Sneezewort is not a white character. Unfortunately, the printing of the colored illustrations are not uniform for her skin color throughout each spread. When Princess Sneezewort is in her closet, her skin tone appears white. Nevertheless, fans of this series will want this funny, girl power title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon Hale & Dean

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688264

Price: 14.99

On the Free

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

On the Free is a survival story involving four teens who have agreed to take part in The Bear Canyon Wilderness Therapy program instead of spending additional time in Juvenile Detention. A disastrous mudslide strikes at night leaving only two teens, Santi and Victor, along with one of their camp counselors to find their way out of the woods alive. As the trio fights to survive, the reader learns the backstory of what brought each teen to the trip and all of their hidden secrets. It is Victor's secret that finally takes center stage and causes them to split up. Teens who enjoy hiking and camping will appreciate the authentic details about surviving in the outdoors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Voorhees, Coert

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512429138

Price: 17.99

The Princess and the Christmas Rescue

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

She may wear a crown and live in a castle but Eliza is not your typical princess. Eliza is a young engineer who can make things out of anything. Eliza's parents want her to make friends and stop getting her clothes all dusty and dirty but she doesn't know how to make friends. When Eliza wanders into Santa's Workshop to ask how to make friends, the elves tell her their boss has the flu and they are way too busy to help her. Eliza seizes the opportunity to showcase her making skills and gains friends in the process! Her parents decide to sell off jewels and art to build her a workshop! This is a delightful holiday story encouraging young girls that they can do anything! The cartoonish illustrations add humor and the end papers are fantastic! Instead of crowns and tea parties we see string, paint, scissors, glue and diagrams!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hart , Gary

Illustrator: Warburten , Sarah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow-Imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763696320

Price: 16.99

The Winter Fox

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

All the woodland animals try to get Fox to prepare for winter but he would rather keep playing. So, while he splashes in the lake and chases butterflies, his friends prepare for winter. When he is left all alone, cold and hungry, as his friends are tucked into their beds. He sees a star in the sky and makes a wish. Suddenly a box falls from the sky and hits him in the head. The box is full of toys and food and Fox decides to share his gifts with each of his friends. After he apologizes for not listening to them, his friends help Fox find a warm place near them to rest for the winter . Each illustration is enhanced with silver sparkle in this warm story of friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Knapman, Timothy

Illustrator: Harry , Rebecca

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow-Imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696313

Price: 14.99

Goldfish Ghost

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

The story begins with the "birth" of Goldfish Ghost who is pictured floating upside down in his fishbowl adding a bit of humor to the story. Goldfish Ghost is lonely in his fishbowl so he floats out to find some company. As he floats by a haunted lighthouse and shrieking birds no one pays attention to him so he continues to float into the town. He spots some other ghosts creatures on top of the sea but decides that he does not want to live there so he floats back to his fishbowl where he finds a new goldfish. The moon beckons him back outside and directs him to the haunted lighthouse where he meets the ghost of the lighthouse keeper who is looking for company too. This is an interesting twist on the death of a pet and on death in general. The cartoonish illustrations are full of fun details like the inclusion of other ghost creatures in the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Snicket, Lemony

Illustrator: Brown , Lisa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626725072

Price: 17.99

The Wacky Winter Wonderland

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

The Wacky Winter Wonderland is Book 3 in the series Hubble Bubble. Each book in this series contains three short stories. In the first tale, granny uses her wand to change a dull day into a fantastic white wonderland of fun. The second story finds Pandora and her cat winning first prize in the pet show. Of course, granny can't resist helping with a trapeze and tightrope act. The final story, Museum Mayhem, finds granny chaperoning a class trip to the museum where she decides to bring history to life. Young readers will love the lively stories and illustrations! The short chapters make it very accessible.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Corderoy , Tracey

Illustrator: Berger , Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow-Imprint of Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763696245

Price: 14.99

Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Author Samantha Seiple constructs a compelling account of Theodore Roosevelt’s 1914 trek down an uncharted Amazon River, the River of Doubt. Faced with dangerous wildlife, threatening natives, and food shortages, the former president and his companions faced life-threatening circumstances to chart a river that had never before been traveled. Seiple’s propelling narrative explores the treacherous landscape and the tense dynamics between the travelers. A fast-paced plot, foreshadowed by a prologue in which Roosevelt is “knocking on death’s door,” will grip even reluctant readers’ attention. Photographs from the trip support relevant text and enable readers to envision the state of the travelers. Seiple’s attention to detail illuminates a side of Roosevelt most students may be unfamiliar with. Extensive back matter, including Roosevelt's career highlights, sources, and excerpts from Roosevelt’s own account of the trip, support an already solid piece of informational literature. A sure bet for history buffs and adventure seekers alike, this book is a recommended addition to any nonfiction section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Seiple, Samantha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545709157

Price: 17.99

Confessions from the Principal's Kid

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School , Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Middle grade readers will delight in this realistic fiction novel starring Allie, the daughter of the Principal. After a disastrous slip-up last year damaged her friendship with Chloe, Allie finds solace in her role as an insider in the school with the “Afters,” a group of students whose parents are also teachers. Allie is conflicted over whether or not to help outsider Graham, a fellow “After,” as he becomes a target of the school bully. When her desperation to salvage her relationship with Chloe throws her friendship with Graham and the “Afters” into jeopardy, Allie must define herself, even though everyone else already has. A strong narrative, inspired by author Robin Mellom’s own life as the principal’s daughter, combines with compelling themes of friendship, self-confidence, and anti-bullying. The result is a tale to which middle-grade students will draw many connections. A cast of fully-developed secondary characters populate the halls of the school Allie walks every day. Recommend this to readers craving a solid realistic fiction novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mellom, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544813793

Price: 16.99

Maisy Goes on a Plane

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Maisy adventures are a great preparation for toddles about to embark on a new experience. This happy mouse is about to fly on her first plane and is inviting us to go with. From her arrival at the terminal to meeting her friend at the baggage carousel Maisy offers readers a front row seat. The subject matter is perfect for families about to travel by air and is just a fun read for any and all toddlers.

Primary and secondary colors are used to colorize the many two page spreads. As is true of Cousin's work the animals are delightful and drawn to scale. Libraries who collect paperbacks may want this edition but any family planning an airplane trip should pick up this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: King Rollo Films,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697914

Price: 6.99

Plant the Tiny Seed

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Concise, rhyming words match simple yet beautiful illustrations in this interactive and educational picture book. As in Matheson’s other picture books, Tap the Magic Tree and Touch the Brightest Star, children are encouraged interact with the illustrations; tapping the seeds will plant them and wiggling fingers will bring rain. Each motion brings another step in the life cycle of a plant, the growth of which is reflected in the illustrations. The sparse, poignant text will prompt discussion about the growth of plants and young children will learn about the basic needs of flowers. Perfect for a read aloud or a lap read, this will appeal to young children who love to be active in the stories they hear. At the conclusion of the book, Matheson includes instructions on how to plant your own Zinnias, expanding upon each direction given in the narrative, and encouraging readers to plant their own flowers. Pair this picture book with informational texts about the life cycle of plants to incorporate into science lessons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McInerney, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006239328

Price: 15.99

Pandora

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

A beautiful fable about the hope and beauty friendship ignites in life, Turnbull’s Pandora is a beautiful picture book with themes that will beg for deeper discussion. Pandora, a lonely fox living in a world of broken items, finds an injured bird. After nursing the bird back to health, it ventures into the world, always returning with gifts. Pandora is broken-hearted when the bird does not return one day, and retreats to her bed. When she is finally roused from her sadness, she is greeted by the bird and a world full of plants and flowers. Simple text pairs beautifully with lush, intricate illustrations which mirror Pandora’s emotions. Turnbull’s art beautifully complements her narrative, as her use of muted colors and melancholy purples sets the tone when Pandora is lonely and unhappy. As Pandora feels hopeful, pinks, blues, and yellows lighten the world in which she moves. Even young readers will be able to identify the progression from the broken world shown in the early pages to the vivid and lively world shown at the end of the book. This picture book will be cherished and is recommended for every library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Turnbull, Victoria

Illustrator: Turnbull, Victoria

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544947337

Price: 16.99

King of the Sky

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

A beautiful, simple immigrant story about a boy looking for a home. He has come to a foreign land (America) where the smells and surroundings are different and the language is new and challenging. He finds a reminder of home (Italy) in Mr. Evans and his carrier pigeons; the birds could have been the same as those in St. Peter's Square in Rome and the boy feels a connection to these creatures that can find their way home no matter where they are released. Mr. Evans's health is failing so he entrusts his pigeons to the boy and so the boy enters his favorite pigeon, the one that he names Re Del Cielo, King of the Sky, into the longest race, one covering 1200 miles. As doubt fills the boy's mind and heart, Mr. Evans reminds him that his pigeon is a champion and, sure enough, the pigeon makes its way home to the waiting arms of the boy, and the boy, too, realizes that he has found a home. A muted, smokey palette captures the isolation and darkness of a foreign city around the time of early industrialization; the smoke from the factory smokestacks creates a haze that obscures the remembered sunlight of a homeland. Through one story, that of the carrier pigeons, another story emerges, that of looking for new promise and a place to call home. A lovely addition to any library collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Carlin, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695682

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Pig the Pug

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Pig, a pug,does not share his toys with Trevor, a "wiener dog"with whom he lives. When he falls from his hoarded pile of possessions and ends up in a body cast, Pig is at the mercy of Trevor who has access to all Pig's toys. Like a fluffer-nutter sandwich, Pig the Pug will be easy for children to pick up and enjoy. The large, colorful, acrylic illustrations show exaggerated emotions. Dogs and toys take center stage with almost no details of room setting. All young readers/listeners eyes will be on the dogs' exaggerated and humorous CBRsmld316eyes and teeth. How long lasting the giggles will be is another question. This title is recommended for collections that can balance an easy treat with more meaty, literary fare.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Blabey, Aaron

Illustrator: Blabey, Aaron

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338112450

Price: 14.99

Go Sleep in Your Own Bed!

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Preschool story hours will welcome this satisfying, humorous story of animals trying to go to bed on a farm. The first spread shows a little girl quietly in bed looking at a book. The action starts with the next spread. The pig "toddled to his sty, waddle-jog" only to hear a moo. "Who do you think he found?" Of course, preschool audiences will let you know. Then in turn the cow goes to find a chicken in her stall. Full of repetition, clever and rich verbs (Horse stumbled..shambled...whinnied... ), unusual terms of frustrations suited to each animals such as "Oh, hayseeds" or "Oh, fluff and feather," this story is made for reading aloud with expression. The plot is in chain reaction form that comes full circle when the little girl finds her cat who rightly shares her bed. Stylized sketches in soothing blues and light shades are outlined in ink. The animals facial expressions add to the fun. Highly recommended for story hour sharing. This picture book will be met with "Read it again!"

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming, Candace

Illustrator: Nicholas, Lori

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375866487

Price: 17.99

The Christmas Fairy

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

A great story for all the littles who just can't be still or quiet. Clara is a chatterbox fairy, a dancing singing fairy. She wants to be a proper fairy, so she can be chosen to sit upon the Christmas tree. She is always in trouble in fairy school. Santa comes and asks her help to bring smiles to some broken sad creatures... The illustrations are watercolor.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Booth, Anne

Illustrator: Beardshaw, Rosalind

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/ Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696290

Price: 15.99

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

It is just a nothing boring day in the life of the young child in this story. Or is it? A boring day turns into an adventure for a young child when her mother insists she do something other than play video games. Forced outside in "this boring wet place," the child clings to the comfort of the video game controller while walking through the forest. When the video game drops in the water, the child begins to discover the beauty of everything that is surrounding her. She notices bugs she has never seen before, collects stones and talks to a bird. When she finally returns to the cabin, she sees everything just a little differently. A beautiful tale of how the simple beauties in nature are sometimes overlooked. The child is always the brightest color on the page drawing your attention to the awakening of her senses as she discovers the world around her. A beautiful, magical tale that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alemagna , Beatrice

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062657602

Price: 17.99

Michael Phelps

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

The life of Michael Phelps is explored in this latest edition to the series Sports All-Stars.His journey to the Olympics, dedication to his sport, and the hard work that it takes to be an Olympian is all covered here. Many photographs are included and the text is given in small chunks making it very accessible to young readers. Complete with source notes as well as a Glossary and Further Information section for more research resources.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fishman , Jon M.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512453966

Price: 21.00

Rulers of the Playground

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Teachers looking for a picture book story to start a discussion around playground behavior will find it in Rulers of the Playground. Jonah declares himself king of the playground, and the other children "pinky swear" to obey because Jonah is he on the slide which they all want to use. Lennox decides she too wants to be ruler of the other part of the playground with swings, and children "crossed their hearts" and promised to obey her. Jonah and Lennox discover "Conquering is complicated," and soon the king and queen have no friends. They promise never to be rulers again. On the final page, a fellow student appears who wants to take their place as ruler. The message of cooperation is worthy, but the conflict is a bit too easily resolved. Large eyed, expressive children representing a variety of races, subdued colors on clothes and equipment, and white backgrounds with few details turn the readers/listeners eyes toward the characters and the playground equipment. The story is didactic, but many educators do not mind didactic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kuefler, Joseph

Illustrator: Kuefler, Joseph

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062424327

Price: 17.99

Georgie's Best Bad Day

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 9, 2017

Review

A nice picture book for teaching elements of the plot to older students and a perfect book for teaching children how to turn their day around. It also points out that first attempts are not always successful, but hard work pays off. Georgie and all his friends are having a bad day. Each one suggests a fix, but things keep getting worse. Until things are at the very worse and everyone explodes with laughter. Illustrations are watercolor.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chan, Ruth

Illustrator: Chan, Ruth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/ Holtzbrinck Pub. Holdings

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722705

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2017

Review

Good book for losing teeth, learning to read, and learning to be kind. Pete hears the jingle of the tooth fairy. She tells him that she is very busy tonight, and Pete asks to help. He gets to play tooth fairy to a few others. Then Gus Platypus wants some tooth fairy fun, but he doesn't have teeth. Pete figures out just what to do. Illustrations are watercolors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/ Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062675194

Price: 16.99

Elf in the House

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2017

Review

Christmas book to help teach counting and sequencing. The story starts off on Christmas Eve with a little girl in bed. She creeps downstairs to find the cookie plate empty, but for crumbs. The girl goes first, second is a mouse and ... The illustrations are digitally made.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paquette, Ammi-Joan

Illustrator: Record, Adam

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681326

Price: 15.99

Slider

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2017

Review

This story is about a young boy David that can eat a ton of stuff- and all at once. For example he can eat 20 small burgers in about 3 minutes. The thing is, David just does it for fun until he accidentally uses his mom's credit (which she doesn't know he did) to buy something that cost way more than he thought it would, and now his only hope of paying her back is to enter an eating contest and use the winnings from it to pay her back. This book is filled with humor. David's "skill" of eating loads of food all at once is crazy, but super funny, too. Readers will definitively find themselves feeling sorry for David about the credit card issue and wanting to hide it from his mom. One of the wonderful parts of this book is how David, throughout the story and with everything going on, helps out with his autistic brother Mal. The responsibility David is given to take care of him by his parents is big and lets you see what that it might be like for a sibling to be put in that position. You might not want to enter an eating contest after reading this, but you'll love reading about it. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hautman, Pete

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9870763690700

Price: 16.99

The Quest to the Uncharted Lands

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2017

Review

Stella, the main character of this story, stows away on an airship that is going to heading to an uncharted area. Stella stows away on the ship so she can be with her parents that are on board the ship. Once on the airship, Stella discovers that she is not the only one trying to stow away. A boy named Cyrus is trying to do the same thing. But there is something about him that's different, something that doesn't feel right. This book is a terrific steampunk adventure. Both of the main characters draw the reader in right away, especially Cyrus. He is very mysterious which adds quite a bit of intrigue to the story. Stella is a strong female character that is clever but with enough flaws to make her believable. This is the 3rd story by the author that takes place in Solace, but it stands alone. Great read for fantasy and steampunk/sci-fi fans.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Jaleigh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101933121

Price: 16.99

Sled Dog School

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2017

Review

This story is about a middle schooler named Matt that has an interesting math project. He has to come up with a business idea and then try it- which means he has to actually design and run a business with 3 or more clients and then show mathematically if it is successful or not. Matt is terrific with sled dogs and being a musher so he decides to start a sled dog school as his business. But getting clients and being a good teacher are things that can be tricky, especially when you are only 11.

Matt is a great character that as the story moves along begins to figure out what he need to do to be successful and then find the courage to do it. Loads of interesting details about dog sledding and what it take to become a musher. Another part of this book that goes on in the background, is Matt's weakness in math. Thanks to his desire to have a successful sled dog school, he learns that he might need to get help in that area. The message is there but not overdone.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Terry Lynn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544873315

Price: 16.99

Podkin One-Ear

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2017

Review

This story is about a rabbit named Podkin that is the son of a warrior chief. He is not what you'd expect a warrior's son to be like- he never wants to practice fighting, he doesn't want to go to any classes and well, he is a pretty lazy guy. But when his warren gets attacked by these vicious rabbits called the Gorm, he begins to change. It's either that, or lose his life, his brother's and sister's life and the treasure their dad fought to save. This animal adventure has some great black and white drawings in it that give you a picture of what Podkin is up against when it comes to the Gorm. It also has humor in it, scary parts, and lots of fighting. The story is being told by a rabbit bard. This was a nice touch as it slows down the story just enough and also gives the reader a bit more information about Podkin. For fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series, this will be a hit.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Larwood, Kieran

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328695826

Price: 16.99

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2017

Review

This story is about a young girl Peregrine, that is taken away from her family when just a toddler and raised by a wealthy, powerful lord and lady. Perry, that is her nick name, was so little when it happened that she doesn't remember anything about her family or her past life. That is until a fairy visits her, and tells her that she is a Bamarre, the very people her adoptive father despises and treats as if they are worthless. Now Perry has to decide what to do with that information, and whose side to fight on. This is a really good fantasy. The fact that the reader knows all about Perry's past from the get-go will make them want to find out what will happen if and when Perry finds out. This story has a very fairy tale like feel to it. It also has a few twists and quite a bit of adventure. It would be a good fit for readers that like this combination. There definitely is fighting and death so don't pick this one up if you are looking for a sweet, mild fairy tale/fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Levine, Gail Carson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062074669

Price: 16.99

Horizon

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2017

Review

Good reading for students who like science fiction adventures. A plane crashes somewhere, on its way to Japan from the US. Electrical currents seem to pull people out of their seats. They should be in the Arctic Circle, but they land in a rain forest jungle with strange animals and plants. Only middle school and high school age kids survive the crash, a team of robotics engineers, a set of Japanese twin girls, a boy interested in space, and a Japanese boy who was on his way back to his Dad's for stealing a thousand- year-old sword that was in the family for generations. Not all of the survivors live, and the sky has two moons...while some mysteries are solved, the cliffhanger sets the reader up for book two.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Westerfeld, Scott

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054591776

Price: 14.99

North American Indian Nations Native Peoples of the Great Basin

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2017

Review

The price is based on Amazon and as a paperback. Great for research, the information might be PG13 ish. If there wasn't enough women in a tribe brothers might share a wife. Women slept with their grandmothers, and if a man wanted a woman for a wife he slept at the grandmother's feet. If the girl didn't want him she went and slept with her mother. The book has five chapters: a harsh landscape, society and spirituality, making art, disrupted lives, and a changing world. The book also includes sections: notable Great Basin Indians, timeline, glossary, source note, selected bibliography, further information, and an index. Illustrations are mostly photos.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goddu, Krystyna Poray

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Pub.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467783101

Price: 9.99

Rocks & Minerals All about identifying, classifying, rockhounding, and more!

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2017

Review

Jacket cover says ages 6-10, but older kids would like it too. The photos are excellent for identifying different rocks and minerals. The book starts with the structure of the Earth model. Then moves onto more common stones. Two pages of meteorites, lava and obsidian, igneous, sedimentary and conglomerates. How to test for hardness. How to tell the difference between having a bunch of rocks, or a rock collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062289186

Price: 17.99

Allegedly

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson sets readers up to question criminal justice in the US and the treatment of minority children and families within the system. The main character and narrator, sixteen-year-old Mary, allegedly murdered baby Alyssa eight years ago while babysitting with her mother. Due to the tragic and troubling nature of the crime, readers might find themselves braced against Mary, but she turns out to be a likable and seemingly misunderstood protagonist. As the story unfolds, we read about Mary's life in a group home for girls convicted of various crimes, and we begin to believe that Mary is probably serving time for a crime she did not commit. A twist at the end has readers realizing that our narrator probably hasn't been reliable and that she likely played a role in Alyssa's death.

While the author has a knack for metaphor and figurative language to express Mary’s emotions, this particular crime makes Allegedly a tough book to read.

Many instances of violence, implied sex, culturally offensive language, explicit language, and mental health issues make this more appropriate for high school and adult readers.

Overall rating: Good.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tiffany D.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062422644

Price: 17.99

In Darkling Wood

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

In this British import, the modern world of heart transplants and cell phones intertwine with the magic of fairies and World War I as Alice and her estranged family members are confronted with painful memories and decisions made in their past. High schooler Alice has been sent to stay with her brusk paternal grandmother Nell, who she doesn't remember, while her younger brother Theo undergoes a heart transplant. Alice is drawn to the Darkling Woods on Nell's property and meets a mysterious young girl who tries to persuade Alice to believe in the fairies living there in order to help save the Wood. Nell is planning to clear cut the Wood, which the villagers are opposed to, making Alice's transition to the local school difficult. Interspersed in this modern time narrative are long, newsy letters from an unnamed sister to her brother serving in the WWI. Multiple layers of family pain and drama are revealed as Alice navigates the protests at school, her conflicting feelings for her father and the promised revenge of the fairies if the Wood is destroyed. Readers will understand Alice clearly through her first person narrative and through her pragmatic perspective on the difficult situations she has to confront. Give to readers who like some magic with their historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carroll, Emma

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399556012

Price: 16.99

I Love Dogs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

This title is part of a Pets are the Best series that is focused on owning and caring for dogs. Readers will learn about the responsibilities of getting a pet dog. Feeding, exercising, playing, training and taking the dog to the veterinarian are described in simple, clear sentences with accompanying photos. This series provides critical thinking questions in bubbles scattered throughout the text. There is a page that identifies dog supplies that are need with a picture and a word balloon for each. A picture glossary defines the words: exercise, groom, kennels and veterinarian. Each picture is a small version of the photo used within the text. The back matter includes an Index, three books from other publishers as suggested reading and photo credits. Dog lovers will be inspired to try out their reading skills on this title. Suggested for purchase by libraries looking to add books for the beginner reader in their nonfiction section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenan, Tessa

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512414141

Price: 24.94

Genevieve's War

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

Thirteen year old Genevieve was always told to "do the right thing" - "think of others" well the one time she does just that it's really the wrong time to do that! It's 1939 and she is in Alscae, France where she and her brother Albert spent the summer with their grandmother (whom they do not like). It is time for them to go home to America just as WWII is about to break out. But neither actually returns to the US as planned. Genevieve stays because she feels bad for her elderly grandmother and worries about how she will manage the farm on her own. So out of a sense of duty and (doing the right thing) Genevieve makes her way back to the farm house. Albert as it turns out didn't leave either, he stayed to help the resistance smuggle people (Jews) out of France to keep then safe from the Germans. This is a wonderfully told story of WWII and life in a small town in France. Even the most reluctant of readers will devour this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reilly Giff, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823438006

Price: 16.95

Bug Girl

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2017

Review

"Bug Girl" is a book in the same vein as "Dragonbreath" and "Hamster Princess," where there are occasional drawings interspersed throughout the text (usually funny illustrations). The first book by Benjamin Harper and Sarah Hines Stephens, "Bug Girl" follows Amanda Price, a sixth grader who loves all bugs. This has made her extremely uncool amongst her peers, including her former best friend, Emily. When crazy hybrid monsters attack her town and kidnap her mother, Amanda discovers she has secret powers and must use them to save everyone. The book is a lot of fun and has interesting notes about different insects, so I learned a bit from it. Kids will probably not get the references to "Members Only" jackets and I think there were a few other 80s-90s slang terms that they may not understand or will need to look up, but other than that I think "Bug Girl" will be a hit. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Benjamin

Illustrator: Syed, Anoosha

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250106612

Price: 14.99

Dare You

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2017

Review

"Dare You" is the second book in the Nikki Kill "Shade Me" series by Jennifer Brown. I haven't read the first one, but I really enjoyed Brown's YA novel "Hate List." Luckily, Brown includes a lot of introductory information in case you haven't read the first one, so I didn't feel lost at all. The book centers around Nikki Kill, a teenager who faced a killer in the last book and survived, but found out dark secrets about her mother. In this book, Nikki graduates from high school and has no plans afterwards, while others are planning to go to college and have jobs. The killer who tried to murder Nikki (and succeeded in killing some of her friends in the first book) has been released and Nikki finds herself framed for her friend's murder. The book is a fun thriller for teens, though adults reading it will feel frustrated by some of Nikki's less-than-stellar decisions (but that's true to being a teen and learning). If you have a large number of YA readers, the "Shade Me" series is probably a good addition to it. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062324467

Price: 17.99

Trolled

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2017

Review

This is the third book in the Enchanted Files series that mixes modern day situations with the Enchanted Realm where fairy tale and mythical creatures live. As in the previous books, the story is revealed through various letters, journal entries, text messages and academic matter from Enchanted Realm professors. This installment in the series brings Alex and Angus the Brownie back from the first book in the series, although it is not necessary to read the other books to be entertained by this one. Ned Thump is a security guard at Grand Central Station in New York City. Secretly, he is actually the troll princess Nettie from the Enchanted Realm who was rejected by the human Prince Gustave Fredrick. When Alex's cousin Cody, who has the strange skill of farting rose scents, wants to interview Ned Thump for a school project, the encounter between them reveals secrets that demand a trip to the Enchanted Realm. Troll prophecies,talking cats, special magical devices and underground tunnels will delight fantasy and fairy tale lovers in this Shrek mashup. Readers will also learn some about the real tunnel dwellers under New York City in the process.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Bruce

Illustrator: Kidby, Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385392594

Price: 16.99

Overturned

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2017

Review

Overturned by Lamar Giles tells the story of Nikki Tate, a girl whose family lives in their Las Vegas casino and whose criminal father has just been released from prison. Nikki balances a normal life - friends, soccer, boyfriends - with an extraordinary life of under-the-table illegal poker games and murder investigation. After evidence surfaces that her father might not be guilty, Nikki embarks on an adventure to solve the crime, while simultaneously falling in love with a competing casino owner’s son.

Giles threads symbolism (cards, poker, and Vegas) throughout this thriller. The main characters are well developed for the most part, though a few key characters (unnamed for fear of spoilers) fall a bit flat. Giles's thrilling writing style keeps readers turning pages as Nikki and her friends uncover evidence and tempt fate.

Readers who have an interest in poker and like mystery/crime novel would enjoy the fast pace and the insiders' view of Vegas depicted in Overturned.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Giles, Lamar

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545812504

Price: 17.99

The Story of Barbie and the Woman who Created Her

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2017

Review

I learned more about Barbie and her creator, Ruth Handler, in the flap of the book than in the full story. The Barbie-lover at my house (my three-year-old daughter) enjoyed the book.

While the illustrations are a strength of the book, many pages look blurred, perhaps for the vintage style the illustrator was looking to achieve. The text explains that the details of Barbie’s outfits and accessories are what separated her and brought fashion to everyday girls, but the illustrations don’t reflect this level of detail on several pages.

I felt the book was missing nods toward the controversy of Barbie's figure, and while the book hints that Ruth Handler overcame obstacles - perhaps because of her gender and the time period - to realize her creation, the text doesn’t explain how or why the Mattel board changed their mind and produced the doll she envisioned. One of the themes in the book is that girls can do whatever they dream, just like Barbie. It seems the author should have connected this theme more to Ruth, whose dreams came true when Barbie became a hit.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eagan, Cindy

Illustrator: Bates, Amy June

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399553783

Price: 17.99

The Pout-Pout Fish Far, Far from Home

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2017

Review

Another excellent edition of the Pout-Pout series. Downtrodden Mr Fish embarks on an exciting vacation but hits some “bumps” in this path. With the help of some friends, he makes it to his destination and has a great time experiencing undersea adventures. The illustrations of his “fin-tactic” vacation make for great conversation with young readers, and adult readers will chuckle at each page. A great read!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374301941

Price: 17.99

Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote the Cat in the Hat

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

1954 was a great year to be a child, except if you were learning to read. Children's beginner books were boring and were not teaching them to read. It was decided that Dr. Seuss would be the perfect author to write a funny children's book using only words selected from a predetermined word list. He went into the project thinking it would take a week or two, but in the end it took more than a year. When he did his hard thinking and work, he wore hats from a collection in his closet to help him think. Knowing the Cat in the Hat, children will enjoy reading about its creation. Teachers will be able to use this book for writing activities and lessons, as well as pointing out how long the writing process takes, and how patience pays off. Great Kevin Hawkes illustrations complete this fun book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sierra, Judy

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375974298

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Stinker

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Stinker is a young, boisterous dog who has always lived in the pound and has a problem in that he "often made little smells." The story seems to be told by a marmalade cat who talks about the various families who try to adopt him, but are always turned away by his "little smells." Finally, an older man who can't "see worth a hill of beans" or "hear worth a hoot" smells the little dog and takes him in making for the very happy ending that was promised at the beginning of the book. Illustrations are cute. Potential adoptees include a family of color and a boy in a wheelchair. The portrayal of the elderly man who adopts Stinky is not good. He is seemingly derided for his poor eyesight and hearing difficulties. This does not show kindness and respect and is not what we would want our young children to think of elderly people.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Zeltser, David

Illustrator: Patton, Julia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512417920

Price: 14.99

Caterpillar Dreams

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Henri, a very cute little caterpillar has a dream. He wants to fly so he can go on amazing adventures.His friends, slug and worm discourage him, but frog tells him to chase his dreams.With the help of a bird, a mole, and a fish, Henri does get away from his garden to begin to see the world. He discovers a hot air balloon and begins to climb the ropes, but soon a cocoon forms around him. When he emerges, he realizes he can fly and flies back home. The illustrations in this book will be very appealing to young children with their bright colors and adorable characters. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are all themes. The message that while following your dreams is good, there is no place like home is an important one for children. A charming offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McFarland, Clive

Illustrator: McFarland, Clive

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006238636

Price: 17.99

Caterpillar Dreams

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Henri, a very cute little caterpillar has a dream. He wants to fly so he can go on amazing adventures.His friends, slug and worm discourage him, but frog tells him to chase his dreams.With the help of a bird, a mole, and a fish, Henri does get away from his garden to begin to see the world. He discovers a hot air balloon and begins to climb the ropes, but soon a cocoon forms around him. When he emerges, he realizes he can fly and flies back home. The illustrations in this book will be very appealing to young children with their bright colors and adorable characters. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are all themes. The message that while following your dreams is good, there is no place like home is an important one for children. A charming offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McFarland, Clive

Illustrator: McFarland, Clive

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006238636

Price: 17.99

See Fred Run

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Ed and Fred are two blobby creatures in this story that the author implies is written using fifty nine sight words, half of which are in the front of the book, and half of which are in the back. That alone could be confusing to beginning readers. Additional words are included that will need to be figured out from context clues, including bike, chicken, cowboy, and more. Ed seems to be directing things, while Fred is being made fun of at every turn. In the end, he is left standing in only his heart covered boxer shorts. This attempt at creating an easy reader book is only marginally successful.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bolger, Kevin

Illustrator: Hodson, Ben

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062286024

Price: 7.99

Just an Adventure at Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Little Critter and his dad, accompanied by the mouse and spider found in many of the Little Critter books, set off for a day of fishing in their new fishing boat. Adventures and mishaps occur, but the day is a good one, with just enough adventure for Little Critter and his dad. This is a typical book from the series. Newer readers will be able to read it with just a bit of help. They will have fun looking for spider and mouse. Fans of the series will be happy to see this new title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mayer, Mercer

Illustrator: Mayer, Mercer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062431417

Price: 16.99

Charlotte the Scientist is Squished

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Charlotte is a young bunny scientist who knows all about the scientific method and uses it in all of her experiments. She has a big problem, though. With thirteen siblings, she is always squished--at the dinner table, in the bathroom, and in the living room where she does her experiments and where her things get broken by the siblings. Using scientific method, she determines that the solution to her problem is to go into space alone. She blasts off in a carrot rocket and enjoys the freedom and space for awhile. However, she is soon lonely and again uses scientific method to solve the problem. She rockets back to earth and uses the carrot rocket, parked next to the family's home, as her lab. The scientific method is repeated at the end for reinforcement. There is a lot of charm in the illustrations. The adventure is fun. This would be a good book to give budding young scientists.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Andros, Camille

Illustrator: Farley, Brianne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544785830

Price: 16.99

Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 22, 2017

Review

13-year-old only-child Stevie Grace is living a wonderful, secure, and loving existence with her Mother and Father on a small farm in New Mexico. She believes that her grandparents are all dead and her parents never speak of them. In fact, they have fanciful stories for how they came to be together. Stevie has come to realize that these probably are not true. When her parents are killed in an automobile-related accident, Stevie is grief-stricken. On top of that, she is sent to Texas to stay with her maternal Grandfather whom she never knew existed. She is eager for any information about her Mother as a child and yearns to hear the true story about how her parents came to be together, but her Grandfather is gruff, stern, and far from welcoming. Stevie does find friendship with various characters who work and live at the drab and deteriorating Texas Sunrise Motel that her Grandfather owns. As she comes to learn about what happened between her parents, she comes to understand her Grandfather's reticence to form a close bond with her. A lovely story, though this reader wanted to shake most of the adults involved in this tale and impress upon them the need for Stevie to have help dealing with her loss. Ultimately, Stevie seems to be the most mature personality in the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holt, Kimberly Willis

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627793247

Price: 16.99

Braced

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

Rachel Brooks is an average soccer-loving 7th grader in Massachusetts - except for scoliosis that’s causing her to need an intense back-brace therapy for 23 hours per day. In Braced, Alyson Gerber explores how Rachel sets goals for herself to continue to play soccer and navigate friendships and budding romances even despite the clumsy brace.

This book would appeal mostly to 6th and 7th grade readers or to others who like to read about teens overcoming the odds.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gerber, Alyson

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545902144

Price: 16.99

Newton's Rainbowe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 27, 2017

Review

While the facts of Newton's life are covered in this book, they are done in a simplified manner appropriate for the intended office. Newton's life from his birth as a very tiny baby who was not expected to live, to a respected college professor is covered. Kevin Hawkes' illustrations do a good job helping young readers to understand the material. This would be a good choice for budding young scientists and researchers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Merritt, Barbara

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374355135

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

The Special Ones

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

Esther is one of the four special ones chosen by an unnamed selector (“him”) to live on a farmhouse and follow strict rules based on their “remembering books.” They are monitored 24/7 by “him” and viewed by followers, with whom they share every night on chat rooms and they

The Special Ones, Em Bailey was the type of book readers finish up in only a few sittings. By the time we understand the rules and operation of the farmhouse, Bailey switches from Esther’s point of view to “his”, and we become fascinated with the man who created this cult. The shifts in point of view in the second half of the book made the writing feel clumsy, but overall, the story was well-told and kept readers hooked.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bailey, Em

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544912298

Price: 17.99

These Things I've Done

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2017

Review

Last year, Dara's best friend died in a tragic accident. Most of the community blames her. Her family sent her away for a year to get away from the memories and the judgement, but this year she's back to face the guilt and the accusations because she doesn't think she deserves to move on. Told in alternating current time and leading up to the accident chapters, Dara struggles with fitting back into her family and school, and her new feelings for her former best friend's now grownup little brother. The main character deals with grief and guilt, but other than seeing a psychiatrist, we don't see the character ever deal with these issues. The book focuses more on the romance than the mental health issues. Give to fans of Sara Zarr and Jandy Nelson.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Phillips, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062570901

Price: 17.99

Amelia Bedelia Makes a Splash

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2017

Review

This is the 11th entry in this series. It features a young Amelia Bedelia going off to camp for the first time. She is reluctant to give up her summer plans to spend eight weeks at the camp her mother attended as a child. As the summer goes on, Amelia makes friends, learns a lot, and has a wonderful time. As in the other Amelia Bedelia books, she is quite literal, much to the amusement of her fellow campers. Illustrations scattered throughout the pages make the book feel more approachable to young readers. The size of the book feels like a real chapter book, making it appealing to those children who want to try something longer just to see if they can read it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parrish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658401

Price: 15.99

My Magical Life

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2017

Review

Everyone in Zach King's family has a magical power, but Zach has not found his yet. He has been home schooled. When his parents decide to send him to public school, he fears he will not get magical powers. At school, he learns about friends, what it is like to be normal, and about bullying. It is told with humor, and filled with full color illustrations and in some places graphic novel like places. Kids will probably be attracted by the cover illustration and pick up this book. The author is "one of the hottest names in digital media" and has included an app to accompany this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

King, Zach

Illustrator: King, Zach

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062677181

Price: 18.99

Emily and the Spellstone

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2017

Review

This book is very strong in plot. A 12 year old girl finds a rock on the beach that looks like a cell phone. That was what she wanted for her birthday, instead it's a spellstone. It has an evil monster that wants to eat her, that lives within the stone. He has to do whatever she commands him to do, until he is freed from her. Then he can eat her. They travel through different dementions, and become friends. Someone is trying to steal the stone away... Emily makes a new friend at her school who tries to help her with problems on this demention. Lots of action, this book is a fun Halloweenish story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rubens, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/ houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544790865

Price: 16.99

JoJo and Daddy Bake a Cake

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2017

Review

Fancy Nancy's little sister JoJo is baking a cake. Her father is helping her and soon she has two more helpers: her friend Freddy and sister Nancy. Everyone wants to know who the cake is for but JoJo will not tell. This My First Shared Reading offering with basic language and appealing, simple illustrations is perfect for the beginner reader who stills needs some help. The cake is for someone very special and the surprise is perfect. Definitely consider this one for your beginner readers' shelves and the young reader will look forward to other JoJo stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Glasser, Robin Preiss

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062378026

Price: 16.99

The Pirate Problem

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2017

Review

Based on the TV series Peg + Cat, this level 2, 6-chapter book will help young readers to figure out some math. Peg + Cat are on an island and some hungry pirates show up so they must ascertain very quickly how to get these pirates fed and how to do it equitably. If pirates get hungry they start singing - badly! There are different fruit trees on the island, but apparently pirates only like certain kinds of fruit and the Great Banana nearby is not yet ready to drop. Peg + Cat must put on their thinking caps and use their math skills to save the day. When a kleptomaniac monkey appears on the scene and steals some peaches, Peg + Cat must go to plan B, but what might that be? With lessons about sharing and problem solving, this is a good choice for kids 4 - 8. The illustrations follow the text well and the font reminds one of old-fashioned typewriter print which makes this book unusual and sort of retro.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oxley, Jennifer

Illustrator: Aronson, Billy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763697860

Price: 14.99

Let's Go To The Moon

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2017

Review

Lana really wants to go to the moon, but her parents are raking, Jay and Ray are playing on the trampoline and Furry is chasing leaves. Well, the heck with them. Lana goes to her room, plasters stars and planets all around, builds a rocket from boxes and puts on her space suit. Off she goes to a fantastical and imaginative trip to the moon where she meets moon parents, moon children and a moon beast. When her stomach grumbles and she is offered only moon rocks, she decides she must go home where her family awaits her ready to make moon cookies. This book shows little ones how to use their imaginations and, perhaps, even how to play by oneself and not need others or electronic devices to pass the time. With large font and some repetitive text, this is a good choice for the level 2 set, challenging the reader to follow along with Lana's adventure. The illustrations track well with the text. Beginner readers will enjoy Lana's World books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Silverman, Erica

Illustrator: Golden, Jess

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Green Light Readers/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544867611

Price: 3.99

Beep Beep, Maisy!

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2017

Review

This oversized boardbook has dozens of flaps for little hands to find, which is great for hand eye coordination. Maisy is driving about in her car and she passes many other vehicles; a donkey on a tractor, a peacock on a bicycle and an ostrich on a train to name a few. Sounds reasonable, right? Roadwork causes a huge traffic jam and all the drivers and passengers find ways to entertain themselves while they wait. The sounds each vehicle makes are revealed and there are lots of different sizes of tabs to flip where one will discover amusing and colorful pictures. Familiar characters are here again : Charley, Cyril, and Dotty. Those who love the Maisy series will be thrilled with this offering. Flip books, however, do get easily damaged and torn and have to be replaced often, in public libraries especially.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694074

Price: 12.99

Red and Lulu

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2017

Review

Matt Tavares has created a Christmas story for the ages. Red and Lulu are cardinals nesting very contentedly in their lovely fir tree. It is their home and they are happy there until one day while Red is away from the tree, men come with heavy equipment to remove the beautiful evergreen tree and drive off with Lulu still in the branches. Red flies home just in time to see the truck leaving. Red tell Lulu to stay and he follows as the truck heads toward the highway. Red follows until he becomes too exhausted and looses sight of the truck. Disheartened but not giving up Red travels for miles before he hears singing. Following the sound until he sees the beautiful lit Christmas tree at Rockefella Center in New York City. He flies strait to his favorite branch and LULU! Reunited at last and in their tree. When men come again to remove the tree, Red and Lulu decide to stay behind in Central Park where they live happily and every Christmas when they hear the singing they join the crowd to celebrate the lighting of a very special tree.

Beautifully written and illustrated this is a real treasure.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Tavares, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763677336

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Olive and the Backstage Ghost

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

The story could easily be written for young readers, but for the dark side of Olive having witnessed her dad killing himself by jumping out the aptment window. Halloween type of story, mom is an exactress who wants her daughter to relive her fame. Olive finds a venue where she can be herself as an actress. The problem is her stage is haughted by ghosts, that want to ensnare the living. This is better suited for a more mature audience .

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schusterman, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House Childrens Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550669

Price: 16.99

Everything's Changed

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

Change is not easy for Celie, who has moved to a new school far from her friends, is making new friends, learning to live with her ill Granny and the nurse who takes care of her, and trying to fix things between her sister Jo and Jo's boyfriend. The story is told in diary form, complete with lined pages and lots of illustrations throughout. Celie is a plucky and delightful young girl who is able to make astute observations about herself and those around her. Despite a minor disaster, all turns out well in the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sternberg, Julie

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyd's Mill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629796727

Price: 16.95

Train I Ride

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

Rydr has been through more than any 13 year-old should and the burden's of her life are great. After witnessing her mother's death from a drug overdose, being sent to live with her chain smoking grandmother and then finding her grandmother dead -- Rydr is being sent to Chicago via Amtrak to live with an elderly uncle that she has never met. Being broke and extremely hungry, she finds ways, not always legally, to fend for herself. On this train ride, she is befriended by several employees and passengers that help her grow and find her way. Dorothea, her Amtrak escort, is constantly reminding her of the right way; Neal, a service vendor, overlooks her petty theft in order to fend off starvation; Carlos, a traveling poet, shows her how to see things in a different light and Tenderchunks, a Boy Scout, shares his vulnerabilities and his precious copy of "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg. Along the journey, she finally lets go of the box that she is carrying and the burden that it represents -- her mother's ashes.

This is a first for the author is definitely character-driven. Well written, simple and direct and easy to follow. Writing styles uses the imagery of life moving on like a rolling train through the countryside with its changes and diversity and how each stop is a reflection of life. Recommended for grades 7 -12 despite being written for middle school levels. Every reader can relate to something in Rydr's life.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mosier, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062455734

Price: 16.99

Blood of Wonderland

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

In the continuation of the "Queen of Hearts" series, Dinah finds herself being framed for murder. Barely escaping the kingdom and finding herself in the Twisted Woods with nothing but the clothes on her back, a small amount of food that was provided by a mysterious stranger who aided her escape and a viscous steed that will kill for pleasure, but will also defend Dinah to the end. Secrets of Dinah's life are revealed as the story progresses with unlikely friendships and alliances created which gives an excellent lead-in to the final book of the trilogy.

This installment in the series starts the transition of Dinah, the girl, into Dinah, the woman, who with any luck will become the Queen of Hearts. Strong and well developed characters; very interesting and fast paced retelling of the classic "Alice in Wonderland". Fans of Marissa Meyers will love this series. Reading the first book, "Queen of Hearts" is recommended for the back story. Recommended for grades 7 up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Oakes, Colleen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harpe rTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062409768

Price: 17.99

Hero: Hurrican Rescue

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

This is the second book about Hero, a black Labrador Retriever. Three boys and two dogs are at the heart of this riveting novel. Ben, Noah, and Hero go out in the midst of a hurricane in Florida to find their classmate, Jack, and his puppy. This fast paced story is well written. There are many near misses which will keep middle grade readers on the edge of their seats. I recommend this short novel for readers looking for a story with adventure involving close friends, dogs, families, and battling the forces of nature together.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shotz, Jennifer Li

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062560445

Price: 17.99

Spirit Hunters

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

Harper Raine and her family move to a new house in Washington, D.C. that is said to be haunted. Her four year old brother, Michael, starts speaking to an imaginary friend and acting strangely. Harper makes a new friend in the neighborhood who helps her learn more about the house's history. Harper discovers that she can communicate with ghosts. This ability runs in the family. Family dynamics play an important role in this novel with Korean-Americans as the main characters. The story is well written and full of suspense. It is not for the faint of heart. Readers who enjoy a scary story with a sinister presence will find this satisfying.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oh, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062430083

Price: 16.99

The Van Gogh Deception

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks is a clever and thrilling mystery adventure. The protagonist is a twelve year old boy, Art, whose amnesia causes one of the major problems in the book. He knows more about works of art than most kids his own age, which is a shocking revelation when he is found alone at the National Musuem of Art in Washington, DC with no memory of how he got htere. The adventure begins as Art begins to remember parts of his past and realizes he needs to save his father, who we learn is about toe expose some art collectors as frauds.

Hicks cleverly uses QR codes throughout the text to reveal images of actual works that Art considers along the way as he works to solve the central mystery.

Readers will enjoy the fast pace and the excitement tied to each chapter, especially the satisfying ending. The book reads like a Dan Brown novel for upper elementary and lower middle-level audiences. A great choice for readers who like mystery and action.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hicks, Deron

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544759266

Price: 16.99

The Song of Glory and Ghost

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2017

Review

A fantasy adventure with lots of action full of plot twists and fun. In fact so many plot twists I found them all a bit hard to follow! Sam is a "misfit" kid - he is a foster child who has arms that do not function well and he seems to spend a lot of his time in the dream world. He likes it there because sometimes he's the hero and his arms are fully functional. The story takes Sam into that dream world where he meets Glory who quickly becomes his best friend, and 2 snakes that help him make his way through the past and back into the present and able to have a good future. Fans of the 100 Cupboards series will really enjoy this series. This is book 2.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, N.D.

Illustrator: Dickison, Forrest

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books / Harper Collins Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062327291

Price: 16.99

Staying A Hive

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2017

Review

When the Queen Bee opens her hive for a honey business the bears are very excited - after all they do love their honey! But - other residents of town are not so happy. Grumpy Woods has turned into a noisy sticky situation! On top of that, the bears become so sugared up that they all go into hibernation early! Leaving the town with an over abundance of honey and no one to consume it! What ever will they do? Can you come up with a solution? This is a fun and silly book for the early chapter book and reluctant reader. This is book 3 of the Super Happy Party Bears series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Colleen, Marcie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250100474

Price: 5.99

A Mermaids Tale

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2017

Review

Lilly and Fin are just kids. (mermaid kids more specifically) Kids who love adventure - they love to explore new places. Even though they have had many warnings to stay clear of the 2 legged creatures (humans) and sea monsters - they are young and question the truth about these things. But the humans do exist and they are on a hunt for mermaids! Lilly and Fin were looking forward to a great adventure that day - Lilly had food and drink to share - she was really looking forward to hanging out in their secret cave. But Fin was having a feeling that something bad was going to happen - and sure enough it did! But in the end they were saved by a giant octopus and learned a valuable lesson. The illustrations a wonderful! Full of color and details that the kids will love to look at over and over! A wonderful book for the early reader!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Funke, Cornelia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524701017

Price: 9.99

Pick a pine tree

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2017

Review

"Pick a pine tree" is the story of family traditions. Finding the perfect Christmas tree to celebrate the season. Bringing out all of the ornaments, including the toilet paper roll snowman that always gets tucked into the branches. Stringing the lights and garland. And of course the very special tree topper. The rhyming text make this the perfect read aloud, whether for shared story times or special lap time. The best part are the illustrations by Jarvis. I have to admit he is my new favorite. His illustrations are full of character and warmth. This is sure to become a family favorite.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Toht, Patricia

Illustrator: Jarvis, Jarvis

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695712

Price: 16.99

A Christmas of bear

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2017

Review

Yet another fabulous addition to the bear and mouse books. Serious grumpy bear and fun loving mouse are all ready to celebrate Christmas at bears house. There will be goods eats (pickles of course) and quite possibly bear will recite a poem. But what mouse notices first is that there are no presents. As bear retrieves treats from the kitchen, mouse scurries from room to room in search of presents. As mouse becomes more and more forlorn bear delights in having fooled mouse and they both enjoy the very special gift of friendship at Christmas and always. The illustrations perfectly capture mouses antics and bears booming personality and you can't keep from smiling while reading. This is as much fun for the reader as it is for the listeners.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Bonny

Illustrator: MacDonald Denton, Kady

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763649234

Price: 16.99

Fergus and Zeke

Reviewed by: Jill - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

This is a solid early chapter book for emerging readers in first through third grade. Fergus is a mouse who happens to be a very contented class pet; he always follows all of the rules of the classroom. When a class trip to the Museum of Natural History is announced, Fergus assumes that he will be attending too. Upon learning that class pets don't generally attend class field trips, Fergus realizes that he will have to break a rule and sneak into one of the backpacks so that he, too, can see the butterflies and wish on a shooting star in the Planetarium. At the Museum, Fergus does not have a field-trip buddy...enter Zeke. He is a mouse who lives in the Museum and he agrees to be Fergus's buddy and show him around. Ross's breezy illustratons show the two mice interacting with each exhibit as they move from room to room supporting Messner's text without overwhelming it. When Fergus and Zeke get caught up in the dinosaur room, they almost miss the arrival of the bus for the class's return to school. As they rush back to the backpacks, Fergus invites Zeke to come along to live in the comfortable classroom (where some favorites include story time and music class) and the class acquires a new class pet. A nice read alound prior to a class field trip. A great choice for those readers ready for a chapter book as it includes repetition and the use of sight words to scaffold reading success.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Messner, Kate

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678463

Price: 14.99

Movie Monsters from Godzilla to Frankenstein

Reviewed by: Jill - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Elementary-aged readers gravitate toward this type of book because monsters are fascinating. The premise of the short (32 pages) book is that monsters have been depicted in movies (and literature) for over a hundred years. It seems that the subtitle should read from Frankenstein to Godzilla (or to today) as Frankenstein was the first monster to be shown on the screen and the book mentions many other monsters, using photographs and screen shots from films and jumping around from monster to monster and time period to time period. It also tosses in the idea that science has mimicked some of the ideas of monster movies like the work of scientist Henry Markram who studies the human brain and hopes to be able to one day build a copy of one (a modern Frankenstein?). It is a little jarring to see an image of a person with prosthetic legs in a monster book because, though the idea is that we are creating prosthetics to help people live better lives, equating a person with prosthetic legs to the idea of Frankenstein's work can be confusing to young readers. Titles like this are great to get dormant readers interested, but this book could have been better organized and laid out. Part of a series.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Goddu, Krystyna Poray

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512425918

Price: 26.65

Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian , Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

As teenagers, Vincent and Theo made a pledge to each other that they would always be close. Vincent was four years older than Theo. The brothers were emotionally dependent upon each other. This non-fiction book explores their love for each other, their dreams, and their complicated lives. At times it is heart wrenching to realize the pain that both suffered. The author used hundreds of letters that Vincent wrote to Theo, as well as many other sources to bring insight to the brothers' relationship. Color plates of several paintings and back and white sketches are included. At the end of the book is an epilogue, lists of people in the brothers' lives, dates of events in the brothers' lifetimes, an author's note, bibliography, websites, endnotes, and an extensive index. I highly recommend this compelling well written book for older teens and adults interested in art, mental illness, and relationships.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Heiligman, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Godwin Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805093391

Price: 19.99

Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

A young Jack London did not find much gold in the Klondike, but did find an abundance of material for his writing. This fascinating biography includes a wealth of information about his preparation for the Klondike adventure and what it was like to participate in this arduous journey. The book is divided into several parts covering August 1897-1899. This format works very well. The numerous black and white photographs and sketches enhance this well written non-fiction account of the Klondike gold rush. There is an introduction, an afterward, timeline, glossary, bibliography, and extensive index. I would heartily recommend this for students doing research on Jack London and the Klondike and for readers who enjoy true adventure and survival stories.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lourie, Peter

Illustrator: Wendell, Minor

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097573

Price: 18.99

A Dog in the Cave: The Wolves Who Made Us Human

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

This narrative non-fiction book is about our relationship with dogs dating back thousands of years ago. It begins with a description of fossilized footprints of a boy and "wolf-dog" next to each other in undisturbed mud in a cave in France. This well researched book contains of a wealth of scientific information. Paleontology, genetics, communication, intelligence, and the variety of ways that dogs assist humans are some of the topics included. There are numerous photographs which make the book attractive. The book is well written, but the full page inserted sidebars are awkwardly placed in the middle of chapters disrupting the flow. A table of contents, glossary, notes, bibliography, Internet resources, and an extensive index are included. Readers will find this book fascinating from beginning to end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frydenborg, Kay

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Miffllin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544286566

Price: 18.99

Overboard!

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

This is the first in the series, Survivor Diaries. Eleven year old Travis and twelve year old Marina are on a whale watching boat off the coast of Washington state when the boat is hit by a rogue wave. They are tossed into the sea and separated from the others. They are on their own and must find a way to survive in the freezing water and find their way to land. This is an action packed adventure filled with valuable survival information. The story is told from Travis' point of view. There are black and white illustrations throughout the book. An author's note and U.S. Coast Guard approved cold water survival tips are included at the end. The story is less than 100 pages. Unfortunately, the cataloging information incorrectly states in the summary that the story takes place in the "Atlantic off the coast of Washington." I recommend this for readers who enjoy a story filled with action and suspense.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Terry Lynn

Illustrator: Ukropina, Jovan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544970106

Price: 9.99

Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

The first book in a new Branches series about a boy who starts a new game set in Animal Town, a happy place where animals dance everyday. They dance and frolic until King Viking decides that he's had enough and he brings his Robot Army to Animal Town to stop the happiness. When he kidnaps Singing Dog, it's too much and the town turns to its hero Super Rabbit Boy (SRB). Undaunted, SRB heads to the Boom Boom Factory to rescue Singing Dog and stop King Viking. SRB, at the hands of the boy playing the game, does not always make it out of a level unscathed, so while readers think that they are reading about a video game, they are also learning about persistance and learning from mistakes. With that "can-do" attitude, SRB is successful in the end and the reader familiar with conquering a strategy game will possibly pump a fist in the air when order and happiness are restored in Animal Town. The colorful illustrations are eye-catching and there is excellent dilineation between scenes from the game and the glimpses into the life of the boy playing the game. Flintham has a great concept here that could hook those readers more inclined to grab a controller than a book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Flintham, Thomas

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338034714

Price: 4.99

The Golden Gate Bridge

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

In just thirty two pages this book describes the history and the construction of one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Brief as it is, aided by photographs in color and historic black and white ones, intriguing fact boxes and the author's enthusiastic account, the thirty two pages do succeed in telling the story well. The enormity of the obstacles encountered in the bridge's construction are included in captivating detail. Readers of about eight through twelve years and up should find the book just the right length for a fascinating introduction. A glossary and brief but up-to-date bibliography are appended. Recommended especially to young east coast residents who may look forward to seeing the west coast's famous sites if they have not already done so.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blake, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 139781944102449

Price: 17.95

The Impossible Clue

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

The lively and colorful dust jacket showing twelve year old Alice Jones who is labelled "code maker, crime breaker" should attract upper grade school girls who enjoy reading mysteries. Math whiz Alice is not a "people person" but she is smart, fearless and likes both a challenge and figuring out problems. The problem here is the disappearance of a famous scientist from a locked room! Alice accepts the problem when asked by a classmate's egocentric father. She is determined to find the scientist. Readers are shown the difference between solving math problems and solving life's problems. Other problems that engage Alice are her journalist father who focuses entirely on his current assignment and her twin sister who wants only to be a star in show business. Recommended to readers in upper grade school and junior high who enjoy mysteries and perhaps math as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rubin, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545940252

Price: 17.99

Where's the owl?

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

Bright colors and simple illustrations along with study felt flaps make this an excellent first baby's book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arrhenius, Ingela

Illustrator: arrhenius, ingela

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696399

Price: 8.99

Race car count

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

This fast paced and action packed car counting book actually makes a good transition from hard cover to board. The pages are not overwhelming with wordy text that no toddler could sit still for. Each race car is a different color and numbered 1 thru 10. "All lined up, 10 in a row...Red light, Yellow light, green light...Go! The last page lists the cars with a brief bio. Lot's of fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kai Dotlich, Rebecca

Illustrator: Slack, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627799348

Price: 7.99

The Butterfly Garden

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

This is a lift-the-flap book of the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. The striking black and white prints with several flaps per page to show the changes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to beautiful orange monarchs are the only touches of color making for a dramatic transition. A single word on each page is all that is necessary for budding scientist to follow the never ending cycle of life. Lovely for sharing or one on one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Weston, Laura

Illustrator: Weston, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693176

Price: 14.99

Imagine

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

What a fabulous way to teach yet another generation the beautiful poetry and music of John Lennon, a peaceful and mindful man. This book begins with a plain pigeon and an olive branch as he begins a journey of living life in peace. As he flies above and below he shares with birds of all flocks and together they become one world. This was an amazing song in 1971 and it is an amazing introduction to children of all ages that if we can imagine it we can make it happen. One child, one adult, one person at a time. Yes you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...

It is true a simple picture speaks a thousand words.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lennon, John

Illustrator: Jullien, Jean

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328808653

Price: 18.99

Midnight at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Hanson's sophomore effort is as beautiful as her first, The Wonder. Like that book, the illustrations are the star of the experience of reading this book. Filled with color, detail, whimsy, and a touch of magic, young readers will be enthralled with the show that the animals put on at the zoo after midnight. Max and Mia are disappointed when a highly-anticipated school trip to the zoo yields zero animal sightings and when the two are accidentally left behind, instead of panicking (Max carries lots of gear and is always prepared), they meet a friend who shows them the sights of the zoo after dark, none of which surprises them. Completely fantastical, this book allows young readers in on the possibility that what happens when humans are not around is truly wondrous. Even the endpapers are delightful in this beautiful, imaginative picture book. A few of the pages with darker backgrounds have darker text, which might be a slight challenge for a young reader on his or her own, but they will be so busy ogling the illustrations, it is a forgivable flaw.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hanson, Faye

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689087

Price: 16.99

Laugh Out Loud Ultimate Jokes for Kids

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

This book offers two books under one cover: Laugh-Out-Loud Awesome Jokes for Kids and Laugh-Out-Loud Road Trip Jokes for Kids and joins many other Laugh-Out-Loud titles from Elliott. This book has a simple layout, a clean design, and plenty of jokes to keep any elementary-aged reader entertained for a while. There are some groaners here, but most are solidly funny jokes and all are appropriate for the age group. The Road Trip section also includes pages of Hangman, Dots, Tic-Tac-Toe, and mazes and while this is not ideal for a library book, they are unobtrusive enough that the book could circulate without getting written in. A nice addition to the joke section of a public or school library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Rob

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062569776

Price: 10.99

Girl Rising: Changing the World one Girl at a Time

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2017

Review

From cover to cover this book will educate, influence and delight readers. The many photographers who contributed to this work have offered wonderful photo which show and share the brilliance of each girl. The set-up is simple yet pleasing with a slight use of highlight color on the headings. But most important is the content which speaks to women of all ages. This book does not suffer from the after movie syndrome; it stands on its own and is bound to bring the 2013 documentary back into circulation.

Working with the producers of the documentary by the same title, Stone has included more than thirty girls to research the ways that societies all over the world prevent girls from getting educated. It is the voice of each girl that reveals their individual stress, challenges and success. Cultural norms like child marriage and horrific realities including slavery and human trafficking are some of the situations that girls suffered. This book is a portrayal of the global abuse that powerful men, governments and even families inflict upon young girls. The point is well made that freedom of education is pivotal to improving the plight of girls in many countries. Backpages continue to educate and expand the storyline. A lengthy bibliography is useful for future readings and shows the depth of research.

Add this book to all public libraries and place into intermediate and middle schools everywhere. Girl Rising is a perfect book for organizations working with girls (Girls Scouts) and would make a great gift to boys and girls.

CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Tanya

Illustrator: , various photo credits

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (Random House)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553511468

Price: 22.99

The Spy Next Door: Mutant Rat Attack!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Dex Drabner dreams of wild adventure, but in reality he is just boring, old Dexter, target of the school bully. This all changes when his science teacher, Mr. McFur, loses his classroom of farting rats and Dexter learns that one is going to be fed gamma broccoli and that there is a network of super-spy kids, who, of course, invite him to join them. Chock-filled with illustrations, high action, gadgets, and tooting rats, this book calls to emerging readers in grades 2-4 who enjoy their plots silly and superhero-tinged. Not that the writing is silly; there is some great vocabulary and a density to the plot that should provide enough of a challenge for those looking for their next read after they have finished with the Captain Underpants series.There is even an allusion to the King Kong mythology and a wink-wink to the spy genre (ala James Bond) and the pitfalls of fame (once you are too famous, it's pretty difficult to be an under-the-radar spy). Book one in what is sure to be a fun, sought-after series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cooper, Jay

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545932974

Price: 9.99

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

This informational picture book showcases an interesting side of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. After her time in the White House, during which she restored the architectural and decorative integrity of the house, Jackie was alarmed to find that Grand Central Station was in jeopardy of being demolished. A New Yorker, Jackie used her influence to persuade the Supreme Court to rule in favor of keeping the architectural structure. Backmatter includes selected sources, a note from the author, and an extremely interesting note from the illustrator; Alexandra Boiger discusses her decision to use certain colors to depict different emotions. This added information will be especially interesting to readers and will prompt them to flip back and revisit pages. An interesting informational book that showcases a strong female in American History, this book could be useful to students learning about the court system, the architectural history of New York City, or First Ladies.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wing, Natasha

Illustrator: Boiger, Alexandra

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547449197

Price: 17.99

Allmost Autumn

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, POrtland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This book was translated from Norwegian into English by Rosie hedger, a woman born in Scotland but who completed he MA studies in Scandinavian literature at the University of Edinburgh. Rosie also spent a year at the University of Oslo and later lived in Sweden and Denmark. The author, Marianne Kaurin was born in Norway and studied at the Institute of children's books. In her debut novel, Marianne takes an intimate look at a fictional family who endures the harassment, discrimination and displacement of Norwegian Jews. Their experiences are narrated through varying viewpoints and is very "up close and personal. A young 15 Year old Else Stern falls in love with her neighbor, Hermann, who unbeknownst to Ilse and his own family, works for the resistance. The author plays with the notion of "chance and fate" in the novel and relates this to the fact that if her own grandfather had not survived imprisonment in Japan for three years, then she herself would not be here to pass on these very important World War 11 stories. A riveting story that allows the story of the Holocaust to be shared in a most visceral way. I would highly recommend this book for students in 7th grade and beyond.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaurin, Marianne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545889650

Price: 17.99

Izzy Kline has Butterflies

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A light-hearted novel in verse that will appeal to fans of realistic fiction, Izzy Kline Has Butterflies offers a peek into the minds of middle-grade girls. Izzy is nervous to be starting school, and is uneasy about her parent's recent split. Being placed in a class without her friends has shaken her self-confidence, until she is drawn to a new student, Quinn. When Quinn lands in the hospital after complications of a recent victory over cancer, Izzy realizes the true bond of their friendship. Izzy's participation in her school's performance of Free to Be...You and Me weaves a theme throughout the novel. Beth Ain's fresh writing gives Izzy a quirky and fun voice; readers will see themselves reflected in the main character worries and her day-to-day struggles. Ain's portrayal of the ups and downs of friendships will ring true to readers and will provide guidance in the form of a novel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ain, Beth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399550805

Price: 16.99

Fakespeare: Star-crossed in Romeo and Juliet

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

When Becca and her step-brother Sam are trapped in the pages of Romeo and Juliet, they set off on a mission to return home. Their way out? To find Romeo and Juliet and make them fall in love. An already challenging situation, as the Montagues and Capulets are embattled in conflict over who makes the best pizza, becomes worse when Juliet seems drawn to Sam. When the four main characters team up against Tybalt, a sneaky prima donna who covers himself in perfume, they are finally able to work towards a common goal. This hybrid middle-grade novel will appeal to even the most reluctant readers, and is a fun romp through the plot line of the world's most famous play. While most young readers are not familiar with the tragedy, Castle's version is amusing and action-packed. Students who enjoy the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will be a fan; illustrations and fairly large white margins on each page, along with differentiated fonts for various characters, make this accessible to growing readers. This book will be popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Castle, M.E.

Illustrator: Jennewein, Daniel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250101624

Price: 13.99

One Mixed-Up night

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Starring Frankie and Walter, this realistic fiction novel is at once a beautiful story of friendship and a cautionary tale. Best friends for years, Frankie and Walter's friendship has lost its luster ever since Walter's father lost his battle with cancer. Walter's carefree spirit becomes buried under layers of sadness and responsibility for the emotional well-being of his family. In an effort to recapture her best friend's zest for life, Frankie persuades Walter to stay overnight in their favorite store, Ikea. When their families visit the store together, their plan launches into action. Armed with a list of activities to pass the night, the two make a series of misguided decisions, beginning with lying to their parents and continuing as they engineer a zip-line through the warehouse, fill a bathtub with water, and eventually starting a fire. When Frankie suspects they are being watched, a layer of suspense is added to the plot. Newman does a nice job creating an exciting plot that appeals to the fantasies of children: a night to run free within their favorite store. Emotional moments will resonate with readers and atone for the mess the two get themselves into. A fun middle-grade read which will be an easy sell to even reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Cahterine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399553882

Price: 16.99

The Notations of Cooper Cameron

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A powerful, heartbreaking, important novel. When Cooper's grandfather passes away, his world shatters. Cooper's life becomes dictated by rituals meant to keep his family safe, especially since he is burdened with the self-inflicted blame of his grandfather's death. Reading every word, every sentence, and every page of a book three times is exhausting, but necessary to the security of his world and those he loves. When his new behaviors create tension within his family, his mother takes Cooper and his sister, Caddie, to their grandfather's cabin for the summer. Faced with the painful memories that sparked his OCD, Cooper struggles to reclaim normalcy in his life. As his relationship with his father nears a breaking point, he finds strength in his sister's firm but gentle guidance, acceptance in his mother's love, and friendship in new acquaintances. Cooper's story will resonate with many, as readers will find themselves reflected in at least one of the characters. O'Reilly was inspired to write this story by her sister, whose struggles are embodied by the main character. The layers of pain in this novel, from Cooper's daily inner conflict, to his mother's anguish at the changes in her family, are a prelude to the triumphant ending. O'Reilly's style of prose is poignant and descriptive, masterfully creating a sharp contrast between the lush and relaxing backdrop of summer in the mountains with Cooper's urgent, structured world. This novel lends itself to thoughtful interpretations and deep discussions. Recommended as a Cream of the Crop book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Reilly, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512404159

Price: 17.99

The Book of Gold

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A gorgeous picture book, with an equally important message, The Book of Gold should be shared with every child. Isaac Gutenberg is a young boy in 1935 who shows little interest in anything. Born to parents who love books, they try to tempt their son by bringing him to the New York Public Library. After an unsuccessful visit during which Isaac grows bored of the room full of books, the young family visits an interesting store. After the shopkeeper shares the legend of the Book of Gold with Isaac, his furious search for the book that holds every answer to all questions begins. His search leads him to libraries, shops, and all over the world, and his lust for a material item gradually transforms into a curiosity and love for knowledge. The final scene of the book is powerful, as an elderly Isaac passes down the legend to a bored youngster pouting in the New York Public Library. This book will surely be beloved by librarians, teachers, and parents and is a recommended read-aloud for back-to-school lessons and introductions to research lessons. Enchanting illustrations will mesmerize young readers, as the theme will spark a curiosity within them. A gorgeous love letter to the power of books, The Book of Gold is recommended for every library, every classroom, and every home. Recommended as a Cream of the Crop book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Staake, Bob

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510775

Price: 17.99

Blood Rose Rebellion

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

In this first book in a new historical fantasy trilogy set in Europe, the Luminate are the upper class of society and are the only ones who can possess magic. Anna, born into the Luminate, however, is barren of magic. In her presence, spells are often broken or unpredictable. After Anna ruins her sister’s confirmation into magic, Anna is sent to Hungary with her grandmother where she learns family secrets and eventually the truth about herself. In the greater society, the commoners are starting to revolt. They want access to magic and are beginning to stage a rebellion against the Luminate and Anna may be the key to helping them. The author’s note in the back of the book aligns with European events of 1847 and 1848 in Europe, like the Hungarian Revolution, and this brings an interesting depth to the story. However, the rest of the plot does not distinguish itself from other popular dystopian and fantasy series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Eves, Rosalyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101935996

Price: 17.99

Places to Be

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Simple text pairs with beautiful illustrations to form this picture book. Two bear characters are shown throughout the book as text states they have places to be, including being sneaky, being sad, and being jubilant. The book concludes with how they will be friends through everything, weaving a theme of friendship throughout every situation. Perfect for a lap-sit or a read-aloud, teachers and caregivers will find a lot of discussion starters with each scene portrayed. Children will see themselves reflected in situations, and will be prompted to share when they feel "cozy and warm," or "beastly." A good tool to give children a voice to their emotions. This book will be one that children will return to over and over again for its comfort and its simplicity.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Marc

Illustrator: Liwska, Renata

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blazer and Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062286215

Price: 17.99

Little Wrecks

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

This debut novel set in the 1970s confronts the difficulty of girls trying to find their way out of a confining suburban neighborhood. Miller creates sentences that show deep insight into girlhood and readers will find a connection to the current #MeToo movement. Miller’s sentences are very poetic creating an atmosphere that is dark and brooding, but the plot never becomes substantial enough to hold the reader's attention, bouncing back and forth between events too quickly. This feels atmospheric at first, but eventually makes the plot difficult to follow. Other than the Vietnam War, Miller’s references the time period will not be familiar to younger readers: Easy Rider, Betty Friedan, and Mrs.Robinson. This book should be considered an additional purchase. Turn readers instead to We Are the Goldens Dana Reinhardt and The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Meredith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062474254

Price: 17.99

Who Killed Christopher Goodman?

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

This story is based on a true-life crime in the author’s hometown. Instead of focusing on the murder, the actual focal point is on a group of teenagers trying to come to terms with the murder of a classmate. Set in a small town in Virginia in 1979, Christopher Goodman is a friendly, easygoing Senior. Much of the book is spent during the weeks before the annual community celebration of Deadwood Days. The reader meets Goodman through the multi-voice chapters of his classmates, one of whom is his murderer. Readers become familiar with the hopes, dreams, and friendships, and allows them to relate to the guilt each one feels after the murder since each person feels like they could have done something differently to prevent it. There are a few references to 1970s culture, such as the Dukes of Hazzard and tv dinners. Readers may note that some of the language used by the teenagers seems quaint, but overall the unfolding of the murder will keep readers turning the page. The author’s note at the end connects the actual crime with the fictional account providing insight into the characters and the murder. Mystery and true crime readers will be sure to enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wolf, Allan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763656133

Price: 16.99

Slappy Birthday to You

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

The first in a new Goosebumps series called SlappyWorld. Slappy is a ventriloquist dummy with a nasty attitude and a cruel sense of humor. When Slappy is gifted to Ian for this 12th birthday, bad things happen. The story is completely predictable (think Chucky), but for the young horror fan, it delivers plenty of suspenseful moments and readers of Goosebumps will tear through this title. There are no vocubulary hurdles nor are there any illustrations, so this would be good for readers ready to get a chill in chapter book form. This reviewer can't help but wish that there were a way to tell this story without so much cruelty and family fighting as it follows the formula of bickering siblings/cousins, disbelieving adults, and scenes of awkwardness among a family trying to celebrate an annual tradition (would a family like this really celebrate a talent show?). An easy purchase for those collections with other Goosebumps titles.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stine, R.L.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338068283

Price: 6.99

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Margaret Hamilton played an essential role in NASA space exploration and made many advancements in computer coding. As a young girl, Margaret was encouraged by her father to question the universe. Her curiosity led her to be passionate about her studies; when she discovered computers, she dove into computer coding. While assisting the missions of Apollos 8, 9, and 10, Margaret honed the skills that would eventually enable her to oversee Apollo 11's moon landing. This picture book biography features comic-style illustrations that will appeal to children. Teachers will find value in this book as a read-aloud to introduce coding, engineering, women's history, or even space exploration. An author's note provides more information about Margaret Hamilton, and a bibliography and additional reading encourage further exploration. Images of Margaret Hamilton throughout her life on the front and back endpapers will appeal to young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robbins, Dean

Illustrator: Knisley, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399551857

Price: 17.99

Word on Bathroom Walls

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

An irreverent, poignant and funny novel about 16-year-old Adam, who struggles to keep his newly diagnosed schizophrenia a secret at the private Catholic school he's begun attending after friends who learned of his illness responded with rejection and fear.

In addition to taking an experimental (but fictional) medication that helps him to distinguish his hallucinations from reality, Adam also meets regularly with a therapist, but refuses to speak during the sessions. Instead, he writes in journal format to answer weekly questions and each chapter is told in this epistolary format, with the current adjustment in the dosage of his medication noted at the top. Witty and insightful observations about his peers, the school, faith, religion and his family abound.

Adam vividly describes his hallucinations, which often take the form of people who speak to and interact directly with him, making his efforts to conceal them all the more difficult. He's most concerned that fellow student Maya will notice something amiss, as they quickly fall for one another, meet each other's families and grow closer and closer, becoming one another's first love and sexual experience (which in a particularly funny and sacrilegious turn, takes place in a storage room at school while Adam is still partially costumed as Jesus from a Christmas play). Adam's feelings, including his sweetly real adoration for Maya, his persistent guilt for worrying his supportive mom and step-father and understandable frustration with the psychiatric and medical professionals handling his treatment render him an enormously sympathetic narrator.

Readers will come away with a better understanding of his experience and the incredible stress that the stigmatizing of mental illness puts on the many who have it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Walton, Julia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399550881

Price: 17.99

Tornado Terror

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Combining her meticulous research skills with her warm, infectious storytelling style, Tarshis tells the story of two of the deadliest tornadoes in American history: the Tri-State Tornado of 1925 and the Joplin Tornado of 2011. With a clear, readable font and plenty of photographic evidence, Tarshis uses personal narratives from each tornado to set the scene of living through a tornado. She also infuses the narrative with plenty of weather facts and explanations about the phenomena of tornadoes. Each narrative is followed up with her research path, her sources, and thought process as she compiles information in preparation to write a book like this informational one, and, in the case of the Joplin Tornado, an "I Survived" book. A fantastic book to capture the interest of dormant readers, to extend the learning of a reader who has already tackled the fictional story, or to use in a classroom setting as a stellar example of nonfiction writing. A must-have for any library collection, even more so if the "I Survived" books are already in the catalogue.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tarshis, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545919432

Price: 12.99

Thank You Bees

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A meaningful picture book that will help create awareness of the many treasures we have on this planet and encourage young readers to say thank you and be grateful.

The illustrations are outstanding. Simple yet very clever and colorful they work well with the sparse, on point text.

An excellent book to help children understand the various connections in nature, such as a bee to honey, the sun to light, sheep to wool, clouds to rain, trees to wood, dirt to plants closing with earth giving us our home -- Thank you, Earth. This story would work well as a read-aloud with young readers assisting with the "Thank you" pages.

A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yuly, Toni

Illustrator: Yuli, Toni

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763692612

Price: 14.99

Duct Tape Costumes

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

This book comes from a series of duct tape creation books, including animals, fashion, and survivor gear. Young readers will love the colorful duct tape pictures and the creative costume ideas, though they might be disappointed to find only nine ideas and limited instructions. As a parent, I liked the way the book started with a focus on the history of duct tape, the best way to set up for a project, and some safety tips. Overall, I could see this being a good choice from the library for a creative kid looking for a few craft ideas.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bernhardt, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978151242667

Price: 26.65

Armored Ankylosaurus

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

This book was originally published in Korea by Aram Publishing. The odd thing about this book is that it is titled Ankylosaurus and while it does discuss this particular dinosaur, it also details five other dinosaurs. There is no mention at the beginning of the book or in any of the write-ups about how or even if these dinosaurs are connected, by feature, time period, or geography. The back endpapers show that all of the dinosaurs mentioned lived during the Cretaceous Period, but it's stlil strange to not have any connection mentioned. The book will interest elementary-aged readers who like dinosaurs, but it feels sloppy in its execution. The oversized pages and bright illustrations (renderings) are nice, but every one of them is chopped up by the gutter of the book. And each dinosaur that is highlighted has a phonetic key and an inset offering additional information like when it lived, where, and what its dimensions were. This feels like a book that was created to fit the need for dinosaur books at the elementary level since they are such a high-interest topic, but that could have used a little more editorial input.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Forbes, Scott

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: big & Small

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781925235203

Price: 26.65

One Hundred Sausages

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, West Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

All the sausages have been stolen from the local butcher shop and what's a dog to do? Since no one else in town can solve this theft, it is up to Scruff to help save the day (and the 100 sausages)!

Scruff the dog enlists the help of his canine friends and they all put their detective skills into action. The digitally created illustrations enlist a soft palette set against a white background. The collage-like artwork fills up most of the pages with the text falling into the remaining white space. An orange tabby cat appears on most pages and the reader is misled into thinking that the cat is the thief. A disappointing ending with an unknown character named Vinnie turning out to the thief. A predictable ending with the dogs getting a reward of sausages. And the cat stealing a sausage from the dog's plate.

The illustrations keep the story entertaining.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Zommer, Yuval

Illustrator: Zommer, Yumal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763692971

Price: 13.99

Tide Pool Secrets

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Tide pool secrets are explored in this informational lift-the-flap book.

The realistic, beautifully rendered illustrations are done in linocut print, line etch print and watercolor. Sea anemones, hermit crabs, decorator crab, shrimp, goby, sea star, octopus, sea slug and a turban sea snail are covered in this book. The format is consistent throughout, with detailed text explaining behaviors and a lift the flap for more information on each tide pool creature. A fascinating double gatefold will keep young readers entertained as they search for the tide pool creatures in their environment.

A glossary in the back pages includes a brief summary about tide pool secrets along with a listing of names,facts, and illustrations on the creatures featured in the book.

An excellent selection for the classroom and any library. A great resource for young readers who are interested in tide pools.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oliver, Narelle

Illustrator: Olliver, Narelle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763691592

Price: 18.99

The Vampire's Lair

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Part of a series of spine-tingling stories for young readers, published by Bearport. This is one of an 8-book set from the "Cold Whispers II" series and each book can be paired with a nonfiction book from the "Scary Places" series. This title follows twin brothers Jack and Dylan as they head to Castle Prahova in Romania for their sister's wedding. Legend has it that the castle is home to a vampire, so the boys are understandably nervous when trying to sleep in such an atmospheric and creepy place. Their sister's fiance is a Romanian man named Razva whom the boys suspect has nefarious intentions. When they spot him skulking in the hall in the dark of night, they follow him. And there is a vampire! And she is creepy even in cartoon-style illustrations, but together with Razva, the twins defeat her. A little scarier than expected from such a benign-looking book, so younger readers looking for a scare will enjoy it. Includes a glossary and some questions for reflection/discussion. The pages are text-heavy, but the font is large and the digital color illustrations suit the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Phillips, Dee

Illustrator: Grubing, Timo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781944102302

Price: 19.95

If You Were The Moon

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A creative and innovative book that combines creativity and factual information on our beloved moon.

The book opens with a young girl telling the moon that she wants to do nothing all day long --just like the moon. The moon responds that it does, in fact, do many things. The book proceeds with the moon explaining all the wonderful things it does. On each spread, a playful, creative response is given on the left page and a more in-depth explanation follows on the right. The illustrations and text are accurate having been reviewed by an astrophysicist before publication. The illustrations that were created using acrylic paint and digital techniques are engaging and warm lending a gentle soothing feeling to the story line. Information on the moon includes the phases of the moon, nocturnal animals and the moon's effect, the tides, and connections with various cultures around the world.

A glossary and further reading page round out this excellent selection. This information picture book is a perfect selection for the classroom, storytime, and as a bedtime story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Salas, Laura

Illustrator: Kim, Jaime

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook/Lerner

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467780094

Price: 19.99

The Wonderling

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

The Wonderling is a story rich with detail. It follows the story of a young groundling - a creature part animal and part man. In this case it is of a young, one-eared fox creature who doesn't even have a name. Known only as Number 13, he lives in a bleak and dreary home for orphaned groundlings. This story is full of challenges and oppression for the young groundling, from the matron of the Home for Orphaned Groundlings who is spiteful and wicket to the extreme, to the bullying sycophants she controls, and even the world without which often treats Groundlings as second class citizens.

The protagonist of this story ends up on a true adventure, making his way through an unfamiliar world, often without a plan, and is beset by difficulties and obstacles at nearly every turn. The world itself is often quite grim and sets a somber tone for a children's book and harkens at time to Oliver Twist. The story is well written, with twists and turns and red herrings that keep the reader guessing, and the darkness of the world is offset in the end with a happy ending for both the young fox and the friends he's made upon the way, and ends and a few hints of possible stories to follow. A well written tale of adventure, but with a grim and fairly sophisticated setting that would do well with more mature readers of children's books. For those that love animals, songs, or a sweet and innocent protagonist, this is an excellent read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bartok, Mira

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763691219

Price: 21.99

The Bad Seed

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

The Bad Seed is a sweet picture book that tells the story of a sunflower seed who does bad things because he was nearly eaten. By the end of the story, he decides to change his ways and try to be good. Overall, Jory John created an engaging story that looks at a bad character striving to be good. However, there were moments where the story didn't seem to know where it wanted to go. It wasn't quite funny enough to be a strictly humorous book, but there wasn't much of a storyline for it to be that kind of book. Pete Oswald's illustrations are the highlight of the book, depicting all kinds of nuts and seeds in various situations. This book is recommended for large libraries or as an additional purchase

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Oswald, Pete

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Har

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062467768

Price: 17.99

Shelter

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Shelter by Celine Claire was originally published in French. Accompanied by soft watercolor and ink illustrations by Qin Leng, the book tells the story of a forest of animals preparing for a storm, when two strangers emerge from the fog to ask for shelter, but no one seems to want to provide it. In the end, one of the other families need help, and the strangers are willing to give it. This is a lovely and simple tale of kindness, even in the face of unkindness by others. Leng's illustrations a loosely rendered and wonderfully colored to give the reader a sense of the cold outside and the warm glow of the various shelters of the animals. This book is recommended for most collections and great for sharing one-on-one or in storytimes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Claire, Celine

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978177138973

Price: 17.99

Going Nuts

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

This is book 4 of the series. In this story the bears have raided the squirrels nut collection. Which then leads to the squirrels trying to steal the acorns from the chipmunks! This if course leads to an all out war between the chipmunks and the squirrels - Can the bears fix this? The easy to read dialog, humor and quick pace of the book will hold the interest of even the most reluctant of readers! This is a fun series for the early chapter book reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Colleen, Marcie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250100498

Price: 5.99

Trudy's Big Swim: How Getrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Trudy's Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm is a picture book biography of the first woman to swim the English Channel. Macy begins the story while Ederle is in the water swimming, weaving historical context and background information into the text. The book follows the long swim across the channel and gives a brief description of Ederle's experiences after her success. An afterword, sources, notes, and a timeline of 1920's sports highlights make this a valuable resource for young students interested in swimming, female athletes, or great triumphs of sport. Collins' illustrations are detailed and realistic, though not especially colorful, which may appeal to older elementary students. Overall, a solid picture book biography of an often overlooked figure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Macy, Sue

Illustrator: Collins, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823436651

Price: 16.95

Baseball

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

These non- fiction editions of Magic Tree House books are outstanding! There are so many of them now on so many different subjects it's hard to keep track of them all. This is book number 29 and it's Baseball! The book covers the beginning of baseball, some of the top players with all kinds of interesting facts about them and their lives both professional and home. Did you know that in 1999 Orlando Hernandez was pitching and when he caught the hit ball and tried to throw it to first base the ball was stuck in his mitt! So he whipped off his glove and threw the ball, glove and all, to the first baseman and got the runner out! I highly recommend these books to all my junior readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pope Osborne, Mary

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101936429

Price: 6.99

Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Wonder Woman: Warbringer is a title in the DC Icons series, billed as "Super Hero Icons Meet Megastar Authors." Authors of bestselling teen series write novelizations of various superhero icons. Leigh Bardugo, author of Six of Crows, tackles Wonder Woman. The novel tells Wonder Woman's origin story, back when she was just Diana, Princess of Themyscira. Diana rescues a girl named Alia, whom she learns is the latest in the bloodline of the Warbringers, descended from Helen of Troy and destined to leave strife and bloodshed in her wake. Diana learns that they can break Alia's curse if she bathes in the river where Helen rests by the next stage of the moon, causing a race through the present day. Bardugo masterfully updates Wonder Woman's origin story for today's audiences and pairs her with Alia, a biracial girl who has never felt like she really belongs anywhere. A cast of diverse, well rounded secondary characters set off on a fast paced and exciting adventure to get Alia to the river in Greece in time. With levity and complex emotions in turn, Bardugo keeps readers engaged to the last page. Wonder Woman: Warbringer is a book for far more than just comic book fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bardugo, Leigh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399549731

Price: 18.99

Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

A follow-up to Uni the Unicorn by the same authors. In this sequel, the land of the unicorns is beseiged by rain; it just won't stop and without the sun and the rainbows that come with the sun, there is no magic or happiness in the land, and there is no sparkle of believing. Luckily for the unicorns, there is one unicorn who DOES believe. Uni's belief in little girls has never wavered and because Uni believes so strongly, and one little girl "out there" believes just as strongly in unicorns, the two are brought together by the power of their belief. They learn that together they can create so much magic that they can stop the rain and create not one, but two rainbows back to the little girl's house, so she will return home WITH Uni. It feels like there should be a third Uni book to complete the story. If the first Uni book is popular in your library, this is a solid purchase. The illustrations are bright and rainbow-tastic and the message that there is power in believing things even when others don't is important, especially for those readers who still believe in magic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

Illustrator: Barrager, Brigette

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101936597

Price: 17.99

The Exo Project

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2017

Review

A fast paced science fiction that will grab the readers as they get dragged into the next galaxy. While the planet earth is dying scientist seek other worlds on which to build a new community. The protagonist are well defined and surprisingly believable within their specific unique locations. Mathew spends hundreds of years frozen on a space ship while Kiva is training as the leader of her female dominated community on the planet Gle’ah. Aside from teen anguish, moments of violence, and community conflict this book is fresh and original in its approach to space exploration and teen romance. Yes there is a romance yet the book is somewhat unpredictable making it an interesting read.

Girls will appreciate the role of woman on Gle’ah and boys will cheer on the volunteer space explorers. There is something for everyone in this first novel and room for the author to write a sequel. Add to public libraries who collect YA and to middle and high school libraries where science fiction is appreciated.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Deyoung, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press ( Highlights)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629796109

Price: 18.95

Masterpiece Mix

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

Masterpiece Mix introduces the reader to an artist as she prepares to create a painting. As an introduction to types of painting we view still lives, landscapes, portraits, object and figure studies as well as sports. From her modest studio we take a tour of a city through a window which exposes the reader to all sorts of signs, placards, posters and marques visible on the streets below. What follows is a disappointment as the artist does not engage. The storyline is lost but the message that art is all around us has been sent.

This book will be best appreciated by art teachers and professional artist. One excellent feature is the lengthy end pages which elaborates upon each picture that is viewed within the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Munro, Roxie

Illustrator: Munro, Roxie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436996

Price: 16.95

Jingle Bells

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 10, 2017

Review

Jeffers has beautifully illustrated an updated version of the holiday classic Jingle Bells. Her tell-tale art style works best with all the animals either highlighted or hidden on many pages. The two page spreads seem 3 dimensional; owls fly across the page and swans encircle the family pet. Done mostly in shades of white and gray the backgrounds add depth to the illustrations and provide hiding places for forest animals watching the sleigh.

This book provided an excellent ride to Grandma's house while remaining true to the original song. Add to all holiday collections in public libraries and include in primary schools who observe holidays. Hint: this would make a great holiday gift.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jeffers, Susan

Illustrator: Jeffers, Susan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062360205

Price: 17.99

Paper Butterflies

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

The sweet innocent face on the cover tells you nothing about this powerful book. Heathfield has given us a heart breaking story about a ten year old girl who lives with constant abuse. Abusive incidents are clearly portrayed and June's reactions are vivid. Readers cannot help but be deeply saddened by the emotional and physical abuse at home and the bullying occurring at school. Like many abused individuals June does not report the incidents but readers everywhere will be screaming "tell someone June!" Although I endorse this title because it is well written it is worth mentioning that the content is depressing and the ending somewhat surprising.

This is not a book that librarians would give to just any intermediate grade student, but will know who is able to deal with the content. Certainly school guidance counselors need a copy and classroom teachers working with the 8-11 year old students may be able to reach out to a child because they themselves read Paper Butterflies.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heathfield, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda LAB (Lerner Publishing)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512482416

Price: 18.99

Strange Fruit: Billy Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

This title highlights parts of Billie Holiday's life, its emphasis is on her singing "Strange Fruit". In her time this song could have gotten her arrested and beat on the street. Holiday felt a strong need to sing about the life situations which Black Americans endured and willingly used her voice to protest. The story is told in limited text and lavishly painted illustrations. Movement is felt across pages and a deep sense of community bounces off the pages. The deep tones used help to express the tenseness of the times.

Add this title where picture book biographies are collected. Share with art and music instructors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Golio, Gary

Illustrator: Riley-Webb, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467751230

Price: 19.99

Spunky Little Monkey

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Elementary , Parsonsfield, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Sleepy little monkey turns into Spunky little monkey with a little encouragement and exercise. The digital illustrations are big and bold, helping to bring the monkey to life. An author's note explains the story is a modified version of the children's clapping game called "Down Down Baby." In another note the author explains the importance of exercise and the connection to reading as an exercise for the brain. Young children will enjoy the lively nature of the story. Great to use to encourage movement!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sampson, Michael

Illustrator: Brian, Won

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545776431

Price: 17.99

There's a Monster in Your Book

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley , Hiram , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

No child will be able to resist the little blue monster in this book! This interactive tale enlists the readers help in getting the little blue monster out of the book as he chomps his way through it. But then, after getting him out of the book, the reader must call him back so that there isn't a monster in the bedroom! The book is sure to engage all young readers as they must tilt the book right and then left, shout loud, tickle the monster's feet and pet his head. The illustrations are simple enough for young children to be able to follow the instructions without being able to read. A great bedtime story if your child isn't too wound up from the little monster.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fletcher , Tom

Illustrator: Abbott, Greg

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524764562

Price: 17.99

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Set in Scotland, this reads as comical realistic fiction that happens to have an alien as the main character. Prez lived with his granddad until grandad's dementia made it unsafe. Prez now lives at the Children's Temporary Accommodation. He is unsure where his granddad is living and has not spoken a word since. For the summer, Prez is sent to the noisy, loving, Blythes family on a farm in the country for the summer. When the doorbell rings one evening (the Blythes don't have one), Prez comes face-to-face with Sputnik, who wears goggles, a yellow backpack and a kilt. Sputnik is an alien who is able to read Prez's mind. He is on a mission to help Prez save the planet by finding 10 reasons to save it. Sputnik, who appears as a dog to everyone else, creates mischief and mayhem as gravity is bent, front loaders become light-year speed vehicles, hay bales float and TV remotes change the time continuum. Underlying Sputnik's comical antics and the witty discourse of the Blythes is a heartfelt story about finding a voice and a home connection when life's circumstances provide otherwise.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyce, Frank Cottrell

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062643629

Price: 16.99

Apex Predators: the World's Deadliest Hunters, Past and Present

Reviewed by: Margy - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

The cover of Steve Jenkins' latest book with the open mouthed T Rex will draw children in. Spanning millions of years, the world's top-of-the-food chain predatory hunters are introduced one per page with Jenkins' torn paper collage illustrations, one or two sentences in mid sized print, a few additional facts in smaller print, and a size comparisons to a man. This is a fun and easy book to "sell" to elementary students. Open any page, read a few facts about a long ago extinct animal or a modern animal, and children will want to read and see more. Pare this with other Steve Jenkins' books such as How to Swallow a Pig and you have a dynamic library book talk, class visit.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544671607

Price: 17.99

We Are Shining

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

If you are looking for a book that will go with topics of peace, joy, diversity, kindness, and international acceptance, you have found the right book We Are Shining for children ages 4 - 10. This poem by Pulitzer Prize winner Gwendolyn Brooks who died 17 years ago is still relevant today. The short poem is in the voice of child who expresses her (but it just as easily been illustrated with a boy) joy of life and love for all people. The colorful watercolor illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Jan Spivey Gilchrist lead the reader/viewer around the world in a swirl of locations, religions, and ethnic groups. This a powerful, short message of happiness and love that contemporary children can understand.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brooks, Gwndolyn

Illustrator: Gilchrist, Jan Spivey

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062570666

Price: 17.99

Baby Goes to Market

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

Baby Goes to Market is proof that being cute pays off. On their morning trip to the market Baby is given food by the many merchants while Mom is busy shopping. The storyline is well crafted to be comprehensible to pre-school children with gentle rhyme and humor. Pre-K and K students will notice that this is a math concept book as they enjoy sounding out the words printed in large font.

Not only is the text perfect for the audience, the illustrations are a sure winner. Brooksbank's mix media presentation is beyond fetching and sweet. She has captured the market in all its splendor and offers readers a baby with style. Add to public libraries everywhere and place in primary school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Atinuke, None

Illustrator: Brooksbank, Angela

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695705

Price: 16.99

Caps for Sale and the Mindful Monkeys

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Caps for Sale and the Mindful Monkeys was published 15 years after the death of Esphyr Slobodkina. The information in the back of the book reports that Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer and Slobodina lived and worked together for six years, and this book is based upon story ideas developed by both women. The classic stylized illustrations truly look like the work of Slobodkina with updated colors and an appealing larger size. The famous text patterns are here too including “Caps , caps or sale, 50 cents a cap” and “He looked to the right….” The plot has some of the charm of the original, but little of the humor. The monkeys are mindful as they carefully watch and learn how to make caps. Gone are the naughty little monkeys that listeners have enjoyed for over 70 years. The peddler gets a philosophical lesson in anger control from a wise old woman. She may be wise, but she is a bit preachy and her lesson will go over the heads of many listeners. It may be better to buy a fresh, clean copy of the original tale, unless you have a demand for books with a mindfulness theme.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Slobodkina and Sayer, Esphyr and Ann Marie Mulhearn

Illustrator: Slobodkina and Sayer, Esphyr and Ann Marie Mulhearn

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062499882

Price: 17.99

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten by Candice Ransom and illustrated by Christine Grove is the story of Amanda Panda’s first day of kindergarten. She know she likes the color brown, building a tower, and writing her name. Because of her big brother, she knows what to expect, but things don’t go as planned. A sweet little panda named Daisy dressed all in pink and who loves sparkles wants to be her friend, but Amanda thinks she is a pest. Fed up with kindergarten, she tries to join her brother’s class but ends up helping Daisy get back to kindergarten instead. By the end of the day, Amanda realizes that she can fit pink loving Daisy into her kindergarten world. This story about accepting friends with different tastes and interests and about accepting school for what it is will appeal to teachers and young listeners. Illustrations are a bit similar to Lynn Munsinger’s with line drawings filled with a variety of colors done with graphic pencils. The pandas have plenty of human expressions and appeal, and the colorful dotted endpapers set the mood.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ransom, Candice

Illustrator: Grove, Christine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399554551

Price: 17.99

The Authentics

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

A pitch perfect blend of drama and comedy, this engaging novel set in Los Angeles employs a light touch in its exploration of issues of ethnicity, class, sexual orientation and more.

Soon to be sixteen year old Daria dreads the huge birthday party that her parents insist she must have, with all its status symbol trappings and the inclusion of many of her Persian American peers who disdain her rejection of these image-conscious norms. After a falling out with her ex-friend Heidi, who is now part of a clique Daria refers to as "The Nose Jobs," Daria is part of a tight knit group of friends who refer to themselves as "The Authentics." Though she dislikes the custom of the massive, phony sixteenth birthday bash (as the novel opens, she is forced to attend Heidi's, where the pink color scheme carries through to the hors d'ouvres and dyed pink goldfish in bowls that are part of the decor), Daria loves her Iranian heritage. When a school project on family history brings long concealed information about her own history to light, she searches for answers and must rethink her own identity even as she has a romance with a new guy, becomes an aunt when her brother and his husband’s new baby is born and learns that the other Authentics have secrets of their own. Daria’s wit and poignantly portrayed emotions will keep readers firmly in her corner as she navigates many complicated questions and this realistic novel features both mystery and romance that will keep them engrossed. Secondary characters are well imagined and historical details about the 1979 Iranian revolution are woven seamlessly into the narrative. A smart, very funny family and friend drama that is filled with heart, this should appeal widely to teens who favor contemporary fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nazemian, Abdi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Blazer and Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062486462

Price: 17.99

Twindergarten

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 17, 2017

Review

Brother and sister twins are entering kindergarten and they "absolutely positively" wanted to be together. They go off to different classes the first day of kindergarten, have their jitters, but meet new friends and understanding teachers and get to play together at recess. By the end of the day, they realize that kindergarten even in different classes is "absolutely positively awesome." Twindergarten is story that is played out regularly in schools today with many twins in the same classroom and many twins not in the same classroom. This gives an upbeat, positive spin on family love with the independent spirit individual children have. Expressive illustrations done with colored pencils give the children Dax and Zoe personalities and have just enough detail to let the listener/viewer fill in the story with their own thoughts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ehrlich, Nikki

Illustrator: Abbott, Zoey

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062564238

Price: 15.99

The Runaway Egg

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

"The Runaway Egg" is a vivid and colorfully illustrated picture book best suited for those in preschool through Kindergarten. Chick, soon to become a "big brother," is asked to watch his yet unhatched sibling while Mama Hen goes out. Deciding that his new brother was "very dull," Chick decides to take a nap and, of course, that's when the adventures begin! The egg cracks open and out pop two little legs that take off running throughout the barnyard. Upon awakening, Chick chases after his brother trying his best to protect him from any barnyard misfortunes, the scariest danger being an agitated Bull. Will Chick rescue his baby brother just in the nick of time? And will they reach the safety of home before Mother Hen arrives? A delightful and engaging read for the youngest set.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hudson, Katy

Illustrator: Hudson, Katy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random HOuse

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553523195

Price: 16.99

Neighborhood Girls

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

A searing, intelligent novel about high school junior Wendy Boychuck, whose former police officer father is serving a seventeen year sentence after being prosecuted for corruption and abuse charges - a scandal that has made her family’s name known throughout Chicago for all the wrong reasons. When Wendy and her classmates learn that their private Catholic all-girl school is soon to close, Wendy is the only one among her mean girl group of friends that mourns its demise. Generations of women in her family have attended the school and this serves as a sort of catalyst for a reckoning between her and the cruel friends she has chosen — in the hopes that their Queen Bee, cut-throat image will help protect her from the ridicule directed at her because of her dad. This beautifully written, rich novel from Printz Honor winner Foley mediates on themes of faith and family strife and though it features a nicely built romantic subplot, keeps the focus firmly on Wendy and her friends and her struggle to find the courage to be true to herself. Details of her working class neighborhood, her school, her job at a Polish deli and depictions of other parts of the city of Chicago help bring the setting to life. Poignant, lovely and heartbreaking, this is not to be missed and should appeal to fans of authors like John Green, Andrew Smith and Rainbow Rowell.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Foley, Jessie Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062571854

Price: 17.99

If My Love Were A Fire Truck

Reviewed by: Karen spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

This is a bedtime story celebrating the huge love of a father to his son. "If my love were a great blue whale, it would splash across the sea." This rhyming story about imagining all the grand and powerful, blasting and splashing, booming and colorful ways fathers can express their love. This will definitely become a nightly ritual. The illustrations showing fathers and their mini-me's in madcap adventures are sure to please.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Luke

Illustrator: Mack, Jeff

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101937402

Price: 16.99

Go Go Gorillas

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 19, 2017

Review

Young zoo visitors are disappointed that the apes in the jungle are so lethargic and not fun to see. They do not know that they are tired because of all the dancing and romping they do at night. They feast on bananas and marshmallows then launch into lively dancing and fun. Jungle Jed comes twice to get them to quiet down, but eventually joins the fun. In the morning, everyone is tired from all of the activity and goes to sleep. Illustrations are bright and full of activity and fun. There is lots to look at and will make children laugh. Rhyming text will also attract them. It is a very active book for bedtime, but a fun read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wensink, Patrick

Illustrator: Wragg, Nate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062381187

Price: 17.99

Pinkalicious Tutu-rrific

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 19, 2017

Review

"Pinkalicious Tutu-rrific" by Victoria Kann is an "I Can Read" level 1 book about Pinkalicious learning to ballet dance, but she accidentally ends up in an advanced class! Oh no! The book is funny and if kids are fans of the Pinkalicious series, they will probably enjoy this one as well. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kann, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062572783

Price: 9.99

Pinkalicious and the Babysitter

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 19, 2017

Review

"Pinkalicious and the Babysitter" by Victoria Kann is an "I Can Read" level 1 book for early readers. Pinkalicious and her brother Peter have fun with their babysitter, Maya, while their parents go out. They play games and eat their peas, and even get to have hot cocoa! When Peter accidentally breaks his mother's favorite mug into many pieces, Pinkalicious comes up with a great idea to make art out of it. A must-buy if your Pinkalicious books are very popular. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kann, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062566898

Price: 16.99

A Horse Named Steve

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 19, 2017

Review

"A Horse Named Steve" is a picture book written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. It's a funny story about a horse who wants to be exceptional, so when he finds a golden horn in the woods, he ties it to his head. He shows all his forest friends how special he is now that he has a horn on his head. Unfortunately, his horn goes missing and Steve can't find it. Is he no longer exceptional? The book is funny and has great illustrations, but I don't think it is a must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Collier, Kelly

Illustrator: Collier, Kelly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387361

Price: 16.95

Swing It, Sunny

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2017

Review

This is Book 2 of the Sunny series and it is time for Sunny to start Middle School - an experience Sunny is finding to be most confusing and hard. Sunny is not having a very good time at all! But, she is working very hard at keeping a positive attitude. Even when her brother who is sent away to boarding school comes home a changed person - he smokes, he is very grumpy and he snaps at Sunny all the time.Eventually things smooth out and Sunny seems to be on the road to a sunnier out look on life! This is a very popular graphic novel series among middle schoolers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Matthew Holm, Jennifer L. Holm

Illustrator: Pien, Lark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545741729

Price: 12.99

Mrs. Master is a Disaster

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

It is Grandparent's Day at Ella Mentary School. When Alexia's grandmother, Mrs. Master, talks to the class about her inventions, they decide to come up with an invention of their own and hope to make a "bazillion dollars." Mrs. Master agrees to help them and guides them through the process of coming up with and invention and creating a company to manufacture and sell it. They come up with a heated, glowing, scented, talking toilet seat. Their attempts to sell it door to door fail, but once a rapper creates a rap about it and puts it on YouTube, sales skyrocket until the electric connections on one of the seats fails and starts a fire. I know these books are wildly popular with children, at least in my libraries. There is so much silliness and repetitiveness in them, and in this one, a lot of bathroom humor. Young readers know these books are silly, which is probably part of the appeal. They can also feel satisfied reading a book of 100+ pages when they are done. As literature, they are not great, but if they get children reading, a purpose is served.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062429346

Price: 16.89

Chicken in Mittens

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

Zoe the pig and her friend Sam the chicken decide to go exploring in the snow. Clara the horse reminds them to wear their mittens as they set off for the North Pole, mittens perched on their heads. They wiggle under fences and discover what they believe to be Yeti, only to find out it is a scarecrow covered in snow. Their adventure is humorous, so young readers will be amused. Some of the words seem advanced for level 1 readers...probably, yeti, explorer...but this should be enjoyed just the same.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehrhaupt, Adam

Illustrator: Kober, Shahar

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062364155

Price: 16.99

Amelia Bedelia on the Move

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

Amelia Bedelia's parents have decided they need to move to a bigger house, so she joins them in their hunt for a new house. She wonders where all the people are at an Open House, looks for the horses when they look at a ranch house, and envisions "square feet" when talking about the size of a house. Amelia Bedelia can make children giggle. That alone will keep them reading. If they are familiar with Amelia Bedelia, they will want to read another of her adventures.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658869

Price: 16.99

Mingo the Flamingo

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

Mingo is a young flamingo and he is all packed and ready to fly South for the winter for the first time. His flock hits a storm and Mingo finds himself in foreign territory. He lands in a barnyard that is experiencing lots of snow. He is slightly injured and totally disoriented. He apparently has a form of flamingo amnesia. His pinkness sure stands out from all the snow and all the gray, black and white shades of the animals surrounding him. He becomes attached to his new friends but something still seems wrong. When he realizes who he is, he misses his family. Will Mingo ever make his way home? Mingo is the brightest spot in the illustrations and this makes the reader understand how out of place he is. The morale seems to be "We can become comfortable among friends, but there is really no better place than home with the family.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oswald, Pete

Illustrator: Thompson, Justin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062391988

Price: 17.99

Paddington's Finest Hour

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

This is the 11th Paddington book written by Michael Bond who died this past summer at the age of 91. He wrote up to his death. Paddignton is well known for his misadventures that he somehow always lands on his feet from. In the "Finest Hour" Paddington finds himself making an appearance on a cooking show, performing tricks that perhaps he shouldn't be doing, creating an entry for a flower display! I find it amusing that cell phones and taking "selfies" have now managed to make it into Paddington books and artwork. The many Paddington stories throughout the years have delighted children around the world. Michael Bond will be sadly missed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michael

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: harpercollinschildrens

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062669728

Price: 9.99

I'm Smart!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

This is the ninth entry in the popular "I Stink" books series. School bus tells readers the power in the red stop sign when it flips open in traffic and the red lights blink. School bus loves the job because of all the children and how the bus keeps them safe. Readers are challenged to count the stops on the bus route, but there is only three. A car gets pulled over by the cops when it drives past the stop paddle and the bus driver must engaged all the children on the bus in a round of 20 questions when there is a construction stop. Although the brightly colored illustrations provide a variety of perspectives of up close bus parts to the large driving area with the bus on a hill, the book as a whole does not provide the same depth as other books in the series. Vehicle enthusiasts and preschools looking for transportation theme stories will be the most likely readership for this story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

McMullan, Kate

Illustrator: McMullan, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062449238

Price: 17.99

What Are You Waiting For?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

A badger greets a bunny with the question "What are you doing up so early?" To which the rabbit answers "I'm waiting". Such begins a full day of a game of 20 questions. The exchange is subtly humorous at times, reflecting that banter of playmates as they go through the day watching a caterpillar, drawing in the dirt, walking in the woods and experiencing nature. Badger doesn't want to miss it and the bunny wakes him up just in time to see what he was waiting for. The Moon! Mcphail's illustrations created with pencil and pastel on toned paper provide a gentle touch to the story without sacrificing the expression of the animals during their play. The font color delineates who is speaking which makes this an easy on the eye read for a story time when character voices are employed. It will also be useful for new readers who are taking turns with an older reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Menchin, Scott

Illustrator: Phelan, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721524

Price: 16.99

Remy Sneakers vs. the Robo-Rats

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2018

Review

Remy Sneakers is one crafty raccoon who has a large collection of some of the coolest stuff. But because of this wonderful collection he is wrongly accused of the rampant thefts that are happening all over town. Remy needs to put his crafty brain to work and to some serious detective work to find just who is behind the thefts. He soon discovers that there is an evil toy maker who has an army of evil robots and he's looking to set up spy cameras everywhere and take over the city! So Remington Raccoon turns to his friends of mice, rats and eventually pigeons to put a stop to the take over. Remy and his friends succeed, but then discover that all of Remy's treasures have vanished! Definitely a lead in to a second book! I think the reluctant reader will really enjoy these and well as most 3rd and 4th graders!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sherry, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338034608

Price: 9.99

The Gingerbread Man

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

This is a very cute version of this story. Illustrations are large, colorful, and very cute. In this version, the fox does eat the whole Gingerbread Man, with the double spread picture on the final page showing just how pleased the fox is. A number of helpful extension activities at the end give good ideas for using this book with children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pirotta, Saviour

Illustrator: Newson, Karl

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Quarto

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781682971697

Price: 15

Before She Ignites

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

This is a compelling and well written story that's clearly the first step of a much larger tale.

Mira is a girl born to privilege, not just of wealth, but also fame due to an international accord that is her namesake and sets new rules concerning people's interaction with dragons, the children of the gods. Called the Hopebringer, she is a symbol of the new future the Luminary Council has envisioned for the fallen isles. Above all, Mira loves dragons.

But then, before Mira (Or the reader) can understand what's going on, Mira is cast down from her privileged life and harshly imprisoned without trial. What follows is an opening of Mira's eyes to the more complex and considerably darker political reality than she had ever known, to machinations that endanger Mira, her homeland, her beloved dragons, and possibly the Fallen Isles themselves.

What really adds to this story is Mira herself. Often beset with a crushing and crippling sense of anxiety that she can find some respite from through obsessive counting, she is a very flawed character who is nonetheless very easy to relate to. While the future likely holds opportunities to show just how strong and brave she can be, watching her character develop is every bit as compelling as the magic, drama, and dragons going on about her. This book lays a very strong foundation for what is to follow, and would be an excellent choice for any fan of good series fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meadows, Jodi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegan / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062469403

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

Pete the Cat is all decked out in his Saturday Night Fever garb and ready to dance. He is learning the Cool Cat Boogie and thinks he is doing fine until time and time again he is told that he is doing it wrong. It seems that everyone from Grumpy Toad to Turtle believe that he is just not getting it and he begins to wonder if they might be right. Eventually Wise Old Owl sets him straight and Pete realizes that as long as he is having fun and being himself, he will grab every chance he gets to dance, dance, dance. With rhyming text that complements the colorful, bold, and expressive illustrations, this will be a book that will get youngsters moovin' and groovin'. Pete the Cat lovers in particular will enjoy this offering.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, Kimberly & James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062404343

Price: 17.99

Owl Bat Bat Owl

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, N, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

This is a true picture book; it has no text. Kids will quickly figure out what is going on in this tale about a Mom and her three little owls and a Mom with her three little bats. Mom and her baby owls are fine and dandy hanging out on their branch. Suddenly, a Mom bat and her three little bats arrive and decide to set up housekeeping on the other side of the branch, hanging upside down beneath the owls. It does not seem that this will go well. The Owl Mom is not impressed. The littlest owl, however, is quite curious and non-judgmental about these strange interlopers. When a huge wind storm arises and all the tenants of this branch are blown hither and yon, Mom instincts kick in and the Moms help one another to bring all the babies to safety. The illustrations by this Irish author and illustrator are absolutely lovely and this reader is amazed by how a few brushstrokes and changes in the eyes and mouths can relate a myriad of feelings that are taking place with all the inhabitants of this one branch. This story might teach us all a lesson about the acceptance that youngsters exhibit and the fact that they learn from their elders how to dismiss anyone not just like us.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fitzpatrick, Marie-Louise

Illustrator: Fitzpatrick, Marie-Louise

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763691615

Price: 15.99

Pip and Posy : the New Friend

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

Pip the rabbit and Posy the mouse are very, very good friends and they are off for a day at the beach. They do lots of beachy things; they collect shells, wade in the water and dig in the sand. Everything is going great until Posy takes a nap and Pip befriends a boy dog named Zac and begins playing with him. When Posy awakes she immediately feels left out even though the others invite her to play with them. As often happens with little people and even sometimes older people, three friends being together just doesn't work out. How will this problem be rectified for Pip and Posy. Little readers and listeners will learn a great lesson from this story, as Posy realizes that three friends playing together truly can work out and not threaten but enhance the core friendship. The illustrations and text complement one another well with lots of white space on several pages. Little readers and listeners who have enjoyed other Pip and Posy offerings will like this one, too.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Axel

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693398

Price: 12.99

The Bad Guys

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

First published in Australia in 2015, this is the first US publication. The book is the first in a series of highly-appealing, fast-paced, comedic books about a group of reformed (kind of) "bad guys." Led by Mr. Wolf, who is determined to undo all of the damage of past stories involving ne'er-do-well wolves, and who has roped a few other bad guys into his quest for improvement: snake, piranha, and shark, all of whom could use some good press, Mr. Wolf is determined to rescue something in distress instead of eating it. His positivity and unflailing belief that they really CAN be good guys does lead to some excellent results. Readers will laugh out loud at the jokes and situations in which these good-ish bad guys find themselves. The illustrations are very good and support the story in an almost graphic-novel-like way. Dormant readers will gravitate toward these and I suspect that Blabley won't be able to write more episodes fast enough to keep up with reader interest. I hope that he tries though. An easy add to any elementary-aged library collection with the recommendation that they be placed with the graphic novels for maximum exposure to an audience who will eat them up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blabey, Aaron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545912402

Price: 5.99

The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

The baddest bunch of do-gooders is back in book two of The Bad Guys series. This time the mission is to set 10,000 chickens free from a very confining situation at the Sunnyside Chicken Farm. Mr. Snake loves this idea though he *might* plan on setting them free into his mouth. Mr. Wolf has brought in some reinforcements in another bad-guy-turned-good stroke of genius: Legs the tarantula. Legs happens to be the best computer hacker in town and he is going to help the team break into the maximum security farm and free those birds. He also happens to be Mr. Shark's worst fear (he is really hairy). Through cunning, stealth, and a top-notch disguise, they do manage to accomplish their mission. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats, and in stiches, as The Bad Guys, make that Good Guys do what they do best. Too bad they didn't research who owned those chickens...now they have a truly evil enemy, but readers will have to wait for book three. Another rollicking book that will have dormant readers begging for more.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blabey, Aaron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545912419

Price: 5.99

I Saw Anaconda: A Cumulative Lift-the-Flap Story

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

A cumulutive book based on the "I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly" concept. A boy watches an anaconda swallow one animal after another from a tick to a gator before finally being swallowed himself. But will the anaconda be sick?...(spoiler alert...yes) The illustrations are bold and bright and the book includes flaps to lift and pop-up features like a coiled snake showing the contents of her crowded stomach. All of the animals could be found in South America near a hungry anaconda and the illustrator has placed the next animal on the menu in the picture of the one currently being eaten, so the book is great for use as a predictive tool. A fun read-aloud but a book that will probably not hold up to repeated circulations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clarke, Jane

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763693367

Price: 14.99

Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Davies and Sutton team up once again (Tiny Creatures, 2014) to celebrate the diversity of life on Earth. The focus here is on the vast biodiversity on the planet Earth. Davies's clear and simple prose tells about the many creatures and plants inhabiting the planet, and Sutton's well-drawn illustrations show this diversity. Sutton's amazing illustrations crowd the pages; readers will pour over them. And this style of crowding the page is a fantastic technique to show how many animals we know about and how many we have let go extinct. And it makes the warning about the danger of human carelessness due to pollution, clear cutting, over-fishing all the more stark when she takes away the animals and plants that have been lushly shown on each page. The message of this book is timely, necessary, and so well-crafted that a reader of any age can understand the immediacy needed to protect our world so that many does not dwindle down to one. A fantastic book for use in a biology, art, or ecology class, or for reading aloud. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Sutton, Emily

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763794838

Price: 15.99

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

The story of how Rock, Paper, and Scissors came to meet, battle, and spread the joy of their competition to the world. From its blazing cover to its thrilling conclusion, this book demands to be read aloud, at full volume, with voices, and then followed by a rousing game of, what else, Rock Paper Scissors! Humor, excellent characters, epic battles, and glorious illustrations all make this collaboration first-rate. This is the type of book that keeps kids engaged during a story time/read aloud and the type of book that they will ask to check out again and again. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Daywalt, Drew

Illustrator: Rex, Adam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062438898

Price: 17.99

Robinson

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

The message of Sis's book is excellent: sometimes we go out on a limb and make a choice that is different from that of our friends, and there can be heartache and isolation due to that choice, but if we are patient and our friends are true friends, we will be rewarded for that choice and all will be well in the end. But the execution of that message is incredibly personal and nostalgic in this book and without some perspective, and the knowledge of the book Robinson Crusoe, this book will need a wiser hand to shepherd that message. The narrator of the story has a group of friends with whom he enjoys playing pirate. When a costume party is announced, he is prepared to dress like a pirate along with his friends. But his mother has another idea, to dress him like his favorite story character Robinson Crusoe. The boy agrees, but when he arrives at school, he is laughed at and he chooses to run back home; his mother lets him, tucking him into bed. He then dreams that he is shipwrecked on a deserted island like the hero of his favorite book. The pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations take over from here, each lush and appealing; a feast for the eyes. As the boy wakes from his dream, his friends are there, apologetic and ready to set off on new make-believe adventures, and the boy is, once again, happy. The Author's Note explains the biographical tie of the book to Sis's own life and it might have been better placed at the beginning of the story to provide context to the young reader who might then have been able to see the story as a memory and a lesson. It is a gorgeous book and, in the hands of a parent or educator, a tool for discussion about making choices and standing up for oneself, and also of the power of imagination and how great books can bring solace in a time of sadness.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sis, Peter

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545731669

Price: 17.99

Silent Days, Silent Dreams

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

This controversial new picture book from Say is a fictional biography of artist James Castle. Castle was a deaf man who lived in Boise, Idaho his entire life and quietly created art on found items like discarded food containers, receipts, scrap paper, and cardboard. He drew using a mixture of soot and saliva and kept his drawings to himself. His work was discovered when a nephew in art school in Portland, Oregon showed his uncle's work to a professor; the professor insisted on meeting the artist and arranged for an art show of his work. Say discovered the art work of Castle through a childhood friend and was inspired to write this book. The controversy lies in the fact that Say did not work with the family or in conjunction with the Castle Archive to write the book; the Archive claiming that he did not corroborate the facts of Castle's life and made many claims that are possibly not true. Say also did not receive permission to recreate the drawings of Castle's works for his book. A fictional biography is a tricky thing as it is very difficult to read a story about someone's life and not take it as fact. There is an Author's Note that explains how Say came to be interested in Castle, and it explains that he read a biography about Castle, but the story that is written here comes through the connection that one artist (Say) felt that he could infer about another (Castle). Say articulates a reverent kinship with the artist who was belittled and taunted and forced to create art in silence and in secret. A fascinating book, but one that will be difficult to catalogue and use in class. Perhaps its best use is in the message of never giving up, and that it can be placed into hands with the hope that a fictionalized biography will lead a reader to seek out further works about the subject.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Say, Allen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545927611

Price: 21.99

Counting Sheep

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Book two in the new series by Kelly based on her Calpurnia Tate character from her novels. A lovely series for emerging readers interested in science and history. Set in turn-of-the-century Texas and starring Calpurnia and her family of six brothers (!), this well-illustrated, large-font series offers an episode in the animal- and science-loving life of a curious, fiery girl who uses her head and her know-how to save the day. In this book, Calpurnia is able to take the knowledge she has acquired in the books in Dr. Pritzker's office (the town veterinarian) and deliver a lamb that is stuck in the breech position. This is to her brother Travis's delight and her ladylike mother's horror. The action in the book moves along quickly, any tricky vocabulary is possible to figure out using contextual clues (consult, organism), and there are plenty of interesting critter facts and scientific explanations for the science-loving early-chapter-book reader to keep them coming back for more books in the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Meyer, Jennifer L.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627798709

Price: 15.99

Counting Sheep

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Book two in the new series by Kelly based on her Calpurnia Tate character from her novels. A lovely series for emerging readers interested in science and history. Set in turn-of-the-century Texas and starring Calpurnia and her family of six brothers (!), this well-illustrated, large-font series offers an episode in the animal- and science-loving life of a curious, fiery girl who uses her head and her know-how to save the day. In this book, Calpurnia is able to take the knowledge she has acquired in the books in Dr. Pritzker's office (the town veterinarian) and deliver a lamb that is stuck in the breech position. This is to her brother Travis's delight and her ladylike mother's horror. The action in the book moves along quickly, any tricky vocabulary is possible to figure out using contextual clues (consult, organism), and there are plenty of interesting critter facts and scientific explanations for the science-loving early-chapter-book reader to keep them coming back for more books in the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Meyer, Jennifer L.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627798709

Price: 15.99

Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

June and her dog Sammy who talks to her, though only she can hear him, are looking for a new friend. They find one when new neighbor Mae moves into the neighborhood. June's grandmother sends her a Wonder Wheel game which the girls enjoy playing. There are other friendships as well, making this a good book about friendship for emerging readers. Chapters are short and liberally illustrated, making this an accessible book for emerging readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Spires, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544630635

Price: 15.99

Willy and the Cloud

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

Willy sets off for the park on a lovely sunny day, only to realize he is being followed by a cloud. When he gets to the park, everyone is enjoying a beautiful, sunny day except Willy who has the cloud parked above his head. He becomes very worried about the cloud so calls the police to ask what to do, but gets no help. He finally gets very angry staying in the hot house to avoid the cloud. He goes outside and yells at the cloud. A thunderstorm ensues, and after that the cloud leaves him. Illustrations are typical Browne and good. The page showing his anger in the house is particularly good, really giving the reader the feeling of anger. This is a good book about facing worries and problems head on and feeling good when they are resolved.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694982

Price: 16.99

I'm Afraid Your Teddy is in Trouble Today

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

Stuffed animals can get in trouble when their owner is in school. In this book, a teddy bear called all of his friends and invited them over to his house for a party. It was a very wild and raucous party leading to much destruction and mess in the house. It got so loud that the neighbors called the police. In the end, teddy softens the heart of one of the police women who responded. The story, while very improbable, is FUN! The situations the animals get into and the fun they have will make children laugh. The bright colored, action filled illustrations will draw their attention. There is a lot to see! The surprise ending will warm their hearts. This will be a fun read aloud!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dunn, jancee

Illustrator: Nash, Scott

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675370

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

The Truth about Happily Ever After

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

College-aged Alyssa is returning to her summer job as a Cinderella princess for the second season at a fictional amusement park, which replicates Disney's franchise, in anticipation of rekindling last summer's romance with Jake. As the predictable story line goes, her unrealistic expectations of her relationship with Jake leads to a breakup that forces her to confront her interactions with friends, her life goals and the possibility of a real relationship with good guy Miller. The character growth that Alyssa eventually experiences is slow in developing due to the first half of the novel building the perceptions of the fairy princess and the stereotypical sorority sister persona with detailed minutiae. The second half provides a more in-depth treatment of Alyssa's step and missteps of her friendship-turn-romance with Miller. Although there is some underage drinking, there is nothing sexually graphic about this light, predictable romance.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cozzo, Karole

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250127976

Price: 17.99

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

It was refreshing to re-visit Ralph the inquisitive, dare devil mouse living with his family in the Mountain View Hotel. Behind the knothole in room 215 is the worried mother mouse and the issues that any family with adventurous children/ mice must figure out. In the weekend that Keith and his toy motorcycle stay, Ralph grows up into a responsible mouse. Written in 1965, it was satisfying to have a few of the culture references remain true such as Disneyland. This updated version provides back matter consisting of a discussion guide, a quote guessing game and the first two chapters reprinted with original art by Louis Darling. Libraries or teachers looking to replaced their well-loved copies will want this reprint.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Beverly

Illustrator: Rogers, Jacqueline

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062657985

Price: 16.99

Monster's New Undies

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

Hilariously funny rhyming prose about a little monster whose favorite comfortable and very broken-in undies no longer fit. Off they go shopping for new underwear. "Leave it to MY mom, "cause only she'd find a whole store devoted to JUST the behind!" "PUT. DOWN. THOSE. UNDIES. THOSE. AREN'T. THE. ONES. Those undies aren't worthy of dressing these buns!" This is the perfect amount of silly for shared reading time and one on one. Be prepared for multiple requests. The drawings are delightful and the monster's expressions just right!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Berger, Samantha

Illustrator: Carpenter, Tad

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545879736

Price: 16.99

The Princess Imposter

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

Vande Velde's The Princess Imposter is a sweet fantasy novel for middle grade readers. The perspective of the novel shifts between Phleg, a fairy who uses magic to switch place with a princess, and Gabriella, a princess who finds herself in a fairy's home. Neither girl understand the customs or ways of the other's world. Gabriella and Phleg come to have a greater understanding of who they are and the importance of family and being true to yourself. The characters are sweet and silly in this book with just enough rudeness to keep kids engaged through the good lessons. Vande Velde is well known for creating rich stories, and she delivers here. The only true trip up comes from the cover, the explosion of pink and purple and the two very cartoonish girls depicted are a far cry from the characters that appear within, which could repel many readers who would otherwise enjoy the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vande Velde, Vivian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338121476

Price: 16.99

Have Sword, Will Travel

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

Have Sword, Will Travel is a collaboration between Garth Nix and Sean Williams who tell the story of Odo and Eleanor, village children who are eel-fishing in a river that is running dry when they stumble across a magical, taking sword. The sword instantly knights Odo, to the disappointment of heroically-minded Eleanor, and sends the pair on a quest to find the source of the river's blockage, rumored to be a giant dragon. Along the way, Odo and Eleanor encounter adventures and twists that require them to use every bit of their skills.

Nix and Williams have created a wonderful story. Odo and Eleanor are perfectly balanced and the authors do a great job subverting tropes throughout the book. There are as many women in positions of power as there are men, and it is Eleanor, not Odo, who longs to be knight. Eleanor's dexterity and wit are given equal importance as Odo's strength and kindness. Several twists keep the reader engaged and guessing to the end. The only flaw of the novel is that the talking sword, Biter, is shown in a medieval style font which is sometimes difficult to read. However, this magnificent book will appeal to a broad cross-section of readers and have them clambering for more.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nix/Williams, Garth/Sean

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545259026

Price: 17.99

Dress Codes for Small Towns

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

Dress Codes for Small Towns tells the story of Billie McCaffery, the preacher's daughter in a small town in Kentucky. She and her five best friends, called the Hexagon, struggle with reconciling their teenage feelings, beliefs, and behaviors with the expectations of their town and their religion. Stevens writes with an authentic voice as Billie struggles with feelings for two or three of her best friends, relationships with her parents, and trying to be different in a town that seems to value being the same. Some readers may be frustrated with Billie's choices and the fact that Stevens chooses not to reveal who, if anyone, Billie ends up with. The novel also takes a while to get started, the first half of the book moved slowly, but the second half flew. However, there are precious few books that explore sexuality and gender expression in a small, Southern town, especially not with such respect and sensitivity. Despite some shortcomings, Dress Codes for Small Towns is a valuable choice for teen collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stevens, Courtney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062398512

Price: 17.99

His Royal Highness King Baby: a Terrible True Story

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

His Royal Highness King Baby: A Terrible True Story is a picture book told from the perspective of a little girl who has just been joined by a little brother. The girl is unimpressed and spends the majority of the book complaining about how she is soooo mistreated and has to make her own breakfast (though illustrations show her mother handing her a plate of food). In the end, the baby brother begins to cry at his first birthday and the girl is the one who soothes him. Though this book begins from a cute concept that will seem familiar to many older brothers and sisters, the turn at the end towards liking the brother is too abrupt. The girl goes from despising her brother for a full year to loving him in a single instant with no reason given about why that happens. The illustrations by David Roberts are wonderful. Roberts draws illustrations as the young girl at the center of the story as well as illustrations that depict what is actually happening. There is plenty of difference between the two to make the distinction clear, and beautiful and complex patterns are paired with broad white space. The result is balanced illustrations that create connection and humor for the viewer.

This book is recommended as an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lloyd-Jones, Sally

Illustrator: Roberts, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763697938

Price: 16.99

Refugee

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This is historical fiction at its finest. Fans of Alan Gratz will devour this book.

"Refugee" takes three young people in three different political times: Josef from Nazi Germany in 1938, Isabel from 1994 Cuba, and Mahmoud from 2015 Aleppo and tells of their harrowing journeys to freedom. Each face exceptional challenges through out the story that makes you feel their plight. Very moving and serious, this culturally diverse book is a must for library shelves.

Appropriate for middle grades and higher. A great resource on the political time periods and how it affected the people who lived through it. Each of the main character's background history is given at the back of the book under Author's Notes. Also, information is given to better help the reader understand the plight of refugee children and what they as readers can do help.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Gratz, Alan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545880831

Price: 16.99

The STars Beneath Our Feet

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This debut novel from the author shows the realism of what life is like for the youth in the projects of multicultural Harlem.

Lolly, the main character is still reeling from the shooting death of his older brother and his coping mechanism is building with Legos. In comes Big Rose, who doesn't communicate with others at the after-school program that she and Lolly attend. Somewhere along the story, the two of them work together to build an "alien community of Harmonee". But, the world outside of the safety of the after-school program is challenging and violent with choices that Lolly has to make. Recommended for middle school grades. The story is believable and has a wonderful theme of hope and aspiration; a journey of self-discovery and self-worth along with being able to recognize the paths you chose make all the difference in the world.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, David Barclay

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524701246

Price: 16.99

One Hundred Spaghette Strings

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This first person narrative involves 5th grade Steffy who loves to cook and has entered a cooking competition; her sister, Nina, only wants to dance; her mother who has been in the "Place" since her car accident left her with Traumatic Brain Injury; her father, who has tried to come back to be a Dad and Auntie Gina, the one that raised her and has now moved to the other side of town. Steffy focuses on trying to understand her parents problems, but is as equally focused on her own worries like -- what is she going to make for the competition. The ongoing story line is an autobiography that has been assigned as a school project, which is to be completed by the end of the school year.

Character driven and sometimes emotionally intense with short chapters that has an impact on the reader as the story progresses. At the end of the book, as part of the autobiography, there are 42 recipes that Steffy made throughout the narrative. This book is recommended for grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nails, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062427601

Price: 16.99

The Afterlife of Holly Chase

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

A wonderful, sharp, witting and entertaining modern day retelling of the Christmas classic the "Christmas Carol".

17 year old, Holly, is selfish, materialistic and very spoiled -- ideal candidate for Ebenezer Scrooge. Yes, even after being visited by the Ghost's of Christmas Past, Present and the Future, she didn't change. Not long after their visit, Holly is struck by a car in a freak accident and dies -- well kind of -- she wakes up in the office of Project Scrooge and is now the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Outstanding character development as the story follows Holly, the staff of Project Scrooge and of course, the Scrooge for this year. There is soul searching, friendship development, humor and many avenues that keeps the reader guessing to what will happen next. Recommended for fans of the "Christmas Carol" and of retellings in general. Grades nine and higher is the targeted reading audience.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hand, Cynthia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062318503

Price: 17.99

The Witch Boy

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

Aster is from a magical family. The men practice shape shifting and the women are witches -- needless to say never do the genders switch roles until now. Aster is changing shapes but finds that he excels in spells and witchery and all anyone will do is tell him is wrong and what will happen if he continues.

The message/theme is of self-discovery and assertion. The story takes about what it means to go against what you have always been taught about specific roles, stereotypes within genders. The graphic illustrations are paneled cartoons that are brightly colored and detailed. Good book for those reluctant readers out there and for fans of witchcraft and fantasy. Recommended reading for grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ostertag, Molly Knox

Illustrator: Ostertag, Molly Know

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338089516

Price: 12.99

Teen Incarceration:From Cell Bars to Ankle Bracelets

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

Prison reform, especially amongst our youth, is an ongoing issue in our country. This book goes into details about the causes of criminal behavior of today's youth -- poverty, drugs, and domestic violence. Jones talks about our criminal justice system and how it has dealt with adolescent crimes in the past to understanding there are betters methods of justice that will not leave permanent scars.

Easy to follow chapters, sidebars contain information on individual youth who have committed crimes, on various laws and amendments and other useful and interesting information pertaining to the subject. Written to be easily understood with legal terms defined within the text of the book. Great book to add to shelves on social issues -- useful for students and educators doing research on juvenile crimes, behavior and penalties for these crimes. Recommended for grade nine and above.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Patrick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467775724

Price: 37.32

Poe: Stories and Poems -- A Graphic Novel Adaptation

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

Gareth Hinds has added another to his classic graphic novel adaptations. Choosing seven of Poe's creepiest and most compelling works, Hinds has added gothic representations to each that fulfill the imagination's read -- the solitary raven, the swinging of the pendulum and bells that will never seem to be the same.

Title page includes a key to the main themes and year of publication with the endnotes contain a brief biography of Edgar Allen Poe and the author's background notes on the works chosen and the reasons behind the choice. Can be easily worked into units of study on Poe and other great literature. Also, a good way to introduce Poe's works to those who are unfamiliar with them. Recommended for grades 7-9.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hinds, Gareth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: horror,fiction in verse / poetry,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681128

Price: 22.00

Death in the Donner Party: A Cause-and-Effect Investigation

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This is part of the series "Cause + Effect Disasters." It is a brief account of what led up to the Donner's Party fate in 1846-1847 without going into gory detail. It points out the effect of decisions, actions, and circumstances in simple terms. It is engaging and packs a powerful punch. The colorful layout and captioned illustrations are appealing. In addition to many illustrations, original photographs of some of the people involved bring this investigation to life. Included are a glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, additional books and websites, index, and photo credits. This is a good choice for young readers doing research or simply wanting to understand this tragedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oachs, Emily Rose

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512411157

Price: 27.93

Hero: Rescue Mission

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This is the third in the "Hero" series. Hero , a black Labrador retriever, is a search and rescue dog living with Ben, a fourteen year old, and Ben's family. In this book Ben and Hero must find Ben's father, a police officer, who ends up missing after going out to search for escaped convicts. The characters are well defined and the plot moves quickly. It is action packed and full of suspense like the other books in the series. Readers do not need to read the other books in the series to enjoy any of them. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shotz, Jennifer Li

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062560476

Price: 17.99

The Wizard's Dog

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This is a charming story of Merlin, Morgana, and Arthur told from a dog's point of view. Nosewise was rescued by Merlin. He is living with Merlin and Merlin's young apprentice Morgana. Oberson, a Fae prince kidnaps Merlin and Morgana to steal Excalibur. On his way to rescue Merlin and Morgana, Nosewise meets young Arthur and Guinevere. Nosewise is a delightful narrator offering his insight in a way that will have readers chuckling. He is a loyal and faithful companion determined to save Merlin and Morgana. This fresh approach to the Arthurian legend is well written with a fast moving plot. There are several black and white illustrations throughout the text. Readers who enjoy fantasy, dogs, humor, and suspense will thoroughly enjoy this. I highly recommend it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gale, Eric Kahn

Illustrator: Phillips, Dave

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553537369

Price: 16.99

Bow Wow: A Bowser and Birdie Novel.

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2018

Review

This is the third in the "Bowser and Birdie" series. Bowser, a mutt, lives with a young girl, Birdie, and Birdie's grandmother in a small Louisiana town. Birdie's mother works on an oil rig. Bowser is the narrator working with Birdie to solve the mysterious sighting of a shark in the bayou and find a missing employee from her grandmother's store that sells fishing gear and rents boats. This suspenseful story is full of action and intrigue. Seeing, hearing, and smelling the world through Bowser's eyes, ears, and nose is delightful. I thoroughly recommend this series to readers who enjoy a satisfying mystery with a dash of humor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Quinn, Spencer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338091342

Price: 16.99

Louie Lets Loose

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Louie is a unicorn with big dreams and Story Land is no longer big enough to hold those dreams. When a flier advertising the New York School of Performing Arts blows his way, Louie knows that it's time to head to the big city to make his fortune. With his dreams, his love of cake, and his unflailing optimism, Louie sets out. He is able to enroll in the school though, to his surprise and delight, he is not the only unicorn. Arnie the Unicorn is already making a name for himself as a leading man and Arnie does not share Louie's generosity of spirit. The book includes a fun cast of characters: Louie's roommates Frank the Troll, Danny the Faun, and Miranda the Mermaid, Victoria Sponge of the Sunshine Sparkle Dust Cafe, Madame Swirler, principal of the Performing Arts School and, of course, Arnie, that dashing, dastardly unicorn intent on keeping NY a one-unicorn town. Filled with humorous, head-shaking scenes that might have readers yelling out loud, "No, Louie, no!", Hamilton has created a chapter book for readers in 3rd and 4th grade who are looking for a more challenging read with a touch of snark. Not recommended for ESL readers as the book is filled with sarcasm and double meanings and does require an ability to infer. The illustrations are simple one-color line drawings (this book is all in red tones) meshed with black & white photographs that accompany the text, but do not overly supplement; the text is the star here. Well, and that unicorn Arnie...

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Rachel

Illustrator: Armelles, Oscar

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338055085

Price: 4.99

Louie Takes the Stage

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Book two in the adventures of the eager-to-please, star-bound Louie the unicorn and this time Louie really gets himself in hot water. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the New York School for the Performing Arts, which means a one-night only performance on Broadway, but Louie discovers that the same night is also Madame Swirler's birthday and that cranky old fairy, Louie's very favorite teacher, deserves a grand celebration whether she wants one or not (she doesn't). From an audition-gone-horribly-wrong to a lucky broken leg, Louie puts his heart and positive outlook to every situation. Will it be enough for him to step in for the usually-perfect leading man, Arnie the unicorn, help a friend tap into his inner troll, and bring just the tiniest of smiles to Madame's face? Outlook good. For those 3rd and 4th grade readers who like a challenge and who understand innuendo and sarcasm, these books are a rollicking read. The illustrations are single-color (this time blue) and are melded with black & white photographs to support the text, but only in a supplemental way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Rachel

Illustrator: Armelles, Oscar

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338055122

Price: 4.99

How Plants and Trees Work

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

A fantastic read for the budding botanist or science-lover. This book, aimed at the elementary-aged reader, offers a detailed look at the format, structure, function, adaptation, and application of plants in our world. Every page is chock-full of facts and detailed illustrations showing how a plant grows, why it has the features it has, how pollinators help facilitate plant growth, and how we use plants in everyday life. The book includes pop-ups, flaps, and small, attached booklets. The binding has a lot of air and will be susceptible to tears and crushing. And the pop-ups may not make it through too many circulations - the page with the pop-out tree has some difficult flaps, especially for less-dextrous fingers. But it would make an excellent classroom book or could be used in a school library center where the books don't go home. It has a message of conservation and a plea to readers to pay attention to the plants around us and to treat our world as kindly as possible. Readers can look at this book over and over and find new information each time. A lovely effort, but not a particulary library-friendly product.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dorion, Christiane

Illustrator: Young, Beverley

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780763692988

Price: 19.99

Toad on the Road

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a bouncy, busy story that will make a good read aloud for young children. Toad is sitting in the road playing with his friend fly. Along comes a bear on a bike, at first shown only in silhouette. "Toad on the road Toad on the roan, Oh no! Oh no!" the bear is warned. Toad just sits there until bear approaches and crashes his bike, "Skid, Screech, Bam!" The same text is used as Toad is approached by Croc in a Car and Vole in a Van. Vole, dressed as a hippie and driving a flower power van is particularly amusing. Finally, Mama Toad approaches in her tow truck and gets Toad to move. The illustrations are big, colorful, and eye catching. The repetitive text will allow young listeners to participate in telling the story. The antics will make them giggle. All together, a cute and fun story for preschool storytimes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaskan, Stephan

Illustrator: Shaskan, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393470

Price: 17.99

Toad on the Road

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a bouncy, busy story that will make a good read aloud for young children. Toad is sitting in the road playing with his friend fly. Along comes a bear on a bike, at first shown only in silhouette. "Toad on the road Toad on the roan, Oh no! Oh no!" the bear is warned. Toad just sits there until bear approaches and crashes his bike, "Skid, Screech, Bam!" The same text is used as Toad is approached by Croc in a Car and Vole in a Van. Vole, dressed as a hippie and driving a flower power van is particularly amusing. Finally, Mama Toad approaches in her tow truck and gets Toad to move. The illustrations are big, colorful, and eye catching. The repetitive text will allow young listeners to participate in telling the story. The antics will make them giggle. All together, a cute and fun story for preschool storytimes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaskan, Stephan

Illustrator: Shaskan, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393470

Price: 17.99

Water

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a typical Seymour Simon photo essay science book. Gorgeous photographs accompany the text. These books have always been popular, but have always seemed hard to use for research. Dense text, filling up a page of each double page spread, gives a lot of information, but is not broken up by typical nonfiction details such as subheadings or chapters. This one does have an index which will be of help to young researchers. There is also a glossary and a list to "Read More about It."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: , Various photographers

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062470553

Price: 16.99

Charlotte's Web

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a new edition of the beloved children's classic, published on the 65th anniversary of it's original publication. Garth William's illustrations only enhance the beautifully told story. This is a story every child needs to know.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

White, E.B.

Illustrator: Williams, Garth

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658753

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Who's That Girl

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

"Who's That Girl" by Blair Thornburgh is about a girl named Natalie, nicknamed "Nattie," who is a junior in high school and has a brief brush with fame. Now a graduated senior, Sebastian Delacroix met her once at a party and had an interesting interaction with her and then he left to form an indie band. She finds out that his band is coming to town and she has to go to his concert. The band plays "Natalie," an original song sung by Sebastian. It's pretty clearly about Nattie. She then has to come to terms with how she feels about Sebastian (or about another friend of hers) and how she's going to deal with the media spotlight. I didn't feel very invested in the characters, though I did like that Nattie had several LGBTQ friends, and the book seemed to drag a lot. It felt like forever before things started happening. Some teens may like it, as it is pretty funny, but I would not call it a must-buy. Reveiwed by Kate Radke.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thornburgh, Blair

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062447777

Price: 17.99

Midnight at the Electric

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

Recommending for Cream Consideration. It is 2065 and as sixteen-year-old Adri Ortiz prepares for her coveted place on the mission to populate Mars, she must make connections and stay with her only documented family member in Kansas during this last portion of her training. Lily, her 107 year old distant cousin, opens her home and unknowingly provides Adri with a mystery of familial connections through the letters and experiences of Catherine during the 1934 dust bowl and Lenore in England during the early 1900's. Catherine is desperate to find a way to save her younger sister from suffocating dust and Lenore must balance the need for friendship with loyalty during World War I. Each character and the hopeless they overcome and difficulties that they face are fleshed out in alternating chapters that slowly untie the stories into the linear connection that binds them all together with one long living Galapagos tortoise that resides at Lily's farm. Anderson provides readers with a vast array of settings, social constructs and decisions of the heart in a succinct writing style that lingers long after the last page is read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Jodi Lynn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393548

Price: 17.99

Hats Off to You!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

The four fun-loving and ethnically diverse friends from Beaumont's "Shoe-la-la" are back and now focused on finding the right hat. While playing dress up in the attic, the rumpus of a playdate spills out to the street where there is a fair going on and boutique with hats. In quick, easy rhyming text, the girls try on all the different exotic hats in the booth, even Frou-Frou the dog gets involved. They each purchase a plain looking hat and the action is taken back to the attic where secret embellishments turn into a special Mother/Daughter party in the back yard. Perfect for readers loving sparkle and caring.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Beaumont, Karen

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545474238

Price: 16.99

The Hanging Girl

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Content warning: This is a book for more mature audiences, for readers who can handle implications of rape and other violence against women.

Skye pretends to be a tarot-reading psychic for cash to help her mom make ends meet. Then, when a rich and popular classmate goes missing, Skye gets wrapped up in helping the police investigate the disappearance. As readers, we learn that neither of the girls is who she appears to be.

As hard as we want to root for Skye, she has a history of lying that makes it really hard to be on her side, and she makes questionable choices so often that it's tough to read her as a protagonist. The book also contains so many examples of girls hating each other and shaming each other, and it felt unrealistically severe based on conversations I've had so often with my students.

In the end, it was an okay read that kept me turning the pages, but the content was too problematic to give a "very good" or "excellent" rating.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cook, Eileen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978054482982

Price: 17.99

Graveyard Shakes

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Graveyard Shakes opens with Little Ghost paying a visit to his friend Modie, a child who has been brought back to life by his father through spells, just as Modie's father is performing the ritual that will keep Modie alive. Every 13 years, a human child's life is sacrificed in order to keep Modie from fading. Modie is very conflicted and unhappy with the fact that a child must die so that he can live.

11 years later, Victoria and Katia have just arrived at a boarding school where they have been given scholarships. Desperate to escape homeschooling, Victoria is ready to do whatever it takes to fit in at her new school and be accepted by her peers, even though they are unkind to her. Katia, her younger sister, has no such desire to fit in and instead becomes the subject of ridicule for her strange behavior, much to Victoria's dismay. After a fight, the sisters stumble upon a graveyard where the two stories collide. Victoria falls into an empty grave where Modie's father is hoping to catch unsuspecting children so that he can perform his spell again.

The dual plots seem too much to fit into a small graphic novel such as this, and much of the action and explanation around characters and events seems rushed because of it. The book's strongest aspect are the illustrations. Recommended for graphic novel fans in grades 4-7.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Terry, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545889544

Price: 12.99

The Art of Starving

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Matt is a Jewish, white, gay teenager who harnesses starvation-induced powers in order to get revenge for his missing sister. Matt is writing a guidebook on the Art of Starving and is quick to note that he is honest - detailing that he has been diagnosed with suicidal ideation - yet he refuses to admit he has an eating disorder to the reader. Once he realizes that by restricting his food he can harness supernatural powers such as following scents and reading minds, he turns his newfound skills towards the three bullies who Matt thinks are behind his sister's disappearance. One of these boys is Tariq, whom Matt and his sister both had a crush on, though Matt hates himself for having this crush. As Matt begins to degenerate his powers seem to grow, but will he really find the answers he is looking for by being so blind to the other possibilities around him?

The witty and snarky tone of Matt's narration will keep readers rooting for him and his recovery. Though seemingly strange at first, Matt's supernatural abilities add an interesting aspect to Matt's eating disorder and his journey to seeing things as they really are. Recommended for readers in grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Sam J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062456717

Price: -1.01

Little Ree

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Little Ree has always lived in the city, but when her grandparents' need help at their ranch, her parents decide to move to the country and help. Little Ree is very nervous and sad about the move, but she stays positive and upbeat about the adventure. Although Ree will miss her friends and the park right down the street, she makes note of the fact that living in the country is almost like living in a park! This positive upbeat story will help younger children try to look at all the positives of the differences between places they are moving to or that they live in. The illustrations are bright and vibrant just like Little Ree's personality! A recipe for pancakes is included in the back. It is important to note that the author, Ree Drummond, is also the author of the Charlie the Ranch Dog books and has a cooking show on the Food Network.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Ree

Illustrator: Rogers , Jacqueline

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062453181

Price: 17.99

Sinking of the Sultana

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Much of the story of Civil War soldiers in prisoner of war camps and the history of the Mississippi was fascinating and I learned more about steamboats, the CIvil War, and river travel than I knew before reading. That being said, the writing was confusing in parts and the illustrations and images weren't too exciting, such as travel logs and ship manifests. I don't think Sinking the Sultana would captivate student readers, though it might be a helpful information source for student researchers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Sally M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 0763677558

Price: 24.99

This is How it Happened

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Genevieve wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what has happened. She's been in a car accident that killed her boyfriend Dallas, a Youtube sensation and newly discovered pop star. Everyone believes that the driver of the other car was drunk and caused the accident, but as Genevieve starts to recover her memory, she wonders if that is true. Stokes's fourth book deals with themes of guilt and forgiveness, bullying on social media, and, of course, relationships. The best part of this book is the focus on the social media response to the death of Dallas. The comments regarding the other driver were so awful, wanting to get him fired, saying he should have died, etc. It drove people to actually burn down his place of employment and for him to try and take his own life. It was truly horrendous and sadly very true to life. This is a book worthy of purchase for most teen collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stokes, Paula

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062379931

Price: 17.99

Looking for Group

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

I loved this book and recommend it for Cream of the Crop.

In Looking For Group, we meet sixteen-year-old Dylan, who has just learned he is in sudden remission from the childhood cancer he thought would kill him. As Dylan looks to a future he never expected to see, he embarks on a journey with a friend he's only met on the internet while playing World of Warcraft. This friend, who was born David, now lives as Arden and her family struggles to accept their transgendered daughter.

To escape the troubles of his family life (a mom who uses Dylan's cancer status to get money for drugs, etc), Dylan sets off to meet Arden in real life, and together they go on a cross-country adventure similar to those they had taken together online in World of Warcraft.

While the World of Warcraft angle nearly turned me off to the book, the author didn't devote too much time to the game. Instead, Looking For Group offers rich characters and dense, crafted descriptions of the emotions of today's teens. The book reminded me, in parts, of David Levithan's _Every Day_ in the way it made me question love and gender. David fell in love with Arden's internet persona and then he met her. David is gay, and he finds himself falling in love with Arden - born male living as female. The sweet and honest love that develops between these characters, and more importantly, Harrison's craft and character development, make _Looking For Group_ an A+.

Here is a 90 Second Book Review video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py5toc71r2Q&list=PLPH--ppuvAxBSsWFhxEm_sJ5srKw-yPH2&index=2

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Harrison, Rory

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062453075

Price: 17.99

Liberty The Spy who (Kind of) Liked Me

Reviewed by: Sheila Dubes - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Readers are addressed directly by Liberty (undercover name for Paige Nolan) in witty, wise-cracking, culturally relevant banter that borders on stream-of-consciousness. Her award-winning journalist parents were killed or abducted while on assignment when she was younger, and now that she is attending Bryn Mawr, a video-taped encounter she has with two armed men at a rest stop (where she deftly teaches them a lesson) brings her to the attention of the government. Paige is promised information about her parents in return for gaining information from the internationally hunted Sean Raynes exiled in Russia for whistle blowing. The mission takes many twists and turns in this fast paced, James Bond-ish, thriller. It is all here. Political intrigue, power girl characters, hilarious dialogue with a dash of romance mixed in for good measure. The ending provides the groundwork for a sequel in the future. Yes!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Portes, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062421999

Price: 17.99

The Secret History of Us

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Liv wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma for 8 days. She can't remember anything that has happened in the last four years including the accident, her entire high school experience, her "perfect" boyfriend and her falling out with one of her best friends. As Liv tries to reconcile her past memories with who she is now, she looks to her family and friends for support. However, she soon realizes that while they are all trying to protect her, they are also keeping things from her. As she begins her own self discovery, she learns that she had been living a secret life that her family knows nothing about! This is a wonderful story of finding your own inner strength to be who you want to be, not who everyone else expects you to be. A great mix of inner strength, self discovery, and romance. A worthy addition to young adult collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kirby , Jessi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062299468

Price: 17.99

Goodnight, Hockey Fans

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Goodnight, Hockey Fans is an adorable story about a little hockey fan who wants to stay up to watch the game. His parents insist he go to bed, but he worries that he will not be able to fall asleep. He ends up dreaming he is in the game and scores the winning shot. Bright watercolor illustrations by Jacqui Lee highlight the boy in his yellow jersey, while the background is nicely muted in shades of teal and blue. There is also welcome diversity in both the boy, his father, and some of his imaginary teammates with various shades of brown skin. This book would be a winner for any little hockey fans and is recommended where there are many.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: Lee, Jacqui

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381055

Price: 16.99

The Glass Spare

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

The Glass Spare is a richly detailed fantasy book. It presents a fantasy world full of legend, built upon alchemy and beginning to discover electricity on a grand scale, there are a wealth of wonders and new possibilities presented to the people within its pages. It is also filled with legends and magic, from the stories of the king who turned all he touched to gold, to the magic that lays hidden in the heart of our protagonist.

Wil, our female lead, is many things. A child of the royal family, a girl who escaped death as a baby, a spy in training, her frailest brother's closest friend and confidant, and eventually a girl cursed to turn anything living she touches into gemstone.

This story contains something for most any fantasy reader, the politics of kingdoms on the brink of war, a story that takes the reader from the most dirty and dangerous alleys to the most opulent of palaces, mysterious curses, young love, and more as we follow Wil as she leaves the familiar halls of her palace home and family and sets out on her own, carrying the burden of heavy secrets.

The highly skilled world building and character development gives the world of the Glass Spare a highly memorable and enjoyable feel. Clearly the first of a new fantasy series, this is a tale that starts well and has a lot more to offer.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DeStefano, Lauren

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062491282

Price: 17.99

Lines, Bars and Circles: How William Playfair Invented Graphs

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Lines, Bars and Circles: How William Playfair Invented Graphs is a picture book biography of William Playfair. Helaine Becker draws the reader through Playfair's early life, his education and professional life, as well as how he thought up the first graphs. Unfortunately, graphs were not respected by mathematicians and scientists of the time, though they are vitally important today. Becker also includes small information boxes that lend contextual information, as well as an afterword that gives more detail and has actual pictures of Playfair's graphs. Marie-Eve Tremblay's illustrations are comic and exaggerated which may appeal to some readers and offput others. Overall a solid biography, particularly for a school library for use during graphing units.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker , Helaine

Illustrator: Tremblay, Marie-Eve

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771385701

Price: 17.95

City Moon

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Wonderful book book for preschool/kindergarten age children who are studying the moon.

A story about a mother who takes her very curious and observant little boy on a leisurely stroll through a city at night to watch the moon. The moon is viewed from city sidewalks thus lending well to its disappearance and reappearance from behind various tall buildings and clouds. The boy wants to know why "everyone" isn't watching the moon just as he is. His mother tells him that everyone is very "busy." And this is true, as revealed in the lovely illustrations of various people actively engaged in the "business" of their own lives. The story ends when it's time to return home to bed whereupon the little boy insists that the curtain be left open at his window - allowing the moon to gaze upon him as he sleeps peacefully.

Lovely atmospheric, engaging and detailed illustrations of city buildings and the people who live and work there. All are so engaged in their very own activities in the city and do not even notice the moon - just as the little boy and his mother are totally occupied with their viewing of the moon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cole and Gomez, Rachel and Blanca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553497076

Price: 17.99

Time Shifters

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

An odd-ball adventure across time and alternate dimensions will that will leave readers laughing and wanting more.

Luke and his brother Kyle run into a gang of bullies on afternoon while playing in the woods. The encounter causes an accident in which Kyle dies. A year after Kyle's death, Luke sees a mysterious light coming from the forest behind his house. He suddenly finds himself in possession of a strange device and is chased by a mummy, vampire Napoleon, and a skeleton astronaut. However, Luke is saved by a time-traversing group comprised of a ghost, dinosaur, robotic Abraham Lincoln, and the scientist who invented the multiverse shifting device. In order to get the device off Luke's arm (which is locked on unless you know the code), the groups hides out in an alternate dimension of giant spiders in the Wild West. Pursued by the henchmen and dodgy spiders, Luke and the gang must keep the device away while also saving a kidnapped robotic Abraham Lincoln.

Luke is a great protagonist, and the eclectic bunch of characters are all interesting and well rounded. The slapstick humor is fitting, and is genuinely funny. The art is bright and effective, and conveys the story well. A great title for readers who loved Ben Hatke's "Mighty Jack" series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grine, Chris

Illustrator: Grine, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545926591

Price: 12.99

How to Disappear

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Vicky's only friend Jenna moved 2 months ago and Vicky is left to negotiate high school through the paralyzing fear and self-regulating thoughts that keep her from making new friends at school. When Vicky accidentally overhears Jenna's negative perception of their relationship, she turns her hurt into a new creative outlet. On Instagram she creates a new persona called Vicarious and blends pictures of herself in crazy wigs and outfits from the comfort of her bedroom with famous scenes and activities. Over the course of a few days her own campaign for placing herself in chaotic social situations inspires multiple followers to support her #alone thread. Vicky feeds off this safe attention and starts gently exploring school relationships until her real life relationship with Jenn takes a life threatening turn and Vicky must do something drastic like revealing who she really is in order to save her friend. The topic and Vicky's character will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roat, Sharon Huss

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062291752

Price: 17.99

It's Not Like It's a Secret

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

It's Not Like It's a Secret tells the story of Sana Kiyohara, a sixteen year old girl hiding a lot of secrets, like the fact that her dad is probably having an affair and that she has a giant crush on her best friend. Suddenly, Sana's family decides to move from the Midwest to California, and, for the first time, Sana finds herself surrounded by diversity. Sana falls hard for the beautiful, smart Jamie Ramirez and begins to wonder if it's time for some of her secrets to become public. Sugiura has crafted an essential story that examines the conflict between traditional and modern values, how racism and prejudices affect different groups of people, and the price of secrecy and silence. This novel is recommended for every collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sugiura, Misa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062473417

Price: 17.99

Snickerdoodle Takes the Cake

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Snickerdoodle Takes the Cake is a humorous story about a little chinchilla named Snickerdoodle who wakes up one morning to find that his mom has made her famous lemon poppy seed cake for his Nana's birthday, and he desperately wants to eat some. His mother tells him not to touch, but he can't help himself and he, and his siblings, dig in. Snickerdoodle comes up with the solution of making a new cake, which is nowhere as beautiful as the original cake, but just as tasty. Written sound effects and silly pictures will make kids laugh out loud, though some parents may be dismayed at the lack of consequences for Snickerdoodle's actions. A fun book to read with kids.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823437849

Price: 16.95

A World of Information

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

A World of Information is a collection of two page spreads about various informational topics. One side shows an in depth, two color illustration explaining the concept, while the other has basic information, fun facts, or history about the subject in question. The different topics covered include everything from musical notation to the flight of airplanes. The information provided is just enough to satisfy a few basic questions on the subject and perhaps pique a unique interest. The size of the book, however, may be a detriment. As a very large picture book, it may have a difficult time appealing to the upper elementary/lower middle school grades that the text is written for. Still, a valiant and interesting effort by Brown and Platt.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Platt, Richard

Illustrator: Brown, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Studio

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693480

Price: 25

Secrets of the Sea

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

"Oceans, places where all life on Earth began, yet they are one of the least understood places on the planet."This is the opening line of an exquisite book that takes the reader from the ocean shallows to the darkest depths.It introduces creatures that may be familiar to others that most humans have never knew existed. It is filled with information but does not overwhelm the reader - it is enough to capture the interest of anyone choosing to select this book. What makes this book stand out is the fantastic illustrations! Large, detailed,with a soft touch to them, Eleanor Taylor captures the creature and the reader. It defines STEAM. Information for the budding scientist and illustrations to capture the lover of art. Not to be missed!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Baker, Kate

Illustrator: Taylor, Eleanor

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763698393

Price: 24.99

Good Morning, Grizzle Grump

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Grizzle Grump and friends return in Blecha's second hibernating bear installment. Spring has arrived, Grizzle Grump is awake, and he's hungry. He and Squirrel go in search of a tasty spring snack. They find some berries, and Grizzle collects a whole stack. But Squirrell has hidden himself, and while he looks for Squirrell, other animals run away with his berries! Grizzle and Squirrel move on to different areas of the island discovering and then losing other snacks, until the final pages reveal that the other animals were stealing the food in order to have a surprise party for Grizzle Grump. It's a bit of a mixed message (stealing is okay if it's for a good reason?) but the book will delight all who enjoyed the first book.

Blecha's illustrations are beautifully colorful and perfect; even better than in the first book. The copyright page is a double spread illustrating the islands in "The Wild World and the Creatures & Critters that Creep & Crawl Around it" featuring more areas and animals than we've seen in the books, leaving us hoping that more stories may be coming.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blecha, Aaron

Illustrator: Blecha, Aaron

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062297495

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Library Visit

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Another in the very popular Peppa Pig series, this one takes the reader along with Peppa and her familya as they visit the library due to daddy Pigs very overdue book. the reader, through Peppa's eyes sees all that is available to a reader at the library - how many books can be borrowed, what happens if they are returned late, and how they are checked out. What is comforting about all the Peppa books is that Peppa has a loving family, they get along and have adventures to places that most children can identify with:the library, school, gardens, and camping to name a few. My only disappointment is that when Daddy Pig's book rings up "overdue" she is told that the "beep" means someone has been "naughty" and kept the book too long. I would have chosen a different word.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Astley -creator, Neville

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763697884

Price: 12.99

Secrets I Know

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Imagination is the focus in this picture book about a little girl who knows about secrets.She shares these secrets one sentence at a time on one page at a time. What is unique about this way of presenting secrets is that the last word in the sentence one one page is the first word in the next sentence."Secrets are for whispering. Whispers hide in the trees. trees make great umbrellas. Can you guess what the next sentence will start with? Paola Zikimi continues the journey of the imagination by creating large, soft pencil illustrations that support that single sentence.this is a book that needs to be read more than once and looked at to find the secrets revealed.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

George, Kallie

Illustrator: Zakimi, Paola

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781101938935

Price: 17.99

Gabby Garcia's Ultimate Playbook

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Gabby’s middle school has to close unexpectedly during the school year because of asbestos and she is sent to another school. Up until this point, her year has been record-setting: good grades, good hair, and a stellar softball season. She expects things to continue along these lines at her new school but soon realizes that there might be more to middle school than winning and that it often takes a team to do so. Written in journal style with illustrations, readers will enjoy Gabby’s funny, sassy intelligence. They will root for her to succeed and learn important lessons with her along the way. This is the first in a series that will be a hit with middle schoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Palmer, Iva-Marie

Illustrator: Kissi, Marta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062391759

Price: 12.99

The Adventures of John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Legend states that if you look into John Blake’s eyes, you will die, but when Serena falls overboard during her family’s sailing around the world John Blake and his ghost ship save her. Due to an experiment gone wrong, John and his crew sail through centuries trying to find a way home and to stop the powerful and corrupt Dahlberg Corporation. Serena and John work together to stop the Dahlberg Corporation while trying to find their way back to their homes. Fans of the Alex Rider novels and graphic novels will be sure fans of John Blake as well. This graphic novel by Philip Pullman is an addictive mix of sci-fi and adventure. This time-bending tale jumps between time and place, but the clever writing and illustrations make the story easy to follow. This is surely the first to come in other John Blake adventures.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pullman, Philip

Illustrator: Fordham, Fred

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338149128

Price: 19.99

Sergeant Reckless:the True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Several years ago the summer reading theme was about heroes. This is when I became aware of Reckless.How nice to now have a book that introduces readers to this remarkable hero. She began as a Korean racehorse called Flame. She was small and of a red hue. When the Korean War began her owner could not keep her. She was surviving on her own until she was found by a marine company who was looking for a mule to help them carry heavy ammunition uphill to a cannon position. She was no mule and small but she would turn out to be more than the marines could ever have hoped for. The narrative tells her story in small snipets with Bruno's illustrations done mostly in browns to support the text.She manages to capture the hearts of the marine company and the reader and you just hope she survives the war. Spoiler alert- she does and her fellow marines make sure she comes home with them. She is the only animal to hold a military rank, receive two purple hearts, and retire with full military honors.This is a story of loyalty, bravery,and an unconditional bond between man and animal. It works well for units about heroes, the military, history and animals. This is a story that should be told and should be read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McCormack, Patricia

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062292599

Price: 17.99

My Brigadista Year

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Katherine Paterson never disappoints. She creates stories with characters that readers root for, even while acknowledging the injustices of their worlds. The story begins in Havana in 1961. Thirteen-year-old Lora joins Castro’s movement to end illiteracy in Cuba by deploying volunteers to teach all Cubans to read. This historical fiction novel covers a little-known part of Cuba’s historic fight against illiteracy that involved over 250,000 volunteers. It is also a coming-of-age novel as Lora learns more about the people outside of Havana, makes new friends, and faces dangerous situations. There is a spirit of adventure to the novel, as well as a sense of human kindness.The novel includes an author’s note, a map, and a timeline of Cuban history. This book might be of interest to readers of The Red Umbrella by Christian Gonzalez which is more critical of the Castro regime.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Paterson, Katherine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695088

Price: 15.99

Vanilla

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Vanilla and Hunter are best friends. They have also been dating since seventh grade. Now that they are in high school, Hunter is ready to begin a sexual relationship, but Vanilla is not sure. Vanilla likes to cuddle with Hunter but is confused by why he does not want to take the next step. Through the help of another friend, Vanilla realizes that he may be asexual. Parts of the story felt a little drawn out and angsty, but after their break up, the boys gain some self-awareness which moves the plot along. This is a novel-in-verse with Vanilla and Hunter alternating their chapters. Some of the poems have a unique structure, like the Venn diagram poem. Recommended for all collections that serve teens.These are voices that need to be head. Fans of David Levithan will want to add this to their “To Read List.”

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Merrell, Billy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338100921

Price: 17.99

The Infamous Ratsos are Not Afraid

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

This second book about the infamous Ratsos, like the first, is a funny, thoughtful and smart early chapter book. Boys and girls of about five to eight , both listeners and readers should enjoy the Ratso brothers' new idea. The clear and amusing cartoon like drawings appear on almost every page.The bold print sentences and the drawings work together to make both listening and reading just right for this age group. The title suggests the theme. Older brother Louie is afraid of a house that may be haunted and have a ghost in it that Louie may have seen. His brother Ralph is being teased by a girl who has been given a cruel nickname. Their mama being gone but always in their hearts, it is their dad, big Lou, who observes, listens and talks about the things that he is afraid of and about checking on the facts when it comes to nicknames, among other things. Readers enjoy an entertaining story of how the brothers, together with other animal friends, clear out a vacant lot to make an arcade. The haunted house, the ghost and the nickname are all resolved within the story; no preaching occurs. The book makes an excellent read-aloud in a class room or at home and offers an opportunity to talk about what is scary and about nicknames and it also has some laugh-out-loud moments. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

LaReau, Kara

Illustrator: Myers, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676377

Price: 14.99

The Lines We Cross

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Abdel-Fattah examines the lines between the personal and the political in her new novel exploring immigration in a small Australian community. The narrators, Michael and Mina, are students at an elite high school. Michael’s father is the founder of Aussie Values, a group that disguises its racist policies in polite language. Mina was born in Afghanistan, where she lost her father and brother; her mother and step-father are looking to build a new life. Michael has always gone along with his father’s beliefs, but when he meets Mina, politics becomes personal and he begins to question the rhetoric he has heard his whole life. Both voices are well-developed and tackle hard issues on both sides while at the same time maintaining a Romeo and Juliet love story. Recommended for fans of Abdel-Fattah’s other novels and debut novel, Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Abdel-Fattah, Randa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338118667

Price: 18.99

Racial Profiling: Everyday Inequality

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

This book is a must-have for libraries serving teens. It can be used for research or to inspire youth activists. Tamir Rice, Rodney, King, Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, the Flint water crisis, Islamophobia, and the Black Lives Matter Movement are all covered in this 140-page book.The author succinctly traces the political policies throughout history that have created our current culture. Laws and rights and are well explained clearly in both words and colorful charts and graphs.The supporting pictures will grab the reader’s attention. Clear definitions of racial profiling are explained in the text as well as a history of racism in the United States, both explicit and implicit. A Glossary, Source Notes, a Selected Bibliography, suggested Further Information, and an Index is included. This book could be used for class discussions in a civics class or as a nonfiction pairing for The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Behnke, Alison Marie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512402681

Price: 35.22

Find Your Style: Boost Your Body Image Through Fashion Confidence

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Sally McGraw presents extremely positive and diverse ideas about fashion and body image in this book. She begins by explaining how she dressed for invisibility in middle and high school because she did not like her body. Then she realized that clothes could be a tool; you do not have to dress like a model, instead dress in what looks good on your body type and in a way that expresses your personality. McGraw also addresses the timely topics of gender flexible clothes, double-standards of school dress codes, and religious fashion restrictions. The images that accompany the text are diverse and complement the text well. McGraw also discusses thrift shops, altering, and professional tailoring as options to finding unique and individual styles. There are books and websites listed at the back for further information. This book sends and an extremely positive message will be a self-esteem boost for anyone who reads it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McGraw, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785693

Price: 32.75

The Wolf Hour

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

The setting: a dark treacherous forest known as the Puszcza located in Poland. The Characters: a wolf named Martin who likes to read; a wood cutters daughter named Magia who's not afraid to walk alone in the woods and dreams of becoming a woodcutter some day; a carefully disguised witch and 3 pigs who miss their momma. A mash up of Folklore and Fantasy seems like it would be an awesome read. But to follow the many twists and turns and complicated story lines it was hard to get into and I feel this could be a bit challenging for the younger middle school reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

h, S

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic / Arthur Levine Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545107976

Price: 16.99

Green Green: A Community Gardening Story

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Told in poetic verse, this story starts with a family that plants a garden at their home in the country. Soon, their little town starts to grow into a city and it is hard to find a place to garden anymore. However, the community does end up working together to clear a vacant lot and plant a community garden. Colors are used to describe the growth of the city-"green, green fresh and clean", "brown, brown dig the ground" and "squirrel gray and pigeon blue" . Young children may be confused about what is happening as the text is very sparse. It can still be used to focus on how a community comes together to plant a garden.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lamba, Marie and Baldev

Illustrator: Sanchez , Sonia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374327972

Price: 17.99

Turtle Tug to The Rescue

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

"Turtle Tug to the Rescue" is an engaging picture book for the 2-5 year old children. It is the third book in the series "animal rescue series" by Michael Slack.

Colorful, vividly expressive illustrations fill the pages of this endearing picture book. Turtle Tug (who is really a turtle himself) "cruises the coastline with a keen, watchful eye, guarding sea dwellers swimming on by." And that is exactly what Turtle Tug does. When an impending typhonn threatens the safety of his friends, Turtle Tug comes to their rescue. PUffins, a seal pup, a squid, and even an enormous sperm whale are guided to safety by their loyal and devoted friend, Turtle.

The simple plotline of Turtle rescuing and caring for his sea dwelling friends is enough to engage preschool children. Turtle, of course, becomes a sea dwelling hero!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slack, Michael

Illustrator: Slack, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Co

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627791946

Price: 16.99

The Green Umbrella

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

The lovely, soft watercolor illustrations in "The Green Umbrella," compliment the gentleness and kindness demonstrated in this endearing and imaginative picture book.

This would be a wonderful book to share when doing a unit on friendship: treating our friends with respect and compassion, helping children to understand that we all see things differently, that we are all unique, and that we all have our own ways of doing things. And, most importlantly, we can still can still be good friends, and perhaps even better friends, as we come to value and recognize these differences.

Hedgehog, Cat, Bear, and even an old Rabbit, each claim that Elephant has their green umbrella. They each try to convince Elephant that the green umbrella belongs to them, by regaling Elephant with the wonderful adventures they've each had with the umbrella. Elephant reluctantly gives up his green umbrella to the old Rabbit who is sweating on a terribly hot day. Next, Cat suggests that he can make them all a cup of tea which then leads to the entire group enjoying a marvelous picnic atop a green hill - where they begin to brainstorm the many possible adventures that they might have all together with the green umbrella.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kramer, Jackie Azua

Illustrator: Sassouni, Maral

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: North South Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780735842182

Price: 17.95

La La La

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Kate DiCamillo had the idea. A small circle, then a large circle high above. A call and response. Jaime Kim took that idea and made the small circle a small girl, sad, lonely, looking for a friend. She leaves everything safe and certain to find someone to connect with.But how does one do that- sing! With Kate's text, simply "la la la," the reader, through Kim's simple, soft yet expressive illustrations of watercolor and ink follows along on the journey to find a friend. The reader and the listener need to take time to really take in the story and enjoy the journey.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

DiCamillo, Kate

Illustrator: Kim, Jaime

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763658335

Price: 17.99

Climate Migrants:On the Move in a Warming World

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

"2015 was the hottest year on record for the planet. By 2015, thirteen of the hottest years on record have occurred since 2000. Climate change is like a speeding train. It has so much momentum that even slamming on the brakes won't instantly bring it to a stop." The news reports it each day from every corner of the planet. Fires claim thousands of acres, floods destroy both property and human lives, the glaciers are melting, towns that have existed in Alaska are for hundreds of years are not habitable any longer. Climate change is real and is affecting the planet each minute of each day. Rebecca Hirsch has laid it all out, the history,the causes, the effects and the ways humans must learn to live with climate change.She outlines two main points: adapt and/or migrate.This is an important book for all. It is a slim book, not to be read quickly or lightly but to read slowly and discussed at length. Knowledge is power and when it comes to the planet Earth, it will take everyone to come together to ensure its future.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century Bks

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467793411

Price: 30.81

Princess Kitty

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

As with most cats, Princess Kitty thinks she rules her household and that all the humans are her servants. A party is being thrown, and Princess Kitty knows it is for her. The illustrations show us that the party is a birthday for the daughter. The book carries on in this vein, with Kitty assuming all the preparations are for her and the illustrations making it clear what's really happening. While the juxtaposition between Kitty's assumptions and the actuality of the illustrations is meant to be humorous, it doesn't quite get there. Not worthy of purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Metzger, Steve

Illustrator: Okstad, Ella

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306623

Price: 17.99

Wee Sister Strange

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

A whimsical celebration of the power of the bedtime story for the young listener (pre-K - first grade). Campbell's illustrations glow in moonlight-dappled pages and Grant's lyrical text is the right rhythm for reading as the stars come out. Wee Sister Strange owns the night, but has no one to read her a story and tuck her in, so she goes out in search of this magical moment. She finds it at the reader's window, listening to this story. Young readers won't get the meta aspect, but they will sigh with satisfaction as Wee Sister Strange tames the wild night beasts and finds a spot to rest her head after completing her quest and finding that same story that they are listening to. A beautiful book to be added to library collections with a demand for bedtime stories.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grant, Holly

Illustrator: Campbell, K.G.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553508796

Price: 17.99

Sparrow

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Fourteen-year-old Brooklyn dweller Sparrow struggles to cope with worsening social anxiety in this poignant, smart novel filled with literary and music references. Opening just after Sparrow is hospitalized after she's mistakenly assumed to have been contemplating suicide when she is discovered near the edge of the roof of her school's building, this realistic take on living with an anxiety disorder moves at first between flashbacks and the present, bringing readers up to speed about how Sparrow developed a coping mechanism in which she dissociates from her surroundings and imagines herself as flying with groups of birds during episodes of profound stress. Her embarrassment and fear of being labeled crazy prevents her from explaining this to anyone and her profound grief over the unexpected death of her school's librarian, one of the few who really saw her and who'd pulled her into a group of misfits who also loved to read, has brought her isolation to a head. Though her mom adores her, Sparrow often feels pressed beneath the weight of the expectation she feels from her mother to be "normal" even as she feels persistently judged by her peers, one of whom calls her an Oreo because she sees Sparrow, who's black, as having white interests. In three parts, this heart-wrenching, character driven story explores how Sparrow is able, through therapy with a somewhat irreverent psychologist who introduces her to a host of excellent, and mainly punk, singers and bands, to begin to imagine different ways to manage her anxiety and eventually, in the culminating section, to try attending a rock camp for girls. Honest and moving, this compelling debut novel introduces a sympathetic and witty narrator with a unique and authentic voice whose experience will engage and inspire middle and high school readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Moon, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338032581

Price: 18.99

Independence Cake

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Deborah Hopkinson and Giselle Potter, two leading creators of historical fiction in picture book format for primary school age children , have teamed up again for another story that introduces children to another era. Independence Cake is the fictionalized account of the young woman, Amelia Simmons, who wrote the first American cookbook. In 1789 orphan Amelia is becomes the servant of a woman with six boys. She is helpful with the chores but is especially appreciated for her cakes that she makes with American ingredients. Thirteen of these cakes are presented at the inauguration of George Washington. Teachers looking for books that present a realistic look at life in the new nation can turn to this book that has an appealing character, fun plot, and period detail. The watercolor and ink illustrations are typical Potter, stylized yet full of historically accurate detail. At the back of the book, the author's note includes information about what is known and not kwown about Amelia Simmons, and the recipe for her Independence cake is included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hopkinson, Deborah

Illustrator: Potter, Giselle

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385390170

Price: 17.99

Plankton Is Pushy

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Plankton tries to get Mister Mussel to be polite and respond to "hello". After several increasingly pleading attempts by Plankton, mussel does respond, but not in the desired way. He eats Plankton! Brief and humorous with child appeal? Yes. However there is a real problem here with the binding . There are no end papers and no place to put a date due label if your library uses them.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Fenske, Jonathan

Illustrator: Fenske, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781338098969

Price: -10.01

Jack and the Beanstalk and the French Fries

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

For those who love fairy tales, this book is a twist on an old favorite!

Jack becomes weary of eating beans, beans, and more beans after his other tells him that "beans are nutricious and delicious, and best of all, they're free". When the bullies at Jack's school begin to blame Jack for the fact that they must eat beans every day too, Jack decides that it's time to chop down the beanstalk. Suddenly, an old man appears - the very same one who sold Jack the beans in the first place - and suggests to Jack that he climb the beanstalk to see what's up there. A very hungry Jack arrives at the top and discovers that the door to an old castle is left wide open. Once inside Jack meets Mrs. Giant, (the wife of Mr. Giant,) who is cooking up, of all things, great batches of beans! Come to find out, Mr. Giant is sick of beans as well. When Mr. Giant is about to eat Jack instead, Mrs. Giant shouts out "don't be disgusting," - a comment Jack himself echoes. Mr. Giant becomes very angry and begins to heave bushels of beans all over the castle kitchen. Mrs. Giant then suggests to them that after cleaning up her kitchen, they should plant a garden! So they do! They plant a garden which produces various kinds of vegetables that also grow almost as profusely as did the beanstalk. Everyone in the village, including the bullies, are now happy that there is something else to eat other than beans! However, the best part is the "taters' that they planted which allowed them to have French fries. And we all know how children prefer French fries to veggies! A silly story that all kids who do not like vegetables can relate to.

this book would be good for studying new twists on old fairy tales during a "fairy tale" unit.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Teague, Mark

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545914314

Price: 17.99

Buster and the Baby

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

This book has a winning combination. It is a story with heart and charm, repetition, animated expressions on both baby and dog, and satisfying ending. While perfect for preschoolers, kindergarten children can also enjoy the naughtiest and spirit of the little dog and its toddler master. Amy Hest knows how to create a warm family scene without too much sweetness or too much silliness. Polly Dunbar matches her crayon and paint digitally produced illustrations with the feisty, fun, and loving plot. Baby and Buster dog scamper throughout the house. The listener, viewer is treated to variations of "Thump. goes his heart. Thump. thump, thump! Then...CHAAA! Then out of the shadows she comes. Squealing and whirling and bumping his nose. Go Buster. Go Buster. Go Buster, Go!" throughout the day with different family members until the end of the day until baby and dog are snuggled together. "Thump go their hearts, thump, thump, thump. All through the night."

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hest, Amy

Illustrator: Dunbar, Polly

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763687878

Price: 15.99

Chasing Space: Young Reader's Edition

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

This young reader's edition of NASA astronaut’s Leland Melvin's memoir is an outstanding story of working determination, perseverance, and success. As a young boy growing up with teachers as parents in Virginia, Leland dreamt of growing up to be a tennis player. Later proving to be a stellar athlete on the football field, Melvin went on to play football in college and was eventually drafted by the Detroit Lions and then the Dallas Cowboys. When he was cut from the team, Leland returned to his studies and eventually went to work for NASA. After training extremely hard in the astronaut preparation program, Leland was sent to space numerous times. His experience in space, as well as his other life experiences, led him to play an integral role in NASA and in the NASA Education program. An inspiring memoir about a rare career, this will appeal to a variety of readers and will be extremely popular. This novel will be a perfect choice for book clubs and may even lend itself as a read-aloud. At its core, this is a story of resilience, hard work, and determination, yet it will also spark some readers' interest in STEM. Highly recommended for all libraries. Recommended as a Cream of the Crop choice.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Melvin, Leland

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062665928

Price: 17.00

Who Wants to Be a Princess?

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

This will be a book easy to sell. It has pink and princesses on the cover. It gives young children a brief look at how real princesses lived between 1100 and 1300 in Great Britain. Because the information is so brief, the hardships and limitations of life so l on ago are not fully realized, but it is an effort to prevent historical information to modern readers. Wirth some illustrations in pink representing what children think life was like for princess back then and then illustrations in shades of brown and less pink representing more realistic look at history. Cartoon style illustrations match the breezy style.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heos, Briget

Illustrator: Migy,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805097696

Price: 16.99

Koala

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2018

Review

An Australian author and illustrator present this book detailing the life of a koala bear for young children. The book is narrative nonfiction, with Koala's story being told in one font, and related facts given in a second font. It works very well. Interesting facts are presented such as koalas eat only limited types of eucalyptus leaves, males mark "their" trees with a scent gland on their chest, and males have loud, sometimes violent fights for a mate. The illustrations nicely enhance the text. There is an index at the end to aid young researchers. All in all, a very nice book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saxby, Claire

Illustrator: Vivas, Julie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763694814

Price: 16.99

Cody and the Rules of Life

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2018

Review

Cody and the Rules of Life is the third in a series for middle-grade readers of about seven to ten years old who are ready to move on from beginning books and early readers. Plentiful black on white illustrations in pen and watercolor are clear, detailed and well positioned to highlight the generous sized type. Cody's teacher has rules for everything which may be why Cody frequently shares some of the rules of life as she observes them throughout the book such as "in this life, time makes up its own rules". Readers who have already read and enjoyed the first two stories about Cody, her appealing family and friends at home and at school will enjoy this third story in which Cody is made to trade her favorite toy reluctantly and in which her brother's prized new bicycle is stolen. What are the rules about honesty? Here theme and plot are at odds. Cody's best friend at school forced Cody to make the disagreeable trade but that action is not dealt with in the story. Wanting her toy badly, is it all right if Cody takes it back without saying how it comes to be missing? The story suggests that sometimes lying is negotiable. Entertaining as the book is, serious issues do need to be examined carefully, not dismissed in favor of an all is well, cheerful ending as in this book. Disappointing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763679200

Price: 14.99

How to be a Bigger Bunny

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2018

Review

Tickles the bunny wakes up one morning to discover that her family has left on an adventure without her AGAIN so she decides to read instead. The first book she reads teaches her the lesson to "never give up." The next book teaches her to talk and act boldly like a pirate. Then she read a book about finding your way out of tricky places. Meanwhile, her family becomes trapped in a hollow log. Tickles uses all that she learned from her reading that day to rescue them. After that, they always made sure she was part of their adventures. Books play a prominent role in this story. From the books scattered across the bed and floor of Tickles home on the first page, to the reading Tickles clearly enjoys, to the lessons she learned from that reading, it is clear books are important to her...and this is an important lesson for young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Minor, Florence

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062352552

Price: 14.99

On the Go with Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2018

Review

This is a collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes featuring various types of transportation. Some are well known and some are unfamiliar. All seem to be shortened versions of the original. Illustrations are typical Wells. They are cute and very kid friendly. Readers may even think they spy characters from other Well's books. Some are reminiscent of Richard Scarry. This is a nice introduction to Mother Goose for the very young child.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie, Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692148

Price: 7.75

Hamsters DON'T Fight Fires!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2018

Review

"Hamsters DON'T fight fires!" is a very colorful and funny book written by Andrew Root and illustrated by Jessica Olien. It features Hugo the Hamster who is very good at running, dancing, cooking, and being helpful and polite. He is NOT strong, tall, or good at singing, and he is definitely NOT a firefighter. He wants to be a firefighter, but doesn't think he can. He goes to the firehouse to try it out, but he is too small for the suit, not strong enough for the fire hose, and too small to drive the engine. He is just about ready to give up when a call comes in about a forest fire and Hugo gets swept up with the rest of the firefighters. He discovers that in his own ways, he is great at being a firefighter. The book is funny and has very bright and amusing pictures and I would say that while it is not a "must-buy," readers will definitely enjoy it. ~Reviewed by Katherine Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Root, Andrew

Illustrator: Olien, Jessica

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062452948

Price: 17.99

Robots!

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2018

Review

"Robots!" the newest book in the "Disaster Diaries" series by R. McGeddon (get it?) follows kids Sam, Arty, and Emmie as they try to thwart the takeover of their town, Sitting Duck, by both an army of household appliances (lead by Arty's science fair project, a robot named CHARLES who goes rogue) and a military leader and his soldiers who have placed a dome over the town and law enforcement lasers everywhere. This may seem impossible, but they have fought zombies, aliens, and brainwashing in previous books. The book is funny and the illustrations are great. Not a must-buy, but worth purchasing if you have the other books in the series. ~Reviewed by Katherine Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGeddon, R

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250135629

Price: 9.99

Inside Hudson Pickle

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2018

Review

"Inside Hudson Pickle" by Yolanda Ridge follows the life of Hudson, a seventh grader who lives with his single mom. The book starts with a bang! Hudson is woken up by his mom because his uncle's apartment caught fire and they need to go pick him up. You then meet his Uncle Vic, an older musician who seems to have something to hide from the firefighters investigating the fire. Hudson is having a tough time. He was cut from the hockey team (which he neglected his friends to be on), his asthma is acting up, he may not make the basketball team, and his mom won't tell him anything about his mysterious father. The book keeps you hanging, wondering what's up with the fire at his uncle's apartment, what does Uncle Vic have to hide, why won't his mother talk about his father, why is she reluctant to get Hudson genetic testing? I wouldn't say that it is a must-buy for your library, but if your middle grade realistic fiction books are popular, this would be a good addition. ~Reviewed by Katherine Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ridge, Yolanda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KCP Fiction

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771386203

Price: 16.99

The Great Hibernation

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 21, 2018

Review

All of the grownups fall asleep/ hibernate in the town of St. Polonius-On-The-Fjord on Founders' Day in October. The new mayor decrees that all children must take over the job of their parents until the awake. Jean figures out just how the parents were poisoned and by whom. Fun story for middle school. It's a little too long for a read aloud, but good for mystery lovers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dairman, Tara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/ Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524717858

Price: 16.99

Spliced

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Set in a future where people get "spliced" with animal DNA and exhibit animal traits (reptile skin, lion manes, leopard spots, kitten whiskers, etc), Spliced uses science fiction to examine what it truly means to be human. The US Government has recently deemed "mixies" or "chimera" - those who have been spliced - as non-persons" because their DNA is not 100% human, and now their civil rights are at risk.

This book is one of the better YA books I've read recently, which surprised me because I don't typically go for science fiction. I was nervous that the book would be all-concept and no-substance, but I found the combination of well-developed characters paired with an exciting and sci-fi-plausible plot made this book a cream-of-the-crop contender. While the science behind "splicing" doesn't seem plausible, we as readers accept the concept and we move forward with our protagonist, Jimi, who is a human who intends to never get spliced. Her best friend, Del, on the other hand, has an upsetting home life and chooses to escape by getting spliced with salamander DNA. Unfortunately, his back-alley splice goes awry, and Jimi and a group of other chimeras have a limited amount of time to rescue him. Things go from bad to worse, and we as readers cheer on Jimi the whole way.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGoran, Jon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823438556

Price: 18.95

Hell & High Water

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

This book is a tough one to recommend to teen readers. Set in England in the 1750s, the dialogue is old-fashioned and many of the concepts (Punch & Judy, for example) would be foreign to the point of uninteresting for a young adult audience. While the characters were well-developed, I found the plot to be confusing because non-memorable details from earlier on in the story became important later in the book in a way that didn't make sense. I also found the ending to be completely unresolved. Spoiler alert - the antagonist, who seems to have it coming the whole time, gets NO consequences in the end, which made for a wholly unsatisfying reading experience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landman, Tanya

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688752

Price: -18.01

Shadow Girl

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Readers who come to this book looking for a horror story will be sorely disappointed. There is a ghost mentioned about three times within the course of the 324 story, but she's inconsequential and really doesn't seem to matter to the story as a whole. If the author had chosen instead to focus on the main character's experience working as an academic tutor for a strange girl in a dysfunctional family, the book would have been more successful.

I had a few other problems with the author's craft. The main character's name (Mei) doesn't seem to appear in the first hundred pages of the book, which made me, as a reader, feel disconnected to her. Also, she has a rich culture in her family - lots of references to her mother's cooking and breaks in the text for her mother's language, but I was never clear on what this language and culture were. It added confusion to a story that already seemed disjointed. The book's jacket is selling us a horror story, but what we are really getting here is a story about a very intelligent, ambitious young woman working as an academic tutor amidst a family with a lot of problems.

Final thought - there was a trompe-l'oeil effect in the font. At times. the font appeared to be bold, though there wasn't a discernable reason why. Occasionally, Mei's mother's speech seems to appear in bold, but I couldn't tell if it was a trick of the eyes or a legitimate effect the author was attempting. This took me out of the story fairly often during reading.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Liu, Liana

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062306678

Price: 17.99

Green Pants

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2018

Review

Jameson can "do almost anything" when he wears his green pants! One day he is invited to be in his cousin Armando's wedding. He is very excited to be in the wedding until his mother tells him he must don a tuxedo. Jameson is conflicted. Jameson wants badly to be in the wedding; however, he wants just as badly to wear his green pants. Jameson's mother tells him that he absolutely "must" wear the black pants with his tuxedo if he is to participate in his cousin's wedding. Jameson struggles greatly with his decision, but in the end comes up with a very clever way to satisfy both his mother's demands and to also be true to himself. A wonderfully simple and straightforward story that makes a great point! This would be a good book to share with children who are experiencing inner conflict. Children may discover that through thoughtfulness, brainstorming and/or just plain clever thinking, that it might be possible to come up with a solution agreeable to all involved. Particularly appropriate for ages 5 to 7 years. Great cartoon like watercolor and pencil illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kraegel, Kenneth

Illustrator: Kraegel, Kenneth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688400

Price: 15.99

Bloom

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2018

Review

Lush, watercolor illustrations.

This endearing story would be appropriate to share with preschool children through kindergarten. In this story a mother and her young daughter share the experience of planting bulbs in the fall of the year. Mother and daughter engage in many other sharing and bonding activites as the weather cools and winter approaches, then on through winter until spring appears once again. They had almost forgotten that they had even planted bulbs until one day they discovered that the bulbs "did not forget" to grow.

"They grew steadily, Surely, Day by day, each a little bigger, Stronger, As certain as love."

We are shown that both the bulbs and the love between mother and her daughter grows steadily and slowly over the course of time.

A sweet book to share at any time of year!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Lundquist, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374302504

Price: 16.99

The Cat Stole My Pants

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 24, 2018

Review

Timmy is in Key West with his mother and Doorman Dave who may or may not be married but are on their honeymoon, and Dave's nephew Emilio. As usual, mysteries flock to Timmy. He enlists Emilio to help him and also has a lazy polar bear assistant. Chapter titles are riffs on Hemingway titles and old songs. Timmy is pretty clueless about a lot of things. Lots of black and white drawings accompany the text. Fans of the series will like this new addition and look for more to come.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697334

Price: 14.99

Valley of the Golden Mummies A Giant Cemetary

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This photographic journey through an archeological find will pique the interest of young readers interested in Egyptology. A map pinpoints the dig's location. The book is filled with many color photographs detailing what is happening. The tools used are discussed. Sidebars add more details. Readers learn that class played a role in burial. The chief archeologist tells about a curse that followed him when a mummy was moved. All together, a fascinating look at his topic presented at a level younger readers can understand.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Owen, Ruth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearcroft

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684020249

Price: 21.99

Mummy Dogs and Other Horrifying Snacks

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2018

Review

Kids love to cook. This new cookbook will add even more fun as they make eyeball cake, mummy hot dogs, and more. The book starts with safety and sanitation reminders and tools that will be needed. For the most part, the recipes do not include a lot of junk food. Photos do a good job of supplementing the text. Some recipes will require grown up help, and grown up supervision will be needed as well. This book is part of a 6 series set of kitchen horrors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vega, Ali

Illustrator: Alvarez, Axel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512425758

Price: 20

Joe and Sparky, Party Animals!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2018

Review

With four short chapters and mostly easy sight works, this book is a good choice for early chapter book readers. The story will keep them amused, though some references (Vegas) may go over their heads. Joe the giraffe and his turtle friend Sparky live in a famous cageless zoo where they come across "noisy short people" having a birthday party. The party looks like a lot of fun, especially the conga dance. Joe manages to ruin the birthday cake then decides to have a party for his worm friend Wiggy. The party is fun, especially the conga dance, the birthday cake gets ruined, but Wiggy is nowhere to be seen. He finally makes an appearance escaping in a hot air balloon. The story is amusing, and will keep young readers' interest.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Michalak, Jamie

Illustrator: Remkiewicz, Frank

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682064

Price: 15.99

Eyes of the World

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

This gorgeous non-fiction text sweeps readers up into the love story of Robert Capa and Gerda Taro, two innovative photographers and adventurers who revolutionized photojournalism. I found myself kindling a love for non-fiction - a genre I usually avoid - thanks to the crafted storytelling. Each page contains at least one photograph, and while each is in black and white, the collection brings to life a time period in world history (the Spanish Revolution) that I knew nothing about. Gerta is the dreamer and the brains of the operation and Robert is the artist, and together the two create modern photojournalism, each bringing to the forefront a strength that the other lacks.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aronson/Budhos, Marc/Marina

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805098358

Price: 22.99

Bridge to Terabithia

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

A beautiful special edition copy of a modern classic. Paterson's readers fell in love with these characters long ago and we'll buy any book she writes, knowing it will be a magical, heart-rending tale.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Paterson, Katherine

Illustrator: Diamond, Donna

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062658746

Price: 16.99

Honestly Ben

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

It's hard to put into words what type of book we have in _Honestly Ben_, especially knowing its the sequel to the well-loved _Openly Straight_. Here we have a unicorn - a rare sequel that's just as good as the original, in which the reader experiences laughter and tears and a complex array of emotions in between while following Ben through his high school days. I find myself recommending this book to John Green readers who are ready for something a bit different, but with the same true-to-teens style of writing that 8th graders appreciate.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bill, Konigsberg

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine/ Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545858246

Price: 17.99

Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

My first-grade son loves non-fiction and we were so excited to read this book together. I left feeling underwhelmed. Ali was such a creative wordsmith, known for his activism and his way of poetic self-publicizing. This book, though it has gorgeous illustrations and tells Ali's story, didn't capture the legend of Ali in the way one would hope.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barretta, Gene

Illustrator: Morrision, Frank

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/ HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062430168

Price: 17.99

Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Gorgeous, stylized illustrations combined with artful tellings of the folklore of Norway. I'll be recommending this book to students who crave graphic novels and/or love comic-based movies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Crossley-Holland, Kevin

Illustrator: Love, Jeffrey All

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: folklore,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695002

Price: -56.01

A World of Programming

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2018

Review

While this is a basic introduction to coding, it presents some sophisticated and complicated ideas. At first glance, cartoon-like illustrations make it seem younger. "Data Duck," a rubber duckie is found adding information through thought bubbles throughout the book. Activities, including some done with paper and pencil are found throughout the book. There is also an index, glossary, and extension activities at the end of the book. Overall, a satisfactory introduction to coding for younger children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lyons, Heather

Illustrator: Tweedale, Elizabeth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512413625

Price: 20

Worthy

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

https://youtu.be/g5Jg4G1gOWk

_Worthy_ will be a popular book for my eighth grade readers because it explores a high school setting rich with social media influence and ripe with relationships, friendships, family issues, and prom.

As an adult reader, I found the motif of worthiness troubling. In _Worthy_, a student named Linden and her classmates discover a high-school specific app that posts pictures of a couple at the school and allows users to rate the worthiness of a girl in the relationship. The idea that the girls are being rated and the boys are not is troublesome, let alone the idea that the app itself promotes such harsh judgment of others. The author hints that adults are clued in to the trouble (bullying, judgment) Worthy app is presenting to its student body, but no adults seem to take action here and the issue isn't addressed.

I found the characters to be too flat for such a troubling topic, particular the characters closest to the protagonist. Her boyfriend Alex and her best friend Nikki should be more fleshed out.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cooner, Donna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545903936

Price: 17.99

Molly & Pim and the Millions of Stars

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 31, 2018

Review

Molly is 10 years old and wishes she were not so different. She yearns for a normal home with a mother and a father, meals on the table on a regular basis and a parent who knows that she really should go to school. However, her life is pretty much a wreck; her mother gathers herbs and plants to make magical potions, her father is long gone, her neighbors, the Grimshaws, are always on the warpath and causing trouble, and her house is anything but orderly. She has only one friend, Ellen, but wishes Pim, a boy at school who is also very different, would befriend her. When Molly's mother erroneously turns herself into a tree, Molly hesitates to tell Ellen what has happened but Pim comes along and helps Molly with her dilemma. This tale teaches a lesson about friendship,trusting others with your hardships and that one always has room for a new friend. Part fantasy, this magical tale is quite enjoyable and young readers will likely enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murray, Martine

Illustrator: Martine, Murray

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550409

Price: 16.99

Miss Muffet or What Came After

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2018

Review

"Miss Muffet or What Came After" is written by Marilyn Singer and Illustrated by David Litchfield. The book is all in verse and is made to look like we are watching actors performing a play about Little Miss Muffet. We learn that we don't know the full story about Little Miss Muffet. She truly wants to be a fiddle player, but her mother wants her to be a fine lady. The spider in the story can talk eloquently and tells Miss Muffet to leave her house and follow her dream. She and the spider run into Little Bo-Peep, who also dreams of musical success, and some other nursery rhyme characters. The book is funny, but a bit long and gets a bit wordy. This book is not a must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Singer, Marilyn

Illustrator: Litchfield, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547905662

Price: 16.99

Books Books Books: Explore the AMAZING collection of the British Library

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2018

Review

"Books Books Books" is about the many different types of books/newspapers/folios/maps, etc. found in the British Library. Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom are co-writers and co-illustrators and the book looks amazing. They use drawings, collage, photographs of the collection to make the pictures really stand out. The book would probably appeal more to British kids, but it's still interesting to see the vast amount of works that the British Library holds. Not a must-buy. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Manning, Mick

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763697570

Price: 17.99

I Do NOt Like Al's Hat

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2018

Review

"I Do Not Like Al's Hat" is a simply plotted picture book for preschool through perhaps 1st grade. Herb, a rabbit, is sick and tired of being stuffed into a magician's (Big Al) hat where his ear are continually crushed and rumpled. However, Herb DOES enjoy the applause from the audiences, receiving carrots, and being in the spotlight. When Herb makes a decision to find a new job, he makes a list of possibilities: becoming a wild rabbit, a veggie farmer, or someone's pet rabbit. For one reason or another, the first two jobs are unsuitable. While reading the "Carrot Chronicle Classifieds," Herb discovers that a small girl, Sophie, is looking for a very fluffy rabbit to be her best friend. This rabbit "needs" to like playing dress-up and putting on shows. Herb applys and finds out that the two of them get along very well together. When Sophie puts on a show, Herb discovers that this is just the job for him becuase he loves audiendces, he loves carrots, and he loves being in the spotlight! The illustrations are colorful, entertaining and comlimentary to the text. "I Do NOt Like Al's Hat," is fun to read anytime, and may suggest to children that it's okay to make changes if you are not happy in order to search for something better.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McGill, Erin

Illustrator: McGill, Erin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062455765

Price: 17.99

The Adventures of Honey and Leon

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 0, 2018

Review

When two dogs, Honey and Leon, decide to protest their two Dad's frequent traveling, they decide to protest. After being left alone one time too many, the dogs decide to follow their Dads on a trip to France. They disguise themselves well, (they think), and convince themselves that their Dads DO need their protection, after all! They soon end up in a bit of mischief and find themselves in the newspapers and the talk of the town. The Dads, of course realize that the dogs have followed them. But when they all (dogs and Dads) arrive home safely, Leon and Honey think that they are the ones who have outsmarted their Dads!

A fun adventrue story, entertaining and endearing - especially for those who love dogs and their clever ways!

The soft watercolor illustrations are "sketch like" in nature with well defined expressions on both aniamals and people.

The first two page spread has a 'Where's Waldo" feel with the author asking the reader to try to find Honey and Leon hiding amongst hundreds of dogs that might play in East Village of New York City.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cumming, Alan

Illustrator: Shaffer, Grant

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780300557989

Price: 17.99

Stick Dog Craves Candy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

This is the 7th installment in the popular Stick Dog series for readers in grades 2-4. It is Halloween and Stick Dog and his four dog friends explore the neighborhood seeking out things to eat. They problem solve various situations in true dog thinking ways. Following little humans dressed as witches they get a chance to experience candy, caramel apples and a home that has left a help-yourself bowl of treats on the porch. Caramel apples. Really? Each dog has it's own strengths and weaknesses that Stick Dog tries to humor as they solve each situation. The book design is that of a hard cover memo notebook with illustrated rubber bands holding the book together. The large font and doodle-styled stick drawings are presented on the college ruled pages. The short subject matter and the use of white space are perfect for younger readers. Two chapters of the next installment of Stick Cat are presented in the back.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: Grosvenor, Charles

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062410948

Price: 12.99

The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

This is the third installment in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series. Stratford provides readers a preface where the inaccuracies of the historical facts are explained to mesh with his fictionalized characters of Ada Bryon Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer and Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein". The medical views of bloodletting by leeches are the focus of keeping Ada hostage in her own home in this episode. All the characters from the second book are there ready to do her bidding as it becomes apparent to Ada that various criminal connections with a kidnapped dog, a counterfeit dinosaur display and mesmerized clown-white faced burglars are all connected. Some of the reasoning that Ada uses comes from the first case in the first book. The connections that Ada makes do not seem plausible and the back matter that explains each historical character will add confusion due to the changes made by the author so that the characters fit into the Wollstonecraft world. A preview of chapter 4 from the next book in the series appears in the back.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stratford, Jordan

Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385754484

Price: 16.99

Game Change

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

I've read some of Monninger's adult fiction before and love his New England influence, and many YA readers from Maine will find appeal in his familiar New Hampshire setting.

This YA novel considers several predictable motifs related to high school football : the big championship game, the injured star quarterback, the underdog back-up player, the troubled home life, and the trouble with the girlfriend to name a few. While the plot was predictable, Monninger crafts characters who are fully fleshed out and he uses language to evoke emotion in descriptions of the characters and the setting. I found this book would be a great recommendation for students who are looking for a sports-themed book but who might be ready for a more literary choice than what Lupica and other noted YA sports authors have to offer. Monninger's work elevates the football genre.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Monninger, Joseph

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544531222

Price: -3.01

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur and the Noise At Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

The unlikely siblings, two ducklings and their green dinosaur brother Spike, are back in their second adventure. The nighttime routine and learning to sleep in their own bed, or nest, is the challenge of the evening. Each time they finally get settled in, they are woken up by a loud "Grrore". Solving the problem of the frightening sound becomes the adventure as the three repeat the same pattern of share a story, snuggle and fall asleep. Spike's fearfulness provides the humor in the cadence of the words and in the stylized illustrations. Perfect for a comical story time around the theme of sleep.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

George, Kallie

Illustrator: Vidal, Oriol

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062353177

Price: 17.99

Old Macdonald Had A Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

The classic Old Macdonald song gets a refreshing upgrade with the whimsical, scraggly stylized watercolors by Grimly. As the smiley, pointy-toed farmer surveys his chickens, turkey, ducks, donkey, pigs, cow and sheep he gathers them up for a parade through the vast fields and ends at the barn which houses--a bear! The second read of this classic song will show the hidden surprises that Grimly adds to the action. A chick's eye peeks out of an unhatched egg while a rat licks his chops. The cat gleefully watches the farmer hug his turkey while the rat's tail hangs out of the cat's mouth. Grimly includes a two page explanation with black and white photographs about his own history with the song. The music for the song is also included. The end pages feature a collage of all the animals in the story and the various animal sounds them represent. A perfect addition for story times.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grimly, Gris

Illustrator: Grimly, Gris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338112436

Price: 17.99

Wild Bird

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

When Wren continues to hang out with the wrong crowd at school and nothing that her loving family tried to do to help her has worked, her parents take drastic measures. They send Wren away to an eight week survival camp in the dessert. A defiant and angry Wren just can't believe that her family has abandoned her. The story is about Wrens's difficult physical, but more importantly mental journey of coming to know her authentic self. She learns that her friends at camp are trustworthy and true unlike her former school mates who introduced her to drugs, stealing and alcohol. As she slowly learns survival skills in the dessert that are difficult to master, but required of her if she is to survive the dessert overnight quest, she starts to gain glimpses of the person she wishes to become. Gradually, a once hateful and uncooperative girl, who blamed her situation on others, is transformed and learns to again appreciate her loving family.

This is a wonderfully powerful book about a girl finding her authentic self. A page-turner and highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Van Draanen, Wendelin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101940464

Price: 17.99

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

Williams-Garcia's MG story is of a boy and his grandpa and the music that binds them more deeply than an E chord. Clayton loves his Cool Papa and the blues music that emanates from Papa's guitar and from his very soul. The problem is that Clayton's mother, Cool Papa's daughter, despises the music that kept her father on the road for her entire childhood. When Cool Papa unexpectedly passes, Clayton's mother sells almost every last thing of Papa's labeling it as "old stuff...taking up too much space" with no regard for how much Papa meant to Clayton. The lack of understanding and empathy shown by Clayton's mother will make your blood boil, but it sets up the action of the book as Clayton pockets his blues harp (which he has to steal back from his mother's room after she confiscates it), puts his grandpa's porkpie hat on his head (the only thing that he manages to save from the sale of Papa's things), and hits the road to try to meet up with Papa's gang of musicians, the Bluesmen. His big plan is to show them the music in him and go on the road playing the blues. It's not the most thought-out plan, but Clayton is desperate for some connection to Cool Papa's world. Unsurprisingly, things don't go as Clayton hopes. In the end, he needs to be rescued by his mother who, with some help from Clayton's father seeing past her own hurt, recognizes the value of the bond between boy and grandfather. Like a good blues song, this book runs you through the gamut of emotions from sadness to anger to fear to wistfulness finally depositing you at the doorstep of hope with a thrum and a twang. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Williams-Garcia, Rita

Illustrator: Morrison, Frank

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Amistad

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062215918

Price: 16.99

Before She Was Harriet

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

There are many stories about Harriet Tubman, but this picture book takes a slightly different slant. Starting when Tubman is an elderly woman, it moves back in time to illustrate all of the different roles taken on by this brave, pioneeing woman: suffragette, spy, nurse, aunt, daughter, to name a few. With beautiful, clear watercolor illustrations, one per page, the Ransomes capture the essense of Tubman and how extraordinary she really was. This book can be used with the youngest reader just learning about Tubman or a more informed, appreciative audience who will still be awed by all that this one woman accomplished in her life. A beautiful addition to a library's picture book biographies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Ransome, James E.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823420468

Price: 17.95

The Wolf the Duck & the Mouse

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

Barnett has created an original pourquoi tale and Klassen has brilliantly illustrated it. Mouse is swallowed by Wolf. Once inside Wolf's stomach, he meets Duck, who has been swallowed but has no intention of being eaten. Together, they quite enjoy the safety of living in Wolf's stomach; however, Wolf is quite uncomfortable. When a hunter hears Wolf's moaning and thinks to take a shot at him, Duck and Mouse band together to defend their "home" and Wolf is so grateful that he asks how he can repay the two. The book ends with the poor Wolf baying at the moon, "Oh, woe!" Klassen uses his recognizable mixed media style and palette of dark browns and grays to bring the story to life and Barnett uses his gift for storytelling and humor to breathe life into this wry folktale that feels like it always existed. A first purchase for public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Mac

Illustrator: Klassen, Jon

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677541

Price: 17.99

Ants

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

This is not your parents' nonfiction! An informative book that uses humor and silliness to compares the roles and functions of ants to those of humans in an effort to raise understanding and awareness about these industrious and prolific insects. Like humans, ants raise crops, herd animals, sew, build cities, and construct rafts to survive. The book uses a cartoon-like style mixed with actual photographs to show how ants construct and care for their colonies. Young readers will find the information interesting and entertaining. Some of the hand-written fonts in info boxes could be difficult for a new reader to decipher, but the illustrations offer clarification and fit the context well. Includs a glossary and bibliography for further research. A fun new series of informational texts; here's hoping that there are more titles.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoes, Bridget

Illustrator: Clark, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544570436

Price: 13.99

Ninja Plants: Survival and Adaptation in the Plant World

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

An intro by author Blevins explains the inspiration for this fascinating book about the world of plant adaptation in nature. Blevins has a deep respect for the natural world and for all of the plants and processes mentioned in the book. From carnivorous plants to poisonous plants to copycat plants, the book walks the reader through the botanical world of survival and adaptation. Included are side bars highlighting plants of interest and botanical functions like photosynthesis. Excellent for a class with a focus on botany or ecological issues, or for a library with a botanical section. This book, written for the upper middle school and high school reader, could incite the next generation to action to protect the amazing and necessary ecosystems fostering these ninja plants. Because for all of their stealth and adaptation, without serious intervention and care, there may not be ninja plants to study in the future. Includes an extensive glossary and bibliography and an index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blevins, Wiley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512410136

Price: 35.99

What Makes a Monster?

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2018

Review

Keating has selected 17 "monsters" to highlight in this entertaining nonfiction book. Each monster has one double-page spread with a write up about what qualifies it to be included in this book, a blurb offering an interesting fact about the animal from folklore or history, and a panel of facts about the animal, including name, species name, size, diet, habitat, and predators and threats. Each spread also has one large, clear photograph of the monster and then a comic-style illustration by DeGrand that contextualizes what makes the monster scary. Choosing this comedic style shows the reality, but softens it (zombie ants marching in a row for the cordyceps fungus or a scorpion stinging another insect with a menacing grin on its face). A table of contents would be welcome as there is no way to know which animals are included without flipping through the entire book and, while that is probably preferred by the author and publisher (and a librarian), it is appreciated by the user and good form in a nonfiction book to include one. There is a glossary of terms at the end. The writing style, book size, photo selection, and cover are all excellent and make it a welcome addition to a children's or elementary library collection with animal-loving readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keating, Jess

Illustrator: DeGrand, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553512304

Price: 17.99

Code Your Own Pirate Adventure

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

A fun, step-by-step exploration of Scratch coding. I found the graphics to be a bit small and cluttered on the page. For young coders, larger and more robust graphics might support their ability to navigate the instructions and practice coding with Scratch. My son (7 years old) and I were able to make some pirate scenes come to life, and he liked learning about coding in this way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wainewright, Max

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Quarto Library

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781682971826

Price: 23.99

Marco Polo - Dangers and Visions

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2018

Review

We all remember learning about Marco Polo and his journey's to the Far East. This graphic novel tries to do this in an illustrated way. But there are so many theme's in the story (destruction by war, the role of religion and importance of family and most of all the meaning of life) that it is difficult to understand all the complexities of the story.I use to teach ancient history and even Marco Polo and I found I needed to keep re-reading much of the story and I still had problems following the story line. This puzzle of a story would be too difficult for the average youth reader to understand.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tabilio, Marco

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512411829

Price: 11.99

If Sharks Disappeared

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2018

Review

This is a book that is excellent in the hands of an educator or a parent willing to engage in conversation and entertain "what if" questions. Williams's thesis is that if sharks were to disappear, the balance of the ecosystem within the ocean would be drastically affected and that, eventually, this would have reverberations throughout other ecosystems (land animals reliant upon the ocean for food and then to humans). Williams does not offer any reason within her book as to why sharks would disappear, so the entire book is just one big "What if." Since children are prone to this type of questioning, it is not a terrible device, but it seems hard to rally people to action without giving them any rallying points. In the back matter, Williams offers suggestions for action, and this is helpful, but it requires digging to find it and more attention as the print is quite small. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and will appeal to young readers. And the thesis is steeped in sound scientific theory and research. It's a book with a fantastic message and will be appreciated by budding ecologists and zoologists, but I felt like a piece of the narrative that would have tied together the cause-and-effect message more effectively was missing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, Lily

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626724136

Price: 17.99

Labyrinth

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Labyrinth is part of a loosely connected series of technology themed stories, titled the Level Up series. In Labyrinth, two teens have signed up to be testers for a brand new computer game. They are referred to only by their screennames and must make it through the increasingly difficult maze of obstacles before time runs out or they forfeit their lives. There is no explanation given for why the choice is "succeed or die", so it exists as little more than an obvious mechanic for tension. Even the book's protagonist has a flimsy excuse for signing up for the game (she feels she's too safe and predictable in her real life). The story is filled with romantic cliches and predictable tropes, ending in an expected and unsatisfying happy ending. The characterization is barely present. Not recommended, even as a hook for reluctant tech obsessed readers.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Keats, Israel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: darbycreek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512439878

Price: 26.65

Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic is a story created by Armand Baltazar, who has worked as an artist and art director for DreamWorks Studios, Walt Disney, and Pixar Animation. The artwork is beautifully displayed throughout the book, which is filled with gorgeous, full color illustrations that serve as part of the narrative. However, the world building of the story is full of holes and the writing leaves much to be desired. Timeless feels like a movie in a book format, which does not feel like the right medium for this story. It is not recommended.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Baltazar, Armand

Illustrator: Baltazar, Armand

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402363

Price: 19.99

Matylda, Bright and Tender

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Fourth graders, Sussy and Guy, have been best friends since kindergarten. Neither has any siblings or has had a pet. They decide that they should get a pet together. Guy wants a leopard gecko since he studied them in third grade and knows a lot about them. Sussy's dad takes them to a local pet store to choose one and get what they need. Guy and Sussy name their pet Matylda. Matylda takes to Guy almost immediately. One day the two friends head to the pet store together to get a vitamin supplement when a tragedy takes place. Sussy must now learn to take care of Matylda alone. The story is told from Sussy's point of view. Before the tragedy, the closeness the two friends feel for each other is tender and charming. After the tragedy, Sussy's grief is heartbreaking and real. Her grief takes many forms. I highly recommend this beautifully written novel for middle grade students. Reading groups would have much to discuss.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGhee, Holly M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689513

Price: 16.99

Things That Surprise You

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Emily Murphy and her best friend Hazel are excited about starting middle school. So much is changing for them, especially for Emily. Emily and her mother are getting used to the divorce. Emily's sister will be coming home after her treatment for anorexia. Hazel's interest are changing which is difficult for Emily to understand at times. Since the story is told from Emily's point of view the reader experiences her innermost feelings and expectations. Readers will identify with many of Emily's emotions. This well written novel about friendship, family, growing up, and facing challenges is realistic and touching. I highly recommend it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maschari, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062438928

Price: 16.99

The Marvelwood Magicians

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Mattie and her family have real magical powers. Her mother can tell the future, her father can make things appear, her brother can disappear, and her baby sister can lift off the ground. Eleven year old Mattie can tell what people are thinking. To be safe, the family has kept it secret that their powers are genuine. They work together in fairs and circuses. At a circus they have recently joined the ringmaster has a secret of his own. His secret is dangerous. The story is well crafted and keeps the reader guessing right up to the end. The well developed characters are believable even though magic is involved. I highly recommend this novel about family, friendships, magic, and mystery.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zahler, Diane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyds Mill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629797243

Price: 16.95

Good and Gone

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

This YA road-trip novel by Maine author, Megan Frazer Blakemore tackles tough issues of depression and sexual abuse. A missing pop star is the impetus for siblings, Lexi and Charlie, along with neighbor, Zack, to venture away from home. Each one has a secret and as the miles pass truths are revealed. Lexi is the narrator of the story and through a series of flashbacks, the reader learns that she was raped by her boyfriend and has never told anyone. This is a very different tone from Blakemore’s other YA novels; Lexi is edgy and angry, but becomes more likeable as the reader begins to understand her vulnerability. Each chapter begins with a unique touch-a piece of a fairy tale that compliments the narrative nicely. The edgy humor is reminiscent of Ned Vizzini novels and fans of E. Lockhart with relate to the strength and intelligence of the female characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frazer Blakemore, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062348425

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Legalizing Marijuana: promises and pitfalls

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2018

Review

Although, the subtitle of this book is “Promises and Pitfalls”, more time is spent on the promises. The book begins with a story about Charlotte, a five-year-old, suffering from severe seizures. Traditional medications only worked temporarily, so Charlotte’s parents turned to CBD oil. Charlotte suffered very few seizures once she began this doctor-approved treatment. The book then goes on to cover the history of marijuana use, political influence, and laws that have made research difficult, race and drugs, as well as the current booming businesses for dispensaries. The information is presented in an organized format with informational pictures and pull-out quotes. Source notes, glossary, selected bibliography, resources for further information, and index are included. This book would be a good source for those interested in the legalization of marijuana, but those looking for arguments against would be better off with another source.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstein, Margaret J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467792431

Price: 35.99

Trell

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2018

Review

This story written by journalist, Dick Lehr, is based on the 1988 murder of twelve-year-old Tiffany Moore which Lehr helped solve as a reporter for the Boston Globe. Tiffany was an innocent victim of the drug war that became the political, hot-button issue of the time. In the book, Trell’s father is in jail for the shooting of Ruby Graham (the fictional Tiffany Moore). Trell’s father had been a drug dealer, but he has always maintained that he was innocent of Ruby’s murder. Trell and her father convince a young lawyer to review his case. When an appeal is lost, they turn to the media to have their side of the story heard and what they learn puts lives in danger. This book tackles police corruption and the notion that every defendant gets a fair day in court. This is a compelling story that will appeal to readers of true crime and suspense novels.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehr, Dick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763692759

Price: 17.99

Prom

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2018

Review

Rutledge starts her story in the nineteenth century when proms were only for the upper-class and she overviews how they became a staple of the average high school experience. The author sets the history of proms and fashion into historical context: the Roaring Twenties, The Great Depression, Vietnam, and segregation. Rutledge brings the prom to present day looking at costs, Duct tape prom outfits, and social media. She also addresses the struggles LBGTQ students have historically had in terms of clothing options and date choices. The back of the book includes source notes, resources for further information, and information about support groups to help students make good choices on prom night. It is hard to determine the audience for this book. It seems targeted to a middle school audience, but prom is high school event. Tweens always want to know what is coming next, so it would be best for middle school collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zimmerman Rutledge, Jill S.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512402674

Price: 35.99

Black Holes: A Space Discovery Guide

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2018

Review

This is just one book in Lerner’s Space Discovery Guides. This particular guide covers Black Holes. The information is current and explained well for its younger audience without backing away from scientific terms. This book is recommended for grades 4-6 and the content of the main text aligns with this age group. There are however very realistic looking “artist renderings” of black holes next to actual photos of labs and scientists. A close reader should understand that a black hole has never been photographed, but it might be confusing for some younger readers. If these pictures had a different color or format, it would have provided visual clues for the younger readers. The author includes source notes, sources for further reading, a glossary, and an index. As with the other books in the series, Lerner provides free educational resources that align to Common Core Standards on their website.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, James

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512425864

Price: 31.99

Alice Paul and the Fight For Women's Rights

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

Alice Paul was known for social activism and the fight for women's rights. Born a Quaker in 1885, Alice Paul was an educated and active child. After Completing her undergraduate education at Swarthmore College, she traveled to England where she became active in social work and eventually the suffrage movement. Her return to the United States increased her involvement in social activism where she became the organizer and spokesperson for the National Woman's Party. The author uses Alice's correspondence and journal entries to reinforce the magnitude of her impact on social activism and women's right to vote and along with women's right to full equality with men.

Well written and easy to follow. There is a TOC, index, source notes, bibliography and photo credit sections. There is also a Who Is Who section which gives a brief bio of women that were important to the movement. Recommended for grades 7 and up. A great resource for any student interested in the Women's Movement or equality.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kops, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781829793238

Price: 17.95

Restart

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

What happens when you fall from a great height, recover and haven't a clue to who you are when you wake up? Thirteen-year-old Chace has an opportunity to right the wrongs of his past -- a bully and a jerk -- even his younger stepsister is afraid of him. Second chances do not come along often and Chace is going to change for the better, because to be honest he doesn't remember his past and he's finding it hard to believe what is being told to him by others.

Well developed characters and plot. Written with Korman's usual sense of humor and believability of his characters. Recommended for grades 4 - 9. An excellent addition to middle school book shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Korman, Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338053777

Price: 16.99

The Icarus Show

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

Alex is starting secondary school and has decided to be invisible, which means don't react to what is being done to you or others. His new neighbor is David and he does react and because of this --- he is picked on and considered the lowest of the low. All of a sudden, anonymous notes start appearing hinting that a a boy will fly. Is this a stunt by their English teacher because they are reading Icarus in class or is this for real?

The setting of this novel is in the United Kingdom and is a story about friendship and loneliness. Recommended for grades 4 - 9.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Christie, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338081619

Price: 17.99

Magellan: Over the Edge of the World

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

An interesting account of Magellan circumnavigation of the world -- the trials and tribulations of his journey and never seeing it completed. This book is a young adult adaptation of the author's adult title "Over the Edge of the World : Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe" that was published in 2003. Magellan has been described by many researchers as fearless, reckless, and a tyrant, but also courageous, adventurous and a visionary.

The illustrations are reproductions of maps, paintings, drawings and photographs that are strategically place throughout. Each chapter is focused on different topics such as the horrible conditions of life at sea, the politics of the times and early Chinese and Arabic trade routes. There is a TOC, index, extensive bibliography and well organized source notes. Great addition to resources on Magellan, the first circumnavigation of the world, ancient trade routes and life at sea during the Age of Discovery. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bergreen, Laurence

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626721203

Price: 19.99

Trusting You & Other Lies

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

Phoenix hadn't planned to spend the summer of her Senior year at Camp Kismet, but family issues force her and her younger brother, Harry, into a world that will have an affect on not only them, but their parents. Then there is Callum, the absolutely adorable Head Counselor and her boss for the summer. Will idyllic Camp Kismet change what is all wrong?

Mature, well-developed characters with a plot that is realistic for a coming-of-age story. The story focuses on Phoenix's protectiveness of her younger brother, her anger at and the struggles she has with her parents and the family's conscious effort to regain their finances, trust and understanding of what it is like to be a family. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Williams, Nicole

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553498776

Price: 17.99

Runny Babbit Returns

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 1, 2018

Review

Runny Babbit returns in this playful collection of 41 poems featuring the beloved characters of the woods. The book opens with the same poem that started all the fun in the earlier Runny Babbit book. Readers will not be disappointed with this collection and will find themselves amused and laughing from beginning to end. The imaginative sketches that accompany the poems are also first rate Silverstein. From having a dad bay (bad day) to having a mighnare (nightmare) to having mad banners (bad manners) laughter is guaranteed. The final poem called Good Night is particularly touching. With a theme of never ending love and the beauty of the friends all speaking the same spanguge thus having a greater understanding of each other. An excellent addition to any poetry collection, this book will entertain young and old.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Silverstein, Shel

Illustrator: Silverstein, Shel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062479396

Price: 18.99

Tool School

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 2, 2018

Review

A rhyming romp about five tools heading to school for the first time. The little tools are proud of their limited skills and are excited about improving them. They read, do puzzles, decorate name tags, sing songs about famous tools and songs about safety rules. Then the tools are asked to start building. Each tools goes off on their own and ends up having big problems. The story line is very predictable at this point. The solution is cooperation and the tools work together to successfully build a tool box. The school day is now over and the tools happily go home. The back pages include a page on tool tips for screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, saws and tape measures. Also included is a page on Safety tips.The illustrations are bright and playful -- looking very similar in style to the Pete the Cat books. This story will have some appeal to young reader who are interested in tools and building but overall the book is somewhat flat and uninspiring.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holub, Joanne

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545685207

Price: 16.99

Mr. Gedrick and Me

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2018

Review

Stanley and his family can not seem to get it together after his father dies. They are all struggling to deal with the loss in their own way, but things are a mess. His mother has had to move her office into the kitchen so that she can try to work and run the house. However, she can not find the inspiration for either thing. When Stanley's mother mentions getting a nanny, Stanley takes matters in his own hands and fills out an application online for one. Soon after, Mr. Gedrick shows up at the door and although Mrs. Darrow is skeptical about hiring him, he wins her over. Mr. Gedrick is not your typical nanny and his magical ways eventually help the family to overcome their grief and go on with their lives. This is a fantastic read for families dealing with grief or even those who aren't. This story is packed full of humor but still has plenty of depth.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Partick , Carman

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062421609

Price: 16.99

Monsters Unleashed

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

A fun read aloud for pre-middle school and early middle schoolers. Freddie is the new kid who gets picked on by a sports jock, a popular girl, and a toughie. Freddie likes to draw so he creates pictures of the monsters that live within each of his tormentors. He has named them Mega Q, Kraydon, and Yapzilla. The illustrations are pen and ink. The true problems happen when Freddie and his one friend Manny use the schools 3D printer and the monsters come alive. The boys chase the monsters all over the school and discover that the paper monsters grow when they get wet ... The grownup names are Mr. Snoozer, Mr. McLaughlin, Principal Worst.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kloepfer, John

Illustrator: Oliver, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062290304

Price: 16.99

The Erth Dragons The Wearle

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

A wearle is a large community of dragons. The setting for this book is Erth and the wearle has come here to live. You may recognize Chris D'Lacey's name as the author of the Last Dragon Chronicles. This new book is book one of a new series. It was published in England in 2015, but in the US in2017. The book has a three-page list of characters and an eleven-page glossary Hom (human) language and dragon vocabulary. The tale is about a Hom and dragon war and a boy who goes to live with the dragons. This is a good book for dragon lovers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

D'Lacey, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scolastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545900188

Price: 16.99

Bee & Me

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 12, 2018

Review

A outstanding wordless picture that tells the story of a little girl's engaging friendship with a gentle bumble bee. An interesting combination of pure fantasy laced with factual information, this story will keep readers engaged. It all begins when a bee flies in from the city into the little girl's bedroom window. With a fly swatter in hand, the little girl gazes upon the sad little bee preparing and she just can't do it. She puts down the swatter and their friendship begins. Many adventures follow as the bee grows and grows in size. One day they fly off together in search of seeds to sprinkle around the city. The layouts are varied, from full page spreads to pages with smaller panels, to little spots of images which make the story very dynamic. The color palette of soft blues, creams, and sage enlist a gentle, dreamy atmosphere while the detailed illustrations provide much to pore over. The story has a satisfying ending with the bee, the little girl and new friend playing together in the city park that is filled with flowers. A page of facts on bees that includes information on assisting bees, what flowers they like and a warning about not touching or picking up bees closes the book.

A strong cream-worthy addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jay, Allison

Illustrator: Jay, Allison

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763690106

Price: 15.99

The Purloining Prince of Oleomargarine

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This is the enchanted fairy tale that was told by Mark Twain to his daughters Clara and Suzy in Paris in 1897. The story is retold to us by author Philip Stead as though he and Mr. Twain are sharing tea and conversation. It is the story of Johnny, a poor abused boy and his pet chicken. Johnny is given some seeds by an old woman after an unselfish act of kindness. The flower of the seed allows Johnny to understand the animals as he embarks on an incredible journey. Along the likes of "Jack and the Beanstalk". This book is destined to become a classic to a new generation of fans as well as a reintroduction to a beloved author. Philip and Erin Stead take you on Mark Twain's magical hypnotic journey, one you will want to repeat again and again. Erin Steads art is breathtaking. A beautiful treasure of a book. Thank you for finding those notes and creating such a wonderful story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Twain, Mark

Illustrator: Erin, Stead

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553523225

Price: 24.99

Marlo

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 5, 2018

Review

Who could resist the adorable little face on the dirty, little pup? With a red flower planted on her head,and splashes of mud all over, it's clear to see that she has been digging in the garden! Readers can guess what is next in line for the messy pup -- yes, bath time! And here is where the words disappear and the fun really gets going...The bathtub turns into a boat and Marlo and her toy duck end up splashing into a vast ocean. This interesting ocean is filled with a diverse assortment of sea creatures. Of particular note is the lobster who appears on every page with silly objects.. from a santa hat to a glove. Similar to a "Where's Waldo" story, readers will need to help Marlo find her duck toy on each page. Danger is lurking in this curious ocean, with enormous hungry fish on the prowl for Marlo and her toy. Marlo is prepared, however, and is away in a flash, aided with his super powered diving equipment. A brief panic when Marlo and the duck are eaten by a whale, but the mood shifts quickly.Fortunately, when they arrive in the whale belly they are greeted by friendly penguin pirates. Thank goodness for the whale blowhole, which provides a rapid sendoff for Marlo and her duck toy. Arriving safely back to the bathtub, where it is now time to get out. The artwork is stunning throughout with deep rich colors and imaginative, quirky sea life, and endearing little pit bull. A first rate picture book debut, this this cream worthy book is certainly bound to be enjoyed over and over again.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Christopher

Illustrator: Browne, Christopher

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzar & Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062441133

Price: 17.99

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

An well organized reference book that will advise young readers and their parents on a wide range of books that are recommend as must reads before they grow up. The book is divided into sections by age but readers are encouraged to read in any order that suits them. A genre breakdown is included in the back, so readers can choose books by genre as well.

The illustrations are bright and interesting and make the text blocks easier to read. Ages, genre, publisher, publication date, page count and a do you know question are included with each book summary. Suggestions on what to read next are also included with each summary which will be very helpful to reader looking for similar titles.

The book is very user friendly and provides a comprehensive list of books that would be very handy in the classroom and for individual homes.

A recommended purchase for any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schulze, Bianca

Illustrator: Nielsen, Shaw

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Quarto Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781942875178

Price: 12.95

Under Rose-Tainted Skies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Seventeen-year-old Norah has become agoraphobic from Obsessive-compulsive disorder which keeps her from attending high school, having face-to-face social interactions, being touched and venturing outside. When good-looking, self-confident and socially-connected Luke, moves in next door and happens to catch her trying to "fish" her delivered groceries off the porch without going outside, a new hope of a relationship blossoms for Norah. Written in Norah's underlying humorous and self-deprecating voice, she reports all the ways her silent disability keeps her from enjoying the romance that begins to form, whether she is in therapy, frozen from panic or enjoying the morning through the open front door. Although some readers may not feel that the ending is realistic, those who enjoy romance will still be satisfied. Gornall has drawn on her own experiences with mental health and this is her first novel. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gornall, Louise

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544736511

Price: 17.99

The Closest I've Come

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This smart, poignant, often funny debut novel tells the contemporary story of Marcos, a sophomore at his high school in Tampa, who is selected by his teachers to take part in a program for bright students who they think are academically under-performing.

Though he has a tight knit group of friends from his vividly described poor neighborhood, Marcos is constantly dodging the abuse of his mother's boyfriend at home and his withdrawn, unhappy mom displays an achingly sad indifference to her son. In the new program at school, Marcos meets tough, punk Amy, for whom he falls hard, and Zach, an aspiring actor with his own difficulties at home, who Marcos is surprised to find becomes a friend. Marcos himself is multi-dimensional, sympathetic and portrayed authentically as struggling, sometimes messily, to figure himself out in a world that has made him painfully aware of its myriad injustices and his many insights about this will keep readers firmly in his corner all the way to the satisfying realistic conclusion.

A unique and moving coming-of-age story that is not to be missed.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aceves, Fred

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062488534

Price: 17.99

DeExtinction: the Science of Bringing Lost Species Back to Life

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

We have all witnessed what happened when scientists tried to bring back the dinosaurs- Jurassic Park showed the world what could happen. In DeExtinction, Rebecca Hirsch proposes the theory that perhaps we could bring back those species that have been lost to us, the woolly mammoth, the passenger pigeon, the bucardo(a type of wild goat). Scientists have tried already and continue to hone their skills with the hope that someday these species will live again. Hirsch also presents questions such as just because we can, should we both on a moral level and one of their survival. Nola, an elderly female northern white rhins died in 2015, leaving just three left in existence.Do scientists just let them go, or do they try to save this rare breed? There are no answers in this slim volume, just facts and more questions. How much do we interfere with nature? She does present several alternatives to fooling with the gene pool, captive breeding programs, separating small herds or clusters of endangered species to save them from a catastrophe that would wipe out the entire species, even a Frozen Zoo that hold thousands of tissue samples from thousands of animals. How far and to what end does society go to save the creatures of the earth we have put in danger? A book worth reading that will spark lots of discussion.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467794909

Price: 35.97

No Room for Baby

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

In this sweet and simple story, Leon's baby brother, Marcel, has just been born. Leon is worried about where the little baby will fit. There's no room for him in Leon's room, he's too small for Mommy's arms (that's where Leon fits). In the end, Leon is delighted to discover that Marcel fits perfectly in his own arms. Emile Jadoul accompanies his uncomplicated text with flat images of penguins and simple backgrounds drawn with a loose, sketchy style. Overall, No Room for Baby is a gentle story of a big brother accepting his younger brother. Recommended as an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jadoul, Emile

Illustrator: Jadoul, Emile

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771388412

Price: 16.99

Niko Draws a Feeling

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Niko Draws a Feeling is an innovative book by Bob Raczka about a boy who draws abstractly--what he is feeling rather than what he is seeing. No one seems to understand his drawings until a little girl moves in next door. Iris sees his pictures and understand the emotion behind them. This book presents many valuable ideas about ways to express emotions, respecting and understanding feelings, and the joy of finding a person who understands you. Because of that, this book could be used in both preschool and lower elementary grades. The illustrations are beautiful, as Simone Shin combines flat, colorful illustrations with a twining abstract style of crayon work for Niko's art. Both the story and the art will be inspirational to anyone who picks this text up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Raczka, Bob

Illustrator: Shin, Simone

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467798432

Price: 17.99

Secrets Unlocked

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Secrets Unlocked is a chapter book adapted from the television series Tangled the Series, based on the 2010 film Tangled. It continues the adventures of Rapunzel after the film has ended, following the princess and her lady-in-waiting/guard, Cassandra, as they try to figure out why Rapunzel's hair has grown back. The nature of these stories, as well as their low level, means that they are best suited for a library where there are many reluctant readers looking for familiar characters to engage them in stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCullough, Kathy

Illustrator: , The Disney Storybook Art Team

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780736438261

Price: 5.99

Julia Defiant

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Julia Defiant is the second in the Witch's Child trilogy by Catherine Egan. It continues the story of Julia, a girl who lives in an alternate historical time where witches are real, but are not accepted in her country. As a result, her mother was drowned as a witch when Julia was young. She has always gotten by with her power to vanish in plain sight, though Julia found that there was more to that power than she realized. Wrapped up in a war between demi-god like creatures, Julia would do anything to save the life of the little boy she once kidnapped, Theo, even if that means putting herself at risk. That singular focus has taken her to Yongguo with a band of magic users and misfits. There, Julia learns more about herself than she realized there was to learn and fights desperately to save Theo. Egan has crafted a complex mystery led by an intensely engaging protagonist. As the mythology of Julia's world unravels around her, readers will find themselves pulled into the story, wanting more. Strongly recommended where fantasy novels are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Egan, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553533354

Price: 17.99

Jabari Jumps

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This story of a small boy eager to do a first jump from a diving board, who feels just a bit of hesitation, holds young listeners' complete attention, most seeming to identify with him immediately. Each of Jabari's movements is fully illustrated, page by page, in a book as large in size as Jabari's ambition. The author's drawings, done in pencil, watercolor and collage, then colored digitally, offer all the details; how high the ladder appears, all that Jabari can see as he stands at the very edge of the diving board including a remarkably presented city's skyline and his father and small sister watching him from below. Displayed too, again page by single page, are his splash, his going down, down, down and his smiling face as he comes back up. This debut picture book is a solid winner for preschoolers and many of the rest of us too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cornwall, Gaia

Illustrator: , author

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763678388

Price: 15.99

A Kid's Guide to America's First Ladies

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

A seasoned author of non-fiction for young people has written a readable, informative and entertaining account of our country's First Ladies. Girls of about nine years old and perhaps their teachers and mothers as well may enjoy much of this anecdotal account offered in a conversational style and full of humorous illustrations with portraits that may not be quite as successful as the drawings. There is much American history here and readers may have their interest in past and current White House affairs increased by this lively non-fiction that does include a brief introduction to our present First Lady. It is gratifying to note what a mostly accomplished group of unique individuals these forty women are. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krull, Kathleen

Illustrator: Divito, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper (imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006238107

Price: 16.99

Pip Bartlett's Guide to Unicorn Training

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Lovers of glitter, unicorns, stubborn invisible sheep and other magical phenomenon will enjoy this series about Pip Bartlett and her amazing gift of understanding what magical animals say. In this second book in the series, Pip and her friend Tomas are getting the privilege of attending the Triple Trident, a county fair for magical creatures, and assisting with a Rockshine. The Rockshine are part of the Glimmerbeast family and they are sheep that turn invisible when afraid or in unfamiliar places. The good news for Tomas is that their "hair" is hypoallergenic. Before the kids even get to start their duties, they have to help calm down Regent Maximus, the not-so-typical unicorn from book one. He is afraid of most everything and Pip seems to be the only one to help solve his various dilemmas. The busy day at the Triple Trident also includes a mystery to be solved. Pearce and Stiefvater provide a delightful compilation of various magical animals described by Pip and illustrated by Stiefvater in full page encyclopedia-style. Most suitable for fantasy lovers in grades 3-5.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Maggie Stiefvater, Jackson Pearce &

Illustrator: Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545709293

Price: 9.99

Trains

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Even if you normally do not buy board boards or lift the lap books, you will want to consider adding this unusually sturdy nonfiction cross section book to your preschool through first grade collection. STEM enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed information accessible to young viewers and readers through Stephen Biesty's pen and colored pencil illustrations and through Ian Graham's scattered facts on each of the eight spreads and 40 sturdy well designed flaps. In chronological order this book shows how trains work and how they evolved from early 1800s through current high speed trains and into the future. Other books in the series are Giant Vehicles and Emergency Vehicles. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Graham, Ian

Illustrator: Biesty, Stephen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763696474

Price: 15.

Double Take! A New Look at Opposites

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Parsonsfield, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Opposites are easy, right? This charming books takes a new look at opposites explaining that there are different perspectives to consider. A boy and some of his animal friends demonstrate just how complex opposites can be. They start out with the easy ones, night/day, in/out, and stop/go, but then present some opposites to think about. ("Who knows what is BIG unless there is small?") Fonts are used to demonstrate some concepts like short/tall and big/small. The simple illustrations are delightful and will help any reader begin to think about opposites in a new way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hood , Susan

Illustrator: Fleck, Jay

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Studio

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672911

Price: 16.99

Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

The book's subtitle summarizes the book well - Games, Songs, & Stories from an African American Childhood. Patricia McKissack who died this past year has given American children, librarians, and folklorists a loving collection of the jump rope chants, hymns, folksongs, hand claps, circle games, superstitions, "Mama Sayings", proverbs, and folktales from her African-American childhood in 1950s Missouri and Tennessee. With pen and ink and watercolor illustrations that dance across the pages, Brian Pinkney has captured the joy and movement of the songs, chants, and stories. The could be enjoyed by public school teachers, librarians, American history and folklore scholars (including detailed and background note for each of the nine chapters), and ministers. However, children who love to dance, clap, and shout will be true beneficiaries of McKissack's final work.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McKissack, Patricia

Illustrator: Pinkney, Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: folklore,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375870880

Price: 24.99

The 12 Dares of Christa

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Christa's life is turned upside down when her parents announce they are getting a divorce. The timing is never right for an announcement like this, but it is even worse when it is right before Christmas. Christa and her family usually have a very busy, fun filled holiday and this changes everything. She has to go on tour to Europe with her mother's theater company, and her father stays home by himself. Luckily, her father surprises her by sending "the 12 dares of Christmas" for her to complete in Europe. This is a tradition she does every Christmas that involves gifts and messages. As Christa struggles to accept the divorce, she also learns to appreciate art, make new friends, and gains a love interest. The story is told in first person narrative and will appeal to some tweens who enjoy travel and theater.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Burt, Marissa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062416186

Price: 16.99

The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

A modern-day Charlotte’s Web that will steal every reader's heart. As soon as Josie's brother arrives at Thanksgiving dinner with a runt piglet bound for a terrible fate, she's on a mission to save him. Naming him Hamlet and negotiating with her parents for a deadline of New Year's Day, Josie connects with the piglet amidst the chaos of her crowded, hectic house. As she prepares for an important gymnastics competition, cares for Hamlet, and juggles her busy life, she begins to question what she should put her efforts towards in the future. Her search for a home for Hamlet ramps up when the police catch wind of a farm animal living in a city. A sweet story of family, friendship, and determination, middle-grade readers will revel in this story. Author Jodi Kendall's nods towards E.B. White's familiar story will endear readers of this novel. Highly recommended for every library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kendall, Jodi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062484536

Price: 16.99

The Silver Gate

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School , Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Although Wynn was born with developmental delays, her village believes babies like her are changelings, sent to the village to bring bad luck. The fate for so-called changelings is abandonment in the woods. Yet when her mother refuses to lose her daughter, they create a life for themselves on the outskirts of the village, away from judging eyes. It is here, in this secret cabin that her brother Elric visits, doting upon his sister as she grows. When their mother unexpectedly passes away, their father sells Wynn as a maid, where she will fight for scraps of food and sleep on the floor. Unwilling to let her sister fall to such a fate, Elric sets off on an adventure to bring her to safety. Touches of magic, beautiful descriptions, and lore woven throughout the pages will draw in fans of fantasy. An initially enthralling beginning leads to a meandering plot which requires the attention of a sophisticated reader. Recommended as a secondary purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bailey, Kristin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062398574

Price: 16.99

Can't Catch Me!

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Can't Catch Me is the fable of a mouse named Jake who outruns different animals who want to eat him. First, he outruns Old Tom, a cat, then the fox, the wolf, and the bear. Ultimately, Jake becomes too boastful and is outsmarted by the clever Old Tom. The book ends with a satiated Old Tom stating how delicious Jake is. This book's repetitive phrases invite youngsters to chime in, and the moral of the story will invite discussion. Young readers will enjoy the simple story line, yet adult readers may find it odd that the mouse is described as "yummy" and "juicy." This book is an additional purchase for fable sections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Knapman, Timothy

Illustrator: Ciraolo, Simon

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694968

Price: 15.99

Pterodactyl

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

This early nonfiction has all the elements that primary teachers are now looking for - a table of contents, index, prepared questions, labeled diagram, two or three brief sentences per page, a brief listing of four additional resources including downloadable free resources from Lerner, and glossary. It has what young children want, a scary looking "real" dinosaur with photos downloaded from Shutterstock.com and iStock.com. There is no provided written information noting the background of the author or research done by Shutterstock. Also, no where does it say that the photos are just "best guesses" of what these flying reptiles looked like.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rober, Harold T.

Illustrator: Shutterstock.com,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512426397

Price: 15.

When My Sister Started Kissing

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School , Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This beautiful coming-of-age novel in verse focuses on the relationship between sisters Claire and Abby. Every summer, they have returned to their cabin on Heartstone Lake with their father. Their history with the lake is tenderly portrayed through the point of view of the lake itself, relaying how their mother passed away on the shore when they were younger, and flashing back to memories of the girls growing up. This summer, everything changes, as their father brings his new wife, Pam, who gives birth during the month they are at the lake. Abby is also on the verge of growing up, taking an interest in boys over her sister, and Claire seeks clarity in her new world. This tender novel will appeal to many, as its core themes are universal. Frost has crafted beautiful poems, each with its own title and subtitle stating whose point of view it is in. Each poem is rife with emotions, ranging from heartache, to love.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374303037

Price: 16.99

Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This narrative informational text details the events of John Andre and Benedict Arnold'ss attempts at treason during the Revolutionary War. Readers are introduced to Major John Andre, a young general excited to prove himself in the British Army. The backstory of Major General Benedict Arnold is also presented, as are the motives which led him to become a traitor. Author Castrovilla details the meeting of the two near West Point and layers suspense with disbelief as Major Andre is caught and hanged. Although Arnold later became a member of the British Army, he never found success or happiness. Valuable back matter is presented, and the reader is directed to further reading and locations of interest. Timelines of both men's lives are available for reader's reference, and section headings stating the time and place of each event in the story set the pace for the action. Castrovilla does a fine job honoring this unbelievable true plot; students and teachers will find this book useful and interesting in a multitude of ways.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Castrovilla, Selene

Illustrator: O'Brien, John

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781629793412

Price: 17.95

Creeping Caterpillars

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

This early nonfiction has all the elements that primary teachers are now looking for - a table of contents, index, labeled parts of a caterpillar, and one brief sentence per page.It has what young children want, close-up colored photos. These photos were downloaded from Shutterstock.com and iStock.com. There is no provided written information noting the background of either the author or Shutterstock. The brief text describes the caterpillar in unscientific terms, "squishy bodies" "beady eyes", and the text is too brief to give a sense of how long these transformations take.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Robbie

Illustrator: , Shutterstock.com

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512408805

Price: 15.00

All The Crooked Saints

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

This work of fantasy set in 1960s rural Colorado by Printz Honor winner Stiefvater is an enjoyable, if at times overly clever, tribute to the magical realism genre that has at its center cousins Beatriz, Joaquin and Daniel Soria who are descended from a line of miracle workers. Replete with characters whose lives exist in a sort of tall tale universe -- like Marisita, whose wedding dress is seemingly permanently covered with live butterflies and who, since she left her groom at the alter, has been literally followed by a rain cloud; Tony, an arrogant disc jockey who actually grows into a giant; and a pair of arguing twins who are connected by a two headed snake, this fantastical tale also involves a pirate radio station housed in a van, a rooster named General MacArthur rescued from a cock fighting ring, magical owls who appear when miracles are afoot, and plenty of family drama. Stiefvater's usual marvelous gift for wickedly funny and perceptive dialogue is present, though at times it seems to overcrowd this narrative, already packed full of so many wild details, and sometimes creates a feeling of too purposeful quirkiness. However, patient readers will be rewarded with a story that is heartfelt and lyrical, if unlikely to inspire the same kind of intense fandom that has sprung up around the author's Raven Cycle series. Sophisticated teen readers who appreciate authors like Melina Marchetta, Frannie Billingsley and Laura Ruby will be a natural audience for this stand alone novel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545930802

Price: 18.99

How to Be an Earthling No Place Like Space

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

This is book five in the series. Spork finds a garden gnome who is one of the wisest creatures on his planet. This won a Moonbeam Children's Award. The illustrations are black and white cartoonish drawings. Reminds me of Flat Stanley. The author uses idioms in the story. EX "Putting yourself in someone's shoes." So, Spork is found pulling a boot off a third graders foot to learn more about them. This story is good for beginner readers.There is also an activities section in the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hardrader, Lisa

Illustrator: Warrick, Jessica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kane Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978575658438

Price: 6.99

Nyxia

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Emmett is one of several teens chosen to compete for a spot on a voyage to a planet called Eden. What he and the others didn't realize is that they are not all going to make it, only the best will get to continue on to Eden and that means destroying others so they can. There is quite a bit of violence throughout the story. Emmett is a passionate young man that has good morals but sometimes they falter in the situations he gets into. A bit Ender's Game, a bit Hunger games, good sci-fi action packed book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reintgen, Scott

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9870399556791

Price: 17.99

Writing Radar

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeprot, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Gantos has a great sense of humor and the stories he shares about his childhood are a hoot. For new writers, his tip of using your life around you to write stories with, will be very helpful. Gantos also covers basic story structure and gives some writing exercises in the back to help writers get started. While the book is filled with information for young aspiring writers, that might be the limit of its appeal or for teachers looking for an informal text to use in a classroom.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gantos, Jack

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304559

Price: 17.99

Renegades

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Nova is a villain, and she wants to take down the good guys, the Renegades. But to do it she will have to get close to them and figure out their weak spots, which means infiltrating their ranks by becoming one of them. But sometimes when you meet the people you are trying to destroy; you end up caring for them more than you thought you would. Lots of action, twists, suspense and fighting. It was pretty cool that many of the villains and superheroes had unusual super powers. I really liked that the reader is forced to think about the whole superhero/villain labeling, it's not always as black and white as it appears. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Marissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250044662

Price: 19.99

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 14, 2018

Review

Lily is a high school student with ADHD. Not only does it make it hard for her to get her work done and pay attention in class. One day Lily breaks something during class and is sent to the principal's office along with fellow student Abelard. Before Lily realizes it, she kisses Abelard on impulse and a romance is set in motion. The thing is Abelard has his own disabilities and making their relationship work won't be easy. Lily is a terrific character. She gives you an idea into what it would be like to have ADHD and what you might be willing to do to change that. Even though there is some swearing, the romance itself is lovely. You will find yourself wishing Lily would make different choices, but then she wouldn't be Lily. Quirky, wonderful romance, would be good for Eleanor and Park fans. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Creedle, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544932050

Price: 17.99

How to Find an Elephant

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2018

Review

The first page of this book shows a bored, contemplative little boy trying to think up something to do. Since it is a gray day, it is a good day to go into the wild to find an elephant. He packs food, binoculars, a flute, and a colorful blanket and sets off on his quest. Illustrations are wonderful and full of fun as the boy and his animal friends continue their search. Careful examination shows that there is an elephant hidden in some way on every page until the end when the ground that the little boy has landed on starts shaking, stands up, and he realizes he is being hugged by an elephant. This is a very fun read for young children, a book they will study carefully and really enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Kate

Illustrator: Kulikov, Boris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374335083

Price: 16.99

They Both Die at the End

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

"They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera takes an interesting premise: what if everybody got a notification 24 hours before they were going to die in order to let them know it's their last day, and has you follow the last days of several people, but focuses mostly on teens Mateo and Rufus. Mateo is an introvert who prefers to stay in his apartment and play games; Rufus is a tough kid living in a group foster home with other teens who have lost their families. Rufus gets the Death-Cast call as he's beating up his ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend. Mateo gets his while he is at home in his apartment. Both of them get matched through a Last Friend Finder and meet up to get the most out of their last day. The book is funny, smart, emotional, and made me cry a bit. I'm not sure if it's really a spoiler if it's the title, but they do both die in the end. I really wanted to know more about how the Death-Cast system worked, but this book focuses on the people. A great addition to the YA section. ~Reviewed by Katherine Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Silvera, Adam

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062457790

Price: 17.99

Our Very Own Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

The young narrator and her family adopt a dog from the shelter. With a nice blend of fiction and nonfiction the reader is shown that owning a dog is hard work - and persistence, kindness and calmness are essential. This family is well prepared for Sophie's arrival and spend plenty of time with her to get her acclimated to her new surroundings. It doesn't take Sophie long before she knows that she is part of the family. The illustrations match the text. The dogs appear to be walking and scampering across the page energetically with simple strokes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCardie, Amanda

Illustrator: Rubbino, Salvatore

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689483

Price: 15.99

Animals by the Numbers: a book of animal infographics

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Jenkins is known for his paper collage artwork and creating books with engaging animal facts. This book is composed of a series of infographics. Each spread spotlights a different topic, such as size, speed, tongue lengths, temperature and horn lengths (to name a few.) The graphics highlight the accompanying text that defines terms and topics and collage illustrations of some creatures. There's an abundance of information and readers can spend many hours looking over the graphics and absorbing many facts. Much of the information is presented through graphs and illustrations which makes this a good choice for those who learn visually.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544630925

Price: 17.99

Animals by the Numbers: a book of animal infographics

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Jenkins is known for his paper collage artwork and creating books with engaging animal facts. This book is composed of a series of infographics. Each spread spotlights a different topic, such as size, speed, tongue lengths, temperature and horn lengths (to name a few.) The graphics highlight the accompanying text that defines terms and topics and collage illustrations of some creatures. There's an abundance of information and readers can spend many hours looking over the graphics and absorbing many facts. Much of the information is presented through graphs and illustrations which makes this a good choice for those who learn visually.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544630925

Price: 17.99

Percy Dog of Destiny

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Percy, a Jack Russell type, sees the leash and knows it means dog park. Percy cannot go without his favorite toy - a red ball. On the way to the park he meets up with his 3 canine pals - Molly (a poodle), Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (a dachshund) and Fluffy (a mastiff). At the park they run and romp until a squirrel arrives to taunt Percy. The squirrel steals the ball and a distraught Percy calls for help from his friends. Ultimately the ball is retrieved and the dogs head home. The story is told through Percy's eyes in short declarative sentences. The illustrations are amusing and show the personalities of the 4 dogs very well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGhee, Alison

Illustrator: Mann, Jennifer K.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789841

Price: 16.95

Definitions of Indefinable Things

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 26, 2018

Review

On her regularly scheduled depression meds pharmacy run, Reggie meets a seemingly rude and arrogant, yet charming, also depressed teen named Snake. As their paths continue to cross, Reggie fights her attraction to Snake, especially once she discovers he is the soon to be baby daddy of her least favorite classmate. As Reggie and Snake both struggle with their feelings, their pasts, and overwhelming depression, they also find strength in themselves and each other. Teens suffering with depression will recognize themselves in these characters. Not a must-buy for general collections, but a good purchase where mental health titles are needed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Whitney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544805040

Price: 17.99

Audacity Jones Steals the Show

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 28, 2018

Review

Audacity Jones and her friend Bimmy leave Miss Maisie's School for Wayward Girls for New York City. There they meet Harry Houdini as he prepares to make an elephant disappear. They discover a plot that could make the trick fail. Multiple viewpoints come together to propel the story. Historical story elements give the book the feel of the time, though the picture on the cover does not look like girls from the 1910s. There is an element of animal cruelty and protecting animals involving the element. Overall, a good mystery for middle grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Kirby

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545840651

Price: 16.99

Ribsy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2018

Review

This is a revised copy of the original 1964 edition. The original illustrations by Louis Darling are used and the only new feature is a rambling six-page letter by Cece Bell to the reader. Ribsy is Henry Huggin's beloved mutt who usually wears a collar. When Ribsy is scratching at a pesky flea, Henry removes his collar. When they family goes to a shopping center, leaving Ribsy behind in the car, Ribsy accidentally hits the new electronic window button and he gets out. This initiates a string of adventures that Ribsy goes through while he tries to locate his lost family. Little girls, smelly bubble bath, funny costumes and a high school football game become obstacles as Ribsy tries to find his way back home. Bell's letter to the reader presents a slightly confusing take on reading Ribsy. Bell explains how the book "Ellen Tebbits" by Cleary made a connection with her, but Bell has only recently read about Ribsy. Unsure if new readers will struggle through the letter which is presented at the beginning of the book to dive into Ribsy. Libraries looking to update their collection will find the original illustrations still perfect for the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Beverly

Illustrator: Darling, Louis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062652409

Price: 16.99

Zenn Diagram

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2018

Review

Eva is a seventeen-year-old math whiz who tutors struggling math students and uses her paranormal skill of reading a person's belongings as a way to diagnose what may be blocking the person from learning. Her paranormal ability, which she calls fractals, keeps her from touching people because of the sensory overload and darkness that she sees. She plans to pursue the neurosciences in college to find out why she has these visual hallucinations. Eva was orphaned by a drunk driver and adopted by her aunt who now has three-year-old quintuplets of her own. The quintuplets provide comic relief as a dark, mysterious connection is revealed to Eva when she begins tutoring Zenn Bennett. Zenn becomes the main attraction for Eva and his life circumstances implausibly connects to hers in a tragic way. This is a feel good, first romance with some paranormal and some non-necessary rough language that still made this reviewer cry at the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brant, Wendy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KCP Loft/Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387927

Price: 17.95

Pointe, Claw

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2018

Review

The author, Amber J. Keyser, is a former ballerina and an evolutionary biologist, and she brings both these interests to life through the characters of Dawn and Jessie. Dawn is hoping to study at Stanford next fall, but then she begins to experience unexplained blackouts and a sense that she is trapped in her skin. Jessie is a ballerina who has trained for years and has one last chance during her senior year to prove she is a star. Dawn and Jessie have not seen each other for years since their parents separated them when they are caught experimenting with their new-found puberty. They are brought together again when Dawn's mother contacts Jessie's family in hopes that it can somehow help with her daughter's condition. The alternating narratives weave together to form a story that is intense, full of raw and powerful emotion. Recommend for students looking for something different than a traditional dance story or for those who like pondering the intersection of the supernatural and science.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keyser, Amber J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467775915

Price: 18.99

Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2018

Review

Olga loves animals and science. She lives and breathes the scientific method: observations, experiments, and hypotheses. When she finds a thing in her shed that looks like a cross between a hamster and a potato, she must really put her science skills to work to figure out what it is. The story is told in a style of words and graphics similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The humor is quirky with a lot of jokes about bodily functions. It is a good choice for reluctant readers. The only drawback to this book was the stereotypes it perpetuated between smart girls like Olga and the “Lalas” girls who like beauty and pop culture. It is possible for girls to be both smart and interested in fashion, and the humor around this topic felt too snarky and judgemental. The second book in this series will be released in March.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gravel, Elise

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062351265

Price: 12.99

Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2018

Review

Olga loves animals and science. She lives and breathes the scientific method: observations, experiments, and hypotheses. When she finds a thing in her shed that looks like a cross between a hamster and a potato, she must really put her science skills to work to figure out what it is. The story is told in a style of words and graphics similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The humor is quirky with a lot of jokes about bodily functions. It is a good choice for reluctant readers. The only drawback to this book was the stereotypes it perpetuated between smart girls like Olga and the “Lalas” girls who like beauty and pop culture. It is possible for girls to be both smart and interested in fashion, and the humor around this topic felt too snarky and judgemental. The second book in this series will be released in March.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gravel, Elise

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062351265

Price: 12.99

Evil Emperor Penguin

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Evil Emperor Penguin wants to take over the world. He is aided by his sidekick, an Octopus, named Number 8, and his minion, an abominable snowman named, Eugene. And, of course, he has an adversary, Evil Cat. And if that is not enough, there is even a Unicorn named Kevin! There is plenty of word-play, color, and jokes to make this graphic novel appealing for many different types of readers. Reluctant readers will like the short chapters with a new adventure, while some readers will want to devour the whole book in one sitting. Fans of “Despicable Me” or Dav Pilkey’s humor will keep this book circulating! Luckily, there is a sequel coming soon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Laura Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338132748

Price: 8.99

Oddity

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2018

Review

This book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Just as you think you have Oddity, New Mexico figured out something new pops out of the closet! Not only is the town is controlled by puppets and their human puppet masters, but there are ghosts in closets, giant centipedes, zombie bunnies, and an invisible Blurmonster. Ada ’s twin sister, Pearl, has disappeared after winning the town’s Sweepstakes, and things don’t seem right, even for a town as strange as Oddity. Ever since Pearl’s disappearance, Ada’s father works all the time and her mother has been depressed, so Ada and her friends decided to look for answers. This is a fun, absurd adventure for readers who enjoy a combination of suspense and fantasy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cannon, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250123282

Price: 16.99

Of Jenny and the Aliens

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 4, 2018

Review

Is it the end of the world? Ten years after sending a transmission into space, a message has returned proving that we are not alone. Will the fear of aliens bond humans together and end wars and conflicts? Will Derek die a virgin or will he meet a girl at an “End of the World” party? The plot explores these questions and weaves together the story of a broken family, the angst of first-time love, and alien exploration of Earth with humor. The alien plot line, although interesting, feels lost at times under the story of Derek’s confusion about his first love. The alien story comes back in as an intervention of sorts that helps Derek move forward with his love life, friendships, and family situation. This is a hard book to recommend for an age group. There a lot of sex scenes, as well as drug and alcohol use that feels beyond teenage years and more true to a college experience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gebhart, Ryan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688455

Price: 17.99

Mary McScary

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

Mary McScary takes great pleasure in frightening everyone and everything. That is, until her cousin Harry comes to visit. Despite numerous tactics, he is just not frightened, but rather, embraces the spiders, snakes, and everything else Mary presents to him. However, one last try does, indeed make Harry run away screaming. Large illustrations that fill the pages are wonderful. The children and animals are very expressive. There is lots going on that is fun to look at. This will give young children a laugh for sure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stine, R.L.

Illustrator: Brown, Marc

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338038569

Price: 16.99

Winter Dance

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

A very sweet looking fox does not know what to do when the first snowflakes begin to fall. He goes around the forest asking all of his animal friends what to do. They all tell him what they do, but nothing seems right for the fox. He finally gives up and lies down in the forest where he is found by another fox who invites him to dance like the snowflakes. The story is very gentle and informative, as each animal tells what they do in the winter. Illustrations are soft and really wonderful, particularly of the animals. A nice book for sharing as winter approaches.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dane Bauer, Marion

Illustrator: Jones, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544313347

Price: 16.99

The Three Little Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

This is the typical Three Little Pigs story until the end, when the wolf is invited into the brick house after promising not to eat the pigs. The cover of the book has finger puppets of the pigs and the wolf, while the back cover is a stage with an opening cut into it. Children can use the puppets and the stage to act out the story. Retelling a story is good for children, and often fun for them, so some children may be drawn to this. A concern would be keeping track of the puppets once the plastic they are sealed in is opened.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

None Given, None Given

Illustrator: Robertson, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338151626

Price: 14.99

Bugs from Head to Tail

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This is a fun book for young entomologists. A double page spread shows a close up of a particular feature of a bug. Children are asked what bug it might be. The next pages show the bug in its habitat and give interesting facts about it. Illustrations are reminiscent of Steve Jenkins. The final two pages show small pictures and one or two facts about other "awesome bugs." Children who like bugs will enjoy learning more about various species. The colorful illustrations will attract them. This is a good introduction for any young bug lover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roderick, Stacey

Illustrator: Moriya, Kwanchai

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387293

Price: 16.99

Al Roker's Extreme Weather; Tornadoes, Typhoons, and Other Weather Phenomena

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This book covers a lot of weather. Double page spreads with lots of photographs cover the extreme storms we usually think of, but also some that are not familiar, such as derechos, or wind storms. Side Boxes add more facts. Photographs do a good job of illustrating just what is being discussed. At the back, there is a section devoted to the aftermath of such things as wild fires, landslides, and floods. The last page lists "biggest, deadliest, and most extreme" storm related records. Al Roker is certainly identified with being a weather reporter, but also with entertainment. He does not appear to have any formal training in weather forecasting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roker, Al

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062484994

Price: 16.99

Thornhill

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This is the author's debut illustrated novel about Ella Clarke who is intrigued by a tragedy that had befallen the now closed Thornhill Institute, a former girls orphanage. Flashback 35 years to the white pages of Mary's diary, an orphaned girl that creates puppets to be her friends then to the black and white artwork depicting Ella's story in between. A beautiful and spooky diary type novel that is well developed not only with the characters, but the plot as well. There is a subtle theme within the story of the importance of child advocacy.

Illustrations are done in black and white with important details of Ella's life that correlate with the diary portion of Mary. Great book to have on the shelves for reluctant readers that like a good ghost story. Recommended for grades 5 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smy, Pam

Illustrator: Smy, Pam

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626726543

Price: 19.99

I See London, I See France

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

BFFs Sydney and Leela plan to trek around Europe and have a summer they will likely never forget, until Leela's ex-boyfriend shows up and of course the best laid plans... A funny and witty a great teen escape read that will take them all around Europe and experience everything our two main characters do. Fans of "The Geography of You and Me" by Jennifer E. Smith and "Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins will enjoy this book.

Recommended for grades 10 and up. There is some mature content, but definitely full of laughs.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062397072

Price: 17.99

Brave New Girl

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Dahlia16 is genetically designed to be a gardener. She is one of 5000 other 16 year-olds that look just like her, but have been genetically engineered for different purposes. Each member of their community is there for the good of the community; thoughts or individual needs or wants means that their genetic clones are flawed and if they are flawed, then that means extermination, not for one but the other 4999. Dahlia has these thoughts and desires and they are increased when she meets Trigger17 who training for the community's Special Forces. One thing leads to another and they are thrust into the secret and mysterious world that Dahlia and Trigger need to escape from in order to live. The author used the "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley as her inspiration for this new dystopian series.

Recommended for grades 7-9.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vincent, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399552458

Price: 17.99

Thief's Cunning

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

In this sequel to "Assassin's Heart", the action picks up 18 years later where Lea Saldna's niece, Allegra is now the protagonist and seeks the truth that has been kept to her all these years about her role in being part of one of the most infamous families of assassins. With help from Nev, a Traveler boy, she is lead to discover truths that have long been hidden, but also gets caught up in Nev's world and the consequences of this are more than she bargained for. Not a stand alone read, need the information given in the first to follow the story line in the second novel of the series.

Recommended for grades 7 and up. Would considered this to be a romantic and suspenseful type of novel. Well written and interesting characters.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ahiers, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062363831

Price: 17.99

The Whiz Mob and The Grenadine Kid

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Charlie Fisher is the shy 12-year-old son of the American Consul in Marseille, France in 1961. Because of so much traveling, Charlie is used to being friendless, despite his father's attempts to have him befriend other dignitaries children. Than one day while sitting in the square, he notices something he thinks is extraordinary and becomes friends with a group of children from the elite School of 7 Bells in Bogotá, Columbia -- an international school of pickpockets and scam artists.

From the creators of the "Wildwood Chronicles", "The Whiz Mob and The Grenadine Kid" is an action-packed, amusing, and attention grabbing tale of friendship, and finding oneself with definitely a different spin. There is also a glossary of terms at the back of the book to help understand the meaning of dialogue that is spoken by the Whiz Mob. A definite for the shelves. Recommended for grades 5-8, but a fun read for all.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Meloy, Colin

Illustrator: Ellis, Carson

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062342454

Price: 17.99

Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This Young Adult version of Bernie Sanders "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe" repeats the rhetoric that has been espoused along the political trail. With each chapter there are illustrations that support the topic in forms of graphs, pie charts and statistics. At the end of each chapter is a section that gives information on how to mobilize (how to take action) and where one can learn more on the topic stressed.

Easy to follow and well laid out with a TOC, a section on "What is Government" with descriptions of different types and responsibilities of governments, a glossary of economic terms and a credits. Recommended for grades 7 and up. Good to have for a diverse political section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Bernard

Illustrator: Buffum, Jude

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Godwin Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250138903

Price: 16.99

Let's Pretend We Never Met

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Over school break, sixth-grader Mattie Markham has moved with her family from a small town in North Carolina to an apartment building in Philadelphia because her grandmother needs help as her memory fails. Mattie makes an instant friendship connection with smart, creative and quirky Agnes who lives next door. Agnes is in the same class at school, but when school starts up, Agnes reputation at school and her anxiety-driven quirkiness, OCD or autism spectrum behaviors, make Mattie feel unsure of how to have friends at school and keep a friendship with Agnes at the same time. Mattie navigates first boyfriends, first kisses and eventually bridges gaps between friends. Walker provides 5-8 grade readers a model of how to open themselves up to those who may be different and thoughtful ways to balance conflicting friendships. Mattie's voice is authentic and the layers of issues are handled in age-appropriate way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062567161

Price: 16.99

The Wood

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

The Wood behind Winter's house has always dictated her father's life and now with his disappearance it dictates hers. The Wood is a portal for time travelers and Winter's ancestors are the secret protectors or guardians of the wood. Her required task, which she is physically not able to deny to the determent of her school assignments, of assisting lost travelers to their current portal is becoming difficult because the wood has been poisoned and the sinister darkness is becoming life-threatening, even to those who cannot see the magical areas of the wood. Winter finds herself challenged and at the same time attracted to Henry, a time traveler from eighteenth century England. He knows too much, takes too many risks and distracts Winter with his charming ways. Fans of time travel, suspense and fantasy will enjoy this dark and creative tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bobulski, Chelsea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250094261

Price: 17.99

Nerdy Birdy Tweets

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Nerdy Birdy (2015) is back with his small brown body, huge glasses and huge love of video games. He is best friends with the very different Vulture, who enjoys eating dead things. When Nerdy Birdy discovers Tweetster, his addiction to his new social media friends places his friendship with Vulture on the back burner. The cartoon illustration layout varies between full page spreads and graphic comic frames. The text is placed around the page with lines indicating who is speaking and other times without word bubbles. Davies illustrations are hilarious and will engage a group. This is a cautionary tale about social media pitfalls for younger readers. Although the content would provide fodder for conversations with 3-5 graders, the topic of social media may be premature in most preschool settings. Nonetheless, parents will get a chuckle from this picture book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Aaron

Illustrator: Davies, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721289

Price: 17.99

Wade's Wiggly Antlers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 1, 2018

Review

Wade is worried about his lose antlers as human children worry about their first lose tooth. With the help of his supportive mother this little character learns what is normal and not fearful. Such a teachable moment shared in a cute storyline. This story by a new author, offers some insight into the realities of change.

The fact that both the author and illustrator love the woods comes as no surprise as the text and illustrations reflect that emotion. The illusions are full of background that go way beyond just fill. Children will love the many little critters, the triangle trees, facial expressions, textured wall coverings, and spring flowers.

Add to primary schools and public libraries where moose roam the woods.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bradford, Louise

Illustrator: Battuz, Christine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781771386159

Price: 16.95

Are We Still Friends

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2018

Review

Even close friendships can be challenged by misunderstanding. Horowitz has provided parents, teachers and librarian an opportunity to have open discussions about hurtful words and miscommunication. As Beatrice and Abel experience isolation young readers will see how words and actions impact relationships. The characters resolve their differences and say the all-important words: I’m sorry.

The illustrations by Gomez enhance the text and provide color as well as detail. This is a book that nursery schools and day care centers will want on their shelves. It would also be appreciated by primary school social workers and fit into the media center.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Horowitz, Ruth

Illustrator: Gormez, Blanca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545645218

Price: 16.99

Lifehacks for Kids

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Sunny Keller is the 14 year old host of a You Tube show where she gives the viewers tips and tricks to navigate through their lives. This book is a compilation of some of those tips, and includes instructions for an indoor soccer game, emoji beanbag toss, how to make one handed pancakes, and more. Photos throughout show Sunny creating everything and playing with it. Some of the things look like they would not work very well. Some need adult help. That said, kids do like crafts, and this book contains some that are different, so it will have some interest for those children.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Keller, Sunny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328742131

Price: 14.99

Ugly Cat & Pablo

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

Ugly Cat & Pablo is not a typical cat and mouse story as these two are friends. Sprinkled with Spanish words this is a fast paced silly adventure story that is sure to delight early readers. Not really needed as the content tells the story, the glossary is a nice touch. Fans will be happy to find a recipe for the much loved paletas de coco. Knight's illustrations add to the comic feel of the text, the pictures definitely compliment the text. This is a satisfying read that appears to be the first in an early reader series. Recommended to primary school librarians and to parents of early readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Quintero, Isabel

Illustrator: Knight, Tom

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545940917

Price: 6.99

Hannah Sparkles: A Friend Through Rain or Shine

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Hannah reminds this reader of Pinkalicious but with some restraint and mindfulness. Always happy, outgoing, and on the move Hannah meets a new neighbor who has a different personality. As the girls become acquainted some subtle differences are apparent. This becomes a teachable moment for adult readers who want to reinforce the underlining theme that differences are good.

Mellom has illustrated a cute book that reinforces that girls can be unique individuals. Her use of color and detail will appeal to the k-2 reader who will identify with one of the two girls. Good addition to public libraries and would make a great birthday gift.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mellom, Robin

Illustrator: Brantley-Newton, Vanessa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062322333

Price: 17.99

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Latinos

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2018

Review

Engle and Lopez team up once again (Drum Dream Girl 2015) to create a beautiful, necessary book highlighting amazing Latinos and their contributions to the world. As Engle says, these Hispanic people are not the most famous nor were all of their contributions flashy or Earth-shattering, but each person followed a passion and strove to make her or his corner of the world better. Ranging across professionals and fields, and time periods, people from countries like Cuba, Mexico, and El Salvador, and the US territory Puerto Rico are honored here with Engle's simple, lyrical poems and Lopez's bright, bold llustrations. The poems offer snippets of story from the person's life and Lopez adds a moving portrait. Then, in the back matter, additional biographical information about each person rounds out the message that there are many strong, creative, persistant, innovative Hispanics who have been largely forgotten or left out of history books. This luminous book is a step in the right direction to correct this omittance. The biggest critique is that it is too brief.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Lopez, Rafael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098761

Price: 18.99

The Art of Feeling

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

High-schooler, Sam (Samantha), was in a traffic accident six months before which killed her mother and left her with constant pain and a need for crutches. Her father and her two older siblings each avoid the pain of loss in different ways, none of them healthy. When Sam meets Eliot, who has a congenital condition where he is not able to feel pain, she becomes protective of someone else for the first time. Eliot places himself in the whipping boy position in a drug deal gone wrong that entwines Sam's attention and ultimately helps expose who was responsible for killing her mother. The heaviness of depression, drug addiction, and the pain of grief are balanced against Sam's sarcastic first person voice and her challenges for the normal everyday high school friendship situation. Due to the rough language, graphic bullying and teen drug/ alcohol use, suggest to more mature teen audiences.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tims, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062317353

Price: 17.99

Rappy Goes to Mars

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

Rappy the dinosaur is back in this fourth adventure that takes him from the school yard to outer space and back. At recess, a UFO hovers over the school yard and Rappy is beamed up into the spaceship and zipped into space by a skinny green alien named Janet. Rappy finds himself selected to marry her and he escapes by rapping until she returns him to earth. The layout of this I Can Read! Level 2 with help is 5-8 small sentences per page that utilize some difficult vocabulary that may be sounded out due to the rhyming scheme. At times the rapping works, at other times it seems to be trying too hard. Get ready to help readers sound out these vocabulary words: hovered, enormous , `astounded, vomit and diarrhea (which rhymes with idea in the text, but it actually appears first.) On the title page, parents who will be reading the book are encouraged to Rap It. Suggest to those who are fans of the other books.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Bowers, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062252692

Price: 16.99

Sheep Won't Sleep

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

Cox has knitted up a colorful way to introduced young readers to counting by 1, 2s, 5s and 10s. Clarissa is having trouble falling asleep so she envisions 10 white sheep jumping over a stile. It hasn't put her to sleep, but has added 10 nosy, busy sheep to her room. The sheep suggest counting pairs of alpacas which are "as colorful as Clarissa's basket of yarn." And so the pattern goes to llamas and yaks. When she gets to counting yaks by 10 she gives up the counting and starts unwinding them until she has a huge ball of yarn that she knits into an afghan by morning. This is a clever way of presenting this math concept. Cuneo's brightly colored illustrations were created by pen and digital ink. They show all the various animals in miniature, adding to the charm.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cox, Judy

Illustrator: Cuneo, Nina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823437016

Price: 16.95

Where is Bear?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2018

Review

Cute and endearing this little boy is searching for his bear. Over his shoulder, behind the couch and even on the car the bear in question appears to be hiding in plain sight. This reader was taken by surprise when the bear being searched for is not the large cuddly brown bear somewhat visible on each page. Certainly a good choice as a bedtime story and this title will be a hit at story time.

The art is large and formable. Even the boy's wallpaper is revealed, making a perfect background for the big brown bear and his smaller friends. The tempo, design and text are pleasing in every way.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bentley, Jonathan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books(Penguin Random House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399555930

Price: 16.99

Finding the edge: my life on the ice

Reviewed by: Deirdre Dupree - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2018

Review

US National champion Figure Skater Karen Chen shares her story and the world of competitive figure skating. YA readers passionate about figure skating and fascinated by competitive skating will find this book informative. Chen’s themes of focus, determination, and perseverance are repeated through the many demands of the sport.

This upbeat informational narrative tells a linear story of Karen Chen’s introduction to skating, her family’s necessary contribution to her success and the eventual complete focus of her family and Karen’s life to achieve her competitive skating goals. The difficult aspects of her story are glossed over as they are conveyed without emotion or detail.

The book includes addendums covering Competitive Season timeline, Glossary of Skating terms, International Skating Union Technical rules, and a listing of Figure Skating Single Ladies Champions. The center of the book holds two dozen color photos of Karen and the Chen Family.

Middle School librarians looking to create a robust Figure Skating collection might consider this title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chen, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062822680

Price: 17.99

Harry Miller's Run

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2018

Review

An absolutely stunning book in its telling, its full color illustrations , and its overall presentation. In its just over fifty pages, "ancient" Harry Miller tells eleven year old Liam who is practicing for a race and his mom all about Harry's memorable race run with three friends when he was also eleven years old. The joys of the sport of running and the means by which to live a long and happy life are the story's focus. Written by a much awarded English author, the book is published in a beautiful gift edition. Recommended to all ages of about nine years old and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Almond, David

Illustrator: Rubbino, Salvatore

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763689759

Price: 16.99

Whistling in the Dark

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2018

Review

Its intriguing title and a dramatic, colorful dust jacket may catch the attention of young readers, mainly girls, who have a special interest in war stories. Other young teens regard World War two as ancient history. Set in Liverpool, England beginning with the Liverpool Blitz of 1940-41, thirteen year old Joan relates some of the war's effects on her family, school, school friends and her community. The story opens on that year of almost nightly bombings by Nazi aircraft. Blackouts, bomb shelters, air raids , curfews food rationing and the black market are all present in this story, first published in England in 2015 by a well known British author and illustrator. This reviewer did not find the war time incidents offered in the novel as dramatic as the dust jacket suggested. The book's appeal to its intended readership will largely be determined by its subject matter.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763690724

Price: 16.99

Pop Girl

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Correctional , Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

Based on a real life experience Tallia Storm has written a novel that will appeal to all dreamy eyed singers with large goals. When Storm, an accomplished high school singer is forced to miss a radio spot due to a family vacation the world looks bleak. As life happens the author has introjected her own experience when Elton John heard her sing; an event that started her pop singing career.

The story is a little rough but all the dreamy aspects are in place. Girls who have achieved in school music or drama will identity with the intensity exhibited by Storm. The author has captured the need to be on stage and the thrill of performing. This is a story that will be welcomed by middle school girls and might wind up in public libraries. The cost of the paperback is unfortunately high for its quality.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Storm, Tallia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338113822

Price: 9.99

Let's Investigate with Nate: the Water Cycle

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2018

Review

Nate Ball is an undated Ms Frizzle and his books will capture the same audience. This is the first of a new series that fits perfectly into the STEM programs being created throughout the country. The author adds mystery and believable fantasy for curious science students who visit the Science Museum.

No child will ever see the local science museum the same, they will be searching for answers to their questions around every corner. In this text Scientist Nate takes his crew on a research adventure to investigate the water cycle. The illustrations are fluid and silly while the text bubbles make the book somewhat comic in appearance. Paragraph text explains the science and ruled pages provide additional information for readers. Like Ms Frizzle books, readers can immerse themselves in all the printed words or select parts. Add this book to primacy school media centers and to public libraries. Also consider as a gift book to budding scientist. Watch for the rest of the Let's Investigate with Nate series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ball, Nate

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062357397

Price: 17.99

Magic in the City

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

This is a good book for readers who like magic, or as a read aloud. Hannah the level-headed cousins get swept along with her boisterous male cousins. They meet a salesman who sells them a magic carpet, a stopwatch that can stop time, and a camera that can place you into a photo or painting. The boys need money to help their mom. They decide to steal from the queen of England while visiting Hannah. The humor is wonderful. A conversation between the Queen and Simon: " The Queen...You're probably used to doing whatever you like. but I'm not. "But you're the queen!... There's always someone telling me what to do... what to wear.. me too!... They never let me go out on my own... me neither.. I never get to sit up front... Me neither."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dyer, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771382038

Price: 15.95

Let's Investigate with Nate: The Solar System

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

This is the second book in a new STEM-based picture book series from the Emmy Award-winning host of PBS’s Design Squad and Design Squad Nation, Nate Ball. With a lively cast of characters and vibrant illustrations by Wes Hargis, it's an adventure in learning!

Every Saturday morning four friends, Wendy, Braden, Rosa, and Felix meet with Nate at the Science Museum for a new adventure and discovery. This week they will explore the solar system and determine for themselves whether or not Pluto is a planet. The explorers don their space gear and travel the galaxy from Earth to Pluto learning all they can about space and what is or isn't a planet. Great fun for the space fan in all of us. Bubbles for the youngest learners and more detailed sidebars for older readers. I am looking forward to the next adventure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ball, Nate

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins children's

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062357434

Price: 17.99

The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

This is a delightful sequel to Edward Lear's classic poem "The owl and the pussy-cat" by Julia Donaldson and beautifully illustrated by Charlotte Voake. Newlywed Owl and Pussy-cat go to sleep by the light of the moon and awaken to find Pussy-cat's golden ring stolen by Crow. Off they set on their sorrowful journey in search of the ring, making new friends and solving problems along the way. After retrieving the ring from the Pobble with no toes they sail back home and dance a jig with the turkey and pig. How delightfully happy they are. A magical adventure to be shared again and again. The perfect companion to the reprinted classic. You will want both for your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763690816

Price: 16.99

Alphamals A-Z

Reviewed by: Karen spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

As this book is intended as an alphabet book one would assume it is earmarked for a younger audience. That is not the case. While the illustrations are beautifully rendered, this is more of an art book about animals. The lyrical text along with the accompanying letter did not match the artwork displayed. That said the art is stunning and bold and framable.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carter, Graham

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Big Picture Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695576

Price: 17.99

Trucks Galore

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

There's always room for one more great truck book. This one is no exception. Bright vibrant illustrations and easy rhyming text will make this a winner among all our "things that go" fans. A must have for travel collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stein, Peter

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689780

Price: 15.99

The Lost Frost Girl

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

Owl's real father "Jack Frost" of story book fame! Owl is eager to meet him and first sees Jack when he appears to her in the human world where his job is to "decorate"nature before Winter unleashes it's own cruel forces. Owl lives in the "real world" with her single mom who seems to have vague memories of being in a fairy world with Owl's dad "Jack" in years past. When Owl begins to exhibit some of JacK's powers/talents at inopportune moments, she becomes more convinced that she is the true daughter of Jack Frost. Wishing to meet him and find out if he is able and willing to be a "true" dad to her, she ventures into the fairy world with the assistance of a strange boy named Avery and her best friend Mallory. There, she learns that Jack is in danger and is being summoned to the "Royal Court" whereupon hw will receive a "punsihmnt." And Owl, being a half-human, is the reason! Can she save Jack and will he then protect her? This modern fairy tale is filled with many elementals: Jack Frost, The North Wind, Mother Earth, The Green Man, the Queen of May. Autumn, Winter along with sprites and goblins. A unique fairy tale; airy, dreamy, atmospheric, and highly descriptive. Chapters in which Owl tries to maintain a normal life grounded in the woerld of humans are a nice contrast to the flowery fairy tale descritions. This book might be prefered by girls, due to the extensive fairy world descriptions. Good to use for studyig fairy tales and friendships themes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegan books/Harper-Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062671486

Price: 16.99

Windows

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 12, 2018

Review

This book is an evening walk through a quiet neighborhood. From endpaper to endpaper (actually starting with the gorgeous the cover under the dust jacket), this book is filled with small details that an attentive reader/listener will return to again and again. The book follows a boy as he takes his dog out for their evening walk. The boy observes the myriad lives happening all around his neighborhood as the author gently points out a few of the glimpses to the audience before backing away and letting the reader discover all of the other details. The book simultaneously offers a bedtime/winding down story and a lovely jumping-off point for a discussion about windows into people's lives. It could be used to kick off a literature study about books offering windows and mirrors. There is a striking lack of electronic devices in the book; barring one mention of a television, all of the scenes are of people eating together, moving their bodies (at the dog park, dancing, doing yoga), or just looking out the window and watching the world. And when the boy returns home, he curls up with his parent to listen to a story. A gentle, effective book that is filled with and can lead to discovery. Recommend for any general library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Denos, Julia

Illustrator: Goodale, E.B.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763690359

Price: 15.99

Landscape with Invisible Hand

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Correctional , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

Anderson has given us a gift, a view of what an alien society could bring to Earth. When the Vuvv first landed its inhabitants promised to help mankind, improving jobs and medical care. With a squint of the eye and a tiny bit of imagination readers can see the resemblance between this offer and the current political situation. Once again this author is speaking of the future readers , current ones may not be ready to embrace the storyline. Sure this is fantasy yet there are strong strands that relate to reality.

The language flows well but the images sometimes appear just beyond possible. This reader loved Adam as the protagonist and felt compassion toward him as his false love relationship fell apart. Although a short novel this was a compelling read that should not be missed by Anderson's fans. Add to public libraries and middle school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, M. T.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763687892

Price: 16.99

In the Shadow of the Sun

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

O'Brien transitions expertly from picture book author to novelist in this well-researched, tightly-written novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy survival stories, realistic fiction, and/or suspenseful plots from upper elementary through high school. Mia and her older brother, Simon, have accompanied their father, a food-aid worker, to North Korea for a five-day tour. Mia is Korean-born, but was adopted by the Andrews family when she was a baby. When Mia's father is arrested, Simon and Mia, now in possession of illegal photos of "work" camps run by the North Korean government on a contraband phone flee on foot through the countryside in hopes of making it to the Chinese border, their only hope for rescue from what was already a dangerous country for westerners and has now become hostile. The brother and sister use all of their survival skills and Mia's limited knowledge of Korean language (acquired in Korean school, which she attends on weekends in her home state of Connecticut) to stay one step ahead of the government officials/soldiers who are undoubtedly pursuing them. The siblings have to work together, tough because they had become estranged in the past few months, and end up learning a lot about one another. Touching on issues of identity, family, politics, international relations, and the things that unite us, this book illuminates a part of the world about which few American readers might have knowledge and it does it really well. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien, Anne Sibley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 970545905749

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Dear Girl,

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

A heartfelt celebration of the power and beauty of a girl. Written by the prolific and wonderful Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daughter Paris, this book is the last project that AKR worked on before her untimely death. The message is fabulous, each page encouraging and cheering on a girl to love and believe in who she is. Hatham's spare illustrations mixed with collage give the book an everygirl feel. The book would make a fantastic gift to anyone who needs some encouragement for her inner girl and it will be a highly-circulated book in any library's collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

Illustrator: Hatam, Holly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062422507

Price: 17.99

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

The sequel to "A Gold Star for Zog" though in this story Zog the dragon is mostly just transportation for the doctors Princess Pearl and Gadabout the Great. The subtle message that girls can be more than princesses is woven into what seems like a simple adventure story about doctors who minister to any creature in trouble. When the king needs saving, Princess Pearl perseveres and saves the day. Donaldson's rhyme and Scheffler's bright, colorful illustrations are a winning combination and this book shouldn't disappoint as a read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338134179

Price: 17.99

Wedgie & Gizmo

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

In alternating chapters Gizmo the evil guinea pig (or cavy as he prefers to be called as he is neither a pig nor from Guinea) and Wedgie the lovable corgi (he just wants you to love him) tell the story of a new family navigating the bumps that come when trying to blend into one. Dad, Elliot, Abuela, and Gizmo have moved into the house with Mom, Jasmine, Jackson, and Wedgie, and misunderstanding and hilarity ensue. Gizmo has been temporarily displaced in Jasmine's Barbie Dream House while his new Eco-Habitat is on order and he laments the loss of his Evil Lair. He has big plans to make everyone obey his commands, but first he has to scope out his new surroundings and determine who wants to eat him. Great for readers ready to move on from leveled readers. The black and white illustrations are cute and work well with the story. A fun read-aloud since both Gizmo and Wedgie have such distinctive voices. The book can also be used to discuss perspective and theme (family, friendship, pet care). The first in a series that will be much sought after.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Selfors, Suzanne

Illustrator: Fisinger, Barbara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062447630

Price: 12.99

Shadowhouse Fall

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 18, 2017

Review

Sierra Santiago is back and she is stronger than ever. In the second book of The Shadowshaper Cypher series, Older sets the bar for YA urban fantasy. As Sierra gathers her team of Shadowshapers, ancient powers connected to an enchanted deck of tarot-like cards, The Deck of Worlds, begins a battle that places Sierra directly in the middle. While the Shadowshapers fight these ancient powers, they must also confront the real-world issues of racial oppression that readers will recognize from current events. Sierra, an Afro-Latina teenager gives voice to views about both the real and the shadow worlds of Brooklyn that are written in believable urban, teen dialect. This book is both plot and character driven; it will be popular with readers of fantasy or urban YA, as well as those looking for a story about the power friendship and family. Before starting Shadowhouse Fall, readers may want to read two novellas, Ghost Girl in the Corner and Dead Light March, published between the first two books in the series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Older, Daniel Jose

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545952828

Price: 18.99

Hellwalkers

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

The last book in Smith’s “The Devil’s Engine” trilogy reads like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer written by Stephen King. The gates of hell are wide open and once again Marlow and Pan must make a final deal with the devil and fight their way out of hell to save the earth from the ancient evil of the devil’s engine. Descriptive images of demons and gore in this plot-driven, horror story will appeal to middle schoolers who want to read under the covers past their bedtime, too afraid to go to sleep. Readers of the series will find the ending of this trilogy very satisfying.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Alexander Gordon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374301743

Price: 18.99

Knightology: Being the True Account of the Most Valiant Knights, of their Great Chivalry and Wondrous Feats of Arms

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

The "'Ology" series is fantastic for readers who love to delve into a book. With sidebars, flaps, mini-books, illustrations, and a cover beset with "jewels," this 'Ology book about knights is no exception. The construct is that the publishers recieved a curious artifact, that of a chunk of stone in which was embedded the text of this book. Covering all things knight-related from Elizabethan times, the book will delight fans of this topic. Well-researched and covering much of the lore and legend of these chivalrous, brave, often doomed, heroes, readers will learn about the rules, training, armour, contests, feasts, and battles. Recommend for any collection that already has a readership for the series but be prepared to replace the book because with all of the flaps and glued binding, it will take a lot of abuse.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Steer, Dugald A.

Illustrator: Cuthbertson, Ollie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763698485

Price: 24.99

No More Bows

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

A determined young Milly puts one bow after another on Hugo, her dog, each one bigger and more attention grabbing than the next. The neighborhood dogs laugh at poor Hugo who in frustration, runs away. Soon, however, he misses his girl, sees a modest plaid bow in a pet store, and brings Milly back to see it. Compromise brings happiness for both girl and dog who enjoy walking through the neighborhood in rain boots and bow. Jaunty cartoon style digital illustrations with accents of red, yellow and green are reminiscent of Harry the Dirty Dog and suit the story's humorous mood.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cotterill, Samantha

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062408709

Price: 17.99

Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Silly School Mystery

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

Chico Bon Bon is back. Everywhere he looks at his school something is missing including books in the library, taco shells at lunch, and half a map from the classroom. Chew marks offer clues, and Chico discovers squirrels who have built a little school for themselves with all the stolen goods. With his tool belt and help from friends, he builds a new school for the lively squirrels. The humor comes in the understated comments and the detailed illustrations. Children who love looking closely to find things will be rewarded with lots to discover in each pencil, pen, and paint illustrations. This book can stand alone or enjoyed by children who know Chico from his earlier books beginning with Monkey with a Tool Belt.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Monroe, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda/Lerner

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512430103

Price: 17.99

Charlie on the M.T.A. Did He ever Return?

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This picture book has the lyrics of "The MTA", the Kingston Trio's #1 song on the popular charts for 118 week in 1959 and 1960. Watercolor and pen illustrations provide mid century scenes of Boston and add humor to the story of Charlie who is 5 cents short and cannot get off the Boston subway. The author is the daughter of Walter O'Brien, the activist who ran for mayor in Boston in 1949, and this song was his campaign song. The first three pages give the historical context to the song, and the back endpapers provide a detailed and illustrated timeline of Walter O'Brien's life including his birth in Portland in 1914 and his death in 1998 in Cundy's Harbor.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien-Merrill, Julia

Illustrator: Marquis, Caitlin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Commonwealth Editions/Applewood Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781938700422

Price: 15.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

A Cooked-Up Fairy Tale

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

This story has potential but it becomes confusing with too many references to fairy tales. William lives in the "magical world of fairy tales" and longs to be a chef but gingerbread boys run away, wolf stew is dangerous to make, and the three bears are too picky about the porridge's temperature. He decides to cook from home and at the market finds apples, beans, and pumpkin that need to be delivered to Fairy-Tale Headquarters. His cooking ends up pleasing Snow White, Jack and the Giant, and Cinderella and her prince, and he cooks "happily ever after." The colorful, cartoon illustrations match the snappy mood of the story. Less would be more.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Klostermann, Penny Parker

Illustrator: Mantle, Ben

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101932322

Price: 17.99

Echo After Echo

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

A romance story cloaked in a riveting mystery. Zara arrives in NYC to perform on stage in her favorite play but first there are some hurtles to jump. Will she stay in a theater where someone has just died and there are rumors of a ghost? Capetta tosses several story lines at the reader at once, cementing them together with beautifully lyrical prose. A lesbian relationship is given tender treatment as it whirls around demanding characters and old sexual behaviors. Early on readers will want to know if Zara and Eli can achieve their goals while being true to themselves. These characters are real living people, we share their fear, doubt and need to be accepted. The author has made this multi genre title come to life for high school students. Add to public library YA shelves and gift to high school drama enthusiast.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Capetta, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763691646

Price: 17.99

The Unbreakable Code

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

Book two in the Book Scavenger series doesn't quite have the same punch as book one, but it is still an entertaining story with likeable characters and puzzles to solve. It is a book that was written for middle grade readers and has the highest appeal to that age group; it really doesn't transcend due to predictability and the need for a high level of suspension of disbelief. In this book, Emily and James are sure that their history teacher Mr. Quisling is up to something. Snooping around, they learn about the intriguing Unbreakable Code, a cipher that hasn't been solved in over a hundred years and could lead to buried treasure. Both kids have a reason for wanting the loot for their family. The villain in the story is Phoenix, a shadowy figure who likes hiding books and setting fires. Amid common things like organizing a middle school dance and worrying about family finances, Emily and James do manage to crack the heretofore unbreakable cipher. The illustrations are not very clear and don't do much to enhance the story. Here's hoping that the third book in the series (out May 2018) finds its way back to puzzle-solving and a cheerful and engaged Mr. Griswold (he is a bit player throughout this story).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bertman, Jennifer Chambliss

Illustrator: Watts, Sarah

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791168

Price: 16.99

The Too-Scary Story

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2018

Review

This picture book story has a winning combination of popular child appeal and strong characterization, setting, and plot using just a few words per page. A father tells his daughter and son a bedtime story as his daughter holds her wand to fend off scary things. The little brother feel less protected and repeatedly asks his dad to not make the story too scary. Dad's story creates just enough suspense to satisfy preschoolers' love of scary things and just enough fireflies to light up the dark corners. Humorous cartoon style sketches (created with pencil, watercolor,gouache, and tissue collage) in night shades with orange and red touches balance the scary and fun moods.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Murguia, Bethanie Deeney

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545732420

Price: 16.99

Sail, Away Dragon

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2018

Review

This is the third story about a little girl and her forevermore friend dragon. With a nod towards earlier classic fantasy writers including Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussycat", this new pair sails away "for a year and a day" in search for the far-est Far Away. The soothing poetic, repetitive text is just right for bedtime. Shades of grays, greens, and blues pull the listener into the fantasy world complete with both Bad Hats Viking warriors, an owl strumming tunes to the man in the moon, and goodie gumdrops. Without a princess dressed in pink or a scary looking dragon, this book may need an adult to read it aloud before the young listeners realize that they will want to hear this adventure about two best friends again and again.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Joosse, Barbara

Illustrator: Cecil, Randy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673130

Price: 15.99

Mighty Truck: Muddymania!

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 14, 2018

Review

Even his best truck friend Bruno, does not realize that he Clarence is really Mighty Truck. However, just like Superman, Clarence needs time to get clean and change into his super hero garb. Can he change in time to rescue the crowd from the out-of-control sleeping Flo, a big truck, who is wildly going towards them and also keep his identity a secret? Of course! With illustrations created by the artist who illustrated the Notebook of Doom series and by the author who has given us Shark vs. Train, this hyper action tale filled with trucks, friendship, mud, color, and exclamation points will bring a smile to young truck lovers. This reviewer is guessing that there will be further adventures of Mighty Truck.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Cummings, Troy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062344793

Price: 17.99

All the Way to Havana

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Engle uses uncomplicated, slightly poetic language to tell the story of a young boy and his family making a trip across their homeland of Cuba to see a brand-new baby cousin. All the Way to Havana focuses on the cars of the island--their noises and appearances and the relationship that they create between the people of the island. The illustrations by Mike Curato are the standout aspect of this book. Pleasantly realistic and full of soft, pastel colors, Curato's illustration recall real life images of the island in an engaging and accessible way. A recommended purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Curato, Mike

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Godwin Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627796422

Price: 17.99

Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

This retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears cleverly finds a new angle. Prince chooses a pirate ship and has Goldenlocks fix or improve all of the things she tries--the gruel, the chair, and the hammock. In the end, Goldenlocks is invited to join the crew. Though the "pirate lingo" can occasionally feel overplayed, the fun energy and bright, dynamic illustrations will hold a reader's attention anyway. Older readers and teachers will find a great adaptation for a fairy tell retelling unit, while younger readers will simply enjoy the fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Prince, April Jones

Illustrator: Salerno, Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780347300746

Price: 16.99

What This Story Needs Is a Bang and a Clang

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Another entry into Virján's A Pig in a Wig series. Pig is putting together a stage and a band. The band is interrupted when a mouse joins, but manages to come back together for the performance. The majority of the book is structured following the "what this story needs" prompt from the title and filling in various sounds relating to the instruments that are being added to the band. The strange combination of sounds and letters ("ping", "tootle", "brup", and "tish" all make appearances) may frustrate some readers who feel as though they should be able to read this book with only a few words per page, while readers who are at that level may be looking for books with more words and story. However, sweet and simple illustrations and a catchy rhythm makes this book appealing to some. Recommended as an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Virján, Emma J.

Illustrator: Virján, Emma J.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062415301

Price: 9.99

Welcome to Super Hero High!

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Welcome to Super Hero High is the first book in a series of early readers created based on the tv cartoon DC SuperHero Girls, which is based on DC's cast of comic book heroes, focusing primarily on their female heroes and villains. The illustrations in the book are largely based on the style and images in the tv show and are, therefore, one of the best things in the book. The text is quite simplistic and runs through an introduction to the school. Readers who are unfamiliar with the series may not glean the same excitement. Overall, this title is great for reluctant readers who already have a love for the series or the characters. It is not recommended as a purchase for a school or public library collection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Carbone, Courtney

Illustrator: Brizuela, Dario

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524766115

Price: 4.99

How Not to Run for Class President

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Hapka and Titlebaum have paired up to write the story of brothers Will and Steve. Will is a third grader, and Steve is a kindergartner. Throughout the story, Will is unlike-ably fed up with the presence of his little brother. Many readers may be turned off by the venomous way that Will dismisses Steve. Never phased, Steve decides that his brother should run for class president. He pulls increasingly wild stunts and makes crazy promises on Will's behalf. In the end, Will says that he will not follow through with Steve's campaign promises and ultimately loses the election to his relief. It seemed as though there were some good messages and storytelling buried underneath, but unlikable characters and unfocused plotlines did a serious disservice to the book. Palen's illustrations were a bright spot--funny and a little zany.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hapka / Titlebaum, Cathy / Ellen

Illustrator: Palen, Debbie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933626

Price: 3.99

Deadliest! Twenty Dangerous Animals

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Steven Jenkins returns with a series of books aimed at young readers. Despite having Jenkins' signature vivid illustrations and many interesting facts, this book is not recommended. Readers are designed to have specific features to meet the needs and support the learning of those just beginning to read. Deadliest! reads like a book that was simply shrunk down to fit a reader size. The text is small, and the language is difficult. Highlighted words in reader books often lead to a glossary or special definition. Though there is a glossary, Jenkins seems to choose some words at near random instead of meaningfully supporting the text. The features are not well laid out for a book of this dimension. Overall, Deadliest feels like an attempt to shoehorn a technique that worked with full sized books into a new market.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328841704

Price: 5.99

The Unbreakable Code

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

Book two in the Book Scavenger series doesn't quite have the same punch as book one, but it is still an entertaining story with likeable characters and puzzles to solve. It is a book that was written for middle grade readers and has the highest appeal to that age group; it really doesn't transcend due to predictability and the need for a high level of suspension of disbelief. In this book, Emily and James are sure that their history teacher Mr. Quisling is up to something. Snooping around, they learn about the intriguing Unbreakable Code, a cipher that hasn't been solved in over a hundred years and could lead to buried treasure. Both kids have a reason for wanting the loot for their family. The villain in the story is Phoenix, a shadowy figure who likes hiding books and setting fires. Amid common things like organizing a middle school dance and worrying about family finances, Emily and James do manage to crack the heretofore unbreakable cipher. The illustrations are not very clear and don't do much to enhance the story. Here's hoping that the third book in the series (out May 2018) finds its way back to puzzle-solving and a cheerful and engaged Mr. Griswold (he is a bit player throughout this story).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bertman, Jennifer Chambliss

Illustrator: Watts, Sarah

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791168

Price: 16.99

The Berenstain Bears' Big Machines

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

The Berenstain Bears' Big Machines is a good choice for early reader collections. Simple sentences with many familiar site words build confidence for young readers, and great picture support paired with familiar characters and, as promised, plenty of big machines will make this a winner for very early readers. Mike Berenstain carries on his parents' legacy with skill.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Berenstain, Mike

Illustrator: Berenstain, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062350398

Price: 16.00

Keeper of Myths

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

In this fantasy the author blends modern day characters with a mythical world. It is the second in the series, "Secrets of Valhalla," though this is not listed on this edition. The first chapter refers to a quest for the Runes of Valhalla. Buzz, Mary, and Theo had traveled to the underworld to free the Norse gods and save the world. Now, their friend, Sam, is having strange experiences and Buzz and Mary are off on dangerous adventure. They must find the Keeper of the Myths in order to save Sam and the world. Since I did not read the first in the series, I found it difficult to be engaged in the story. I wish I had looked more closely on the front flap of the book to read that Buzz and Mary were teaming up again. There is a lot of action and the characters are well drawn, but I would recommend that readers find the first in the series before choosing this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Richards, Jasmine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062010117

Price: 16.99

Victoria: Portrait of a Queen

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Victoria: Portrait of a Queen is an excellent biography for teens and adults. Victoria began her reign at eighteen years old. At twenty she married her German cousin, Albert, who was also twenty. They had nine children. Her reign lasted over sixty years during a time of great changes in Great Britain. The numerous photographs and illustrations bring her story and the time period to life. The beautiful design of the book complements the well written text. The author used primary sources such as diary entries, newspaper articles, and letters. Included is a list of the kings and queens of England and Great Britain, Victoria's family tree, notes, extensive bibliography, picture credits, captions, and thorough index. I highly recommend this fascinating account of Victoria and the complex period of British history that she helped shape.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reef, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544716148

Price: 18.99

The Losers Club

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 16, 2018

Review

With its bright cover complete with a flying kickball, and its seemingly humorous title, this book will catch the eye of many upper elementary school readers. However, those who stick with it will probably be those who truly love to read. Alec is actually a kid who gets in trouble a lot, but not for the usual things like causing disruptions and being unkind. He gets in trouble for reading too much or, at least, when it's not preferred, like in the middle of class or chorus. Alec has started off 6th grade in the principal's office getting read the riot act about not continuing to be distracted by the books that he loves so much. He is given the ultimatum of paying attention in class and NOT reading all the time or attending summer school for 6 weeks! Because Alec does not want to crush his summer vacation by sitting in school, and because he has now started attending an after school program at his school, Alec devises a way that he can read on his own terms. For three straight hours! And not get in trouble! He creates the Losers Club, so named to dissuade other kids from joining. His plan doesn't go exactly as he thinks - does it ever? - And Alec ends up learning some good life lessons. With themes of bullying, first crush, and friendship, this is a gentle coming of age story wrapped in the question, "What would your favorite book hero do in this situation?" Clements nails the social dynamics often occuring in this age group, but his hero is a little wise beyond his years and quite measured for a 6th grader. Maybe it's all the reading that he does...

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clements, Andrew

Illustrator: Park, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399557552

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

The Dragon's Price

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 19, 2018

Review

"The Dragon's Price" is the first in a trilogy entitled: The Transference Series. It's filled with dragons, adventure, romance, and mystery. The Kingdom of Faodara and the Kingdon of the Antharians have been fighting for many years. In the past, a dragon was used to keep the peace, but when he became out of control, he was exiled with a spell to a cave deep in the mountains. Since then, a Faodarian Princess, (in this case, Sorrowlynn,) is required to either marry an Antharian Prince, remain in her own kingdom, or surrender herself to the deadly Dragon. Faodara chooses to surrender to the dragon as she does not wish to remain at home or marrry an enemy barbarian prince. However, as she goes into the cave to battle the mighty beast, Golmarr,the kindest of the Anthurian Princes, follows her into the cave to help her survive the dragon. There ensues the battle against the dragon, a budding romance between Faodara and Golmarr, and discovery of the dragon's treasure which Faodara inherits upon slaying the mighty beast.

This book would appeal to both boys and girls, with it's many detailed and descriptive battle scenes and romance. I would give this book an excellent rating. Bethany Wiggins is also the author of "Stung," "Cured," and "Shifting."

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wiggins, Bethany

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance,folklore

Audience: grades 10-12,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399549816

Price: 17.99

The Losers Club

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 16, 2018

Review

With its bright cover complete with a flying kickball, and its seemingly humorous title, this book will catch the eye of many upper elementary school readers. However, those who stick with it will probably be those who truly love to read. Alec is actually a kid who gets in trouble a lot, but not for the usual things like causing disruptions and being unkind. He gets in trouble for reading too much or, at least, when it's not preferred, like in the middle of class or chorus. Alec has started off 6th grade in the principal's office getting read the riot act about not continuing to be distracted by the books that he loves so much. He is given the ultimatum of paying attention in class and NOT reading all the time or attending summer school for 6 weeks! Because Alec does not want to crush his summer vacation by sitting in school, and because he has now started attending an after school program at his school, Alec devises a way that he can read on his own terms. For three straight hours! And not get in trouble! He creates the Losers Club, so named to dissuade other kids from joining. His plan doesn't go exactly as he thinks - does it ever? - And Alec ends up learning some good life lessons. With themes of bullying, first crush, and friendship, this is a gentle coming of age story wrapped in the question, "What would your favorite book hero do in this situation?" Clements nails the social dynamics often occuring in this age group, but his hero is a little wise beyond his years and quite measured for a 6th grader. Maybe it's all the reading that he does...

Overall Book Score: good

---

About the Book

Author:

Clements, Andrew

Illustrator: Park, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399557552

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Noodleheads See the Future

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 19, 2018

Review

Tedd Arnold, author of Fly Guy, teams up with Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss to bring the antics of the Noodleheads to young readers. Using stories about "noodles" or "noodleheads" from an 1888 publication by W.A. Clouston titled The Book of Noodles, Arnold, Hamilton, and Weiss breath new life into these old tales of fools. Mac and Mac are brothers who, having nothing in their heads but air, take everything at face value. This leads to confusion and frustration, especially for those with whom they cross paths, but the reader will giggle at the absurdity and lack of logic of these macaroni brothers. The book includes three episodes in which Mac and Mac misunderstand the way that the concept of "seeing the future" works all while trying to earn a cake from their mother. The illustrations are large and clear and the text is simple. These are not the brightest pieces of pasta in the box, but they have big hearts and, in the end, they do earn that cake.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hamilton, Martha

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436736

Price: 15.95

The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 19, 2018

Review

Accompanied by stunning black & white photographs by Thai Neave, Alexander weaves his personal narrative of the power of sport in his life with wisdom from phenomenal coaches, athletes, and activists. The book centers around the concept of giving your best and never giving up. Much like a game, the book starts with a Warm-Up (a story from Alexander's life) and moves into the four quarters of the game, with a pause for half-time and, of course, like a truly exciting game of well-matched competitors, ends with Overtime. Each quarter features a personal story from a well-known athlete (Wilma Rudolph, LeBron James, Pele, the Williams sisters) as well as a heading: Grit, Motivation, Passion, Teamwork, and Tenacity. This book can be appreciated by many types of reader, but it will particularly resonate with readers across the ages who have played and loved sport. It is a beautiful companion to Alexander's other books The Crossover, Booked, and Rebound. There are many books that offer inspiration and quotations, but the organization of this book along with the personal narratives and obvious sincerity and passion of the author make this one stand out.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Kwame

Illustrator: Neave, Thai

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544570979

Price: 14.99

Mathmetician and Computer Scientist: Grace Hopper

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Grace Hopper was one of those children that wanted to know how things worked. From a young age, she took things apart- especially alarm clocks! Luckily her parents recognized her curiosity,encouraged it and allowed her to follow a study of science and math. She ultimately became the one who taught computers to"speak English. she was the one who coined the phrase"computer bug." Ms. Pellestri introduces the reader to Grace. this volume gives the basics of Grace Hopper and the important place she holds in the field of computer science and the role women played in this field. The book is complimented with photos, time line, glossary and further information. Pair this with Lauri Wallmark's GraceHopper: Queen of Computer Code.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pellestri, Andrea

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512407853

Price: 8.99

Life on Surtsey:Iceland's Upstart Island

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Scientists in the Field has added another excellent volume to its collection with Life on Surtsey. At first glance it doesn't grab the reader as would the volume on sharks or octopuses, but once you have picked it up, you won't be able to put it down.In November of 1963 a volcano off the coast of Iceland, which sits on top of an underground mountain range exploded and by the next day a new island had formed. Scientists named it for the Icelandic god of fire- Surtur. This newly formed island has given scientists the rare chance to study the when,from where, how, and in what order does life invade an island devoid of life. Loree Griffin Burns,through text and photos takes the reader along as the scientists take this unique opportunity in the study of an island from its formation. Beautifulluy rendered it is another winner in the Scientists in the Field series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burns, Loree Griffin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544687233

Price: 18.99

Goldie Blox and the Three Dares

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Goldie Blox is a chapter book based on the game of the same name. Goldie and her friends make up the Gearheads, a group of kids who use science and technology to calculate, engineer, construct, and test inventions. In this novel, Goldie finds the diary left by her late grandmother who wanted to accomplish all 100 dares by her 77th birthday, a date that is only 3 days away. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Goldie and her friends succeed at the dares just in time. It is refreshing to see a book many female characters interested in STEM subjects. Besides the titular Goldie, two of the other three Gearheads are girls. The Goldie Blox series also pursues diversity with the Gearheads being composed of Goldie, a white, blonde girl; Li, an unspecific Asian boy; Val, a Latina girl; and Ruby, a black girl. The concept and design of the book are both excellent, however the writing and characterization of the stories feels stilted. Goldie isn't particularly likable, as she often goes too far in the pursuit of her inventions and has underwhelming consequences. Additionally, Goldie's inventions are beyond the scope of readers and glossed over in a way that makes them feel more like magic than science. Turn to Ellie Engineer for a better STEM themed chapter book starring girls.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399556364

Price: 6.99

Like Water

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Savannah Espinoza had grand plans to swim for a college team and leave her small New Mexico town, but after her father is diagnosed with Huntington's Disease her plans grind to a halt. Secretly fearing that she, too, inherited the disease, Savannah (Vanni) spends the summer after her graduation working in her family's restaurant and hooking up with boys. When she meets Leigh Clemente, a white girl from Boston, things begin to change for Vanni. Leigh wants nothing more to leave New Mexico and head back to Boston, and Vanni and Leigh share the feeling of being stuck. An unsteady relationship begins between the two, and Vanni is forced to make a hard choice between staying with her family and pursuing a life of her own.

Podos thoughtfully and authentically explores Vanni's self-discovery and bisexuality. Un-itilaicized Spanish is woven into the dialogue, bringing life to Vanni's interactions with others. An excellent addition to contemporary romance collections, recommended for grades 9 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Podos, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062373373

Price: 17.99

Little Monsters

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Kacey Young is new in town, and is the main suspect in her friend's mysterious disappearance. Kacey ran away from home to escape a volatile relationship with her mother, and now lives with a father she had previously never met, a step-mother, and two half-siblings. Bailey and Jade are Kacey's new best friends, and on the outside they seem inseparable. One night they attempt to hold a seance in a presumably haunted barn, and Lauren (Kacey's younger sister) tags along. Something happens inside the barn that traumatizes Lauren, and Bailey disappears soon afterwards. Determined to find out what happened to Bailey, and wondering if their seance was the cause of these strange events, Kacey becomes the prime suspect in the case as she discovers clues to Bailey's disappearance. As Kacey uncovers the lies Bailey told before she went missing, she begins to question the validity of their friendship.

Too many Red Herrings in this book ultimately leave the twist underwhelming. The author seemed so intent on creating a shocking ending that the ending comes together hastily and ineffectually. The result is an unbelievable tale that will leave readers more frustrated than satisfied.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Thomas, Kara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521498

Price: 17.99

The Great American Foot Race: Ballyhoo for the Bunion Derby

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

An historical account of a footrace across America from California to New York in 1928. 199 men started out from Los Angeles (women were not allowed) - only 55 finished the race. This is a detailed account of how the race went - the poor conditions the runners had, medical issues, car accidents, discrimination against the black runners and a look at the organizers. C.C. Pyle (a P.T.Barnum wannabe in the realm of sports) was the man behind the race - but he offered more than he could actually come though with. The actual name of the race was so long (C.C.Pyle's First Annual International Transcontinental Foot Race) that the press came to call it The Bunion Derby. The 1920's were a time when many were attempting feats to challenge the human body and spirit - dance marathons, challenging the English Channel in a swim, flying across the Atlantic and more. This atmosphere made the race possible - additionally across the country many states were trying to promote the new highway system that was in its infancy (Route 66). The story is interesting but the book would need to be hand sold to readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Speno, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek/Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629796024

Price: 17.95

Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

This is an interesting book about the use of design in painting English merchant and war ships (some American ships were painted) in order to confuse the German U-boats that were frequently torpedoing vessels. It was a creative way to look at the challenge - but it has never been proven that it worked. The story is a fascinating look at a little known aspect of the war. The illustrations are "dazzling" (and include a possible seek and find game as a reader looks for the small seal included on each painting.) Who is this book for? It is a picture book format - but not for the picture book set. World War I is often forgotten by readers. It is a book that would need to be placed in readers' hands - and finding the right reader might be difficult.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Ngai, Victo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512410143

Price: 19.99

Love, Triangle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 27, 2018

Review

Circle and Square's friendship is challenged when Triangle starts doing things with them. Their routine at lunch, the library and partnering for school science projects are changed by Triangle's presence and interests. Circle and Square become competitive and at odds. Triangle confronts them and they are able to move to a trio. This simple story line is embellished with multiple eye-rolling geometric puns and Shea's diagram-type artwork adds whimsy and character. A fun way to introduce some geometric concepts to a younger group that can also provide discussion material for social situations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Colleen, Marcie

Illustrator: Shea, Bob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062410849

Price: 17.99

Fall Friends

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 29, 2018

Review

Tiny, polka, dot, city dwelling Eliot Elephant and his mouse friend decide the city is too dirty, too loud, and too busy. They decide to go on a vacation to the country where they seem to enjoy everything. They get separated when they decide to play hide and seek in a corn field, and reunited when elephants smells the pie mouse made to entice him back. When he finds the pie, he finds the barnyard friends mouse has made. The painterly illustrations are lovely, and truly give the feel of the big city and the beauty of the country in fall. The story, while a nice one of friendship, seems slight and feels like it ends abruptly. Nevertheless, the sweet little elephant will attract young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Curato, Mike

Illustrator: Curato, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627796408

Price: 17.99

Here We Are Now

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 30, 2018

Review

Sixteen-year-old Taliah has spent the last three years writing notes to music rock-star Julian Oliver, introducing herself as his daughter. She has not received any response in that time, and now he is standing on her front porch asking her to come with him to visit her dying grandfather whom she has never met. Over the period of five days, Taliah is introduced to the people and the emotional baggage of her father, extended family, and the persistent and intriguing boy next door. During this time of self-discovery about music, friendships, forgiveness and new beginnings, the backstory of Taliah's Arab Muslim mother and absent music rocker father are interspersed. Warga expertly provides readers one perspective on the Arab Muslim immigrant experience through Taliah's mother story line. The parallel story lines provide different time period settings around the same themes of romance, being true-to-self and life consequences. Recommend for teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Warga, Jasmine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062324702

Price: 17.99

The Only Fish in the Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 2, 2018

Review

This story starts immediately on the first page with a prologue telling about Little Amy Scott getting a goldfish for her birthday. She announces very loudly that "Goldfish are boring" and marches to the town dock where she throws the goldfish into the water, plastic bag and all. The title page comes next, then the adventure begins. Sadie and Sherman, accompanied by a troop of zany monkeys sets off to find Ellsworth, the goldfish. Sadie knows right where to go to find him and brings him back to live happily ever after in the town water fountain. Illustrations, reminiscent of Quentin Blake, are funny. Monkeys and bananas abound. Facial expressions add a lot to the humor. This would be fun to read one on one so the hilarity of the illustrations can be carefully studied.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722828

Price: 17.99

I can Run

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2018

Review

Clear, full page photographs clearly show a squirrel doing all kinds of things a squirrel would typically do during the day including running, sitting, hopping, and eating. At one point, a hungry hawk is threatening the squirrel, who then shows how well they can hide. The picture of the squirrel peeking out of the tree is particularly cute. Each photograph is accompanied by a white page with a simple three word "I can" statement telling what the squirrel is doing in the photo. Young children love looking at animals. They also get excited when they begin to be able to read. This book will allow the very beginning reader to read it and enjoy the very active photos as well. A good choice for those beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Head, Murray

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823438310

Price: 13.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

The Silver Mask

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 8, 2018

Review

This is the fourth installment in the dark fantasy collaborative series by Black and Claire. This is not a stand-alone title due to the dual identity of the main character that underlies the story's action and the various character's motives. Callum is in prison and is broken out by a surprising cast of characters who each have different plans for extorting his power and his destiny. New relationships blossom in the Magisterium students group and Aaron is tragically brought back from the dead with devastating results. All the action takes place outside of the school. Fans of the series will want this installment, as it answers some question about Callum's relationships and extends the action of the student group into the future with another cliff-hanger ending. Suggest the series to readers looking for magic in a school setting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

Illustrator: Fischer, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545522366

Price: 17.99

Unschooled

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

George and Lilly are different in many ways but are best of friends. In alternating chapters, they describe their school day experience when their fifth grade class is challenged during Spirit Week. The principal has decided to encourage school spirit by splitting the fifth grade class into teams. George and Lilly's hopes of being on the same team are dashed. As team leaders for the opposing groups, the best friends are challenged to figure out where their true loyalties lie. The ever-increasing seriousness of the pranks and outlandish rumors about what the prize will be propels the two teams to break school rules and sometimes endanger their team mates. Although the dilemma presented in the story line provides examples to younger readers about consequences and may be read as humorous, the pranks and the adult character's reactions to the situation seem over-the-top and slightly disturbing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Woodrow, Allan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338116885

Price: 16.99

I Never

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

Starting her junior year of high school with her parent's splitting up was a distraction that Janey wasn't expecting. Track team, debate team and good grades have always been her focus. Then on top of that, Luke Hallstrom, senior track hunk, has started to notice her. In this deliciously steamy, play-by-play of first love and the sexual experience, Janey and Luke work through their relationship with the help of Janey's close friends including a shopping trip for condoms. Comparable to Judy Blume's Forever for today's teens. A sweet and sexy romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hopper, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328663788

Price: 17.99

Lost Boys

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

It is 1982 during the Iran/Iraq war and twelve-year-old Iranian Reza has lost his father from war and now his uncle, the only one family member who supports his musical talent, has been arrested and killed for being part of the resistance. His mother, in the strict Muslim tradition of the Ayatollah, has forbidden any music except religious music and daily tells him how proud she will be when he dies as a martyr in the war. When a recruiter for the war comes to Reza and his best friend Ebi's school, they both sign up for different reasons. Taken to a camp to be trained, they are considered disposable and their company of young boys is marched out before the soldiers with guns to detonate the mines. After recuperating from his injuries, Reza is relocated to the "best"of the POW camps for children. His obsessions with locating his best friend and his love of music are discovered and secretly supported by an aid worker. Reza's first person narrative provides simple and clear perspective of the possible questions that individuals may have faced during that time. Although this is a fiction work, as noted by the author, the historical setting will provide younger readers a springboard to research more. Suggest this to the older reader due to strong language and war content. This title has been chosen for the Maine Student Book award list for 2018 6-8th grade readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenblatt, Darcey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627797580

Price: 16.99

Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2018

Review

In this second installment of the series, Birdie, an elementary student who is a lover of crafts, is in her Crafty Cat day-dream packing her box for a day at Monster Craft Camp. As she walks out her front door she becomes Birdie and her friend Evan meets her, after using her bathroom, to walk to school. It is Saturday, which is only stated in the summary on the back book cover, and the school bully Anya is at the camp to repeatedly squash Birdie/Crafty Cat's excitement of each craft activity. Birdie uses her Crafty Cat persona to work out her emotions and spin disappointments in a positive light. A commentary narrator's voice appears in colored text boxes as transitions for Birdie's decisions and explanation steps in some of the crafts. Although the art is in a stagnate cartoon line drawing form with round heads and bubble eyes in pale flat colors, the dialog, action marks and narrator comments gives an overall sense of frantic to the story line. Seven Monster crafts that are done during the camp are explained in detail in the back. A majority of those suggest copying the template to a larger picture, for example 200% which might stop some crafty cat readers from trying to make their own versions. Note to Publisher: on page 88 the word filed should be filled.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: :01 First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626724853

Price: 13.99

Dear Martin

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 19, 2018

Review

Readers of The Hate U Give will appreciate this take on issues of race in modern America. Prep school student, Justyce, gets caught up in an incident where he is racially profiled by police. Jus grapples with prejudice, classmates, and love while also writing in a journal to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr as a means of examining his race, his life, and his experiences. Classroom discussions in a history class drive much of the plot and allow Stone to share a variety of views related to race, affirmative action, and more.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Nic

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 1101939494

Price: 17.99

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daugther

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 19, 2018

Review

The daughter of two undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Julia is determined to solve the mysterious circumstances of her older sister's accidental death. Meanwhile, she feels like she's always being compared to her perfect, dead sister, and she makes some mistakes in the eyes of her strict parents. Readers should be prepared for mature content, including sex, suicidal ideation, attempts at suicide, extramarital affairs, and more.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sanchez, Erika L.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 1524700487

Price: 17.99

Carnival in a FIx

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2018

Review

Emily is an extraterrestrial girl living an outer space amusement park. Emily dreams of one day becoming a repairwoman for the park. But first she must help the solve the mystery of what is happening at the park on the day they get a surprise inspection. Everything is malfunctioning threatening to put the parks future in question. This is a good choice for the emergent reader, it's full of humor and action with lots of illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reeve, Philip

Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385388009

Price: 12.99

Brave Red, Smart Frog - A New Book of Old Tales

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2018

Review

In this sparsely illustrated, retelling of seven well know fairy tales the author has all the tales take place in the same frozen forest. As the reader moves thru the forest they also move from one tale to another. The tales are written with humor and keeping relatively close to the original telling of the tale. A fun read that kids and adults will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Eason, Rohan Daniel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665586

Price: 17.99

Ordinary mishaps and inevitable catastropies

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 25, 2018

Review

Abbie Wu seems to always be in crisis mode. In this second adventure Abbie has a plan - well she thought she had a plan. Her plan was to have her own locker this year, her plan was to be successful at her endevors this year, her plan was to have a fun year. But to Abbie it just seemed like the system was against her. How was she to know that lockers are assigned alphabetically by last name, and that they would run out before getting to Wu! Or that her science project that worked great on all the trial runs would fail on the most important day. This is a well illustrated fun read on surviving middle school and all it's trials and tribulations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vivat, Booki

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: harpercollinschildrens

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062398819

Price: 12.99

Who Killed Darius

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 26, 2018

Review

A great starter book to hook mystery lovers. Philbrook writes really well for middles schools. Who killed Darius Drake is a blood-written note to Darius Blake himself. Darius is an orphan who is a brainiac. He hires the school bully to help him uncover the mystery with candy bars. Oh, he finds out he has inherited a creepy mansion. That his grandfather just got out of prison. That there is a multi-million dollar missing diamond necklace... This would be a fun book to use in a book group at school (grade 5/6) to discover this genre and to make predictions.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Philbrick, Rodman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: the blue sky press/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545789783

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Princess Truly in I am Truly

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 27, 2018

Review

Second of a new series about a confident and charming girl named Truly, this book will be a strong contender for all young girls. For those who were introduced in "Princess Truly in My Magical, Sparkling Curls" this sequel does indeed sparkle. While dressed in a purple tutu Princess Truly shares her varied skills making the case that she is indeed fabulous. The colors in both background and focal points were well selected to add action and movement. Large areas of white beside dark areas provide the perfect blend and accent.

If only every young girl could feel so sure of herself and exhibit confidence; gifting this title to your favorite little girl is highly recommended. Teachers in K- grade 2 classrooms will want this within their book collection and public librarians should add to their picture book shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenawalt, Kelly

Illustrator: Rauscher, Amariah

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338167207

Price: 16.99

Sleep Little Pup

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2018

Review

Sleep descends upon an adorable puppy only after an adventure and Mom's last kiss and tuck. With the moon as his accomplice Little Pup explores his neighborhood visiting all the creatures who inhabit the area. When told to go to bed by the badger our sweet puppy returns to his basket in search of sleep. It is the magic of a mother's love and a new soft blanket that do the trick.

Pre-school age children will enjoy both the story line and colorful illustrations. Early readers may be challenged by some words and might identify with a tired puppy who cannot sleep. The font is large and clearly printed even when the background is fairly dark. Recommended for library collections and families with toddlers and dogs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parry, Jo

Illustrator: Parry, Jo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Quarto Library (Quarto Publisher Group)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978682971833

Price: 17

The Good Fight The Feuds of the Founding Fathers and How They Shaped the Nation

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2018

Review

Its colorful and humorous book jacket is eye catching and displays two of our founding fathers arguing with one another which is the subject of this small-sized book. The jacket is a first glimpse of The Good Fight, which offers a good and an informal look at four of those founding fathers , Adams, Franklin, Jefferson and Hamilton in four stories that highlight each. The one hundred and eighteen pages have clever, cartoon like pen and ink drawings throughout , generous sized easy-to-read type, and a casual writing style, as in describing Benjamin Franklin as "America's favorite can-do guy". The stories are not new ones although who knew that Thomas Jefferson loved to shop or remembers that George Washington was first an English subject since he was born in Virginia when it was still an English colony? Notes and sources including online resources and a selected bibliography are appended. Lively and informative reading, the book is recommended to public and school libraries, to teachers of the American revolution, and to nine to twelve year old students especially interested in early United States history.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Quirk, Anne

Illustrator: Baddeley, Elizabeth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524700355

Price: 16.99

Waiting for Pumpsie

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2018

Review

This is a first picture book by an author who was eight years old when he heard the name Pumpsie Green. An eye catching jacket cover created by the book's illustrator shows a small black boy smiling as he looks out at Fenway Park during a game. The colorful illustrations are done in acrylic paint with touches of colored pencil. The boy tells the true story of the Red Sox having been the last major baseball team to hire black baseball players and of the excitement and pride the boy feels when Pumpsie Green, the first black Red Sox player, plays at Fenway Park. This is a timely book as well as historical. A racial incident is described that happens at Fenway Park in 1959 when the boy, his younger sister, and his parents are shouted at and insulted by two white men sitting behind the family. A policeman appears and scolds the family, not the two men. That kind of incident continues to occur, all too often, and not just at Fenway Park, in 2018. The jacket alone will cause youngsters' hands, boys' especially, to reach for this book. Both an author's note and sources are appended as well as a suggestion that readers can find a list of the first black players on each major -league team by searching online. Readers may wish to know more about Pumpsie's unusual name but overall, the book is recommended to all young baseball fans of about eight years up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wittenstein, Barry

Illustrator: Ladd, London

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580895453

Price: 16.99

Bear's Merry Book of Hidden Things

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 28, 2018

Review

A Christmas book that is intended to amuse youngsters is very family friendly. Children and adults may pour over the many full page spreads searching for specific items as they help Bear prepare for a holiday party. Some of the hidden objects are easy to find and others are very challenging. This is a good book to give to families who are new to American cultural holiday celebrations.

The bright colors are not only attractive but they help make the search difficult. The eye bounces all over the page in this hide and seek game. Some pages, particularly the boots and mittens are slightly overstimulating. This is a gift book and may be considered in libraries where Where Waldo is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dudas, Gergely

Illustrator: Dudas, Gerely

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006250789

Price: 14.99

The Pickwick's Picnic: A Counting Adventure

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 29, 2018

Review

A tale of heavy traffic and road/bridge work that rings true to summer travelers and beach goers. Children who recognize the situation will be amused by the creative Pickwick picnic. Certainly Pip and Peach know how to make lemonade out of lemons. Dog lovers are bound to purchase this book. Transportation hounds might just have to have this picture book because of the scooters, vans, jeeps, hatchbacks, bikes and trucks. Favorite vehicles will be the ritzy limos and revving racers. The positive attitude, community interaction and general enthusiasm make this a splendid behavioral model.

We cannot ignore the fact that this is a concept book, the numbers 1 – 10 have rarely had such fun. The cartoon style illustrations are delightful and appealing in color and design. Public librarians will want to add this to their collection and K teachers would be pleased to be gifted with The Pickwick’s Picnic: a Counting Adventure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brendler, Carol

Illustrator: Kurilla, Renee

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544839588

Price: 16.99

Haunt Me

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 30, 2018

Review

This book would be good for people who like love stories, and problem-solving, and are mature.The problem with this book for immature readers is that it glamorizes death. Joe falls in love, can do almost anything but leave his room. Erin's family moves to a new town to help her move away from her troubles. The summer before she started 7th grade was hit by a car. She started being afraid, then the fears grew and kids started making fun of her. The problem grew to the point to kids were telling her she should just kill herself and make the world a better place. Her new home is on the ocean, and her room comes with a ghost of a boy who would have been in her grade. They can see each other and sometimes touch. She meets Joe's living brother and starts to like him. BUT did he kill his brother?

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kessler, Liz

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763691622

Price: 17.99

14 Hollow Road

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 2, 2018

Review

This book is recommended for every middle school library. The writing style is simple. The story can be applied in a few different categories. The premise of the story is true. A small town, Sturbridge, in Mass., was hit by a tornado. The main character was at her sixth-grade graduation dance to middle-school dance when the storm hit. Her road had much destruction. Maddie and Kiersten are best friends and have discovered BOYS ARE CUTE. Kiersten has a new neighbor, Gabby, that is starting to replace Maddie (in Maddie's mind). Maddie is forced to move into a neighbor's home with her parents, a little brother, the boy who used to live next door, Avery, and his parents. Avery who is starting to make Maddie sweat when he is too close. Avery who asks Gabby to dance and NOT Maddie. The thoughts that race through Maddie's mind... will you die if you don't poop all summer? What if Avery goes into the bathroom after she's been. There is a lost pet, first periods, stealing out of jealousy, all the trauma of being a middle schooler.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bishop, Jenn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi/ Alfred A Knopf/ Random House Children,s Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101938751

Price: 16.99

Pig Has a Plan

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

In this beginning reader book the child reads what the different barnyard animals want to do that day, all of which are disturbing pig from taking his nap. The repetition of words is great for the beginning reader, though I'm not too sure they'll get the ending. The art work is very basic, not that impressive.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823438808

Price: 3.99

I See a Cat

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 3, 2018

Review

In this beginning reader each page is the dog "saying" what he sees out the window and shows his reaction to each creature he sees. From wild barking at the squirrel and the boy to just looking at the mice. Once the boy gets home and they go outside they run around the yard and see the squirrel and the dog chases after it. The repetition of words is great for the beginning reader, and the action in the story can lead to some discussion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meisel, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823438495

Price: 3.99

Woof & Quack in Winter

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 3, 2018

Review

This early reader is a fun story of two friends, a dog and a duck, and how they end up spending the winter together. Colorful illustrations help the early reader understand the story. I would put this one in my granddaughters hands to read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Swenson, Jamie

Illustrator: Sias, Ryan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544959026

Price: 3.99

Vincent Can't Sleep

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 3, 2018

Review

What a lovely book! The beautiful illustrations carry you through the story of the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The story begins when he is an infant and goes all the way through the various stages of his life. The main focus is on Vincent finding the many colors of night and what he does with that in his art. The final picture is of Starry Starry Night and tells how this painting illustrates the inner Vincent. There is a wonderful Author's note at the end as well as a page full of sources for further research on Van Gogh. This is a great book for not only the very young but also as a starting place for an older child's research. I highly recommend this for any collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenstock, Brab

Illustrator: Grandpre', Mary

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101937105

Price: 17.99

How Many Hugs

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 3, 2018

Review

This endearing picture books explores the question of how many hugs? Children will enjoy this adventure through nature exploring various types of multi-legged creature and their hugging ability using rhyming text and a touch of math. If humans can provide a loving hug with two legs or two arms, what about a centipede with 300 legs? Or an Jellyfish with 29 arms or an octopus with 8 arms? The creatures are presented in a playful manner utilizing a gentle palette of blues, creams and pinks. There are little hearts to find throughout the story showing up unexpectedly in places like the horseshoe crabs face to the tail of a shrimp. Back matter provides fun facts on the featured creatures providing more in-depth information. At times it seems like there may be a little too much going on such as when the creatures leg count is high and division gets more complicated. But overall, the concept is sound and the story is able to to be both whimsical and educational at the same time. A great story for a classroom teacher.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Swain, Heather

Illustrator: Henry, Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250066510

Price: 16.99

A Friend for Bo

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Bo is lonesome, so he goes off in search of a friend. After searching awhile, he finds something he thinks will be a friend. It does not move much, and does not make any sounds, so he carries it around entertaining it. One night it cracks open, and out comes a duckling who does make a good friend for Bo. The illustrations in this book are sweet and cozy, and provide glimpses of other animal friendships. White space is use effectively. Short, easy sentences make this a good choice for preschool children. A sweet story to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuniga, Elisabeth

Illustrator: Zuniga, Elisabeth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553509884

Price: 16.99

Cutter Boy

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Trevor doesn't understand why his parents ignore him. They know he is there and acknowledges his presence, but that is it. To add to his problems, he is constantly bullied at school. His only relief to his personal pain is cutting. Then comes the new girl, Chyvonne, and the art form of paper cutting and he starts to see his way. He also finds out things about his parents that explains their distance relationship.

"Cutter Boy"explores reasons why teens cut and ways that they can overcome the urge of self-mutilation. This book is character driven and is part of the "Sidestreets" series that is known for high interest teen issues with low vocabulary for reluctant readers. Readers of Laurie Halse Anderson's "Wintergirls" and Patricia McCormick's "Cut" will find similarities in "Cutter Boy".

Recommended for grades 10-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Cristy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781459410985

Price: 12.95

See What we Eat! A First Book of Healthy Eating

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

This narrative nonfiction tells the story of a group of five young children who want to make apple crisp to bring to a community meal, while giving facts about nutrition and how food grows at the bottom of most pages as well. The multicultural group of children go to Aunt Sara's farm where they learn about growing wheat, chicken, cows, growing and picking apples, and composting. On the way home, they stop at the grocery store to collect the rest of the needed ingredients, make the apple crisp, and bring it to the dinner. The idea of purchasing local ingredients is a highlighted. This facts presented are good, though not extensive. A table of contents, words to know, and the apple crisp recipe are included.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ritchie, Scot

Illustrator: Ritchie, Scot

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771386180

Price: 16.99

The Freemason's Daughter

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Jenna McDuff has left Scotland to follow her father, a mason, and the rest of her clan to England to build a garrison for the Duke of Keswick. She has been educated in literature and math from a young age, which in 1714 is unheard of. Jenna's clan is part of the Jacobite uprising that is supporting exiled King James Stuart, but building the garrison is only part of the job that her clan has come to do. She finds that she is attracted to the Duke's son, Alex, which is becoming mutual, even though he is soon to betrothed to another. But Alex can't seem to get the fiery Jenna out of his mind and soul.

Strong female character and suspenseful plot giving teens an introduction into the exile of King James Stuart and the historical period in Europe that revolved around the Jacobite uprising. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sackier, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062453440

Price: 17.99

Stirker

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

It has been a year since Cody was diagnosed with cancer for a tumor in his leg, but he now feels that he is ready to play soccer again. His hair hasn't grown back yet, so he has been dubbed "Humpty Dumpty" by some of the others on the soccer team. And, it doesn't help that every time his knocked or injured, his extremely overprotective mother comes rushing out onto the field.

The premise of the story is self-doubt and the regaining of confidence and what the true meaning of a team is. Great book for soccer fans, even though some of the terms might be different because of the book's Canadian setting. Excellent for reluctant readers due to the books lower literacy skills. Recommended for grades 5-8.

Winner of the VOYA Magazine Top Shelf Honoree Award and a finalist for the Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Award.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Skuy, David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781459411852

Price: 12.95

Snow & Rose

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Snow and Rose are daughters of a nobleman who goes one day into the woods and disappears, where he is presumed dead. Because of this, the sisters and their grieving mother are forced to move into a small, but humble cottage deep in the woods. Snow and Rose spend time exploring the woods where they run into danger several times, but manage to escape; discover a peculiar library that doesn't check out books; make a friend, Ivo, who eventually disappears and uncovers the sinister going-ons of the woods.

A beautifully illustrated retelling of the little known folktale "Snow White and Rose Red". The illustrations are scattered throughout the book and are done in earth tones to compliment the story. The pace of the story is intensifying and will keep readers going. The writing style is lyrical and captures the feel of the woods and the girls adventures. Recommended for grades 4-9, but would be enjoyed by all.

Fans of the "Wildwood Chronicles" will adore this book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, Emily Winfield

Illustrator: Martin, Emily Winfield

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553538182

Price: 17.99

Lifers

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Teenagers are disappearing without a trace. Then one day, Preston's best friend, Alice disappears leaving a curious and very cryptic message. In his search along with another good friend, Mace, they stumble upon a underground prison for teens where they are transported to another realm indefinitely. Preston knows without a doubt that is where Alice is. But how do they get her out?

The story is an action packed, plot driven dystopian type novel that includes corrupt politicians and shady research facilities. The setting is in Britain so some words and terminology might be unfamiliar.

Recommended for grades 8-12. Fans of the "Maze Runner" and "Escape From Furnace" series will devour this.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Griffin, M.A.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338065534

Price: 17.99

Greek Gods #squadgoals

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

"Greek Gods #squadgoals" is a fun, creative and very different way to learn Greek mythology. Written in texting lingo, you learn about the stories of the gods in a non-traditional way. There is a Who's Who section in the beginning with the emojis that are associated with the Gods and other important characters in the story. Also in the back, there is a glossary for those who aren't familiar with the texting lingo.

Recommended for grades 7-9. This is part of the OMG Classic series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carbone, Courtney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524715649

Price: 9.99

Love is Both Wave and Particle

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Samantha, or Sam as she prefers to be called, has just moved to Ithaca, NY after a year long stay in a psychiatric institution for attempted suicide. Levon, has grown up in Ithaca, but is very shy and considered to have Asperger's syndrome. They attend an alternative high school whose only 2 requirements for admission is academic excellence and a psychiatric disability. Meg, a teacher/therapist has decided that Sam and Levon will do a senior writing project on their lives. Very hush-hush and the only other person to read what they have written is Meg. Meg will contribute to their project by obtaining narratives from their families and friends.

This is a first person, multi perspective novel that emphasizes the journey of self-discovery and understanding. There is some redundancy between chapters, but thoughtfully conveys Sam and Levon’s complex mental states, the evolution of their relationship between themselves, their parents and friends. Recommended for grades 10-12.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cody, Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626726888

Price: 17.99

Dogosaurus Rex

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Sadie is an standout to young Ben who is trying to pick out the best dog in the world at the local shelter. Sadie certainly does standout, considering that she is actually a Tyrannosaurux Rex! But to the people in the story, she is just a "somewhat unusual" dog. Ben's mom notes that her bark (roar) is quite loud, but Ben is certain this is the pet he wants. Challenges begin when Sadie does a few tricks that result in a crushed car, destroyed fruit stand and demolished mail truck. And this is just the beginning. Cleaning up after your pet dinosaur is huge as well as smelly! And, giving Sadie a bath at the lake is not a good idea. Just when Sadie is about to go back to the shelter, she redeems herself by helping to capture a robber. Now the community embraces her and she becomes the most popular dog in town.

An outstanding picture book that will appeal to dog lovers and young dinosaur enthusiasts. The watercolor illustrations are exactly right for this charming small town story with a timeless appeal. The sweet dinosaur is never scary looking even when she is chomping innocently on a mail truck. A wonderful book to share at story times as well as for children to read on their own.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Staniszewski, Anna

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780805097061

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Cici's Journal - The Adventures of A Writer in Training

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Translated from French, this charming graphic novel is based on the story of Cici as she maneuvers her way through life. Cici's biggest desire is to become a writer. She particularly likes to write about adults, and she spends time watching them and taking notes on her observations. Through these observations Cici has noticed that everybody has a secret. This is a lovey, well thought out book. I highly recommend for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chamblain, Joris

Illustrator: Neyret, Aurelie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626722484

Price: 17.99

George Washington The First President

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

The life of George Washington is explored in this young reader biography geared for students at level 2 who are beginner readers who need some assistance.

America is a new country in need of a leader. People want George Washington to be the president of this nation, but he is reluctant. Fortunately, he finally agrees and leads the way in forming a new country. Readers are given information on George as a child to his final days in Virginia. The illustrations are colorful and historically accurate and add a great deal to the text. The clearly written text is engaging and detailed while not being too difficult for young readers to comprehend.

Back Matter includes a timeline, historical illustrations, a find out more section, and interesting facts on the President that include spies, dogs, slavery and what he may have looked like.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Albee, Sarah

Illustrator: Ko, Chin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062432674

Price: 16.99

Ten

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2018

Review

Eleven-year-old May adores soccer. She loves watching it on television, she plans on playing in the World Cup one day, and she would like to marry her favorite player (Zico from Brazil). The only problem is that she has never actually played the game. Growing up in Malaysia in 1986, Maya is part of a community that believes that soccer is a boys' game. She persists, acquiring a real ball, coaxing her friends to play, and even convincing her town to fund uniforms for a real team. This short novel for 3-5th grade readers packs a lot in. Dealing with the threat of her parents marriage falling apart, enduring her brother's teasing, coping with the severity of the nuns teaching at her school, and navigating the bullying at the hands of her peers, Maya holds onto her resolve, stays positive, and focuses on the game that just might make everything olay. Flint does an excellent job of illustrating the way that sport can bring people together. A great book to show a window into another culture and time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Flint, Shamini

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544850019

Price: 16.99

The Enemy, Detroit, 1954

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

The main character in this well written historical novel is Marjorie. She is 12 years old and facing issues that deal with friendship, bullies, and immigration. Marjorie is aware of a nuclear threat and knows someone who is suffering from PTSD. There are immigrants that are new to her neighborhood that are not welcomed readily. Marjorie's father is a WW2 veteran working at an automobile plant. Her mother, a college educated woman, does what she believes is right, but does so in secret. Marjorie knows that she must also stand up for what is right. Although there are many similarities to current issues that readers can relate to, there is solid information about the Cold War and McCarthyism. The characters and plot are well developed. The author's note explains the author's experience growing up in Detroit during this era and includes black and white photos of her family. There is an extensive bibliography. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holbrook, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629794983

Price: 17.95

Storm Horse

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

Horse lover or not, readers will enjoy this well written and engaging novel. Flip is a twelve year old boy from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. His mother abandoned him and his father has passed away. An uncle brings him to his farm on a remote island to live with his family. Flip must learn to adjust to a different way of life. During a storm he jumps in the sea to save a drowning horse, even though he doesn't know how to swim. He wants to keep and train this horse with which he feels a bond. There is a young girl in the story who doesn't talk. She plays a large role in the plot and is helpful to Flip is many ways. The characters are interesting and believable. I highly recommend this book. It would work well for book groups and classroom discussions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Garlick, Nick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545904148

Price: 16.99

When I Was a Turkey

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

This non-fiction book is based on an award winning PBS documentary. Joe Hutto spent almost two years living with turkeys that imprinted on him. He acted as their mother and they accepted him in this role. He wanted to truly understand what it was like to live as a wild turkey. He learns to communicate with them helping his understanding of their world. The description of his life with them is fascinating. There are frightful moments and tender moments. Included are beautiful pencil drawings and color photographs. I highly recommend this book for all libraries that serve readers 4th grade and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hutto, Joe

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627793858

Price: 19.99

Factory Girl

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

This well written novel of a Uyghur girl, Roshen, is a must read. Roshen is a sixteen year old Muslim girl from the northern region of China. She has plans to become a teacher. She loves her family and a young man, Ahmat. Suddenly she is taken away with other girls to work in a factory in southern China. Her life now is a far cry from what it was in her beloved homeland. The girls must learn to cut, piece, and sew clothes in extremely harsh and dangerous conditions. This story of survival, loss, and compassion is important since it is a contemporary story. The author's note further explains the plight and struggle of the Uryghur people.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

LaValley, Josanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544699472

Price: 17.99

THe Imagination Box: Beyond Infinity

Reviewed by: Jane E Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2018

Review

This title is a rather unsuccessful sequel to The Imagination Box. While Tim, Dee and Phil are interesting characters the storyline is incomplete and somewhat confusing. Various characters seem to float into the text without introduction. It is obvious that the books need to be read in order. Readers of science fiction will appreciate the special box and its technical abilities while adventure readers are sure to enjoy the quick pace of bad too horrible situations.

This is not a necessary purchase for libraries but would make a good gift for the right reader.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ford, Martyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101936313

Price: 16.99

You Don't Know Me But I Know You

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

Good for any person who is thinking about having sex. The story is about a 17-year-old girl who realizes that she is pregnant. BUt SHE WAS ON THE PILL AND THEY USED CONDOMS. Very realistic. Audrey was adopted by a single mom, who raised her well. She is loved, comes from a good home, has good friends, and a very loyal boyfriend who loves her. She is a jr. in high school who dreams of becoming an art student at the RISD. Julian says they have three choices: they can keep the baby, they can give it up for adoption, or they can get an abortion. He will stand by her; on whatever they decide. With hormones going wild, she pushes everyone who loves her away, while she ignores her problems and then works them out. " ... it didn't matter how good a person she'd been taught to be: the treacherous, heartbreaking, bad person she truly was couldn't be confined." (Her thoughts about a fight she had with her mom.) "... she used to care ... she only felt the strangest kind of empty." The person that she comes to know is herself and she does find herself.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Barrow, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Happer Teen/Harper Collins Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062494191

Price: 17.99

Summer Unscripted

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

Good for girls who are starting to like boys. Rainne follows a boy to a summer stock play and becomes one of the actor-technicians, part of the chorus and part stage crew. She befriends Ella to get into the production, her summer apartment with Ella's older sister, then she kind of steals Ella's ex-boyfriend. (Who Ella still likes.) Easy summer read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Klein, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524700041

Price: 17.99

Who Am I?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

An engaging animal identification game book that stands out in the crowd of other animal guessing game books. The cut-and torn-paper collage illustrations are both realistic and creative depicting a wide range of animals showcased against stark white pages. This sturdy book features a frog, rabbit, crab, flamingo, owl, monkey and ladybug. Each animal puzzle is done in four pages. The first two pages enlist cropped images and clues about the animal, with the next two pages providing the answer combining the previously presented images in whole. The back pages include more facts on the animals. A "How big am I" question is visually answered with the animal compared to either a human hand or body. This is excellent for young readers to get an easy-to-understand perspective on size. A listing of books for more information is also included. An excellent choice for young readers for use at home or in the classroom. A book likely to be read over and over again.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544935396

Price: 14.99

Time Now to Dream

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

A young brother and sister are playing outside when they hear very strange sounds coming from deep within the forest. "Ocka by hay bees unna da reeees" is the sound they hear and it doesn't make any sense to them. So they decide to venture into the forest to see what it could be. The young brother is worried about the wicked wolf, but the older sister assure him that everything is going to be all right. As they venture deeper and deeper into the forest, the words get louder, but the sounds are sill unrecognizable. They finally reach the sounds and the older sister screams run as they have come across a wolf. However, the younger brother points out that is not a wicked wolf, but a mommy wolf who is gently singing a lullaby to her baby cubs trying to get them to sleep. So everything does in fact, turn out all right, and the two head back home through the forest. The story closes with the two of them in bed starting to doze off to that sweet lullaby. The watercolors are soothing and classic in nature featuring pale greens, creams and soft browns of the forest. The artwork in the story is what brings it to a high level. Readers will want to study each page and immerse themselves into the wonders of nature. A sweet story for bedtime or would also work as a story time book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Knapman, Timothy

Illustrator: Oxenbury, Helen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763690786

Price: 16.99

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

Readers are told a secret right from page one. The sun is just a star. One of approximately a hundred billion trillion stars. This is just the start of a story that is full of mind bending numbers and fascinating comparisons using numbers. Numbers so large that readers will be grateful that the numbers are spelled out on each page so that they are correctly read. Interesting facts abound such as the fact that all the people on the earth weight about the same as all the ants on on our planet. Numbers of people (seven billion five million), number of ants (ten quadrillion ants). Or that the reader will be a year older in thirty-one million five hundred thirty-six thousand seconds! The digital illustrations are bold and quirky set off against dark pages. The characters in the story are made up a wide range of ethnic groups and are engaged in a variety of activities such as jumping on a trampoline to being lined up head to foot around the earth. The author's note explains how he came up with his numbers and how important estimation and trying to make sense of things that at first seem like they can't be figured out. He also stresses that what is really important is to realize that large numbers are around us and are everywhere linking everything together. An interesting book that would enrich any math or science program and would get help get readers to look at the planet in a different light.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fishman, Seth

Illustrator: Greenberg, Isabel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062455789

Price: 17.99

Engineered! Engineering Design At Work

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

An interesting book on the world of Engineering that will enlighten young readers to this diverse and dynamic field. A creative side of this field is highlighted as readers lean about machines that can be used to assist burn victims by printing skin substitutes to creating islands off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf. Engineering is much broader in today's world than just building roads, structures and bridges. The book opens with an introduction to the minds of engineers and explains that engineers are first and foremost problem solvers who use math, science and technology skills to find creative solutions to problems. Next comes a step-by-step breakdown on the basics of engineering design. Following are 9 different chapters that feature: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Geomatics, Computer and Environmental Engineers and how they use the steps of engineering to solve real world problems. A comprehensive Glossary and Index are included in the back pages. The illustrations are colorful and engaging with charts, side bars, informational text and photos. An excellent book for middle readers who are considering going into Engineering or who are just interested in how things work. A strong purchase for both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hunt, Shannon

Illustrator: Hancock, James Gulliver

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771385602

Price: 17.99

Journey Through Ash and Smoke

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

Ranger is back for another adventure in book five of the series. Ranger is a time traveling golden retriever with specialized training in search and rescue. He usually is the one doing all the rescuing, but in this Viking Age Iceland adventure, Ranger finds himself in some tough situations. This time it is a courageous girl named Helga who offers assistance and helps Ranger get out of danger more than once. Young readers will be on the edge as Ranger deals with a scary journey through dark smoke and ash. The clearly written text is broken into 16 short chapters with occasional B&W illustrations that complement the story. The Author's Note section at the end is of particular interest as it provides background information on the week long trip doing research in Iceland. B&W photographs of the area are also included. A Further Reading Section with a listing of books and websites is also included along with a Sources section and information about the author. To close out the book, is a preview of Ranger's next adventure in San Francisco where he helps out in the aftermath of the great earthquake. This book will be especially liked by young readers who enjoy the Magic Tree House. A recommended series for both school and pubic libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Messner, Kate

Illustrator: Messner, Kelley

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545909792

Price: 17.99

A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa't Tasty Trip Around the World

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

The concept of a good Christmas visitor who brings gifts to children (Santa, and known by many names in various countries) is universal. This book takes families through a tour of the world as the loving elf goes from country to country. The focus is not on the gifts left for children, rather it is what the children leave out for their night visitor. Cookies and beverages change from place to place but each reflects the country in which Santa visits. This reader applauds the writer for the positive and sweet approach to an over indulged audience accustomed to many gifts left under their tree.

Several of the tempting cookie recipes are printed in the back pages for readers to try. Certainly families will benefit from this loving and simple approach to a holiday visitor. Information is included that covers the various days when gifts are delivered and by what traditional character. A great addition to public libraries and in school libraries where holidays are celebrated.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Furman, M.E.

Illustrator: Gal, Susan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544226203

Price: 16.99

Porcupine's Picnic: Who Eats What?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

Animal dietary preferences are revealed in this charming picture book that is appropriate for STEM class content. Porcupine decides to have a picnic and invites all the animals he sees in the forest. Fortunately for the readers, Porcupine encounters a large variety of animal life. However many do not exist in the same region or even on the same continent. Readers learn what each animal prefers in their diet as they are charmed by the illustrations. The final creature to appear tossing all the animals into turmoil as children wonder if the Tiger will make any of them into lunch.

A fun story that teaches animal dietary preferences but may confuse some students about the natural habitat of these animals. The illustrations are a little on the dull side and their dimensions appear distorted. Consider for classrooms and School Media Centers in early grade buildings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenthal, Betsy R.

Illustrator: Capizzi, Giusi

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467795197

Price: 19.99

The Riot Brothers: Drooling and Dangerous

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

The Riot Brothers series is funny, cunning and always respectful. Their daily mission and pursuit of games is delightful as well as humorous. Fans of Captain Underpants will laugh and grin as they read or are read to from the pages of The Riot Brothers; Drooling and Dangerous. The loving relationship between the brothers is refreshing as is the lack of technology. Using their imagination these boys go outdoors to play and are capable of having fun without high tech or expensive toys.

The simple line drawn illustrations compliment the text and the large print makes this series a perfect match for early readers who are ready for chapter books. School and public libraries will want to add this series to their early reader collections. These books however will be more popular with students then their Mothers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Amato, Mary

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823438662

Price: 12.95

The Real McCoys

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Fourth grader, Moxie McCoy, is confident in her detective skills, just like her favorite mystery novel heroine, when the school's special owl award is stolen the day that the winners are to be announced. Moxie must team up with her smart, detail-oriented younger brother, whom she sometimes speculates may not be a "real" McCoy, to wade through the numerous red-herrings and help solve who was the culprit. The busy collage-type layout matches Moxie's rambunctious character perfectly. Family and the love of reading are the crux of this fun read. Text appears in standard paragraph form, in text bubbles, across walls, and in balloon dream sequences. Title has been chosen for the 2018-2019 Maine Student Book Award reading list.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Swanson, Matthew

Illustrator: Behr, Robbi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: {Imprint}/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250098528

Price: 16.99

The Grave Keepers

Reviewed by: Deirdre Dupree - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Sisters Laurel and Athena Windham tell their story of family, friendships, and community in this first novel by Elizabeth Byrne. Parents, Claudia and Walt Windham, are keepers of a cemetery in a society in which coming of age rituals are focused upon an individual’s final resting place; their grave. Grave Openings are celebrated with family and friends when an individual has reached the age of responsibility in the care and personalization of their own grave.

Laurel is the youngest Windham, born after the accidental death of Lucy, an older sister. Laurel is homeschooled and spends her days working for the family cemetery and wandering the property alone. Athena had been the youngest family member behind George and Lucy, before Lucy’s death. Athena too was homeschooled but insisted her parents allow her to attend the local school as George and Lucy had. Having succeeded, Athena now wondered why she bothered as high school was not exactly what she had hoped.

Both girls struggle with friendship; Laurel for the lack of friends and Athena in the search for true friends. A runaway boy, an eventual discovery, a ghost, a recluse and a life threatening mishap add dimension to the many storylines that take away from the interesting idea of Grave Keeping.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Byrne, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062484758

Price: 17.99

Murder, Magic, and what we wore

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Set in Regency England. While coping with the sudden news that her traveling father has been murdered,recently orphaned teenager, Annis Whitworth discovers that she can make garments change with "glamour" magic into useful disguises. She refuses to succumb to the expected paths of being a governess, maid or convenient wife by opening a shop rumored to provide "glamour services" when her initial goal to become a spy for the war office, like her father, is thwarted. With the help of her maid named Millie and under the secret protection of a spymaster, Annis tries to navigate the dangerous ways of a spy while sewing ballgowns. All the main characters are female and the thread throughout this historical mystery/fantasy novel is a "poking fun at" gender expectations with real historical figures making appearances. An entertaining read for historical fiction or mystery readers in middle grades and high school.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535204

Price: 17.99

Little i

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This picture book has very bold, colorful illustrations. Prominent colors are blue, green, orange and black with a bit of red.

Indeed, a very clever little story featuring the alphabet. Little "i' loses his dot and goes on an adventurous journey in search of it. When he does finally find it, the dot would not stay put. The dot now feels awkward to Little "i" who has become used to not having it. So he leaves the dot where he found it and returns to the other alphabet letters. Over the course of his adventure, Little "i" has grown up and discovers that he has turned into a WORD - Big I.

This book is a fun filled read. Great for alphabet learning and teaching the concept that it usually takes a group of letters to make a word - but not always! Appropriate for preschoolers through 1st grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hall , Michael

Illustrator: Hall, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062383006

Price: 17.99

Hop Up! Wiggle Over!

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This picture book for the very young is filled with delightful and eye-catching water paintings of Australian critters. The end sheets in the book have drawings and the pronunciations of these animals.

Whimsical Australian animals take us on a romp through their active day - breakfast to bedtime. The repeated "Hop Up, Wriggle Over," phrase/theme is often repeated as we accompany these capricious creatures vying for their own space amongst each other.

A playful, endearing picture book for toddlers through preschool. Perhaps a very first introductions to these adorable creatures whose home is in Australia.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Honey, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Honey, Elizabeth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544790841

Price: 16.99

Ringer

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High Schoo, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

The story continues for Lyra and Gemma. Haven Institute has been destroyed, but they both continue to seek answers about their own beginnings and their own humanity. This second book in Lauren Oliver’s Replica series is another fast-paced adventure told in two mirroring stories; Lyra tells one half and if the book is flipped over, Gemma’s story is the other half. Readers can alternate chapters or read each story individually. Oliver tackles the big questions surrounding medical research. She asks readers to ponder how many have to be saved for casualties to be worth it? Can you clone humans or is our humanity defined by more than just our cells? This story challenges readers to answer these questions while gaining the perspectives of each narrator. Enough answers are revealed to satisfy readers and move the series forward. This series would make for an interesting book club read since Oliver provides so much to explore in terms of biomedical ethics and readers will likely have a favorite in either Lyra or Gemma. Again, Oliver has written a solid choice for middle and high school collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oliver, Lauran

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062693136

Price: 19.99

The Pretty Brilliant Experiment Book

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This science book is based on a Netflix series, Project Mc2, which is follows a group of girls in a secret government agency, NOV8 ("innovate") trying to save the world. The book starts with a story the group training for their next mission. Each chapter has a STEAM experiment that could potentially be used to help NOV8 on their secret missions. The experiments will also help readers learn about electricity, chemistry, DNA and more. Each chapter follows the same format and includes workbook pages to record data, as well as extra notebook pages at the end. This “girl power” book will appeal to viewers of the series or middle school girls who are interested in STEAM. Although the creators seem to be looking to defy stereotypes (girls can be smart and pretty), at times the narrative seems shallow.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hemsworth, Jade

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250103697

Price: 12.99

Transphobia: Deal With It and Be a Gender Transcender

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This Canadian-published book is a good resource for middle school classrooms. The book begins with specific examples and a definition of transphobia. The rest of the book is very interactive with quizzes, “Dos and Don’ts” checklists, and “Did You Know?” sections. Although some of the statistics are Canadian, American students would still find them informative. The intersectional illustrations include many races as well as differently-abled students. At the end, there are lists of resources for further information, as well as some recommended fictional books that include trans characters. This book is part of the “Deal With It” series that includes other topics like homophobia, racism, bullying, and cyberbullying. This book would be a helpful and important resource for classrooms, particularly any communities that are dealing with transphobic behavior.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Skelton, J Wallace

Illustrator: Johnson, Nick

Publisher: James Lorimer & Company, Ltd.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781459407664

Price: 22.65

You Can't Hide

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

The number one rule in any horror story is don’t split up, but that is exactly what happens to Poppy, Marcus, Dash, Dylan, and Azumi, the kids trapped in Shadow House. Disappearing doors and creatures that build illusions based on your greatest desires and greatest fears, make the second book in the Shadow House series a fast-paced story that will keep readers turning the pages. The text is accompanied by eerie pictures that are just the right amount of creepy for middle schoolers looking for a good horror story. There is an app that accompanies that allows the reader to enter “Shadow House”; each image is marked by a symbol that will reveal a haunting. This will entice many readers. Purchase this book where the first book in the series is popular and where more horror is needed for tween readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poblocki, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545925518

Price: 12.99

The Keep of Ages

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This is the final installment in the Vault of Dreamers trilogy. Rosie must find a way to save her family who has been kidnapped and held hostage by Berg. If she is caught, Rosie knows she will not be able to survive the lethal dream-mining procedure that Berg is planning for her. The suspense and surprises will keep readers turning the pages and the ending will not disappoint. Like O’Brien’s Birthmarked series, this series contains a strong female heroine to whom readers will connect. Purchase where the Vault of Dreamers series is popular. Also, consider purchasing the whole series if you have readers looking for strong female heroines in dystopian, sci-fi series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien, Caragh M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596439429

Price: 17.99

Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Bright, bold and colorful illustrations. Goldilocks is featured here with a proverbial head of golden curls and wide-open, expressive eyes.

This picture book is a fairy tale "take off" of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." It begins with the "Once upon a time, there was a very little girl named Goldilocks who lived in the woods with her mommy and daddy..." However, the obvious theme of this Goldilocks is potty training! This Goldilocks tires of wearing soggy diapers, and so decides she needs to wear underwear - not too "frilly," and not too "silly," but underwear that is "just right." This, of course, leads to finding a "just right" potty chair. The story concludes with Goldilocks learning the "just right" time to go to the potty. Built on the magic of threes, this Goldilocks finally "got it" right!

A great book for learning to use the potty chair. Hopefully, toddlers will identify with this adorable, endearing Goldilocks as they themselves learn to navigate their own potty training experience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hodgkinson, Leigh

Illustrator: Hodgkinson, Leigh

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763697990

Price: 16.99

Lola's Rules for Friendship

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

In this companion to Lola Knows a Lot, young Lola and her family have moved to a new neighborhood, and young Lola shares her wisdom with the reader. There is one friendship rule given on each page. For example, "Friends have lots of things in common. But not everything in common. That would be boring." That thought is illustrated with Lola on a swing next to another little girl as they discuss favorite foods and colors. Her neighborhood new friends are multiracial and include both boys and girls. There is nothing new or deep or challenging here, but young readers/viewers/listeners may have their own hopes reinforced. Everyone wants friends, and Lola makes it seem very do-able. The happy, jaunty digital illustrations were created with watercolor, colored pencils, cut paper, and digital media.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCarthy, Jenna

Illustrator: Palacios, Sara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062250154

Price: 17.99

The Good Samaritan and Other Parables

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

This is a reissue of a book published in 1987 under the title The Parables of Jesus. Seventeen parables are told using the language of the Gospels Matthew and Luke. These seemingly simple stories have been studied and interpreted throughout Christian history, and children may be introduced to them through this picture book format.Tomie dePole's stylized illustrations have a formal, Romanesque feel which match the formality of the language from the Bible. Adults who read this book parable by parable at home or at church to children will most likely want to discuss the meaning behind each story with the young listeners and readers. Having the 17 parables all in one short beautifully illustrated book is a welcome addition to families who want to share them with children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

dePaola, Tomie

Illustrator: dePaola, Tomie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823438884

Price: 17.95

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

"The Tiny Tale of Little Pea" is a well illustrated picture book about Teeny Tiny Pea as he contentedly goes through life until it's time that he begin school. Once in school, Teeny Tiny realizes that he just doesn't fit in. He is "too small for his chair, to small for the flute, too small for gym class, and even for his plate." At recess he stays by himself. His teacher worries about him. He spends his time drawing and then he grows up! And you'll never guess what he became.

He draws pictures on postage stamps, because . . . "one is never too small to be a great artist."

An adorable confidence builder of a picture book. Although we all have our differences, there is always something we can do to make our mark in the world.

Wonderful cartoon-like illustrations. A great book to use when teaching confidence in ourselves and appreciation of our own uniqueness.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cali, Davide

Illustrator: Mourrain, Sebastien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771388436

Price: 17.99

Hello Spring!

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Beautiful full color photographs show close ups of crocuses, spring green new leaves, a bird's nest, snowdrops, tree frogs, and other signs of spring. Happy multiracial children look right into the camera and show the joys of spring including holding baby animals and smelling flowers. Each spread is a splash of color with sights of the season. Teachers and parents may use the book to introduce the season to preschoolers and kindergarteners and to get them discussing what they see and enjoy around them in the spring. The text is brief and is secondary to the photos. "Birds return with song, busy building nests and laying eggs." This is not a scientific introduction to the season but rather a look at the joys of the season.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: Rotner, Shelley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437528

Price: 16.95

The New Kid

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 7, 2018

Review

As the recently published Carver Chronicles series entry the New Kid stands out as a good read and the situation provides an opportunity to express positive social interaction. Several third grade friends doubt the honesty of a new classmate and make a poor choice. Within this intermediate novel the reader views several ways to think about actions and their consequences. Both young boys and a grown man make mistakes but all own up to their actions. Each character is presented with some specific quirk, my favorite is Aunt Myrtle who is visiting Gavin’s family. Even in a short novel English has provide enough insight into the characters and the situations they find themselves in to offer a fast and fun read.

Early grade classroom teachers are sure to find this title and the series a win for their class library. Purchase for grade 1-4 media centers and public libraries. The illustrations show true expression and highlight the text. This is a series that entertains and teaches positive behavior.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

English, Karen

Illustrator: Freeman, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328703996

Price: 15.99

Stolen Secrets

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Stolen Secrets contains many surprises as it winds itself from the first page to the back dust jacket. Why Gretchen is moving with her daughter Livvy from VT to San Francisco seems an unimportant question compared to later indications that Livvy’s grandmother might actually be Anne Frank. An interesting plot combined with a strong teen character and weak parent figure make this a good read. Yes there is a historical history influence but it comes with enough suspense, mystery, and action to keep any teen reading.

Add this to YA collections in public libraries and to middle school media centers. Stolen Secrets is a good companion book to Anne Frank units in history or language arts classes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schulman, L. B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (Highlights)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629797229

Price: 17.95

Flying Lessons and Other Stories

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2018

Review

An anthology of stories celebrating the unique perspective and voices we bring to life. With selections from Matt de la Pena, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Tim Federle, Kelly J. Baptist, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline Woodson, Soman Chainani, Kwame Alexander, and Walter Dean Myers, whose work inspired Oh to collate this collection, this book for 6-9th graders is at times poignant, thought-provoking, and laugh-out-loud funny. De la Pena balances the delicate relationship of a father and son with lessons learned from playing basketball, offering a clear lesson with with such sincerity that it should resonate with many young readers. Lin's story, with its beautiful prose and excellent vocabulary, tells a story set in a China of the past, in a world where one girl falls in with pirates and finds her own path. Medina offers a window into what the world is like being a POC in a world of privilege through the eyes of a family of painters led by a father who does menial work to send his kids to a fancy school - she sums up the heart of the story, "He chose to be invisible today so [his kids] won't ever have to be." Federle's gentle story of a sexual awakening shows how a quiet young girl finds her voice. Baptist's main character, a homeless boy attempting to care for his little sister and navigate the world with an alcoholic mother, clings to the stories created by his dead father. Tingle brings a lighter touch through his unreliable, but likeable Uncle Kenneth who delights the children with a madcap story about Choctaw Bigfoot. Woodson takes the reader to small town New Hampshire where they experience loss, grieving, friendship, racism, acceptance, and growing up, all in 11 pages! Chainani's stylish, sassy Nani shows her grandson Santosh that there is more to life than the safe "cage" that he has constructed for himself. Alexander, in his signature and brilliant verse, adds a touch of magic with a story about a first crush. Myers closes the collection, coming full-circle with another story about a father/son relationship and the sport that could unite them if not for tragic circumstances. Each story is told in an authentic voice and offers the reader either a mirror to see his or her own culture reflected, or a window into another life that, though different from his or her own, still resonates with the same desires, insecurities, challenges, and difficult family dynamics. The stories contain lessons delivered with glee or with the wisdom of a beloved older sibling, or maybe a quirky Uncle Kenneth. Highly recommend for any middle school, high school, or public library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Oh, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101934593

Price: 16.99

Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton/ How Mike Mulligan's Steam Shovel and Friends Came to Life

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2018

Review

Teachers and parents with young truck and machine enthusiasts have a great opportunity with this picture book biography to introduce the story how one mother who loved to draw and dance and who also loved her sons created books filled with big machines for them. After reading this book, it only makes sense to then read Burton's classic books from an earlier time including Mike Mulligan..., Katy and the Big Snow, Choo Choo, and the Little House. This book could be used to introduce partial biographies (a slice of a life, not the entire life) or a crossover book about both writing and machines. The author also wrote Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and the illustrator won a Caldecott Honor Blackout. This is a winning combination. Children who look at the illustrations will see that it is about a woman who likes to draw and dance and then they see a lot of drawings of big machines. This book's appeal should not just not be limited to nostalgic fans of Virginia Lee Burton's books.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rinker, Sherri Duskey

Illustrator: Rocco, John

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton MifflinHarcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544715567

Price: 5.99

Borris and the Worrisome Wakies

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2018

Review

Like so many youngsters, Boris a badger has a hard time falling asleep. Badgers sleep during the day, and so Boris has to get up at night to head off to school. Because he has done everything but sleep during the day, he sleeps in class throughout the school time. Unfortunately for him, he misses out on all the fun activities including being line leader, having cupcakes for a birthday celebration, and being included in the class picture. His fun, good-natured classmates and teachers even forget about him. The story is told with a sense of humor and understanding like all Helen Lester books, and Lynn Munsinger's characteristic sweet, funny, and colorful illustrations add even more humor to the story. Helen Lester who wrote a short autobiography about her childhood with dyslexia understands what it is like to be different from your classmates, and once again, she helps the child who is different know that they can succeed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544640948

Price: 16.99

Magic for Sale

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2018

Review

Just enough spooky illustrations combined with a fast moving fun plot will satisfy preschoolers and primary students looking for scary books or books about spells and magic. A young boy is dared to enter a magical store that is rumored to have a ghost in it. Told in rhyme, the story's spell is filled with lots of detailed ingredients such as self-serve graves, freeze-dried ghoul, and snakes from Medusa's hair. A friendly ghost, a threatening Miss Night, and a big monster add to the fun. Shelley's highly detailed illustrations will be most enjoyed close up as young viewers will have lots of spooky things to find in the store.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Clickard, Carrie

Illustrator: Shelley, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435593

Price: 16.95

The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2018

Review

Sandler's account of the pirate ship Whydah reads like a tale of old with mutiny and plunder a-plenty. The Whydah was built as a slave ship so tied up in the story of this ship is the story of heartache and horror of people ripped from their homes and brought to foreign lands to work for others. We can never have enough stories or examples of how wrong this was, so it's valuable when talking to young readers about the romanticized pirate to speak of the types of "cargo" and "booty" many ships sailing in the 1700s contained. The benefit of being overtaken by pirates was that race didn't matter much when signing on to a life of piracy and often pirate crews were made up of men of many colored skin and there was more equity on a pirate ship. It was a dangerous life though, if caught. There was little sympathy for men captured and brought to trial by established governments. Black Sam Bellamy was a feared and capable pirate. As the captain of the Whydah, he successfully plundered many private ships and the royal navy would have loved to stop him. Fortunately for them, unfortunately for Bellamy, nature took a hand. The Whydah was caught in the treacherous rocky shoals off Cape Cod, Massachusetts and sunk. Most survivors who crawled up on shore were tried and sentenced to death (hanging with their bodies locked in a cage and then tarred and feathered for all to see as an example of how NOT to live!). Sandler weaves the story of the Whydah into the history of the shipping exploits of the 18th-century. He uses reproductions of documents and some black & white illustrations of wood cuts of famous figures in the story of piracy from the day. Some of the reproductions are grainy, but that might be due to the condition of the originals. The biggest critique of this well-researched book is that there are many inserted story boxes and instead of simply placing them at the end of a chapter, which would not have interrupted the flow of the reader, they are smack down in the middle of a chapter, sometimes the middle of a sentence. The delineation of these story boxes are a black outline and a slight graying of the page, which is not really all that clear and the struggling reader might find them very jarring. Too bad the design of them or the placement wasn't clearer/better. Otherwise, this is a very good narrative nonfiction book to place in the hands of upper elementary to high school readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sandler, Martin W.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680336

Price: 19.99

Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2018

Review

This book, with its gorgeous cover and stunning illustrations, will draw attention. But it is a tricky one to place in terms of audience. It is called "A First Book of Animals" but it is oversized and heavy, so little hands will need help holding it. The text consists of poems about each of the animals or subjects and the font size of the poem text is clear and legible, but the titles of the poems are done in a cursive font and the informational pages tying each section also include a cursive font; this can be very difficult for young readers who struggle to read cursive. The book is divided into sections: "Big and Small," "Colors and Shapes," "Animal Homes," "Animal Babies," and "Animals in Action". These divisions allow Davies to play with the types of animals she includes and can give teachers a tool for teaching compare/contrast. There is a mix of animals from mammals to insects, birds to reptiles, even eggs and coral get a mention. Books like this are beautiful and feel wonderful in your hand, especially to people who love the intersection of poetry, art, and animals, but it is difficult to say if this will circulate well. Not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Horacek, Petr

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763691608

Price: 19.99

love Sugar Magic

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2018

Review

This sweet story is about 5 sisters. All of them, except the youngest, Leo, work in the family bakery shop. Leo is desperate to be part of the baking team so while her family begin baking for a big festival, she sneaks into the bakery to watch them. What she discovers is that not only are they bakers but they are also brujas- witches of Mexican ancestry. And, the cool thing is they can do magic which means she might be able to do magic as well. This is a fun fantasy that could really be called magic realism. Leo can not wait to try magic even though she knows she is not supposed to until she is older. Readers will totally empathize with her but will still cringe at the mistakes she makes. This story is just right for a young reader looking for a book with magic but not violence. There are many Spanish words and phrases through out the book that definitely add to the realistic feel of the story. The recipes in the back of the book are a big bonus as they are some of the same recipes that Leo and her family make- with out the magic of course:)

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Meriano, Anna

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Waldon Pond Press/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062498465

Price: 16.99

Ice Wolves

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2018

Review

Anders and Rayna are twins that are orphans living on the street. They live in a village filled with Ice Wolves, creatures that protect their village from Scorch Dragons. The wolves and dragons used to work together but something happened and now the 2 factions are at war with each other. Anders and Rayna are thrown into the conflict between the 2 when Rayna finds out she is actually a scorch dragon and Anders an ice wolf. This fantasy is full of action and fast paced. At first it seems that the dragons are killers and the reason for all of the bad thing happening in the village. But as the story evolves, the dragons might not be as harmful as the wolves say they are. Lots of twists in this one which makes for a highly entertaining read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaufman, Amie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062457981

Price: 16.99

Not If I Save You First

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Choose Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2018

Review

Maddie (her dad is the president’s body guard) and Logan (his dad is the US president) used to be best friends when they were little. But when Maddie’s dad leaves it all behind to go live in Alaska and takes her with him, that friendship seems to end. Until out of the blue Logan shows up to hang out for awhile and unbeknownst to everyone, an assassin is on his tail. Lots of action in this one and dodging and escaping from assassins. Unfortunately it gets a bit hard to believe especially after all of Maddie's injuries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Carter, Ally

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338134148

Price: 18.99

I Got It!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 15, 2018

Review

A seemingly lonely young boy stands alone in front of a chain link fence watching a baseball game. He joins the group and is sent to the outfield where he trips on a root and misses the ball coming at him. Obstacles then seem to arise every time the ball heads his way. Finally in the end, he does manage to catch the ball and become part of the group. Weisner's wonderful illustrations capture the emotions of both the boy, and his fellow players. The illustrations are somewhat soft, but become brighter and clearer once the catch is made, again conveying depth of feeling. This is a book that could have a different interpretation with each reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Weisner, David

Illustrator: Weisner, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544309029

Price: 17.99

The World Famous Book of Counting

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

This is a counting book for young magicians. Very clever flaps reveal various numbered objects related to magic tricks and magicians. There is everything from doves fluttering out of a hat, to cups and balls, rabbits, scarves, and more. With all of the flaps, the book would not do well in a circulating collection, but would be a fun lap top with a young child.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goodreau, Sarah

Illustrator: Goodreau, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: The Templar Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763698942

Price: 18.99

Little Mouse's Big Breakfast

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

Little Mouse is hungry and knows JUST where to go to find something to eat. He slips into the kitchen next door and finds all kinds of good things to eat. As he is leaving with a tall pile of food, he spies his favorite thing to eat, a lone sunflower seed. He lets all of the food go, and picks up the seed just as the shadow of a cat looms over him. He escapes and decides to go to the next house. The text is straightforward and will hold the attention of young children. Young mouse with his big ears and wide open eyes stands out on each page to draw in young readers. Older children will like the alliterative foods Mouse finds along the way. A cute, appealing addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pym, Christine

Illustrator: Pym, Christine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763696269

Price: 15.99

Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

Peggy Schuyler is a spirited and gutsy young woman, who often feels overlooked in her family as her two older sisters Angelica and Eliza often take the spotlight. Peggy feels even more overshadowed when she receives a letter from George Washington's aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, who writes to Peggy to enlist her help in courting Eliza. This romance is set against the backdrop of the Schuyler home, where Peggy eavesdrops on her father and his wartime involvement with American Revolution. Peggy longs to have a more active role in spying for the Revolution and aides wherever she can, by opening sealed letters in such a way as to disguise that the letter was ever open, to once meeting a spy for her father in the market. Steadfast throughout the novel is Peggy's role as a caretaker and the loyalty between the three Schuyler sisters.

Elliot's novel is based upon meticulous research, and the afterword provides much information on the letters and documents she used to write Peggy's story, though the title of the novel is clearly inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton. Language in the book is modern, apart from the letter excerpts that begin each chapter which are included with original spellings. The action is fast paced, and will leave any fan of Hamilton the musical satisfied. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, L. M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062671301

Price: 17.99

The Poet X

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

This is a compelling and emotional novel in verse about a teenaged girl from Harlem discovering herself through her writing and slam poetry. Xiomara copes with harassment, bullying, and the strictness of her upbringing with her fists, though she has so much to say to the pages of her leather-bound notebook. Xiomara struggles with her Catholic mother's strict rules and fears of sexuality, and questions the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her twin brother and father are unavailable emotionally, which leaver Xiomara feeling isolated. When Xiomara begins to develop feelings for a boy in her class named Aman, she fears retribution from her mother, but decides to break rules anyway. Eventually she is found out, and Xiomara's life seems to spin out of her control. Xiomara finally accepts a long outstanding invitation to join the school's slam poetry club extended to her by her English teacher, and she finally begins to use the strength inside herself to solve her problems.

Beautiful poems tell Xiomara's story, as she writes about many nuanced issues such as Latino culture, being a first-generation American, music, sexuality, and finding one's voice. The ending is happy but messy, and will leave readers satisfied by the poignancy and realness of the story. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Acevedo , Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062662804

Price: 17.99

The Memory Trees

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2018

Review

This 2017 title would have been a recommendation for the cream committee, but the deadline was missed. Wallace pulls readers into the complicated, dark past that the orchard in Vermont holds over the odd but resilient generations of women in sixteen-year-old Sorrow's family. In a desperate attempt to reconcile her lost memories to the truth surrounding her sister's death, Sorrow comes back to the orchard to spend the summer with Verity, her clinically depressed mother, and Perseverance, her mute grandmother. All the horrific stories surrounding her Lovegood ancestors and their feud with the next door Abrams family emerge as Sorrow meets the Abrams girls in town. Wallace seamlessly tells the story of each generation and the pain suffered as the modern day story of unfolds. The Lovegood family names are a standout dark touch. The black and white illustrations of the two family trees provide a necessary map to each developed generational story line. Themes of mental illness, treatment, trauma, and suicide all intertwine in this dark, suspenseful piece.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wallace, Kali

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062366238

Price: 17.99

Rewind

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2018

Review

In this sci-fi novel by first-time author Carolyn O'Doherty, 16-year-old Alex is one of the Spinners; she can freeze and rewind time, which proves to be a useful skill when it comes to solving crimes. But when she realizes the doctor in charge of the Spinners' care is poisoning them to control their time-control abilities, Alex finds herself in more trouble than she bargained for. While the concept of the book and its plot are fascinating and will likely appeal to middle school readers, the writer's style lacked depth and structure. There were times when the exposition seemed overwrought and overexplained. On the plus side, this book features a strong female lead who outsmarts several bad guys and resolves conflicts in a powerful way. Fans of David Levithan's _Every Day_ and _Another Day_ or Victoria Laurie's _When_ would likely enjoy O'Doherty's debut.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

O'Doherty, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyd Mills Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629798141

Price: 17.95

Lucy and the Rocket Dog

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2018

Review

This would have been the perfect book for my oldest daughter when she was in 1st grade. This is the story of a young girl who loves astronomy, space travel and everything about it. In fact Lucy loves it so much that she builds a Prototype of a spaceship. One designed to travel at the speed of light! One night however her dog Laika went looking for Lucy, and in the process went into the spaceship, and through a series of mishaps managed to launch the rocket! As the gardens are destroyed around Lucy's home, Laika is freaking out about the idea of being launched into apace! This is a wonderful story of friendship and interstellar travel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Buckingham, Will

Illustrator: Arnaldo, Monica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399554322

Price: 116.99

Cody and the Heart of a Champion

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2018

Review

This is a nice story about friendship and change. Cody is a young girl navigating friendships, school, and family. As in the past three Cody books, navigating change is the theme. Cody's friendships change, her interests change, as she joins a soccer team with her friends, and her best friend moves further away. This is a warm story that younger readers will enjoy reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: Wheeler, Eliza

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679217

Price: 14.99

Floaty

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2018

Review

Floaty is the tale of the curmudgeonly Mr. Raisin whose only joy in life is sewing. One day, he finds a basket on his doorstep that contains a dog who constantly floats. At first, he grumps as much about the dog as he does everything else, but eventually, the levitating pup grows on him, and Mr. Raisin names him Floaty. On a walk soon after, the leash snaps and the dog floats away. Mr. Raisin is heartbroken and eventually sews a hot air balloon to get his dog back.

This book is sweet and a little bit funny. The illustrations are digitally create and simple with thick outlines, but they're evocative. Kids will be happy to share this book one-on-one, in story times, or even by themselves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Himmelman, John

Illustrator: Himmelman, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250128058

Price: 17.99

Chasing King's Killer: The Hunt for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Assassin

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2018

Review

As with Swanson's other books, he has established a well documented source of Martin Luther King, Jr and James Earl Ray and the fate that brought these two men together. Divided into four sections, the first section includes an overview of the Jim Crow years, an introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr., his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and King's opposition to the Vietnam War; section two introduces the reader to James Earl Ray, Ray's escape from jail, brief family history and the days leading up to the assassination; section three is the planning of the assassination by Ray and section four deals with the aftermath of King's assassination, Ray's escape to Memphis, how the authorities, through various tips, where able to identify Ray and how/where he was finally captured.

Included is a discussion on James Earl Ray's motives, conspiracy theories, how Ray always claimed his innocence, and a final tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.. Sources notes are well documented; full TOC; well defined chronology of events leading up to and after the assassination, and an index. The photos, copies of articles and layouts compliment the text and give support to the times discussed.

Recommended for grades 7 and up. Great text to support history sections in school libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Swanson, James L.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545723336

Price: 19.99

Time Bomb

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2018

Review

The school looks like a war zone after the bomb went off, trapping 6 students inside. Even though it is only the week before school, each student had their own reason for being there, unfortunately for them. No one knows who else is in the building, until they stumble upon each other in their desperate search for help and a way out. They hear on a radio they found that the authorities believe the bomber is still inside the building -- who is it? Is it one of them? Can they get over this fear and accusatory nature to work together to get out or will they turn on each other? Is Rashid who wants to feel more himself than what his family allows? Or Tad whose summer crush on a fellow football player has come to a sudden stop? Or what about Diana, whose is practically perfect in every way? And then there is Z.

Character driven, tense, fast-paced, the suspense of Charbonneau's new book will leave readers wondering who could of done such a thing. Explores racism and stereotypes that lead to automatic assumptions of one's character. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Charbonneau, Joelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544416703

Price: 17.99

Sanctuary

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 3, 2018

Review

The second book in this trilogy by Jane Yolen and her son, Adam Stemple, continues the story of Silex and Craig. Silex is a demon in the form of a stone gargoyle who sits on top of a church in Edinburgh, Scotland and Craig is his human assistant. In this story, they are trying to figure out who the mysterious girl is that has suddenly appeared on their church doorstep. The story is slow at first but does pick up in the final chapters when Hellhounds and other demons enter the story. This story contains many Christian references and readers may be confused if they do not have the religious background. The dialogue is also written in Scottish dialect which may again be difficult for some readers. The black and white illustrations by Orion Zangara are best when monsters are depicted. This should be considered an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Zangara, Orion

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphic Universe

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467741972

Price: 29.32

Hermes: Tales of the Trickster

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 3, 2018

Review

This is the tenth installment in George O’Connor’s Olympians series. This installment is sure to delight. Readers of all ages will love the retelling of Hermes's shenanigans. The art in this graphic novel is as colorful and vivid as the other books in the series. This could serve as an introduction for those new to the world of Greek mythology, but it will also entertain those familiar with the story. An Author’s Note is included in the back as well as profiles of the main characters, Geek Notes that provide insight into the story and illustrations, a Bibliography, a list of recommended sources, and a Discussion Guide. This is a must-purchase for school and public libraries where the series is already popular. If you have not yet purchased the Olympian graphic novels for your library, you should definitely add them to your next order!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, George

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,folklore,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626725249

Price: 24.99

The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 3, 2018

Review

This book provided powerful insight into a life of poverty. It was sad and disturbing, so much so that I often had to put it down; however, it is an important story and a voice that is a necessary addition to young adult collections. Macy is angry and she has every right to be. Her father is in jail, her mother is on drugs, her brother has been removed by Child Protective Services, she often has to sleep in the bathtub, and she has been labeled “disturbed” by her school. Through all this Macy is a survivor who does the best she can to keep her family and friendships together. Macy’s first-person story is often disconnected and jumbled, as is her life, but this adds to the realism of the telling. A few heartbreaking scenes are quite graphic and best suited for mature YA audiences.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ramos, Nonieqa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512439762

Price: 17.99

Marley Dias Gets It Done

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 3, 2018

Review

Marley Dias, founder of the #1000BLACKGIRLBOOKS knows she is not the only kid who wants to change the world and she has a lot of advice to offer about how to do it. Dias explains her inspiration and founding her movement with contagious enthusiasm. Any reader who has ever thought of leading a change will be inspired. There are helpful toolkits for those changemakers who need help getting started. Readers will enjoy the illustrations scattered throughout of Dias with her family, speaking at events, and with celebrities. There is, of course, a lot of focus on literacy and literature with particular attention on Jacqueline Woodson and Rita Williams-Garcia who have been mentors for Dias. As Ava DuVernay explains in the introduction, this book is about passion and Dias will certainly inspire readers to find theirs. There is a book list in the back that will be helpful for readers and for developing diverse library collections. This is a must-have for public and school library collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dias, Marley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338136890

Price: 14.99

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2018

Review

17 Young Adult authors have come together to write an anthology of short stories on the proverbial love at first sight meetings. Beautifully written with an upbeat tone that will have every reader longing for that experience. Some of the authors include Katie Cotugno, Nicola Yoon, Katherine McGee and Dhonielle Clayton.

Most stories are realistic with some happening in the near future. Charming and sweet; sometimes the encounters are planned, others are by chance and some let the characters see a person from a different perspective to only realize that it is love at first sight! A much needed addition to diversify the teen romance genre. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Armentrout, Jennifer L. , et al

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328759870

Price: 17.99

Dump Trucks Haul!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Choose Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2018

Review

Dump Trucks Haul is part of the Bumba Books Construction Zone series. This book is sure to be appealing to the 2-5 year old nonfiction picture book enthusiasts who love transportation. The photos are bold and clear especially set against a colorful background design. Early readers will appreciate the large and simple font while parents will approve of the questions intended to extend the learning experience. The inclusion of a table of contents, picture glossary and informational back page extend the value of this simple and bright offering. There are never enough truck books in any library, this is worth consideration by librarians and preschool teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reinke, Beth Bence

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978152433593

Price: 11.40

All Kinds of Friends

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 4, 2018

Review

There are all kinds of friends in our lives, children are aware of those around them and naturally interact with others. Regardless of the setting friends can be found; they may be at day care or school, in camp, neighbors, members of the family, or friends met through athletics and activities. This book highlights the many faces of friends and shows real joy on the faces of the adorable children. There appears to be nothing staged, the interactions are genuine and the smiles real. Everyone will love the photography, especially Rotner's cover photo.

Not only are the photos engaging, the book design is simple and well-spaced for easy perusal. There is a scrapbook feeling to the colorful pages. Early readers will be able to read the large print sentences and phrases. Although the price is high I recommend adding this to public libraries and purchase as a gift for your favorite pre-school – K child.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: Rotner, Shelley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512431056

Price: 25

The Dangerous Art of Blending In

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2018

Review

Greek-American Evan Panos has just turned 18 and he needs to move out. His mother is abusive and his father avoids confronting the issues tearing the family apart. Evan's mother becomes increasingly abusive just as Evan begins to consider his sexuality and question his faith. Because this novel confronts identity, self-discovery, and finding personal power, it will appeal to readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories, especially those with LGBQT+ motifs.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Surmelis, Angelo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray - an Imprint of HarperCollins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062659002

Price: 17.99

Relative Strangers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2018

Review

High School senior Jules lives a somewhat lonely life with her artist mother. Their relationship is anything but close yet Jules feels some tenderness toward her Mom even as she wishes for a loving family. The story takes many turns, some are predictable yet there is a huge family secret buried in her Mom's closet which Jules unearths when searching for her baby picture. The strength of the novel is the strong female relationships within and across generations. Jules has two long time true friends who are supportive until she begins to withdraw. Adult woman are not treated as well as teens but they contribute to the storyline. Teen issues are entwined throughout the plot.

Older teen girls will enjoy this unique story about searching for identity and the need for love. Add to library YA collections where romance and family relationships are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Garner, Paula

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694692

Price: 17.99

Here So Far Away

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2018

Review

Here So Far Away is a well-crafted story that will pull at reader's heart strings. The plot is equal part inappropriate love and a deep need to leave home. George's life is turned upside down as circumstances beyond her control collide to threaten her senior year of high school and beyond. Mostly an introvert George finds herself attracted to a new man in town who takes her breath and common sense away. Readers will recognize a strong storyline behind stolen moments of passion and lust which grow to love. Other than George the most endearing character is Rupert, an older man who needs help at home. There are lessons concerning compassion and loyalty throughout the book. True affection and love dominate this strong and sad story. Add to large YA collections in public libraries where sexual content is not an issue.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dyer, Hadley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishing)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062473172

Price: 17.99

Geeked Out: A Lame New World

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Scarborough Public Library, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2018

Review

Fans of Skye's other series books will be pleased to find this on library shelves. Apparently this is the first of another series, one where the school geeks develop super sensed powers when exposed to spiders. If that isn’t enough to encourage giggles the many follow up situations that LAME members find themselves in will win over skeptics.

The illustrations are simple line drawings accompanied by cartoon bubbles. Each character is depicted in a unique manner and is easily identified. The cartoons are sure to add to reader pleasure but the content may not make Mom happy. Graduates of the Captain Underpants series will find this book entertaining. Not a necessary purchase for libraries. Teachers may wish to include this is their classroom library for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Skye, Obert

Illustrator: Skye, Obert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and Co.)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627799393

Price: 13.99

Bird Builds a Nest

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 8, 2018

Review

This science concept picture book is part of a British series entitled: A First Science Storybook. The mixed media illustrations are exceptional in terms of color and design. The paper appears recycled though that is not indicated on the reversal page, the weight and quality of the paper is pleasing. Most impressive is the text which follows a bird through an entire day in which she builds a nest. Each retrieved object is discussed, how it is used, how heavy or long it is and finally how soft. Emphasis is placed on the movements the bird uses to construct her nest.

Children will be delighted with the adorable birds and the final page when they see the five speckled bird eggs. Parents and educators will be pleased with the scientific concepts and the existence of a simple index as well as short lessons on force and gravity. Add to public and elementary school libraries.

Consider this for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Martin

Illustrator: Jones, Richard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693466

Price: 16.99

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2018

Review

Welcome to the world of zoo scientist who interact with animals in the wild, perform interesting and vital research, and work with staff as well as animals in zoos where they are employed. This book covers three endangered species and the scientist who learn about and care for them. Included are orangutans in our Nation's Capital Smithsonian Zoo, black-footed ferrets in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and black rhinoceros in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Each section introduces readers to the animal in the wild and follows the scientist who study these animals in their natural habitat. Fantastic photographs of the wildlife and interesting photos of scientific research as well as field study make this a very satisfying read. Some young readers will be fascinated with the science and duties of a zoo scientist while others will be more interested in the animals. This is a strong research book for students and a great informational text for those who visit and appreciate zoos. The seven backpages offer additional information in the form of source notes, glossary, bibliography, conservation stories, and index. Add to primary school media centers and consider for public libraries where nonfiction collections are highly valued for pleasure reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Newman, Patricia

Illustrator: Crawley, Annie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512415711

Price: 34

Twilight Chant

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Bereakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2018

Review

"Twilight Chant," by Holly Thompson is a lovely verse/chant like book with illustrations that are beautifully executed and engaging. In "Twilight Chant," twilight is repeatedly referred to as the "low light." During twilight/low light, certain creatures emerge and become visible. Twilight time is defined by the activities of these particular creatures in a lyrical chant which seems to entice and beckon the oncoming night.

This book could well be used at anytime, for any reason, if not for its lovliness alone. However, it is instructinve as well when one is trying to describe, explain and define this short lived piece of our daily cycle.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Holly

Illustrator: Thompson, Holly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544864821

Price: 17.99

Dave's Cave

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2018

Review

A curious cave man named Dave lives surrounded by green grass and big rocks. Dave likes his cave, as do his friends, but SOMETHING his making him unhappy. He is kept awake at night by thinking that perhaps there is a better cave out there somewhere. Dave goes on a search and discovers many caves that are not at all suitable. Finally, comes upon a nice cave. Why it even has green grass and big rocks. This is the perfect cave, thinks Dave. Dave moves in. Dave is "home."

The theme of this story is two fold: "there's no place like home, and "the grass is always greener."

This story is told in a very simple manner. We know nothing about "Dave" other than the fact he is unhappy. The story certainly gets the point across clearly and succinctly; however. a bit more character and plot development might have made the story more interesting.

A fun, quick read. Good for a lesson on appreciating what we have!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Preston-Gannon, Frann

Illustrator: Preston-Gannon, Frann

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763696283

Price: 15.99

Alma and How she Got her Name

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2018

Review

This is the story of a little girl with a very long name. Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela. Her Daddy tells her the history of each of her names. After hearing the story of why she was given each one of her names, Alma becomes proud of her family's history. She is Alma, and "Alma" fits her just right. And now Alma has her own story to tell!

A great book to share with children who are curious about their own names and their heritage. Knowing their own history will make a story that they can then share with others. And one day, they will have their very own story to tell!

Softly colored illustrations accompany this lovely empowering text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martinez- Neal, Juana

Illustrator: Martinez- Neal, Juana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763693558

Price: 15.99

The Dragonet Prophecy

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2018

Review

Graphic novel version of Book One of the popular "Wings of Fire" series won't disappoint readers of the novels. It follows the story of Book One, explaining the prophecy that brings the five dragonets together with rich color and lush detail. The book is visually stunning, but for those who have not read the series, there is not quite enough distinction between all of the dragons, not just the dragonets, but the other characters as well, so readers have to pay close attention to names and roles. This book will be on constant loan and it is easy to see why a GN was created. True to the original series, this book ends on a major cliffhanger and readers will clamor for Book 2, which is forthcoming.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutherland, Tui T.

Illustrator: Holmes, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780545942157

Price: 12.99

The World of Minecraft

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2018

Review

An informational text about the game Minecraft ideal for 2nd-4th grade readers interested in the background of the game. But reader beware, this is not a guide to Minecraft - there are a few tips about the game, but nothing that a player of the game wouldn't know. This book could be used to inform teachers and parents about the background and basic details of Minecraft, or for a student to use in a report about the game. The book includes many high-quality photos of the game and is visually appealing to early readers of informational texts. Each page includes one image and if a text box is used, it is clearly set aside near the image in a bright color. Part of a series about gaming that includes titles on Angry Birds, Mario Bros., and Pokemon, a book like this may satisfy that reader who will take out any book that says Minecraft, but with the advent of newer games, this type of title has a maximum shelf-life of 3 years.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schwartz, Heather E.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512483130

Price: 30.65

The Crooked Sixpence

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

When Ivy's grandmother falls and is taken to the hospital, Ivy and her brother Seb are thrown into a magical underground world called Lundinor. At Lundinor they discover uncommon objects (like a toilet brush) that have magical powers, mysterious constables, clocks that do more than tell time, and many mysterious events that seem to be linked to their grandmother. Ivy and Seb must enlist the help of an uncommoner to solve the mystery, free their parents and clear the family name. Complete with mystery, adventure and a little horror, this debut novel is sure to be a hit. A few illustrations scattered throughout the story add to the charm.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Jennifer

Illustrator: Helquist, Brett

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553498431

Price: 16.99

Suitors and Sabotage

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

It is the early 1800's and Imogene Chively, having had a season in London, is receiving two handsome brothers at her country place to decide if Ernest, the elder, would be a suitable suitor for her hand. As with all properly contrived meetings, Imogene naturally hits it off with Benjamin, his younger brother. While Imogene and her friend Emily help each other regulate their flirting in a respectable manner during their planned outings with the brothers, it becomes apparent that something or someone has a sinister plan toward Benjamin. As the matchmaking group moves from place to place, falling ruins, bucking horses, wasps and a sinking skiff provide low-key melodrama in this regency romance. The focus of the novel stayed on the movements of the group from place to place and the lack of character development made it easy to not get emotionally invested in the story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Anstey, Cindy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250145659

Price: 17.99

BAT and the Waiting Game

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

The book is a second story about Bat, the first being A Boy Named Bat which was described in part as a non prescriptive glimpse of a boy on the autism spectrum. Like the first book, Bat and the Waiting Game is a second, warm and realistic family story about Bat, his older middle grade school sister, his parents who are separated, and his pet baby skunk. The book's twenty four titled and brief chapters in just under two hundred pages make it an easy-to-read story additionally helped by frequent pen and ink illustrations and generous-sized type. This sequel offers again a non prescriptive look at an endearing young boy in a funny, genuine- feeling family story. Recommended especially to boys and girls of about six to nine years old.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Elana K.

Illustrator: Santoso, Charles

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/imprint of HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062445858

Price: 16.99

Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Ginns has found the winning answers to a fast-action, puzzle-solving romp throughout the world with this first novel in a planned series. The Spinners, a slightly eccentric family, must change their routine when Uncle Paul, and his strawberry waffle making skills, quietly disappears. Eleven-year-old Samantha is determined to solve the puzzles around her beloved uncle's disappearance, even after he only leaves her a rusty, red umbrella while her siblings and even her dog are left comically over-the-top, gigantic gifts. Samantha and her brother put sibling fighting aside when they embark on a trip to unknown places on the Magtrain, a fast-moving underground magnetic train. Their amazement of arriving in France is cut short when ninja shuriken stars start whizzing past. Thank goodness for week old baguettes! As they travel and find themselves in Egypt, glimpses of Uncle Paul pervade the different clues and facts along the way. The book's layout includes factual information pages scattered throughout that foreshadow various places with secrets. Fishinger's black and white illustrations provide some clues and other times comical parts of the story line. Ginns has provided many puzzles throughout the book with a chapter of super-secret answers in the back. The website provided puts another layer of enjoyment into the mix. This will have wide appeal from "Captain Underpants" lovers to "Chasing Vermeer" fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ginns, Russell

Illustrator: Fisinger, Barbara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524720001

Price: 16.99

Voices In the Air: Poems For Listeners

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

In this collection of poetry, Nye reminds us to listen to the world. The poems cover topics such as racism and war; mentioned specifically are Gaza, Aleppo, and Ferguson. She pays tribute to Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Bruce Springsteen, Lucille Clifton, Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac, Henry David Thoreau, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Together these poems feel like a collection of musings on the world through Nye’s eyes. She is often critical of the world, but overall this collection also offers a sense of hope. Biographical notes provide insight and background to the people mentioned in the book. Individually these poems would make great conversation starters and introductory lessons in classrooms. This is a recommended purchase for school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nye, Naomi Shihab

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062691842

Price: 17.99

Energy Investigations

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

A well-written, on-point informational text about the different forms and uses of energy. Aimed at 4-6th grade readers, the book has a clean design with just one image per page and clearly written text. Short chapters offer definitions of energy and highlight pioneers in the field of energy science. There are tie-ins to the energy used in people's everyday lives and at the end of the book, an experiment so that readers can see energy in action. Also includes a glossary, bibliograpy, and index. A solid addition to the numbered section of any elementary/middle school library and one that might also catch the eye of burgeoning scientists in a public library collection. Part of a six-book series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenney, Karen Latchana

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512440034

Price: 27.99

A Lion is a Lion

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Dunbar's simple, sing-song text and ink illustrations with pops of color invite the reader to wonder if a lion is still a lion even if he wears a dapper hat and asks you to hoobie-doobie dance and eats all of his vegetables. While the lion appears to have impecable manners, his true nature shows when he eyes his human hosts as dessert. But the girl child pushes back on that predatory lion and shows him the door in this delightful cautionary tale that warns that, yes, a lion is still a lion. Not a primary purchase, but a fun one to have for a read-aloud or storytime.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunbar, Polly

Illustrator: Dunbar, Polly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763697310

Price: 15.99

Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

The third of Teckentrup's peek-through books (Tree and Bee), this title is another vehicle for Teckentrup's gorgeous illustrations. And they are stunning, showing animals in different landscapes under the light of the moon, using shadow and light. But this title suffers from uninspired rhyming text and a few scientific errors that keep it from being higher rated. The flow of the book shows a waxing gibbous, goes to a full moon, has a new moon tossed in, and then goes to a waning gibbous, but this is not the correct order of the phases of the moon; unfortunately, the need for a design element supplanted the science. On the page with the puffins, it mentions the northern lights, but it would be tough to see the northern lights with as much moon in the photo, if there are even any northern lights in Teckentrup's illustration. On the page of the full moon, turtles are shown coming up on land to lay eggs, but the turtles do not have flippers so they are land turtles, not sea turtles. This book dances between the line of nonfiction and fiction and since it is directly about the moon, it would benefit from an author's note about the phases of the moon and the liberty taken due to design. Pick this one up for your bedtime stories collection and enjoy the way that Teckentrup succeeds in getting her two-dimensional moon to glow; that is strength of this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hegarty, Patricia

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524769666

Price: 16.99

The 11:11 Wish

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Megan has moved to a new school and is determined to be popular this time. She has all kinds of plans but her first day there starts out with her getting caught between two groups of girls and one of them, mean girl Rhena, is out to get her. But Megan decides to change that by making a wish on a cat clock. Her wish come true, but at a cost, a cost that makes her more and more cat like with every wish. Megan has a tough time being caught up in the mean girl stuff going on at her new school. Sometimes it seemed a bit much and that teachers, her little sister and her crush weren’t aware of what was going on, even though it was quite obvious. The wishing on the clock was fun and the cat consequences (Megan begins to develop all kinds of cat traits) was a neat twist. Readers that like stories heavy on mean girl stuff and magic will enjoy this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tomsic, Kim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Haroer Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062654946

Price: 16.99

Dude!

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Dude! Read this book! My first thought is that it's funny that there is an author for this one as it only features one word (well, two if you count splat), but the book is a brilliant use of punctuation, expression, and inference. Reynolds may only have added the word "dude" but he does it well. And Santat's illustrations are glorious, bright, bold, and colorful. This one is rollicking good fun and will have kids laughing out loud. Platypus and beaver are surfer dudes trying to catch the 'big one'. They do, only it's a big, sad shark who just wants to be included. The two cheer up shark with an ice cream and then get the bright idea of letting him in on their totally gnarly surfing session. Hilarity ensues. From the cover to the last "dude" this one will circulate constantly and each circulation will bring joy and giggles to the reader. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Aaron

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626726031

Price: 17.99

Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

The story of Michael Bornstein's survival from Auschwitz is rich with historical detail and courageous family members. The details of the story were derived from his memory and research as Michael was very young at the time all of this took place. He was assisted with the telling and researching of the story by his daughter, a news producer. Michael's story is very much about the destruction of the small community in Zarki, Poland as very few survived. He does not shy away from the horrific details of the holocaust. Many photographs are included. A worthy purchase for any middle school.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bornstein and Bornstein Holinstat, Michael and Debbie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374305710

Price: 16.99

Pine & Boof: The Lucky Leaf

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

Boof the bear is afraid of many things, including other bears. However, he does like to collect things. None are as special as the red leaf he finds. They do everything together until one very windy day when the leaf blows away. Boof was very sad so his friend Pine the Porcupine decides to help him find it. The two go on quite an adventure as they search for Boof's red leaf. Although they never find the leaf, they do discover something else, the power of friendship. The illustrations, done in pencil and acrylic, reflect the woodland setting and add natural appeal to the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burach, Ross

Illustrator: Burach , Ross

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062418500

Price: 17.99

Fuel Under Fire: Petroleum and It's Perils

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 11, 2017

Review

The world runs on oil. Each year 90 million barrels of oil are used by the earth's population. Ms. Goldstein takes the reader through the history of oil and how we have become addicted to it. Oil or petroleum is found in almost everything -from the gas in our cars, the tires, the roads we drive on, the clothes we wear, the detergent we use to wash them ,and the plastic wrap used to keep foods fresh. It supplies 2.5 million jobs. All things that make our lives more productive. The downside of oil is that it is not renewable,it can contaminate the soil, the water, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming, and it is a pollutant. She presents the pros and cons to this dilemma leaving the reader to draw their own conclusion. As with other books published by Twenty First Century, the subject offered isn't black or white but leads to discussion and a better understanding of our world.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstein, Margaret

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Twenty First Century

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467738316

Price: 34.65

Mr. Biddles

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

Mr. Biddles is an inventor who lives alone on a hill when along comes Hobson, a Maine lobster who was shipped to the wrong address. Mr. Biddles quickly cuts the rubber bands off Hobsons claws freeing them to be the "extra set of hands" Mr. Biddles has always wanted. As their friendship blossoms, Mr. Hobson starts to miss his family. The two friends try to think of a way to get him back to his family, but that isn't easy when it requires the lobster to be in a lot of water. Finally, Mr. Biddles creates a water holding side car and they start on a road trip to Maine. Mr. Biddles soon realizes that he will have to leave his friend behind as he belongs with his family. Nothing is the same when Mr. Biddles returns home without his friend. However, Mr. Hobson is lonely without his friend too and eventually returns. The unique illustrations are digital collages and are the real delight in the story. Secondary purchase only.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lonbardi , Kristine A.

Illustrator: Lombardi, Kristine A.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062441140

Price: 17.99

Mary's Monster

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Frankenstein was written in 1818 by teenage Mary Shelley whose life was as dramatic as her main character. While working through her own demons, Lita Judge leaves the world of picture books,to write about a young girl who fought her own dark demons. Raised to embrace free love and communal living, young, willful Mary falls for Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was already married. Together they run off to what Mary hopes will be a life of adventure and excitement. Instead, they are spurned by family and friend alike. Mary has two monsters, The one in book form and the one she carries with her. Ms. Judge tells of Mary's life in six parts and in free verse. Her language makes the reader feel Mary's emotional state as she lives with Shelley, but it is her illustrations, dark, dramatic that pull the reader into Mary's life. This graphic novel is haunting, terrifying and breathtaking in its rendering. A must read both for the story and the art.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Judge, Lita

Illustrator: Judge, Lita

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781626725003

Price: 21.99

Amazon Adventure: How Tiny Fish are Saving the World's Largest Rainforest

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Publlic Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

The Amazon Basin- the world's largest jungle and home to the jaguar, pink dolphin and new species being discovered all the time, is constantly being threatened by mining, clear cutting, and cattle ranching. It has been called the "lungs of the world." There is however a small fish that is helping to save this jungle and not in the way one would think. The piaba(small fry) is being caught by the millions and sold world wide to aquariums both large and small. On a trip to the Amazon, Scott Dowd, senior aquarist at the New England Aquarium was horrified to see these fish caught and sold worldwide. How could this be good for environment. With Scott, author Sy Montgomery and photographer Keith Ellenbogen take the reader to the Amazon and explain why capturing and selling these small, shy fish is earth friendly. another in the Scientists series that is not to be missed.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Ellenbogen, Keith

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780544352995

Price: 18.99

And She Was

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

A young woman meets her extended family for the first time after discovering that her mother is a transgender woman in this nuanced and poignant work of contemporary fiction. Aspiring tennis star Dara has long been stung by her otherwise supportive single mom's seeming disinterest in her goal of breaking into the pro circuit. When she goes searching for documents she needs to get a passport so she can compete in a tennis competition in Canada, she finds photos and a birth certificate that at first make her think her mom adopted her. When Dara confronts her, however, the truth comes out: Dara's mom is transgender and was her biological father; her biological mother died soon after she was born. Enraged and hurt that her mom has kept this history from her, Dara, in the company of her best friend Sam, takes off to find her birth mother's parents. Strong, multi-dimensional characters firmly anchor this story and a developing romance between Dara and Sam proves an engaging enough subplot. However, the center stage narrative that takes shape as Dara meets her warm-hearted aunt and caring but bigoted wealthy grandparents, all the while receiving emails from her mom that explain her backstory, is the focus here and it's compellingly told. Dara herself is somewhat self-centered, though readers will stick with her through this journey, as she gradually comes to understand the degree to which her mom was threatened by her in-laws. A worthwhile and thoughtful novel that will be appreciated by teen fans of realistic fiction, particularly those who favor neatly wrapped endings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Verdi, Jessica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 971338150537

Price: 18.99

Nice Try, Jane Sinner

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Pushed to finish her high school diploma after she flunks out of her senior year at her Canadian high school, seventeen year old Jane enrolls at the local community college and -- desperate to get away from her deeply religious family -- lies about her age on an application for a reality online show called The House of Orange that will provide her with a place to live in the spirit of MTV's The Real World. Jane's story is told mainly in epistolary format via her journal and her dryly witty voice and appealing competitive determination will bring readers firmly into her corner. Though the overarching tone is comedic, the secrets that Jane slowly reveals about herself and the reasons behind all that happened during her senior year are serious ones that meditate on topics like depression and faith. The drama that plays out between all of the participants in The House of Orange is similarly packed with funny antics and rife with betrayal, a juxtaposition that will keep readers on their toes. Though in the end it goes on a bit too long, teens who are fans of authors like John Green and AS King will enjoy this thought-provoking and unpredictable debut novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oelke, Lianne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion/Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544867857

Price: 17.99

Tempests and Slaughter

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Another great addition to Pierce's Tortall universe. Pierce has explored many avenues in her world and the adventures of Numair lead off from where previous books have ventured. Tempests and Slaughter serves as a prequel to some of the other stories in the world of Tortall and primarily takes places across the ocean in Carthak. Pierce has grown as a writer in the years since she first began writing in Tortall and this fast paced adventure is sure to pull readers in. It may be a difficult sell for some because there are eighteen other book in this universe, but Tempests and Slaughter can stand alone. Fans, both new and old, of this world will devour this new book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pierce, Tamora

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House New York

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780375847110

Price: 18.99

This Zoo is Not for You

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

This Zoo is Not for You is a story of some zoo animals who are conducting interviews for a position at the zoo. A platypus comes and is rejected by each member of the zoo for not having characteristics similar to them. He leaves, dropping the envelope he was carrying as he does so. Then, the animals realize he just wanted to invite them to a party. Luckily, he is still willing to accept them.

The illustrations are the star of this book. Expressive and clean, they bring the characters to life. Unfortunately, the premise doesn't make sense even for the many stretches of the imagination that we give to picture book fiction. Additionally, the rhymes are clunky. Still, the magic of the illustration lifts an otherwise poor book. Recommended only as an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Collins, Ross

Illustrator: Collins, Ross

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781536200157

Price: 1699

Natalie's Hair Was Wild

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Natalie's Hair Was Wild stars Natalie, a young black girl with wild hair. She can't keep it contained and so she lets larger and larger animals come to live in her hair from birds and butterflies right up to tigers and giraffes. All the while the text assures that Natalie doesn't care. Finally, she can't sleep or think because of all the loud noise and so she calls the zoo and fire department to help her tame her wild hair--for a little while at least. There is a historically tricky precedence of calling the hair of black people wild. Though author/illustrator Laura Freeman based this book on her own experiences, it's still a tall order for a simple book to reclaim the word wild and Natalie's Hair was Wild! is not up to the task. The illustrations are adorable and full of life. This book might be useful in a more grown up discussion, but a note of caution should certainly be applied about where and when this book should be shared.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Freeman, Laura

Illustrator: Freeman, Laura

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328661951

Price: 16.99

The City on the Other Side

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

The City on the Other Sides joins a growing number of fantasy graphic novels for middle grade and middle school readers which weave exciting stories with engaging illustrations to suck them in. Isabel is a sheltered girl in high society. She is sent to visit her father in San Francisco. While there, she accidentally slips into another world where war rages between two Courts: the Seelie and the Unseelie. Isabel becomes entangled in the adventure and danger of the war that she must try to stop before it ends their world and hers. Robison's pictures bring the character and magic to life. A good first purchase where fantastic graphic novels are popular and an additional purchase elsewhere.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scott, Mairghread

Illustrator: Robinson, Robin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250152558

Price: 23.99

Bunny's Staycation

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Mama Bunny must go on a business trip and Bunny does not like it. At First, Bunny tries to hide Mama's suitcase, then Bunny tries to go along on the trip. Papa soon comes to the rescue as he comes up with a wonderfully creative staycation plan for he and Bunny. "I wish I could go somewhere little bunnies can go too," says Bunny. "Let's do it"s said Papa. "We'll leave in the morning. They pack the "car," and "travel" each day to a new destination. The day before Mama is due to arrive home, when Bunny is really missing Mama, Papa suggests that together they make a wlcome home sign for her. Bunny, however, has an even beter idea. Bunny begins to create one last very special adventure! A wonderful surprise for Mama. A wlcome home to "Mama Camp!"

This is a great story to read to children whose parents struggle with this very issue - a parent leaving on a business trip and unable to take their child along. A "springboard" book that just migth haelp a child to use his imagination, be creative and better enjoy his very own "staycation."

The illustrations are bright, bold and cartoon like. Engaging and fun to view.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Richmond, Lori

Illustrator: Richmond, Lori

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Books, New York

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545925891

Price: 17.99

The Serpent's Secret

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Dasgupta spins an original adventure tale with a strong female protagonist that blends modern day appeal with traditional characters found in West Bengal, India stories. Kiranmala never liked being called an Indian princess by her parents. She just wanted to be like every other sixth grader in Parsippany, New Jersey, even if she was Indian. That changed on the day of her twelfth birthday when her parents disappear, a rakkhosh demon destroys her house and she is saved by two Indian Princes on winged horses. Kiranmala is rushed into the underworld of Indian mythologies, demons, and snakes in this exciting adventure. Her surprising biological heritage and the heart felt bonds that she has with her New Jersey family are all intertwined with dangerous magical creatures, witty/laugh out loud dialogue and intriguing back stories. There is lots of action, friendship building and plenty of demon goo as Kiranmala accepts that she is an "Interdimensional Demonslayer". Something for everyone. Many of the folktale characters that appear in the story are explained in more detail in the author's note. A second book in the series is promised in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dasgupta, Sayantani

Illustrator: To, Vivienne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338185706

Price: 17.99

Bunny's Staycation

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Mama Bunny must go on a business trip and Bunny does not like it. At First, Bunny tries to hide Mama's suitcase, then Bunny tries to go along on the trip. Papa soon comes to the rescue as he comes up with a wonderfully creative staycation plan for he and Bunny. "I wish I could go somewhere little bunnies can go too," says Bunny. "Let's do it"s said Papa. "We'll leave in the morning. They pack the "car," and "travel" each day to a new destination. The day before Mama is due to arrive home, when Bunny is really missing Mama, Papa suggests that together they make a wlcome home sign for her. Bunny, however, has an even beter idea. Bunny begins to create one last very special adventure! A wonderful surprise for Mama. A wlcome home to "Mama Camp!"

This is a great story to read to children whose parents struggle with this very issue - a parent leaving on a business trip and unable to take their child along. A "springboard" book that just migth haelp a child to use his imagination, be creative and better enjoy his very own "staycation."

The illustrations are bright, bold and cartoon like. Engaging and fun to view.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Richmond, Lori

Illustrator: Richmond, Lori

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Books, New York

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545925891

Price: 17.99

The New Libearian

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

"The New Libearian" is a book sure to please. A group of young children patiently await the arrival of their librarian, Mrs. Merryweather, for storytime. When she does not appear, the children begin to hunt for her. They soon discover paw prints here and there around the school. Why, they are even among the books on the shelves and a jar of honey is found over turned on the librarian's desk. The children look up and see a bear! "Will you read us a story?" asks Dee. The children suggest books which are boring to the bear. Finally, the children ask for a different book, an exciting, book and even a scary book. So the bear proceeds to read them a story about a bear who growls, and roars, and stomps. Soon Mrs. Merryweather enters the library. She begins to read "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," to the children. But wait. Where is Baby Bear. "I know you're hiding somewhere," says Mrs. Merryweather and Baby Bear soon steps back into the story. Mrs. Merryweather proceeds with her reading. ". . .and Baby Bear. A little girl comes to their house - but wait- where IS Goldilocks? Now Goldilocks is shown in the illustration sitting in the circle of children listening to the story! This is a clever story. The comingling of the fantasy world and the real world is carried offwell. Kindergarten, first and second graders would all find this funny and engaging. The illustrations are colorful and bold with Baby Bear being predominating in most all of them.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Donald, Alison

Illustrator: Willmore, Ales

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544973657

Price: 16.99

Rabbit Moon

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

There is a Korean folktale about the "rabbit in the moon." He appears on a full moon and pounds rice into rice cakes. When you see the rabbit, you make a wish. Jean Kim, in her debut picture book, has taken this folktale and created a story about the rabbit. He takes children's' wishes and turns the into stars. But who grants the rabbit his wishes and what does a rabbit wish for? The rhyming text is spare and direct. It is just enough to support Kim's large, bright, expressive illustrations that invite the reader into the story. This is the story about wishes and friendship and the power of both. It is a wonderful read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kim, Jean

Illustrator: Kim, Jean

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Arthur E Levine

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781338036398

Price: 17.99

Bonaparte Falls Apart

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

This comical picture book is sure to tickle young readers’ funny bones. Young Bonaparte is a skeleton whose bones keep falling apart. As his cast of friends try to come up with ideas to help him stay together, Bonaparte begins to get nervous about being accepted when he started school. After he is mummified, nailed together, and spun into a web, his friends finally settle on getting him a bone-fetching dog to retrieve any bones that fall apart. Perfect for a beginning of the school year or Halloween read-aloud, this book focuses on friendship, thinking outside the box, and accepting yourself for who you are. Children with service dogs or with questions about a service dog may find this to be a great introduction. Simple yet fun illustrations pair well with the text. A good addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cuyler, Margery

Illustrator: Terry, Will

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101937686

Price: 17.99

Shawn Loves Sharks

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Shawn Loves Sharks wonderfully portrays children's fascination with animals, specifically when they are compelled to research every single fact about one particular animal. Shawn's fascination with sharks is all-consuming: he eats like a shark, draws sharks, plays like a shark. When his teacher introduces a predator project at school, he is hoping to be assigned the shark. His disappointment at being assigned the seal is confounded when Stacy gets to research the shark. As he researches more about seals and learns that one of their predators is a shark, he takes out his anger on Stacy. Realizing that his emotions have gotten the best of him, he takes control of the situation and offers his shark books to Stacy. A sweet story that many children will relate to, this book offers a lesson in branching out and learning about new things. The theme of friendship appears at the end, and will resonate with readers as Shawn makes amends with Stacy. This is a perfect picture book read aloud to pair with research about animals.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Manley, Curtis

Illustrator: Subisak, Tracy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721340

Price: 17.99

The Lumberjack's Beard

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Jim Hickory is a lumberjack whose job is to cut down, prepare, and transport trees. After he cuts down the trees, a bird arrives on his doorstep without a home; Jim invites the bird to take up residence in his beard. When he prepares the trees, a porcupine arrives on his doorstep without a home; Jim invites the beaver to live in his beard. The next day, he transports the trees down a river, where they smash into a beaver's home and destroy it. When the homeless beaver arrives on his doorstep, Jim invites him to live in his beard as well. With all of the animals in his beard, Jim can't sleep! He comes up with the solution to shave off his beard and allow the animals live in it. A lesson in caring for the environment, the book closes with Jim replanting the trees he cut down. A wonderful read-aloud, the repetition in this book provides ample opportunity for children to practice their prediction skills. Discussions may be linked to consequences of actions and the effect humans have on the environment. This picture book is a wonderful addition to any library!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Beedie, Duncan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696498

Price: 16.99

The Word Collector

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Many people collect things, bugs, coins, rocks. But Jerome he collects words: words that delight him; words that intrigue him; words that inspire him. And Jerome uses these words to communicate with the world. One day, Jerome decides to share his words with the world. With simple prose and clear illustrations, one per page, Reynolds packs much meaning into a simple picture book. Teachers, librarians, parents, and word lovers everywhere will sigh with happiness at Jerome's curiosity and at his ability to recognize the complexity and simplicity of words. A beautiful example of the power of words to affect us and to connect us. Make sure to take note of the beautiful endpapers and the surprise under the book jacket. This is a book that feeds the soul and touches the heart. Highly recommend for any library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545865029

Price: 17.99

Why Am I Me?

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

This beautiful picture book poses a universal question that all children ask: “Why am I me?” Gorgeous illustrations pair with simple text to describe the differences in everyone. Representations of diverse characters allow this book to be accessible and cherished by a diverse audience. At the end of the book, two children of different races are shown asking the same question, illustrating this omnipresent question which ultimately unites us. This book is a perfect choice for a read-aloud or a lap sit and begs for discussions of individuality and commonality. The simple text and simple questions belie a much deeper conversation. A nice addition to every library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Britt, Paige

Illustrator: Qualls, Sean

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338053142

Price: 17.99

Noah Webster's Fighting Words

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

This wonderful informational book chronicles the life of Noah Webster, an important figure in American history and the man behind Webster's Dictionary. When Webster was younger, he had an affinity for learning and continued on to Yale University. After the American Revolution, Webster began teaching and worked hard to revolutionize education in America through reading and spelling. He felt the importance of having an American version of language and began publishing spelling books to help American students learn proper spelling. Creative illustrations provide texture to the pages and will fascinate readers. Maurer infuses Webster's voice into the narrative by incorporating Webster's "revisions" into the pages, lending itself to potential lessons about revising and editing. This text will be loved by librarians, teachers, and students like.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Maurer, Tracy Nelson

Illustrator: Catusanu, Mircea

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467794107

Price: 19.99

Joplin, Wishing

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Joplin's grandfather was a famous writer who suddenly stopped writing and has a strained relationship with her mother. When he passes away, Joplin and her mother travel to Maine to sort through his items, Joplin's mother spending as little time as possible in the family house. Joplin finds a treasure while there, a smashed Dutch platter, and takes it home with her. Once it's reassembled, she hangs it in her bedroom, making a wish in passing that the girl portrayed in the plate would become human and be her friend. When a girl dressed in the same garb appears in Joplin's courtyard, she becomes suspicious, and realizes the plate is much more than a plate, somehow holding the key to her mother's mysterious childhood. As the paparazzi swarm around her family's current situation, Joplin, her mother, and the girl from the Dutch platter begin to unearth some family secrets. This fantasy novel will keep readers enthralled as they begin to piece together the mystery surrounding the platter. Realistic family tensions add layers to this plot and Joplin is a strong main character. Recommended as an additional purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stanley, Diane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062423702

Price: 16.99

Superstar

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Lester is going to school for the very first time in fifth grade at Quarry Elementary School. Having been homeschooled by his mom, Lester has never had to deal with the classroom rules, and worse, the classroom bullies. When he becomes the target to a bully, Lester holds on tightly to his only friend, and plans his much anticipated Science Fair project. Lester's mom isn't so keen on allowing her son to immerse himself in science, since his father lost his life on an astronaut mission. But when she finally gives in, Lester dives into his project, just around the time he learns he has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and his best friend begins to distance herself. Davis does a wonderful job placing the reader in Lester's mind. Readers will empathize with the main character and will cheer for him through the ups and downs of his school year. A believable cast of secondary characters, with a sarcastic teacher, an understanding counselor, and bully with challenges of his own round out this novel. A great choice for students who are looking for read-alikes of Wonder and The Notations of Cooper Cameron.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davis, Mandy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062377777

Price: 16.99

Viva, Rose!

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

When Rose sees a picture of her brother Abram standing next to Pancho Villa in the newspaper, she realizes with rage that he has lied to her family and has snuck off to join the revolutionary army. Rose decides to find Abram and make him come home to his family, but she ends up getting kidnapped and brought right to the camp. When she arrives, Pancho Villa's niece grows fond of her and orders her to be her play companion. As Rose orbits in the same circle as her brother, she eventually makes contact and learns that he has no desire to return home. As she makes an escape for her life, she is forced to rely on her own strength to return home to her family. This rare and fascinating historical novel focuses on a key time in history on which not many middle grade novels are written. Krawitz's vivid descriptions bring to life the desert setting and compel readers to feel Rose's suspense and frustration. Advanced middle grade readers will truly appreciate this book, as there is a lot of content to understand. This would make a great read-aloud as well, and would open discussion to multicultural and historical discussions.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krawitz, Susan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823437566

Price: 16.95

Thunder Horse

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Eve Bunting has written another classic story that will capture children's imaginations. When Aunt Aldora gifts the main character with a miniature horse, she also leaves her with a warning that the horse will someday grow and leave her. As she cares for the horse and names him Pegasus, he does in fact grow, and beautiful feathered wings appear on its back. Each night, the girl and Pegasus go on night rides, until one day, the horse leaves on its own. The main character searches the night sky for shooting stars, and on these nights, Pegasus returns and the two ride through the night together. This beautifully simple story is an allegory for the power of loving something and setting it free. Delicate illustrations beautifully pair with text and young readers will find comfort in this magical story. This book is also a perfect mentor text for older grades when learning to identify and write fantasy. Highly recommended for every library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Nolan, Dennis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626724433

Price: 17.99

Birthdays Around the World

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

This informational text is a valuable addition to any library. Author Margriet Ruurs compiled information about birthday traditions and celebrations by conducting interviews of people around the world. Fourteen countries are represented in this book and children from each country relay how they celebrate their birthdays. Selected countries represent diversity, and illustrations do as well, including different races and differently abled people. Children will find the information fascinating and will love learning how to say "Happy Birthday" in different languages. Backmatter includes "A Note for Parents and Teachers" which provides various ideas for teaching about customs around the world. A useful tool for class projects, discussions, or for individual learning, this books is recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruurs, Margriet

Illustrator: Barron, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771386241

Price: 18.99

Honor Code

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

A young woman is eager to attend a prestigious boarding school called Edwards Academy, but is dismayed to find that the wealthy students there abide by a code that encourages faculty and students alike to turn a blind eye to activities ranging from hazing to rape. Fourteen year old Sam and her roommate Gracie are both new to Edwards and establish a tight friendship right off the bat. However, when theyfall for the same upperclassman and he seems to reciprocate Sam's interest, it drives a wedge between the two girls. However, when he sexually assaults Sam, she must decide whether to stay quiet or risk upsetting the privileged, insular community. While predictable, the premise of this novel reflects the reality of the culture of many a private school. Readers will be deeply sympathetic to Sam's heartbreaking experience, though its treatment through the second half of the novel becomes more sensational than the initial set up. Sam's contact with a reporter who takes over narrating toward the end, a courtroom fight and an eleventh hour twist are all part of this story.. An engaging and important premise that loses its way in overly clever plot devices, this will still find a readership among teens who favor serious drama.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Burkhart, Kiersi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781512429961

Price: 17.99

The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Frances Pauley is and observer of nature, just like her idol, Margaret Mead. In the rocks behind her house, she has fashioned a "rock room" where she is most comfortable. She has few friends save her bus driver, Alvin, who validates her and her thoughts. When she loses Alvin, she feels she is alone until she lets those around her in and hears Alvin's words that guide her . Stevens novel is heartbreaking, painful and heartwarming, and shows that one can reach out and form friendships with others without losing one's true self. The world is big enough for both. Pair this with Holly Goldberg's Sloan's Counting by 7s and Jennifer Holm's The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stevens, April

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781524720612

Price: 16.99

Snowy Owl Invasion: Tracking an Unusual Migration

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Markle is a master of nonfiction texts focusing on animal preservation, and this book is no exception. Gorgeous photographs accompany text that details the strange irruption of snowy owls from the Arctic to southern Canada and the United States. In the winter of 2013-14, snowy owls began appearing in areas far south of their normal habitat. This lead scientists to question "why?". Through the efforts of many scientists, and using GPS tracking devices, it was determined that due to a boom in the lemming population, more snowy owls were born that year, and were fed and survived. Then due to factors in climate change and shifting weather patterns, snowy owls were driven farther south. In the areas of Canada and the United States, they found plenty of food and continued to thrive. Markle walks the reader through the process of discovery, the trial and error of trying to track wild animals. Readers interested in conservation and the scientific process will enjoy this book. Those looking for an informational text for a report on owls will not find this useful though if they are looking, specifically, for information on snowy owls, they could extract many facts and details about this type of owl; the student would have to be a strong synthesizer of data. Markle books are a sure-thing: well-written in an easy-to-read style; well-researched, including sources, glossary, and index; and visually appealing. Purchase for any general collection though highlighting in a display or booktalking this title will ensure greater circulation.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512431063

Price: 31.99

Build Your Own Robots

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Eight small movable robots are presented in this slim Masterspace Models series book, complete with directions and a "how it works" section for each project. The author list the tools needed for each robot and illustrates the procedure to build. Ives states that most of the tools are available around the home but there are some items this reader would not have. Where does one purchase a small pager motor or a battery holder? The projects get more difficult with each robot, directions for the last three may be too complicated for the age appeal of the book. It is imperative that an adult supervise these projects as many of them require the use of a utility knife or hot glue gun. The book does contain a table of contents, an excellent glossary, and index. Teachers and parents may want to start by reading through the glossary with their young scientific robot builders.

Intermediate schools who support science fairs will find this book useful in their collection. Although there are several problems with the tools and instructions, Build Your Own Robots provides some cool science learning opportunities. Note that a disclaimer is printed on page four

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ives, Rob

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato (Lerner Publishing)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512459708

Price: 26

Fun Experiments with Forces and Motion: Hovercrafts, Rockets, and More

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

“Fun Experiments with Forces and Motion” is full of home built items to fly, float or race. This is a good addition to the Amazing Science Experiments series as it takes students step by step through nine cool projects that are challenging and educational. There is a disclaimer and warning triangles exist on pages where the activity needs adult supervision. Both the materials needed to do each experiment and the tools used in that construction are listed and depicted. Several items however could prove unsafe in the hands of some young scientist without adult assistance. The colored illustrations are bold while the text and directions are clear and understandable. This is a fun book that comes complete with a glossary and offers a glimpse into rocket history.

Add this to any youth collection where science experiments are popular with young scientific minds. Communities that have science summer camps and school science fairs will want to add this to the public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ives, Rob

Illustrator: Sassin, Eva

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato (Lerner Publishing)

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512432176

Price: 16

Hermit Crabs

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2008

Review

This nonfiction work would benefit from fewer exclamation points and more careful editing. On page 22, readers are given six words about crabs to write a sentence with "answers on page 24" directly below the six words. There is no sample paragraph on page 24. "Sometimes, two hermit crabs fight over the same shell!"is an example of six exclamation points that might fit the Science Slam series style but does not add to objective, critical thinking. Close, colorful, clear photos, diagrams with labels, index, page headings, interesting facts, and side text make the facts accessible to early readers and teachers who like informational books, however, the text does not flow naturally. On balance, this title is not recommended.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781684024452

Price: 15.99

Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

A full-color reprint of Book Five of the popular series (first published in 2001), Harold, George, Ms. Ribble, and Mr. Krupp all appear in glorious vivid colors. Harold and George have pulled the worst prank yet and someone ended up getting Mr. Krupp engaged to Ms. Ribble. Their slapdash wedding predictibly goes awry bringing the full wrath of Ms. Ribble down on the boys. In an attempt to change her mind about flunking them from fourth grade, they use the 3-D Hypno-Ring on her. Enter the Wicked Wedgie Woman! Hijinks ensue. Due to the popularity of the series, it is easy to say that it is not necessary to reprint these books in color, but it does add to the fun to see Ms. Ribble's hair in all of its teal glory. And color may draw in even more readers who need additional visual stimulation. If this series is already popular in your school or library, this hardcover, full-color edition will fly off the shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338216233

Price: 9.99

The Dragonfly's Journey

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

Young readers will be drawn into the book because of its clear, colorful, closeup photographs Four brief chapters provide readable, interesting facts around migration, hazards (including human's destruction of wetlands, migration, and general introductory facts. One interesting fact, for example, is that some dragonflies migrate 11,000 in a year from Asia to Africa. Teachers of informational text will appreciate the index, glossary, further reading including websites, table of contents, and labels. Recommended

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tunby, Benjamin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512486360

Price: 6.05

Thunder Horse

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Eve Bunting has written another classic story that will capture children's imaginations. When Aunt Aldora gifts the main character with a miniature horse, she also leaves her with a warning that the horse will someday grow and leave her. As she cares for the horse and names him Pegasus, he does in fact grow, and beautiful feathered wings appear on its back. Each night, the girl and Pegasus go on night rides, until one day, the horse leaves on its own. The main character searches the night sky for shooting stars, and on these nights, Pegasus returns and the two ride through the night together. This beautifully simple story is an allegory for the power of loving something and setting it free. Delicate illustrations beautifully pair with text and young readers will find comfort in this magical story. This book is also a perfect mentor text for older grades when learning to identify and write fantasy. Highly recommended for every library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Nolan, Dennis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626724433

Price: 17.99

Goldeline

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

Goldeline's mother practiced magic and was persecuted by her village, led by the Preacher. After her mother’s death, Goldeline was taken in by Gruff and his motley crew of robbers. Goldeline baits travelers in the woods to stop and help her, while the robbers wait in the woods to pounce. When she stumbles upon a terrified boy her age in a carriage, she decides to save him. Her mistake is grave, as he ends up leading the Preacher directly to the group of robbers. In order to save herself and the boy, Goldeline leads them on a trek through the most dangerous part of woods, filled with a cast of fantastical characters. At times dark and always unbelievable, this novel is for readers who enjoy dark and twisted fantasies. Cajoleas has created Goldeline to be a gruff character, and readers may have a hard time relating to or empathizing with her. The dark imagery and vivid descriptions in this novel will appeal to the right readers. Recommended as an additional purchase for middle school libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cajoleas, Jimmy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062498755

Price: 16.99

Monster, Human, Other

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

Isaac and Wren have never felt like they belonged. Thanks to an agreement between the humans and the clepsits, each are being raised as ambassadors to the other species, traded at birth to live with another family. When Isaac is kidnapped from his family by the vorocans, creatures who look like floating spiky balls, the balance between the two species is threatened. Wren must step up and try to save the world before the vorocans achieve their goal of world domination. This light-hearted and fast-paced fantasy will appeal to many middle grade readers. Gale has done a wonderful job with world-building in this novel, and the concept of trading between species is interesting. A great addition to middle grade fantasy sections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gale, Laurel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553510126

Price: 16.99

I Can Be Anything! Don't Tell Me I Can't

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2018

Review

This is Diane Dillon's first solo book after the death of her husband and decades long co-illustrator, Leo. It works. Each page shows a young bi-racial girl, Zoe. In the corner of each double spred, Zoe is doing something realistic in today's time such as listening to the inside of a shell.The larger illustrations show her doing something bold in the future such as scuba diving as an oceanographer. It is the voice inside her head, not an outside force, that tries to tear her down. On each page, she contradicts the negative doubting voice and stands up for her dreams. Finally, the negative voice says, "You don't know what you want to be, do you?" and Zoe shoots back "I'm not grown up yet. I can anything...but first I have to learn to read... and read...and read! And I'll read books about all the things I can be." This upbeat text fits right into a growth mindset and and "not yet" message so important to young learners.Recommended for most collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dillon, Diane

Illustrator: Dillon, Diane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Blue Sky Press/ Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338166903

Price: 17.99

Dog Man and Cat Kid

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Dog Man is back in book 4 of the series for elementary-aged readers. This book starts off with an explanation from Harold and George that this story is inspired by a book that they are reading: East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Thus begins their tale of good, evil, and stuff! Pilkey throws in a lot of wordplay and allusions and even quotes Steinbeck's book directly. So, yes, this is children's fare, but for those willing to delve a little deeper, Pilkey is not just bathroom humor and silliness, though there is enough of that to entertain even your most dormant readers. This book finds Dog Man in charge of guarding the actress Yolay Caprese as she stars in the new movie about Dog Man's heroic adventures. But Bad Kitty has plans to spoil the big movie about his nemesis and he will use his clone Cat Kid to help him, even if he has to make him. But everyone knows that it is difficult to make kids do things they really, really don't want to do (especially if it is dastardly), so Dog Man gains an ally in fighting Kitty. Filled with adventure, humor, and bright illustrations that are very clear and never overwhelm the page, readers of the series will love this newest tale and clamor for more. And, as they will find out at the end, more is on its way!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545935180

Price: 9.99

Best Buds Under Frogs

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 14, 2018

Review

This book has excellent voice. It is great for older middle school kids who are at a lower reading level. The story is about a new girl moving to town. She's pretty shy so making friends is hard. Lily is in 4th grade. The format of the book is each page has a picture that Lily draws, illustrations are digital, of how she interprets her world and the text of the story. She becomes friends with Darby who lives on the other side of the lake. Dabry is a fun friend to have most of the time, but Darby's best friend moves back from England. Jill has a spell over Darby, where she has these great ideas that constantly get the girls in trouble. Then she cries and tells the grown-ups that she tried to tell them not to steal candy at the store... The humor is what makes this such a great read for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Patricelli, Leslie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763651046

Price: 15.99

Bad Kitty Camp Daze

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2018

Review

In this book, Bad Kitty gets boinked on the head and she thinks she's a dog. She goes to summer camp for dogs. This story holds the same humor and charm as the other books in the New York Times bestselling series. It had my 10-year-old grandson laughing out loud. He needed to show me every page. It is a fun read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press /Holzbrinck Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626728851

Price: 13.99

Shatter

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2018

Review

This is the sequel to Pike's political, drug-related power title called Glitter. This is a sci- fi look at 22nd century Versailles. Sonoma-Versailles is now a corporation owned kingdom where Danica has become a teenage queen. She is acutely aware of her position as a pawn in both the drug lord Reginald's Glitter empire and King Justin, her murderous husband's greedy plans that will destroy the world economy. Using her new found power as queen and her tech/coding skills, she balances on the edge of addictive power and losing herself in the fight to free herself and the love of her life Saber, the technologically imprisoned slave. The different levels of betrayal and plans intertwine with the company's framework in a charade of global magnitude. Suspenseful at times, the well-developed story line and past history of the betrayal of the world works into the minute details of the palace. Reader may want to begin with the first novel to understand the deep bonds and dangers that Danica faced before taking the throne.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pike, Aprilynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101933749

Price: 17.99

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2018

Review

Recommending for Cream Consideration. Lucy was struck by lightning when she was 8-years-old leaving her with a type of brain damaged called acquired savant syndrome but what she calls "supercomputer brain". Her number skills are beyond college thought and keep Nana and Uncle Paul entertained. On the downside, Lucy has a few obsessive compulsive traits from the accident that has kept her reclusive. Nana has agreed to let her attend college classes on the condition that she attends one full year at East Hamlin Middle School and make one friend. Lucy finds that her life becomes complicated, friend and bully filled and exponentially fulfilling. McAnulty has captured Lucy's voice in a clear and believable way in her world view, in her friend interactions and as she fights to appear "normal". Prepare to laugh out loud one minute and require a tissue the next. Fans of "Wonder" by Palacio and "Out of my Mind" by Draper will have this flying off the shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524767570

Price: 16.99

Becoming Madeline

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 20, 2018

Review

This is the biography of Madeleine L'Engle written by two of her granddaughters Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy. This is the best biography that I have read. It is filled with photos, report cards, quotes, and love. The girls interviewed family members, raided photo albums, journals, and collaborated. Quote from Madeleine L. (she was named after her mother) about her writing " I learned to inhabit other selves, other ages. It helped put things into perspective. And now that I am older, I still do that. I've never had to lose my younger selves- so that's why I am every age I have ever been." This is the story of more than three generations of writers. The reading level is geared for middle school, but the work continues on to adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jones Voiklis Roy, Charlotte Lena

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Stratus Giroux for young Readers/Macmillion

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374307646

Price: 19.99

Honor Code

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

A young woman is eager to attend a prestigious boarding school called Edwards Academy, but is dismayed to find that the wealthy students there abide by a code that encourages faculty and students alike to turn a blind eye to activities ranging from hazing to rape. Fourteen year old Sam and her roommate Gracie are both new to Edwards and establish a tight friendship right off the bat. However, when theyfall for the same upperclassman and he seems to reciprocate Sam's interest, it drives a wedge between the two girls. However, when he sexually assaults Sam, she must decide whether to stay quiet or risk upsetting the privileged, insular community. While predictable, the premise of this novel reflects the reality of the culture of many a private school. Readers will be deeply sympathetic to Sam's heartbreaking experience, though its treatment through the second half of the novel becomes more sensational than the initial set up. Sam's contact with a reporter who takes over narrating toward the end, a courtroom fight and an eleventh hour twist are all part of this story.. An engaging and important premise that loses its way in overly clever plot devices, this will still find a readership among teens who favor serious drama.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Burkhart, Kiersi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781512429961

Price: 17.99

Just Like Jackie

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeprt Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 20, 2018

Review

Robinson is getting in trouble at school for not keeping her hands to herself. The problem is the class bully, Alex, keeps teasing her and she can't take it. She'd rather be home helping her grandfather with cars or playing baseball than at school with Alex. But she ends up doing her homework in a group with her school counselor that includes Alex and a few other students. All of the students have problems in their lives and working together seems impossible, at least at first. Robinson's temper is quick and very real. Readers will feel for her and her frustration at the class bully Alex. But they will also begin to empathize with Alex when what is going on in his life is revealed. There is quite a bit of baseball and car jargon in here that may not appeal to all readers but the group work the students do together is worth reading even if you aren't a car or baseball fan. Readers that like realistic fiction dealing with tough situations in a child's home life or past will like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stoddard, Lindsey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062652911

Price: 16.99

The Science of Breakable Things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2018

Review

Recommend for Cream Consideration. How far must one go to help find the cure for someone you love is depressed? That is the life questions that are challenging Natalie as she begins seventh grade. Take science class for instance. Mr. Neely has given her class a year-long science assignment of the scientific process. Natalie struggles to find the right question to pursue for her class project while at home all the unanswered questions swirl around her since her botanist mom has stop going to work, talking with Natalie and coming out of the bedroom. Natalie's first person voice provides the confusion and misunderstanding that family members experience when someone they love seems out of reach. She experiences the abrupt change in her daily routine and endures new moments of dreaded silence with her therapist dad who is trying to be both parents to her. With help from her two friends, who provided comic relief and clarity, and with a direct suggestion from Mr. Neely to try the Egg Drop Competition, Natalie navigates with mixed success the new emotional terrain that depression has created at home. Keller uses the different steps of the scientific process as the chapter headings, with various lists, footnotes and "cool" scientific illustrations by Neonakis that complements and parallels Natalie's new home life. Just like eggs, many things break in Natalie's world, but her friends and the love of her family help cradle the positive, just like in the egg drop competition. Keller has provided a diverse set of characters in a realistic and heart-felt story of hope in mental illness.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Keller, Tae

Illustrator: Neonakis, Alexandria

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524715663

Price: 16.99

Winterhouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2018

Review

Puzzle lovers will be quickly pulled into the mystery surrounding Winterhouse, a luxury hotel, and the unusual family lineage of Norbridge Falls, the owner. Orphan Elizabeth Somers, comes home from school to find her guardians gone on a trip they can't afford and a train ticket for her to travel to Winterhouse by herself for Christmas break. Even on the way, mysterious and unusual premonitions and unique strangers spark Elizabeth's imagination. She meets Freddy Knox, who is her age and is there on his own. They find they share a love of word puzzles, scavenger hunts and inventions. Elizabeth finds that she is drawn to strange midnight happenings in the vast hotel library and engages Freddy's reluctant help. The pacing becomes slow at times with the minute to minute details of the day and actions by Elizabeth, but those looking to find out what will "happen next" will stay for the full reveal. Each chapter's heading contains a ladder poem and the black and white illustrations by Bristol add to the quirkiness and darkness of the puzzling magic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Guterson, Ben

Illustrator: Bristol, Chloe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250123886

Price: 16.99

Good Dog

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 26, 2018

Review

This story is good for dog lovers who want to believe in doggie heaven and second chances. Brodie was a good dog who wakes up in a beautiful place of sunshine and fields to run in. Then he remembers something bad...about his boy. His boy is in trouble, he needs to go back to help save the boy. He can go back only he won't be alive. Aidan needs help. This is a story of a dogs love for his boy and how he will do everything that he can to help.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gemeinhart, Dan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338053883

Price: 16.99

Exoplanets

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2018

Review

Simon has won awards for both his nonfiction and fiction books. Exoplanets is nonfiction and aged for ages 6-10, but I think it could easily go higher. This book uses the analogy of Goldie Locks to exoplanets by comparing the planet Earth to Goldie. We are in the "just right" location to sustain life, scientists are looking for more Goldie Locks planets. The photos of space are beautiful. The book includes a glossary, index, and a read more about it web address section. This is a great book to introduce or reinforce space concepts.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062470584

Price: 17.99

The Weird science of the most Mysterious Objects in the Universe Black Holes

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 28, 2018

Review

This is a great book for people who want to understand space. The book includes a table of contents: 1 What is a black hole?, 2 The black hole at the center of the Milky Way, 3 Kaboom! When black holes collide, 4 What's on the (event) horizon?, and 5 Black Holes Just wanna have fun. The book also has a gallery of all-star black holes, source notes, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, and an index. The photos are stunning.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Latta, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner Pub. Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512415681

Price: 35.99

Monsters Beware

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 1, 2018

Review

The third book starring Claudette, Marie, and Gaston in all of their full-color adventure and silliness. Due to Mont Petit Pierre's re-admittance into the Warrior Games, Claudette gleefully anticipates fighting monsters and bringing glory to her town. But with the inclusion of Marie on her team (she is the marquis's daughter and her safety is paramount), the activities are gentler and more practical. How can Claudette prove her strength and cunning while milking a cow!! When some of the competition shows their teeth (literally eating the other contestants), Claudette gets her ultimate challenge and shows that she really is Juliette's fierce, brave, and caring daughter. The book could stand alone due to the thrills and adventure, but reading the first two books in the series bring fuller understanding of the plot. This entire series is HIGHLY recommended as it has enough action and plot intrigue to capture interest; has a funny, flawed heroine who has to learn to listen both with her ears and to her heart; and has large, gorgeous, colorful illustrations that draw the reader in and keep them turning the pages to find out what happens next. Readers would cheer if another book of adventures of Claudette and her amazing family was on the horizon.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aguirre, Jorge

Illustrator: Rosado, Rafael

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721807

Price: 14.99

Smart Cookie

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 1, 2018

Review

A chapter book with a good heart and a lot of sincerity, but that doesn't quite hit its mark. The main character, Frankie, is a well-meaning and likable character who misses her mother, death by car accident, and who would like her father to meet someone so that they can be a family of three again. In that sweet way that children think that complex problems can be fixed by simple solutions, Frankie creates an online dating profile for her father and then tries to screen the "possibles" before they meet her father. There is a heavy authorial hand in the plotting of this one as something always comes up to assist Frankie in keeping her secret. The situations are not completely unbelievable, but Frankie is a heroine who is a little too philosophical, capable, and self-aware to be a mirror for many readers. There is also a situation with her grandmother that has a long mysterious build-up, but then almost no discussion when discovered and a too-pat resolution. The dating situation is also neatly wrapped up with a plot device and then an easy acceptance. The story has solid bones, and tackles some interesting themes, but needed more fleshing out to be a book that transcends being a book for a very narrow audience (that of 3rd/4th grade readers).

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Swartz, Elly

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338143560

Price: 16.99

Leah on the Offbeat

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 3, 2018

Review

Albertalli continues her reign with Leah on the Offbeat, a semi-sequel to her previous Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda (winner of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award), which was recently turned into a movie under the title Love, Simon. Leah on the Offbeat picks up near where Simon left off, with Leah and her friends on the verge of senior year. Leah struggles with her confidence as her friend group shifts around her. Though she projects a sarcastic and self-assured nature--Slytherin to the bone--Leah feels unsure and unworthy of everything. She doesn't know how to share she's bisexual, even to her best friend, Simon, who is gay. She doesn't think her art is any good, doesn't know how to handle potential crushes that she may have. Albertalli renders Leah beautifully--her fears will speak to many teen readers as she and her peers navigate the space between being high schoolers and college students. Leah on the Offbeat feels worthy of the mantle left by Simon, a perfect story for any teen and a necessary story for queer ones. Leah finds hope, strength, joy, and surety; the reader will, too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Albertalli, Becky

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062643803

Price: 17.99

Chaotic Good

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 3, 2018

Review

The summer before her senior year, Cameron is prepping for her portfolio presentation so she can get into a great school for costume design and dealing with the fact that her family has recently moved from Portland, Oregon to the much slower paced Eugene. Still, Cameron receives the same message that's been haunting her since she won a costume contest the year before: women don't belong in nerdy spaces. With hate still pouring in online and a sexist clerk working the local comic store, Cameron sets out in disguise as a boy to prove the unfairness of the assumption. However, it's not the jerk from before, but a different guy who is working the counter, and he invites the disguised Cameron to join his Dungeons and Dragons group. Before Cameron knows what has happened, she finds herself over her head--hate bombarding her from one direction, pressure from her portfolio from another, and (to top it all off) feelings for the DM of her game. Everything crescendos until Cameron is struggling to even get by.

Gardner weaves the perfect tale of what it means to be a young girl in today's nerd spaces: combating those who think that women don't belong, those that misunderstand--willfully or otherwise--how hard it is, the liability that comes from not knowing every piece of trivia or liking the "wrong" thing too much. With the resurgence of D&D in teen communities and comics still reigning supreme for many teens, this book will surely be a hit. Gardner's easy command of Cameron's voice lives up to the hype of the subject matter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gardner, Whitney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524720803

Price: 17.99

Ebb & Flow

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 3, 2018

Review

A heavy story of negative behavior is balanced by a sweet summer with a “Cotton Candy Gramma”. Jett spent the school year acting out his anger and shame. This lovely book of poetry reveals the depth of his infractions and shows the power of forgiveness. Using storytelling as a discussion vehicle Jett's grandma shares her youthful stories, eventually he does the same. Readers learn the full extent of his crimes and they share in the healing process.

This book reveals deep inner consciousness that is lacking in most young YA books. The characters are real and willing to show their good and bad qualities. This is a great book discussion title that will be appreciated by male and female readers. Public libraries should add this title. School librarians will have to consider their population who may or may not object to the somewhat religious undertones and presentation of negative abusive behaviors.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771388382

Price: 16.99

Be Kind

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 4, 2018

Review

Kindness seems to be shrinking in our society, this books brings it back into focus. Readers watch as the main character tries to decide what is the kind thing to do when a classmates spills grape juice on herself. Readers watch this internal struggle as acts of kindness are considered and evaluated.

The storyline is vital in our current society where kindness seems to have taken a back seat. This book shows many ways that kindness can be spread from person to person. The illustrations are simplistic yet detailed and go beyond the text. Put this title on public and school library shelves for primary grade students, parents and teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Pat

Illustrator: Hill, Jen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (Holtzbrinck Publishing)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626723214

Price: 17.99

I Want to Be a Police Officer

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2018

Review

I Want to Be a Police Officer is an early reader book in a series aimed at introducing more information about various community helpers. This book is about Eva, a white girl with long red pigtails, who wants to be a police officer. She is knows Officer Green, a black female police officer whom she sees around town often. Eva meets four other police officers throughout the book who have different police jobs such as K-9 Officer, Detective, and Game Warden. Two of the five police officers are women, and four appear to be people of color. The names of the officers suggest a variety of ethnicity. The text is well supported by pictures, though some readers may need support with unfamiliar words (emergency, for example). The illustrations are cute and playful while being clear. An excellent addition to any reader collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Laura

Illustrator: Echeverri, Catalina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062432452

Price: 16.99

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2018

Review

This is a cautionary tale about public shaming on social media that could be taken from the current headlines. After posting a tweet that she believes to be witty, Seventeen-year-old Winter Halperin goes to bed and in the few hours that she is off line the internet world calls her out on her racist tweet. Her ability to get a job is hampered, her college acceptance rescinded, her past spelling bee title is stripped and her friendships are seriously ruined. As she navigates how to fix her reputation and tries to explain her misunderstood racial comment to her closest friends, she agrees to go to a retreat called Revibe that promises to assist her in claiming her emotional identity back. The retreat provides the plot for half of the story. Although it may be a real thing, the concept, counselors and their expectations seemed somewhat "hokey". The various characters at the retreat provide essential steps along Winter's journal to understanding or a least apologizing for the insensitivity of her tweets. Readers will get a clear picture from the various pariticipant's stories of how one could be targeted by internet users. The romance Winter begins with one of the Revibe participants, who is in a wheelchair from a suicide attempt, is sweet, but left open ended in the story which is not satisfying to a romance fan.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sales, Leila

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374380991

Price: 17.99

I Want to Be a Doctor

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2018

Review

I Want to Be a Doctor is another book in Laura Driscoll's series of easy readers about community helpers. An unnamed black girl with puffy afro pigtails is at the hospital with her family and little brother, Jack. Jack jumped off a bunk bed and hurt his foot. The little girl is taken through the hospital over the course of her brother's treatment and meets lots of different types of doctors. The doctors are a mix of genders and ethnicities (as cued by skin color, hair texture, and occasionally last name). The text is clear and well supported by the pictures. The illustrations are playful and lively, drawing the reader into the book. A glossary at the back of the book gives the true names for each of the doctors that are otherwise identified in simpler terms (i.e. baby doctor instead of neonatologist). This diverse and joyful reader will make any child want to be a doctor--and feel as though they can.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Laura

Illustrator: Echeverri, Catalina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062432414

Price: 16.99

Peg + Cat: The Big Dog Problem

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2018

Review

Peg + Cat: The Big Dog Problem is an early reader book that is part of a series based on the PBS kids series of the same name. Peg + Cat features a young girl (Peg) and her dark blue cat (Cat) who use math to solve various problems that occur in and around their diverse neighborhood populated with other humans and animals. This book would be most effective for a child who was already familiar with the series, as many of the conventions of the show appear in the book (Peg's propensity for "TOTALLY FREAKING OUT", the problem solved song, Peg using the graph paper background to make plans). Translating from the tv show to a book means that, unfortunately, some of the text loses picture support. The font choice, too, may be difficult for some early readers. However, the book and pictures are sweet, and Peg exudes a joy and an enthusiasm for math that can be hard to find in books for young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oxley // Aronson, Jennifer // Billy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763697877

Price: 14.99

Welcome to Country: A Traditional Aboriginal Ceremony

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 6, 2018

Review

Earth tone abstract illusions and poetic traditional verse combine to make an outstanding book worthy of classroom study and personal enjoyment. Aunty Joy Murphy shares the cultural greeting "Welcome to Country" offered to visitors. Each dramatic two-page spread reflects cultural and natural components of life in the Aboriginal communities with emphasis placed on ancestors and the creator.

The colorful presentation details the environment surroundings of the Wurundjeri people, expressing the bond between the people and their land. Humans are represented in the abstract while some animals are depicted in more detail. This book not only offers information concerning the Aboriginal people, it shares a love of tradition and community.

Add this to public libraries and make available to early classroom and art teachers. Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Aunty Joy

Illustrator: Kennedy, Lisa

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694999

Price: 16.99

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2018

Review

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World is an anthology of graphic biographies of twenty-nine extraordinary women throughout history. Bagieu has selected women from all over the globe and all throughout time and highlighted their lives. Each of the women who was selected did something extraordinary, though many of them have been forgotten or had their accomplishments diminished in favor of their beauty or some other quality.

Each mini-biography begins with the name and a description of the woman--their profession or some other title of some kind. A portrait begins the comic strip of the biography. In sharp, clear, and often hilarious terms that persist, though translated from the original French, Bagieu leads the reader through the woman's life. The accompanying illustration are created with black outlines and three or four colors in a flat style, but they are often the source of humor and emotion in each biography, showcasing the bravery, stubbornness, joy, and sometimes pain of each woman with startling clarity foe such a small drawing. The biographies all end with a wordless two page spread that leaves the readers at peace with the subject.

Bagieu has selected many women who are rarely shown in other similar collective biographies. It's impossible to come away from this book without feeling inspired or angry that so many of these women are never discussed anywhere else. A gem of a book, for all readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bagieu, Pénélope

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626728684

Price: 24.99

The Prince and the Dressmaker

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2018

Review

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a graphic novel by Jen Wang. In Paris, in a vaguely ambiguous historical time, Prince Sebastian's parents are searching for a bride for their son. Sebastian, however, isn't interested, because he's more occupied with keeping his secrets. The first is Frances, his seamstress, whose brilliant and inventive creations caught his eye. The second is what she makes: not suits, but dresses. Sebastian loves to wear dresses, make up, and a wig, taking on his alter ego, Lady Crystallia. For a while, everything is wonderful. But as the pressure increases on Sebastian to find a bride and prepare to be king, and as the weight of keeping her own gifts a secret presses on Frances, the deep and vital relationship between the two of them fractures.

Wang tells a powerful story about the fear of being different, about how expressing yourself is not only freeing, but vital to the soul, and how the proud acceptance and love--or absence thereof--of the people that matter to you can make or break a life. The words are wonderful, but they are sparse, because it is the illustrations that tell the story. Wang draws with a beautiful fluidity that captures the elegance of Frances' creations and the emotion and power of every scene. The Prince and the Dressmaker is a masterpiece.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wang, Jen

Illustrator: Wang, Jen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626723634

Price: 16.99

In-Between Things

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2018

Review

An entertaining concept book that is silly and intellectually challenging for preschoolers. The concept of in-between is examined in a playful manor by a talented new author/illustrator. Tey has given readers a wonderful series of two page spreads which encourage us to find the in between item or animal. The shades blended are modern and striking, while the three characters are presented in dull colors to maintain the reader's focus. Each spread offers large font text that is readable by primary grade students. The illustrations make me think of the work by Melissa Sweet, both of these ladies know how to get and keep the attention of their readers. Great first offering that I would add to all public libraries and gift to K classrooms. Nice birthday gift book for two year olds.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Tey, Pricilla

Illustrator: Tey, Pricilla

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763689834

Price: 16.99

Meet My Family: Animal Babies and their Families

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2018

Review

Meet My Family tells readers that although families may appear different, they are all just right. Salas introduces over twenty animals with one simple paragraph each. Within the text we learn how the family interacts or (in the case of the sea turtle) does not interact. Readers are provided a glimpse into the lives of various babies with their caretakers. Millbrook Press made a perfect match when they selected Coleman to do the illustrations. Each baby is shown in their natural environment where color is used to accent the activity.

One of the things I noticed is that the text is often printed in white so it stands out against dark backgrounds. This is a wonderful touch that makes the book more serviceable and readable. In the back pages four human families reinforce the fact that all families come in different sizes, shapes, colors and genders. An excellent glossary points out the native word and pronunciation for adult animals seen within the book. Add this to primary grade media centers and consider for public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Salas, Laura Purdie

Illustrator: Coleman, Stephanie Fitzer

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512425321

Price: 19.99

March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2018

Review

The author, Melba Pattillo Beals, was one of the nine black high school students chosen, based on merit, to attend the all white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Forever known to history as the Little Rock Nine. This book are her memories of growing up before that significant mile stone in history.

Beals couldn't understand, from even an early age, why her parents, grandparents and other blacks allowed themselves to be treated a second-class citizens. Always being told to be quiet and mind her "p's and q's", she persisted with the questions. Things changed for her one day while in church and in front of the whole congregation, a member of her community, was hung by the Klu Klux Klan.

A great first person resource on the history of Jim Crow Laws, the attitudes of whites towards blacks and those that questioned, petitioned and succeeded in the struggles of segregation in the south.

There are extremely well done pencil sketches through the book that represent different situations or topics that being discussed in the book. The sketches are simply, but compliment the text really well.

Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Beals, Melba Pattillo

Illustrator: Morrison, Frank

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328882127

Price: 16.99

Siege: How General Washington Kicked the British out of Boston and Launched a Revolution

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2018

Review

"Siege' is a free verse, historical fiction written about how George Washington removed the British from Boston. Each poem is about a person or event that is occurring or being discussed. The poems are descriptive and give the readers an incite on the struggles that lead to start of what became known as the Revolutionary War.

There is a table of contents, glossary and an extensive bibliography of sources used to keep the poems factual. Reluctant readers, lovers of novels in verse, poetry and history will find this an interesting read and perspective of pre-Revolutionary War times. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Orgill, Roxane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688516

Price: 17.99

Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2018

Review

An excellent GN for the 3rd through 7th grade readers. Breach has crafted an exciting, mostly plausible (for the sci-fi genre), humorous script to which Holgate has lushly and expertly illustrated. While the story is filled with sci-fi tropes (orphan with a robot brother/side-kick, on-the-run hero, desert pod race with various alien thugs, predictable friend-turned-villain), the GN works because protagonist Clem is plucky, the race scenes are fantastic, and the story has enough action and suspense to keep the young reader of this format turning pages. Will wanna-be archaeologist Clem find the artifacts, win the race, and be taken seriously? Readers of Zita the Spacegirl and Cleopatra in Space will eat this book up and clamor for Book 2.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Breach, Jen

Illustrator: Holgate, Douglas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545814461

Price: 14.99

Iqbal and His Ingenious Ideas: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2018

Review

Science fairs are common in this country and probably there are some projects that improve life circumstances while advancing science. Children all over the world notice what is lacking just as Iqbal desired to improve his family's health by making a solar cooker. This Citizen Kid book is a fictionalized story that is based on truth. Suneby tells the story of Iqbal in Bangladesh who is a creative thinker and solved a problem his and other families experience. Science and ingenuity blend to achieve a positive outcome.

The story is compelling and the illustrations takes the story to another level. Green's art work provides a look at Iqbal's lifestyle and surroundings. The pale and soft tones of the background give the impression that the people can jump off the page. Back pages offer instructions for a do-it-yourself pizza box solar cooker and provide information concerning clean cook stoves. Educational and enlightening, this is a book that belongs on the shelves of all public libraries. Schools with science fairs will want this on the library shelf.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Suneby, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Green, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387200

Price: 18.99

Wires and Nerve, Volume 2: Gone Rogue

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Marissa Meyer returns with the second volume of the graphic novel series based on the Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. Steele and his army of genetically engineered wolfe-army need to be stopped before they can attack Lunar Queen Cinder and endanger the peace between Earth and Luna. Steele is convinced that Cinder has the power to undo the mutations and make them human again. Meanwhile, Cinder has announced her plan to abdicate her throne and hold elections on Luna. The action and romantic tension of the series continue in this book, and series characters Iko, Winter, Scarlet, and fight in the battle that will decide the fate of the Cinder and all of Luna. Stephen Gilpin’s images are created in blue tones that visually set a sci-fi tone. Fans of Meyer’s sci-fi, fractured fairy tale world will not be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Marissa

Illustrator: Gilpin , Stephen

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250078285

Price: 21.99

Speak: the Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

When Speak was first published in 1999, it was groundbreaking. It addressed rape and its aftermath in a way that no other YA book had. Almost 20 years later, it is still taught, challenged, and read widely. It has not become dated; the conversations and concerns in the book are still relevant today. Now Laurie Halse Anderson has teamed up with Emily Carroll to create a graphic novel version of Speak. Drawn in stark, black and white, the book is haunting. As Anderson mentions in the Author’s Note, the world has changed dramatically since the late 1990s, so the updated story mentions cell phones, Instagram, and current political issues. This new graphic novel should be in every library that serves young adults. Anyone who is looking to find their voice will connect with Melinda’s story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Laurie Halse

Illustrator: Carroll, Emily

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374300289

Price: 19.99

Bone's Gift

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Did Bone’s mother die because of her “gift”? When Bone receives a mysterious note in her pocket questioning her mother’s cause of death, she begins to seek answers. “Gifts” run in Bone’s family; Bone’s gift is the ability to see memories just by touching objects while her mother’s “gift” was the ability to heal. Set in southwest Virginia in the 1940s, Smibert paints a memorable picture of coal town in the midst of WWII. Bone’s future becomes uncertain when her father is drafted into the war, so she relies on her “gift” to see into her family’s past to find answers to heal family rifts and look to the future. Blending together history, Appalachia storytelling traditions, and magical realism, and mystery, this story will appeal to a wide-range of readers. This is the first book in Smibert’s Ordinary Objects Trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Smibert, Angie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Boyd's Mill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781629798509

Price: 17.95

Driving by Starlight

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Powerfully and descriptive "Driving by Starlight" is an amazing first novel. The author exposes life as it was experiences by teens in Saudi Arabia several years ago. Leena wants to take a different path, not one that leads only to marriage. Her sights are set on a college education and freedom much like a man experiences in her country. This book reveals how hard it can be for women in Middle Eastern countries; a realization that American teens will find hard to comprehend. The three page glossary is a life saver.

The storyline is typical in some instances, girls jostle for their rightful spot within their community and school. Our author however goes way beyond the simple issues and digs into what makes a Middle Eastern girl fight for her rights. Friendship, loyalty, honor, internal struggle and infatuation litter the pages. Librarians need to book talk "Driving by Starlight" and add to YA shelves. Consider for book groups in schools or for mother/daughter book groups in public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Deracine, Anat

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Godwin Books (Henry Holt and Co.)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250133427

Price: 17.99

Miles Away From You

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Miles Away From You is the debut novel by A.B. Rutledge. About eighteen months ago, Miles' girlfriend, a transgender teen named Vivian, attempted suicide. She's been on life support since and Miles and his moms have been fighting a legal battle with Vivian's parents--unsupportive and transphobic. Miles has just turned eighteen, and he is exhausted by the battle and how he hasn't dealt with what happened. His moms decide to send him to Iceland for a trip for the summer. There, Miles begins to process what happened and to grapple with his history with Vivian. He photographs her boots, one of the only things he has left of her, all over Iceland, in a project that begins to heal him.

This book has been touted as a book about transgender characters. While it is true that Vivian, her struggle with her family, and her thoughts and feelings about being trans are a centerpoint of Miles' focus, she is already long gone when the book begins. Her voice is not a part of the story and, therefore, there are much better choices for someone who looking for a book about a transgender character. However the treatment of Vivian as a character is sensitive and nuanced. Rutledge takes pains to ensure that Vivian is never referred to by male pronouns or by her dead name, even when Miles is angry with her (a rarity in published fiction). Miles' pansexuality is often discussed, and he has romantic encounters with male and female character throughout the story. At its heart, it's a story of discovering one's identity after a seismic shock--Vivian was the center of Miles' identity for a long time and now she's gone.

The inexperience of the author occasionally shines through in improbable circumstances and the occasional grating of particular characters. Still, Miles paints a vivid picture for the reader in his messages to Vivian, and readers will be hooked. Violence, drugs, alcohol, frequent thematic mentions of suicide, and sexual situations makes this book recommended for high school students and above.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rutledge , A.B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328852335

Price: 17.99

Smash 2: Fearless

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

In many ways, Andrew Ryan is a regular kid: homework, an annoying older brother, middle school bullies. But, Andrew Ryan is also extraordinary: he is a superhero called Smash who has taken down one mean villian, Magus. Book Two in the Smash series does reference Book One (published in 2014), and it would definintely provide a deeper understanding of Andrew's full back-story, but this book does a nice job of filling in the necessities and then forging forward. In this episode, Andrew is up against multiple foes: Magus, and Dr. Cobb and his super-inventions, - what's a kid going to do against these larger, faster, stronger foes? A story that balances superhero action and fast-paced scene changes with the vulnerability of a middle schooler who cannot even keep his own costume at home for fear that his mom will discover it, and who struggles with overcoming his fear. Andrew is willing to fight, but he is also keenly aware that sometimes he needs help. His handler, John Harris, aka Wraith, gets as frustrated as any teacher trying to impress the import of their work onto a kid who gets distracted by video games and needs to pass fifth grade, but he is willing to provide the needed help if he can. The book's format is shorter and wider than the typical paperback GN, and it is a heavy weight which may be unwieldy for some readers, but the clear, bright panels and fantastic artwork will compensate for any other issues. Hopefully, there won't be another lengthy period before Book Three appears as readers will want to know what happens to Smash next.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bolton, Chris A.

Illustrator: Bolton, Kyle

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681180

Price: 18.99

Square

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

The second book in the Shape Trilogy offers fewer hi-jinks and laugh-out-loud moments and more philosophy. This book finds Square performing his daily activity of pushing square rocks from his cave to the top of a hill. Square finds great satisfaction in the task and does not question his existence or purpose. Then Circle rolls by and marvels at Square's creations, labeling him an artistic genius. Cirle asks Square to craft a sculpture that looks like her and then rolls away before Square can explain that he is neither a sculptor nor a genius. He stays up all night attempting to craft a circle sculpture as perfect as his friend. Ultimately, Square falls asleep and when he wakes in the morning, Circle is there waiting for her sculpture. What Square has managed to create is a pool and when Circle sees her reflection in the water, she declares it "perfect" and again regales Square as "a genius". Square is not so sure. With Barnett's simple prose and Klassen's deep watercolor and graphite illustrations, the two have created another gem of a story. What is perfect? What is genius? Who decides the creator or the audience? Young audiences will have no trouble following the story and they will be engaged as they debate both the open-ended concluding question and the meaning of this seemingly simple tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Mac

Illustrator: Klassen, Jon

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9707636960788

Price: 15.99

Gordon: Bark to the Future

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

A spin-off from Spires's Binky series, this GN will appeal to readers who enjoy animals, time travel, and humor. Aliens have invaded Gordon's home, his partner has been captured, and P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) has been compromised. It is up to Gordon, alone, to save everyone. Armed with his crafting ability and his brain, Gordon makes the decision to use his untested time travel machine to go back 5 days to warn everyone and stop the invasion. Due to a dastardly button-press, Gordon goes 5 YEARS into the past and has to figure out a way to stay hidden, since he has not yet been born, get more fuel for his machine so he can return to the future and, most importantly, message his team so that the invasion can be stopped. Like Marty McFly, Gordon does find a way to save the day and have a little fun in the process (instead of an electric guitar solo it's a game of BALL!, of course). Spires's all-cap text is simple and clear for the younger reader, and her digital illustrations on glossy paper are adorable and well-executed. A nice addition to the adventure/sci-fi GN list for emerging readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spires, Ashley

Illustrator: Spires, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771384094

Price: 15.99

When Sophie Thinks She Can't...

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

YET is the most important word in the latest books about Sophie by Molly Bang. When Sophie finds that she can't fit the pieces of a puzzle together her confidence drops along with her attitude. Thanks to an intuitive teacher Sophie and her classmates learn that are all smart and just need time to solve math problem. Pride and increased self-confidence are the byproducts of this neat new book where time is provided for the children who have not solved the math problem – YET.

Bang's character has a long history with early readers, Sophie books have been around for a while on classroom and library shelves. Children learn from each book, gaining tips on behavior, classroom work and relationships. As in the other titles the illustrations are offered in primary colors, the children are multicultural and the teacher is a positive influence. In this title the children learn that muscles need to be flexed, not only limbs but the brain as well. Teachers in K – second grade will welcome this book in their classroom collections. Librarians and media specialist are encouraged to add this title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bang, Molly

Illustrator: Bang, Molly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338152982

Price: 17.99

The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

Sandra Markle has written another engaging and very readable science book about an animal that children naturally love. Penguin colonies in South Africa are suffering reduced numbers and humans are partially to blame. The Great Penguin Rescue shares the difficulties experienced by the African Penguins and provides information about an organization (SANCCOB) working to improve the situation. Efforts of scientist in the United Kingdom and the USA added their expertise to the project. Credit is given to volunteers who rescued and cleaned many penguins following a major oil spill.

Markle's research is well documented and the photos included in the book are excellent. The back pages include source notes, a short glossary, index, photo acknowledgments and a list of books as well as websites that will satisfy readers. Each page appears to be scrapbooked using two tone blue and yellow backgrounds. Overall this is an attractive, fact filled book that will be loved by children and adults alike. This title should be considered by all youth services librarians and media specialist.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Markle, Sandra

Illustrator: Many photo acknowledgments,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781512413151

Price: 30.00

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

In her humorous memoir, Sara Saedi recollects her years as an average teenager worrying about acne, dreaming about becoming a celebrity and obsessing over her crushes, all the while living as an undocumented immigrant. Saedi begins her story with background of Iran, explaining why her family left Tehran in the middle of the Islamic Revolution, but much of the book is about her teen years. In between her stories of adolescent angst, Saedi explains why Iranians keep watering cans in their bathrooms, the Persian custom of arguing over the check, and Iranian Wedding Traditions. There are also interesting pop culture references, excerpts from Saedi’s childhood journal, and family photos. This memoir will appeal to a large audience. Readers will learn about Iranian history and traditions, and the universal experience of being a teenager in the U.S. no matter your citizenship status. This is a must purchase!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Saedi, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781524717797

Price: 17.99

Truly Devious

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

When Stevie Bell is accepted to the exclusive Ellingham Academy, she leaps at the chance to attend -over her parents' objections. For Stevie, a crime aficionado, being at Ellingham is an opportunity to learn more about the kidnapping and murder of the founder's wife and daughter, and perhaps even to solve a whodunit that has baffled law enforcement for generations. In 1935, an anonymous letter signed "Truly, Devious" precedes the disappearance of Iris and Alice. Eventually Iris turns up dead, but Alice, Albert Ellingham's beloved daughter, has never been found. Stevie finds her new life at the Academy challenging; her fellow students are both gifted and somewhat mysterious themselves. Stevie works hard to make friends while looking for clues when the unthinkable happens: a student turns up dead and once again, it looks like someone is going to get away with murder. Will Stevie be able to use her deductive skills to solve a crime that has happened right under her nose? And what about the original crime that she was hoping to break open? This is the first in a trio of Truly Devious books, and it ends in a delightful cliff-hanger. Maureen Johnson knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and her characters are relatable and interesting. This book reads a lot like an Agatha Christie, which is in and of itself a coup for Johnson. All in all, an excellent, compulsive read!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Maureen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062338051

Price: 17.99

Pitch Dark

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, S, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Tuck Morgan is a member of the crew of the U.S.S. John Muir, and he has been for 400 years. In the process of transporting a chunk of Earth from their dying planet, the spaceship John Muir is sabotaged and the crew can only survive by going into stasis. When Tuck finally awakens, he is shocked to find that only about 150 crew members of the original 10,000 have survived. Here's where it gets really creepy: the rest of them aren't all dead. A sizeable chunk have slowly been transformed while in stasis (possibly by the chemicals from a very polluted Earth) and have become, for lack of a better term, space zombies, and they are terrifying! While Tuck is someone out of the past, Laura Cruz is very much in the present. Laura is from a family of archeologists, searching through space, trying to find shipwrecks and rescue relics from Earth's shattered past. When Laura's ship happens upon the John Muir, it seems like a boon for both crews. Oh, except Laura is being forced to act against her will by her evil ex-boyfriend and his mother, who have implanted a device in her that forces her to obey them. They want the family's rich archive of treasures and will stop at nothing to get them. How does Laura get out from under their thumb? How can Tuck survive a ship full of zombie creatures? When an onboard terrorist crashes the Cruz ship into the Muir, things get very interesting, and Tuck and Laura work together to try to save both themselves, the family, and the treasures. All the pieces fit together very well in a story full of suspense and danger!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alameda, Courtney

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250085894

Price: 18.99

In Search of Us

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, S, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Angie is feeling a little lost. Although she loves her white mother very much, she has never met her African American father and yearns to connect with the other half of herself, the half that gave her brown skin and curly hair, the part that makes her want to know more about herself, the world, and everything. Marilyn, Angie's mother, comes from a past that she'd just as soon forget. Raised by a demanding mother, working from an early age as an actress/model with very little success, Marilyn just wants to be accepted for who she is. When Angie discover that her mother has not been truthful with her, she leaves New Mexico for California to try to find out more about her missing father. Juxtaposing Angie's and Marilyn's stories, Ava Dellaira sets out to tell a story about lost connections and letting go, finding and losing love. A bit formulaic, there really aren't any surprises and the side story about Angie's relationship with James seems to have been woven in so that Angie would have a ride to California. Nevertheless, a good book about mother/daughter relationships, and deals well with interracial issues.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dellaira, Ava

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374305314

Price: 17.99

Bruno Mars

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2018

Review

This Bruno Mars biography collection gives a lot of interesting information about him, while not getting too complicated. It tells you his birth name, the various music groups he's been in, and provides a glossary and timeline at the end of the book. I wouldn't say that it's a must-buy unless you have a lot of kindergartener through third graders doing biography projects. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gigliotti, Jim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781684024599

Price: 17.95

Pangolin

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2018

Review

"Pangolin" by Laura Bryant is part of the "Even Weirder and Cuter" series about strange-looking and lesser-known animals. The book has tons of great photos, interesting information, and includes a short glossary at the back of the book that includes words K-3 kids might not know yet. Not necessarily a must-buy, unless your non-fiction animal books are very popular. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bryant, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781684024650

Price: 17.95

Let the Children March

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - First Church of Christ - library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 22, 2018

Review

This is a fictionalized telling of the Children’s March in Alabama during May 1963. Narration by a young girl participating in this first ever youth civil rights event, adds depth and scope to the story. This was just one social action intended to speak to the unfair treatment of African Americans during the 1960's in the USA. Readers who are unaware of the story will be impressed by the tenacity of the children and saddened by the horrible treatment they suffered. All readers will be pleased as all the children of Birmingham play together on the playground. However we know the struggle continues.

Clark-Robinson has captured the deep emotions of the time in her prose while Morrison incorporates feelings through facial expressions. Although sad and upsetting facts as well as illustrations are included the story needs to be shared with Americans of all ages. The end pages offer a timeline of the events leading up to and following this march. Back pages include factual remarks, sources and a bibliography. This is a historical fiction done well from cover to cover. Add this to public library collections, school shelves and offer copies to churches.

Consider for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Clark-Robinson, Monica

Illustrator: Morrison, Frank

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544704527

Price: 17.99

Dig In! 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 24, 2018

Review

This is not your typical gardening book. It does have features you'll find in many gardening books-great photos and explanations of how to grow things- but in this book you are going to learn how to grow plants from table scraps. What makes it really cool is that many of these scraps aren't started from seeds but from part of the plant. One of my favorites was using the top of a pineapple to grow your own pineapple plant. In addition it discusses many plant processes, directions on how to make newspaper seedling pots and recipes for every plant they talk about. Such a cool book. Great for science classrooms or home projects and you don't need lots of fancy stuff to try the projects.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cornell, Kar

Illustrator: Larson, Jennifer S.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Milbrook Press/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512430653

Price: 31.99

Lions and Liars

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 1, 2018

Review

After being deemed a flea on the social food chain and missing out on his yearly family cruise vacation because of an impending hurricane, a fed up Frederick Frederickson hops into his friend's dad's boat and accidentally floats away. He washes up at Camp Omigoshee, a disciplinary camp for boys meant to build character. Frederick assumes the identity of the notorious Dash, a camper who has yet to arrive as scheduled and has a reputation for outlandish behavior. A series of mishaps and the brewing storm lead Frederick to discover the meaning of friendship, loyalty, and courage. This is a read for an upper-elementary audience, and children in that age group will appreciate the bits of humor sprinkled throughout the story as Frederick struggles to fit in with these "troubled" boys. Overall though. I found the characters to be a bit flat and some of the situations to be too implausible. And in contrast to the lovely cover art, the illustrations were bland and did not add anything to the story. This book would be suited for children not yet ready for the complexity of Louis Sachar's "Holes."

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Beasley, Kate

Illustrator: Santat, Dan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374302634

Price: 16.99

P.S. I Miss You

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2018

Review

This novel is a series of letters written by eleven-year-old Evie to her older sister, Cilla, who has gotten pregnant and sent away to live with their aunt. Evie's strict Catholic parents refuse to talk about what happened or allow any communication between her and Cilla. So Evie writes to her sister in secret, sharing her feelings, her confusion and lonlieness, and eventually her relationship with the new girl in town, June, who is becoming more than a friend. Evie wrestles with her identity and her Catholic faith all the while wondering why Cilla won't write her back. Heartbreaking and hopeful, this middle grade read reflects the struggles of growing up, questioning the world around you, and being true to yourself. A great addition to the growing body of LGBTQ lit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petro-Roy, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250123480

Price: 16.99

A Side of Sabotage

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2018

Review

This is the third installment of the Quinnie Boyd Mysteries. We are brought back to the small coastal town of Maiden Rock, Maine where summer is about to swing into action but nothing is going smoothly. Quinnie's best friend Zoe is back from Scotland but she is having a hard time adjusting to life in the states, her budding romance with Dominic is on shaky ground as he and his family prepare to move, and a fancy new restaurant has popped up in town giving the locals and tourists a taste of fine cuisine and Gusty's some stiff competition. When things start going awry at Gusty's left and right, Quinnie is sure someone is purposefully sabotaging her family's business. She and her friends set out to catch the culprit and as usual, the answer is never what you expect. Surrisi did a decent job aging her characters who have come a long way from the more exaggerated and silly theories they posited in the previous stories. Fans of the first two books will enjoy this fun return to Maiden Rock.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Surrisi, C.M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512448368

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Bob

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2018

Review

Ten year old Livy from Massachusetts is visiting her grandmother in drought ridden Australia. This is her first visit in five years. She has the sensation that she is missing something or looking for something but has no memory what it could be. When she gets to her bedroom at her grandmother's house she starts searching and in the closet finds a "small zombie wearing a chicken suit" standing on a dictionary. This is Bob - and he needs to find his family but needs Livy's assistance. Bob sees Livy after 5 years and says: "You're back. Took you long enough." Five year old Livy befriended Bob and promised to help him find his way home - but who, or better, what is he and where could he possibly be from. Bob has waited all that time in the closet, passing time reading the dictionary and making a Lego pirate ship over and over. Through alternating chapters Bob and Livy reveal and remember more and more. They succeed in their search by working together. The bond between them grows ever stronger - and the power of friendship and believing anything is possible carries them forward.

This is a charming read with two very memorable characters - Livy and Bob. This is a title that most collections will want on their shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mass and Stead, Wendy and Rebecca

Illustrator: Gannon, Nicholas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250166623

Price: 16.99

Takedown

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2018

Review

This middle grade novel is told in alternating voices between 6th graders Mickey and Lev, who are both vying for a state wrestling title. Mickey comes from a family of wrestlers and is bound and determined to join the same travel team her brother's were a part of. When the coach refuses to let her join the all male team, she finds a place on another--the Gladiators. There, Mickey is partnered with Lev and she struggles to find her place among the boys. Lev on the other hand has his own problems including his mixed feelings about continuing with wrestling. Family, friendship, and identity are all explored in a way that middle schoolers will find relatable. It is refreshing to see a novel about wrestling, with a strong female lead no less, in a world of sports fiction that tends to be dominated by more mainstream sports.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shovan, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House Children's Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521412

Price: 16.99

My Year in the Middle

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Lu Olivera is a 6th grader growing up in Alabama in 1970. Racial tensions abound in her community and her school which, though integrated, still has a stark division between black and white. Lu, whose parents are Argentinian immigrants, floats in between these two groups and she develops a friendship with a black girl named Belinda after they bond over their talent for running. The state race for Governor, with former Governor George Wallace running on a segregationist platform, creates even more unrest in Red Grove and Lu must decide if she should remain neutral or if she can muster the courage to stand up for what's right. Finding your voice, being true to yourself, and taking a stand will resonate with readers in this take on post-civil rights issues.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Weaver , Lila Quintero

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692315

Price: 15.99

Winterfolf

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2018

Review

The story is intended for mature audiences. Rain is not allowed to leave camp and be seen by the Winterfolk. Rain is turning 15 and her gift is to spend a day in the city. She lives in a homeless commuity in a tent with her dad. Actually, she lives away from the rest of the Winterpeople, they think a child would bring them bad luck and their encampment would be discovered. King is her friend who takes her to the city, but they get separated. There are posted notices all over their area that the woods are going to be cut down. There is much innuendo embedded within the story. One of the homeless people can make hamesters dance (he places a vibrater under their bucket). King needs money and goes to a club (The Red V... where girls dance on poles). Rain holds some drugs for King. The people want their drugs back, there is a murder, and her dad and their tent dissapear. Then the story turns aroung and has a fantastic ending...

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kolby, Janel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062487001

Price: 17.99

Dread Nation

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2018

Review

An alternative history that re-imagines that the dead began rising from the grounds of the battle of Gettysburg, changing the course of U.S. history and giving rise to compulsory schools that train African American and Native American young people to become bodyguards for wealthy whites, defending them from the undead hordes, called shamblers. Tough, clever Jane McKeene is close to finishing her training to become an attendant at Miss Preston's School of Combat for Negro Girls when she becomes mired in a sinister plot that takes her from her school in Baltimore to a colony in the west. Action-packed sequences propel this novel forward and careful plotting keeps readers on tenterhooks as they puzzle out the many pieces. Well-constructed characters and incisive analysis of the politics of ethnicity and agency establish this as a standout.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ireland, Justina

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzar & Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062570604

Price: 17.99

Like Vanessa

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

8th grader Vanessa Martin is growing up in impoverished Newark, New Jersey with her disconnected father and the mystery of her mother's whereabouts lingering in her mind. She dreams of being Miss America, something that, even with her darker skin, seems a little more possible with the crowning of Vanessa Williams in 1983. When her music teacher announces a school beauty pageant, Vanessa is hesitant to participate. But with a push from her teacher, her grandfather Pop Pop, and her cousin TJ she agrees to compete. In the face of adversity, Vanessa finds the self-confidence and determination to believe in herself and make her dreams come true. Equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting, this is a lovely debut novel. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Charles, Tami

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580897778

Price: 16.99

Winner Take All

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

A driven young woman becomes entangled in a troubling relationship with her academic rival in this unsettling, thought provoking thriller. Ambitious and competitive Nell is the daughter of the first female head of a prestigious private school that would likely be unaffordable for her modestly earning family if not for her mother's position. Surrounded by extremely wealthy peers and under a significant amount of pressure from her image conscious mother, Nell has long loathed Jackson, whose easy charm and affluence seem to effortlessly gain him everything he wants. Despite or perhaps in part because of this animosity, their relationship takes a turn for the near obsessive when during the summer before their senior year, they morph from rivals into a secret couple. Nell's intensity and sharp edges, particularly when they are on display with her flawed but caring best friend, Lia, render her difficult to like at times. However, readers will both recognize the double standard and empathize with Nell's experience of being shamed for being female and sexually assertive and will feel for her as she copes with what seem like anxiety attacks. This won't be for every reader, but fans of authors like Sara Zarr, Carrie Mesrobian and Courtney Summers will form a natural readership for this propulsive novel.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Devore, Laurie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Imprint/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250082886

Price: 17.99

Be Prepared

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Be Prepared is a great tale of friendship, growing up, and culture. Vera is the daughter of a Russian immigrant who wants desperately to go away to camp like all of the other kids in her school. She finally finds a Russian summer camp that her mother will agree to and happily heads off with her little brother in tow. Unfortunately, Vera's birthday is just over the line, putting her in the camp with the older girls, who all act as though they are too mature to hang out with Vera. To make matters worse, her brother seems to be having the time of his life. Vera navigates the social scene of this summer camp, eventually finding joy at camp. Brosgol's semi-autobiographical look at summer camp will be a winner for any kid who's ever had a rough time with a social situation. This book also serves as a wonderful introduction to "big kid" social situations for middle grade readers just starting to make that transition.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brosgol, Vera

Illustrator: Brosgol, Vera

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626724440

Price: 22.99

This Makes Me Silly

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This Makes Me Silly is a title from author Courtney Carbone's series Dealing with Feelings an unnamed narrator with tan skin and dark hair tells about her family's trip to the zoo, describe the animals and the silly things she and her brother do to imitate the animals. Carbone also describes the feelings associated with the emotion ("My insides feel wiggly like their trunks!" p. 7) and how to take deep breaths and calm down after getting too silly. The story ends with the narrator posing the question to the reader of what makes them feel silly. Kushnir's sweet, simplistic, and diverse digital illustrations bring the fun to life. Parents will value the language on how to describe emotion and how to deal with it. Recommended where readers are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carbone, Courtney

Illustrator: Kushnir, Hilli

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Rodale Kids

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781635650754

Price: 13.99

Girl Made of Stars

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Girl Made of Stars is a timely look at sexual assault in our culture today. Blake writes from the perspective of Mara, a high school student who is juggling with a break up with her girlfriend, Charlie, (to avoid one that will hurt worse when they go to college next year), the start of her senior year of high school, and normal high school politics. However, after her twin brother, Owen is accused of raping Hannah, a friend, at a party, Mara is lost in a whirlwind of confusion. Her brother would never do something like that. Would he? A secret she’d kept since middle school adds to the turmoil Mara feels as she struggles with wanting to believe in the brother that has always felt like the other half of her soul and the sinking suspicion that Hannah is telling the truth. Blake expertly navigates topics such as sexual assault, victim blaming, consent, punishment, and truth. An important book that packs a real punch.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blake, Ashley Herring

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328778239

Price: 17.99

Peg + Cat The Eid al-Adha Adventure

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Peg + Cat: The Eid al-Adha Adventure is a book in the series based on the PBS Kids show created by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson. Each book is based on an episode of the show and highlights math concepts. In the Eid al-Adha Adventure, Peg and Cat are learning about the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha from their friends, Amir and Yasmina. The concepts of more and less, as well as thirds are discussed. The visuals are quirky, fun, and illustrative of the concepts, though the form as a whole suffers some by the change in format. Song and moving descriptions help describe math concepts better than the still image and slimmed down content of the picture book. Additionally, this is not a good resource for someone who wants to learn about the holiday of Eid al-Adha. Though Peg and Cat receive some basic explanation from Amir and Yasmina, much is left out to make room for math concepts. Despite the shortcomings, this book and the rest of the Peg + Cat series exude a joy for math rarely found and much needed in children’s literature and media. Recommended as an additional purchase.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Oxley // Aronson, Jennifer // Billy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763699321

Price: 12.99

I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Beautiful ink and watercolor illustration form this wordless picture book by husband and wife team Sébastian Cosset and Marie Pommepuy, known collectively as Kerascoët. Vanessa, a girl with brown skin and dark curly hair, is new at school. During her first day, she is isolated from the class and, at the end of the day, a brash boy with blond hair teases her. She goes home sad. The exchanged is observed by another girl with tan skin and straight dark hair wearing a yellow dress. The girl in the yellow dress shares what she saw with her group of friends, but no one quite knows what to do, so she goes home, her melancholy mood persisting until the morning. Then, she has an idea. The girl in the yellow dress greets Vanessa when she comes out of her house and walks with her to school. Different kids join in as they make their way there until a huge group of happy diverse children arrive at the front door of school--no bully in sight. Kerascoët bring this story to life with charming simplistic drawings of each of the children, backed by a gorgeous watercolor scene that fades to monochromatic blue with the characters' moods and brightens back up to cheerful colors as the solution is found. The book ends with a note to children about what they can do for a child who is being bullied and a note to adults about helpful language to use to discuss the problem. A recommended purchase for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

(no last name), Kerascoët

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524769567

Price: 17.99

Claiming My Place: Coming of Age in the Shadow of the Holocaust

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Claiming My Place is a historical novel that tells a first person story of Barbara Reichmann, a Jewish woman who was born Gucia Gomolinska in the 1920s. To avoid being forced into a ghetto and suffer the same fate as the people she saw around her, Reichmann changed her name and got falsified papers that declared her to be a gentile. Price writes Reichmann's story from the first person, tracing the rise in antisemitism and Nazi occupation in Poland, as well as the tale of her eventual escape. Barbara Reichmann’s daughter, Helen Reichman West, concludes the tale with some of her mother’s experiences throughout the remainder of her life, a note that explains what happened to each of the family members described, and a glossary. Claiming My Place tells an important and often missed story about some of the experiences of Jewish people in the Holocaust. However, Price claims to have taken some liberties with the stories in order to make it read better, but neglects to give any indication what is taken directly from Reichmann’s stories and what is a product of the author. A great tale of bravery in the face of great evil, but shelve it with the fiction.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Price, Planaria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374305291

Price: 17.99

Do Not Lick This Book!

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Do not lick this book! Right from the start, this mouthwatering book draws audiences in with a bright yellow cover and a directive that is the enemy of many of the library's youngest of patrons. Inside lies a smorgasbord of germ-y friends (adorable cartoons drawn by Julian Frost over real scanning electron microscope photos by Linnea Rundgren). Ben-Barak treats readers to a tour of some of the germ-filled places on their bodies in terms even the most microscopic listener will understand. The last page contains further information about each of the four microbes depicted, in case the prior pages didn't sate readers' appetites. Best shared one-on-one where kids can get their hands (and germs) into this book, but librarians will struggle to keep it on preschool and elementary shelves. Delicious.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ben-Barak, Idan

Illustrator: Frost, Julian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781760293055

Price: 16.99

Neverworld Wake

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Beatrice and her friends die in a car accident, except they seem to be alive living the same day over again. They are stuck in the Neverworld Wake. One of them will be allowed to return to the living, but only if the whole group can decide on who “the one” should be. As the group attempts to grasp the fantastical Neverworld Wake, they wonder if the mysterious death of their friend, Jim, is the key. This is Pessl's first foray into YA and like her adult novels, Pessl builds suspense and atmosphere masterfully; readers will forget the rest of the world exists and fall into the realm of the Neverworld Wake. Unfortunately, the characters feel like archetypes and it is hard to invest in them, but this will not keep fans of Oliver's Before I Fall, and Lockhart's We Were Liars from devouring this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pessl, Marisha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 97803995539929

Price: 18.99

Sneak Thief

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Hush lives in an RV park with a very abusive mother. Her mom locks her out of the RV, calls her names and doesn't provide her with food or protect her from the boyfriends she has over. These things have made Hush resourceful but quite possibly lead to a problem Hush can't control- she steals things. And not because she needs or wants them, she can’t help it, she just has to do it. When she gets caught one day, Hush gets a chance to change. With the help of her new friend Desiree and temporary foster mom Mabel, she might be able to. Hush is a wonderful character. A thief yes but pretty honest about things otherwise and the way she deals with things was real, sad and funny at times. Her friendship with Desiree is genuine and key to the success of this story. But it's the care and love of foster mom Mabel that will win readers over. Mabel gets Hush and loves her for who she is, which is what Hush needs. The mom's change was a bit unreal at the end, but young readers might not be as bothered by that as adults will be.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Harkey, Faith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524717476

Price: 16.99

The Book of Pearl

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

A young prince is is supposed to be killed by a hateful king, his brother. But instead, a family friend from the fairy tale world he lives in transports him to our world, where no-one believes in magic and he might be kept safe. Joshua as he is now called leaves behind so many thing but one is the fairy he has fallen in love with and is desperate to get back to at all costs. This is an interesting fantasy. Sometimes it is hard to keep track of the characters and where the story is headed but still a solid choice for older fantasy readers that like a bit of mystery to their read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

de Frombelle, Timothee

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763691264

Price: 17.99

Granted

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Ophelia is a fairy that grants wishes to people. There are less and less wished granted these days because there is less magic in the world than there used to be. When Ophelia gets the chance to grant a wish she is thrilled but it isn’t as easy or straight forward as she thought and sometimes the wish that is most important gets passed over. The relationship between Ophelia and Sam the dog she befriends is wonderful. Sam is such a dog, any one that owns one or loves them will see that and fall in love with him. And Ophelia’s dilemma about fulfilling the wish she is supposed to when there are other wishes that seem so much more important is a feeling readers will easily empathize with. Wonderful book with humor, adventure, sad touches and happiness.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, John David

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062643865

Price: 16.99

Today I'm a Dancer

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Commuity Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This toddler board book is shaped like the dancer it talks about. On one side of the page is a description of what the dancer is doing starting with Monday and ending with Sunday. On the opposite page has things the dancer is using that day. Each item is labeled. Some of the words will be over a toddler's head but the reader can always use a word that the child is familiar with or explain what they are. There are a few boys in here but not enough. The ballet page only has girls. For a book that is explaining about being a dancer it would have been better to have included more boys in the drawings. This is part of the “Today I am“ series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Polansky, Marisa

Illustrator: Lee, Maxine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farra Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304409

Price: 8.99

Today I 'm a Consrtuction Worker

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This toddler board book is shaped like the construction worker it talks about. On one side of the page is a description of what the worker is doing starting with Monday and ending with Sunday. On the opposite page has things the worker is using that day. Each item is labeled. Some of the words will be over a toddler’s head but the reader can always use a word that the child is familiar with or explain what they are. The main character is a boy but the electrician is a girl and so is one of the crew. This book will be very popular with young readers interested in tools, building and construction. This is part of the “Today I am “series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Polansky, Marisa

Illustrator: Lee, Maxine

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304416

Price: 8.99

Today I'm a Race Car Driver

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This toddler board book is shaped like the race car driver it talks about. On one side of the page is a description of what the driver is doing starting with Monday and ending with Sunday. On the opposite page has things the driver is using that day. Each item is labeled. Some of the words will be over a toddler’s head but the reader can always use a word that the child is familiar with or explain what they are. Very boy centered, it would have been nice to have a girl racer even as one of the competitors. This is part of the “Today I am “series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Polansky, Marisa

Illustrator: Lee, Maxine

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304393

Price: 8.99

Today I'm a Veterinarian

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This toddler board book is shaped like the vet it talks about. On one side of the page is a description of what the vet is doing starting with Monday and ending with Sunday. On the opposite page has things the vet is using that day. Each item is labeled. Some of the words will be over a toddler’s head but the reader can always use a word that the child is familiar with or explain what they are. It would be great book to introduce young children to things that happen at the vet before they go with their pet. This is part of the “Today I am “series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Polansky, Marisa

Illustrator: Lee, Maxine

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304423

Price: 8.99

Contrary Dogs

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This board book will be a hit with toddlers. Each page has dogs doing opposite things. To uncover the opposite "thing" or concept, the reader needs to lift the flap.Flaps are sturdy and the drawings are really fun. The last opposite in the book is not as good as the rest, still a fun book that would a be great addition to anyone's board book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elo, none

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781536200621

Price: 12.00

Pig and Cat are Pals

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Pig and cat are friends but when dog shows up, cat feels left out. This is a very nice early reader. The words are well suited to a beginning readers and they are repeated often to reinforce them. The illustrations are good, like what a child might draw. This might appeal more to parents than children but shouldn't stop a young reader from picking this one up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Florian, Douglas

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823438587

Price: 14.95

Terrible Tongues!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

A fun book which takes tongues to their length – and some are seriously long! Gianferrari has selected animals which have special tongues and use them for their personal advantage. Who knew that the tongue of an anteater moves up to 160 times a minute and that the octopus has two tongues? A friendly monkey takes readers on an unforgettable journey full of fact and fun.

The illustrations by Liu provide insight into each animal's habitat as they explain unique features. Large white spaces behind the monkey help to make it clear what special skill is used and highlights the silliness in the text.

Children will enjoy the questions posed by monkey as they attempt to guess which animal exhibits which ability. Add to primary grade schools and consider for public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Liu, Jia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (Highlights)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620917848

Price: 17.95

Ducks Away

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Mem Fox is known for her picture books that have a positive impact on early readers. In this story mother duck attempts to walk her ducklings across a bridge but one by one they fall off into the water below. The duck family provides an opportunity to practice simple math skills while enjoying the bravery of yellow ducklings.

Horacek had offered simple illustrations employing a vast amount of white space. The action of each ducking is clear and somewhat surprising. Young readers will initially be concerned as the first duckling falls but will giggle as its siblings follow. The print is in a large font size and is clear enough for early readers to decipher. This is another good work presented by the author and illustrator team that will fit into classroom collections and in public libraries concept book sections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fox, Mem

Illustrator: Horacek, Judy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press (Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781336185669

Price: 16.99

Vaccination Investigation: The History and Science of Vaccines

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

According to the CDC, vaccinations are in the top ten of the greatest public health achievements of the Twentieth Century. After reading this book, readers will understand this rating and the impact that vaccinations have had on the world. Author, Tara Haelle, a science journalist, provides a well-researched presentation of the science of vaccines, their history, the anti-vaccine movement, and the possibilities of the future. This book does not shy away from using scientific terms which makes it a challenging, but a very worthwhile read. Illustrations, charts, and sidebars provide connections to current events and personal accounts. Students using this book for research will find abundant information about vaccines in the U.S and around the world. This book could also serve as a supplement for a science textbook. Source notes, Glossary, Selected Bibliography, resources for Further Information, and an Index are included.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haelle, Tara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512425307

Price: 37.32

Moo & Mr. Quackers present What's Cooking, Moo Moo?

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

In this sequel to to Moo Moo in a Tutu, enthusiastic Moo Moo uses his best friend's piggy bank savings to start a restaurant where they can spend "quality time" together. Customers do not respond to Moo Moo's inventive menu and chaos ensues. The friends sell the restaurant and take the vacation Mr. Quakers wanted in the first place. There are jokes scattered throughout the cartoon illustrations, expressive faces on all the characters, and easy to follow action in the graphic novel/picture book format for young readers. Wacky? yes Fun? yes Recommended where early graphic novels are popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Miler, Tim

Illustrator: Miller, Tim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062414410

Price: 17.99

Pete the Cat: The Petes Go Marching

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Since Litwin left Pete the Cat series, the unusually uplifting spirit of silly goodness is gone. Pete and Cat is back with his own version of The Ants Go Marching. Here the Petes each with his own distinctive primary colored sneakers go marching. Some of the rhymes are a bit awkward, "The Petes go marching four by four. The groovy one stops by at the store." It is always the groovy one in the red sneakers that stops to complete the action. Parts of the repetition of the original song come through and young children will enjoy shouting "hurrah, hurrah" and "Boom, Boom, Boom" and counting. Consider passing this one up and buy an additional copy of one of the earlier Litwin/Dean Pete the Cat series or an illustrated version of the "Ants Go Marching" camp song.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304144

Price: 9.99

Pete the Cat: The Petes Go Marching

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Since Litwin left Pete the Cat series, the unusually uplifting spirit of silly goodness is gone. Pete and Cat is back with his own version of The Ants Go Marching. Here the Petes each with his own distinctive primary colored sneakers go marching. Some of the rhymes are a bit awkward, "The Petes go marching four by four. The groovy one stops by at the store." It is always the groovy one in the red sneakers that stops to complete the action. Parts of the repetition of the original song come through and young children will enjoy shouting "hurrah, hurrah" and "Boom, Boom, Boom" and counting. Consider passing this one up and buy an additional copy of one of the earlier Litwin/Dean Pete the Cat series or an illustrated version of the "Ants Go Marching" camp song.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304144

Price: 9.99

Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed)

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

A little girl appreciates the rainbow that appears after the rain and wishes it would stay forever. Surprising every, it does stay. It becomes part of the town's character and is a attraction until people slowly lose interest in it and cover it up with signs and advertisements. In the spring a rare water sparrow arrives, and people now like this "rare and precious sight." The rainbow overhears this comment and decides to disappear, and it only reappears occasionally. The colorful, jaunty, expressive illustrations show a town filled with lively characters including Ava who does everything she an to befriend the rainbow and misses it when leaves and welcomes it when it returns. Will young children care? Will young children appreciate the fact that some things are fleeting and need to be enjoyed while they last? Perhaps.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Ged

Illustrator: Anderson, Ged

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062670809

Price: 21.99

Albert's Tree

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementry School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

Sweet, wide-eyed baby bear is part of a gentle story about assumptions and fear. In the spring he hears crying coming from his favorite tree, and he thinks it must be a monster inside the tree. His animal friends are no help trying to figure it out, and so he bravely climbs up to ask, "Why are you crying tree?" As it turns out, it is a baby owl who is afraid of the "big, hairy monster" i.e. baby bear. They laugh at their mistakes and become friends. The last scene is of owl snoozing on bear's back who is peacefully sleep on a limb. The mixed media (including watercolor?) paintings have few details but show the setting to include a forest with a big ever green tree. On the cover, bear looks right out at the reader/viewer and invites them into his story. Recommended as a gentle lesson about acceptance, assumptions, and openness to others without being preachy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Desmond, Jenni

Illustrator: Desmond, Jenni

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696887

Price: 15.99

What the Wind Can Tell You

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

Family conflict, sibling love, medical difficulties and strong emotional ties radiate from the center of this story. Isabelle is preparing her middle school science fair project on wind and needs her brother as her assistant. With a loving and gentle touch of the keyboard Jette has written a lovely story that goes beyond normal sibling relationships. Although Julian suffers seizures and epilepsy his world is full with family and caring professionals during the day and the magical night winds of Las Brisas. The characters suffer while the story soars, people grow and learn as the plot thickens with magical proportions. Jette's first novel will be cherished by middle age readers, teachers and medical professionals. What the Wind Can Tell You has a lot to say to readers of all ages; it speaks of courage, fear, possibilities, and devotion. Librarians will want to put this into the hands of those who have read Rules by Cynthia Lord. Add this title to intermediate and middle school media centers as well as to public libraries. Consider as a parent/child book group selection and gift to guidance counselors.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jette, Sarah Marie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781944762414

Price: 14.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

The Tale of Angelino Brown

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2018

Review

Who would not be delighted to find a winged boy in their pocket? Such was the experience of Bert Brown who felt a stirring in his chest while driving a city bus. This imaginary tale is endearing as well as smart and funny. Almond created a character that is childish, sophisticated, and somewhat outrageous with a talent for passing gas at the most inappropriate times. The story comes complete with sweet family relationships, a somewhat angry school master and a villain with little talent. Almond's story is completed and complimented by Smith's expressive art. Each B & W sketch is just the right touch, especially the long shadow. Give this to young readers who have passed the intermediate series phrase and are ready for a book with plot and character development. Add to media centers and libraries with young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Almond, David

Illustrator: Smith, Alex

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693637

Price: 16.99

The Confidence Code for Girls

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

This junior version of "The Confidence Code" helps girls develop and maintain their self-confidence during some of the most tumultuous years of growing up: middle school. Topics include how to build confidence through taking smart risks and how to get into your growth zone, being critical of the world around you and how it affects your confidence level, what your brain has to do with it, how to put everything into action, and most importantly, the reminder that failure is inevitable but survivable. Sprinkles of comic panels, examples of real stories from girls their age, quizzes and breakdowns, and a whole list of resources provide a full toolbox for any girl who picks up this book. No doubt, many young teens will find this to be the guide they didn't know they needed but are so relieved to have.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kay and Shipman, Claire, Katty

Illustrator: Lawson, Nan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062796981

Price: 14.99

Peep and Ducky Rainy Day

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2018

Review

This sturdy and colorful boardbook finds friends Peep and Ducky playing together on a rainy day. In rhyming verse, which makes for a wonderful readaloud, Peep and Ducky use their imaginations to think up things to do inside. When boredom sets in, they venture outside to play in the rain. Peep and Ducky consider themselves extremely lucky to be such good friends and oft the refrain is 'lucky, lucky, lucky.' The illustrations incorporate lots of white space and both muted and bold colors. This would be a good addition to boardbook collections of all types.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Martin, David

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695231

Price: 6.99

Foods With Moods: A Book of Feelings

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2018

Review

This sturdy and colorful boardbook is extremely clever. Even the youngest read-to-me age child will be able to ascertain the feelings these foodstuffs are displaying. With rhyming text, the child is asked how they feel in different circumstances. Each page has one or two foods wearing expressions that go along with the questions and statements beneath. With pastel backgrounds and amazingly creative, though simple, modifications made to these fruits and vegetables, this will be a book that will be chosen again and again by little ones for sharing. This will also be a good choice when trying to determine how your little one is feeling. Consider this for your boardbook collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Freymann, Saxton

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Cartwheel Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338194418

Price: 7.99

The Quest of the Cubs

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2018

Review

Lasky is a master of animal fantasy, this book will not disappoint. Like her other books about the kingdoms of Ga'Hoole the storyline is compelling while the characters appear almost human. In this first of a new series, two uniquely talented young bears are left alone to survive in the artic. Not only do they rise to the occasion but they will constantly surprise the reader. Action, adventure, companionship, love,and loyalty enrich a fun fantasy for kids.

Intermediate readers may have already found this on library and bookstore shelves. If not they will soon be on the waiting list so librarians need to purchase this and the second book of Lasky's newest series. Thanks to Maxime Plasse for the excellent map.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lasky, Kathryn

Illustrator: Rinaldi, Angelo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press (Scholastic)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545683043

Price: 16.99

I Am Birch

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2018

Review

I am Birch is written in the Native American tradition of folktale. The author/illustrator speaks through a birch stump sharing a story of fear created by rumor of a great cold and dark in the forest. This lovely title introduces readers to Beaver, Porcupine, Deer, Badger, Heron, Squirrel, Rabbit, Moose, and Bear as they hurry to prepare for the weather.

Early readers will be drawn into the plot thinking that winter is the approaching season. Adults and older students are sure to be enchanted by the Native American clothing and design touches. Kelley provides lots of white space and large print making this a good read for accomplished readers in early grades. Add this to public libraries, primary schools and gift to your favorite art teacher.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelley, Scott

Illustrator: Kelley, Scott

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Islandport Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3,all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781944162391

Price: 17.95

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

Ick and Crud: Mystery in the Barn

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 12, 2018

Review

With a copyright date of 2018 by Red Chair Press this new series is sure to make a hit with confident early readers. Ick and Crud: Mystery in the Barn is the second in four recently released early chapter titles. With a stage of farm animals what could go wrong when two dogs decide to jump a fence? Once past the puddle they are faced with Miss Puffy who purrs that something big is about to happen. And so the mystery begins leading readers into a scary barn, introducing them to various animals and offering a game of hide and seek.

There is enough action to keep the attention of readers with content guaranteed to make them laugh. The back cover indicates that 1,000 to 1,500 words are contained in each book of the series. That information and the character identification page are helpful to reader and parents. The story is successful in short chapters and the illustrations are attractive. Primary grade teachers will want the paper copy in their room collections and public libraries who collect early chapter books should purchase the series with the library bindings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blevins, Wiley

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781634407869

Price: 16

The Hyena Scientist

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 12, 2018

Review

Another fantastic collaboration by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop; The Hyena Scientist is an excellent addition to the Scientist in the Field Series. Zoologist Kay Holekamp works in Kenya following and researching the daily activities of resident hyenas on a wildlife reserve. The text reads like a friendly story that is packed with information, interaction episodes, and research techniques. Readers feel like they accompany the team in the land cruiser. The front of the book has a two page map that provides orientation for readers and a fast facts page near the end adds to the reading enjoyment. This is 67 page non-fiction done at the ultimate best for intermediate readers and animal lovers of all ages.

From the front cover to the last photo tucked into the index each photograph of the hyenas is impressive. Throughout the book there are amazing shots of the natural environment, other animals who inhabit the area and of the researchers. Librarians who work with children need to add The Hyena Scientist to their collection, this is a must have for intermediate schools and public libraries.

Cream suggestion

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Bishop, Nic

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544635111

Price: 18.99

River of Fire

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2018

Review

River of Fire is the fifth in the Warrior's Vision of Shadows series. As Twigpaw journeys through her life as an apprentice, she will discover many perils in becoming a Warrior. The romance might have been unnecessary but it did add to the storyline. This title has a very surprising ending in which Twigpaw and her friends unite all of the clans together. This story is believable, but it is helpful to read the previous books in the series first. This reader has waited for this title and is pleased to have obtained a copy.

Hunter's writing is consistent and always contains some intrigue and excitement. Most of her readers will be satisfied by this sequel.

Libraries who collect the Warrior series will need to add book five to their collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hunter, Erin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062386533

Price: 16.99

River of Fire

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

River of Fire is the fifth in the Warrior's Vision of Shadows series. As Twigpaw journeys through her life as an apprentice, she will discover many perils in becoming a Warrior. The romance might have been unnecessary but it did add to the storyline. It has a very surprising ending in which Twigpaw and her friends unite all of the clans together. This story is believable, but it is helpful to read the previous books in the series first. This reader has waited for this title and is pleased to have obtained a copy.

Hunter's writing is consistent and always contains some intrigue and excitement. Most of her readers will be satisfied by this sequel. Libraries who collect the Warrior series will need to add book fire to their collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

H, E

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062386533

Price: 16.99

Dark Wyng

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 14, 2018

Review

Second in D'Lacey's newest series, Dark Wyng lives up to expectations of readers as it offers lots of action. The author has continued his status as one of the most popular fantasy writers of the time. Not only is this book good fantasy but the technology employed is amazing. The i:images sent from one character to another are worthy of admiration.

This reader did not have the advantage of reading The Wearle (bk 1 in the Erth Dragons series) but was able to follow the storyline. In the beginning it was somewhat difficult to discern the many characters but the content was intriguing enough to make clarifications worth waiting for. Certainly Ren who is a Kaal (human) and Gabrial who is a blue dragon are the primary characters and in the end the heroes.

Public libraries who collect youth fantasy will want to get both bk 1 and bk 2 of this new series: The Erth Dragons. Most intermediate and middle schools will want to add this series to their shelves. This reader would love to use The Dark Wyng or its prequel in a parent/child book group.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

D'Lacey, Chris

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press (Scholastic)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545900577

Price: 16.99

I'm a Duck

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2018

Review

This is a lovely picture book written in rhyming couplets about a little duck who is afraid to get into the water. (Traumatized when he - still inside his egg - rolled from his nest, splashed into the pond, and was rescued by his mother. Encouraged to swim by his brother ducklings, a frog, and an owl, he is still too fearful and decides to practice his swimming in a puddle. Frog finally offers to hold duckling's wing and dive in with him, but the duckling protests. "I'd love to have you help me through it, but I'm the one who has to do it." So he does, to the admiration and cheers of his friends even though - his stoke is strange. He's backstroking! However, the little duckling is still able to swim in a line with his brothers. "No one says my stroke is strange or asks if I will ever change," says the duckling. The watercolor illustrations are expressive, soft and engaging. Use this book when studying farm animals or in the springtime.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Hillenbrand, Will

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680329

Price: 15.99

BIG BROWN BEAR'S CAVE

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 15, 2018

Review

Big Brown Bear discovers a cave that is just right for him and moves in right away. He soon finds that his newly found cave does not fit him "just right." He goes out for a stroll and notices that humans have their own caves too. But their caves are filled with "stuff." So Big Bro Bear helps himself to the stuff that he likes which happens to be stuff with handles, wheels, and stuff that comes in boxes. He hauls it all back to his cave and fills every single corner. Curious, his friends come to visit but soon find that there is no room for them in Big Brown Bear's cave. When his friends then ask Big Brown Bear to accompany them on a fishing trip, Big Brown Bear cannot, because he is trapped inside his own cave. Finally, his friends come to his rescue and pull him out. The stuff all gets returned to the human cave with the help of these friends. When finished with the task, they all crawl inside Big Brown Bear's cave to nap beside him. And to Big Brown Bear, finally, the cave feels like home. Thus, Big Brown Bear discovers that what he truly needs is friends and not more stuff.

This is a clever little picture book that presents wonderfully descriptive and detailed illustrations. Children will enjoy the illustrations as much as the story itself. Best for ages 4-8 years and good to use when studying wildlife/bears and, perhaps, when one is needing to clean out their "stuff."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zommer, Yuval

Illustrator: Zommer, Yuval

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: templar books: a division of Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763696467

Price: 16.99

Great Butterfly Battle

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 17, 2018

Review

Think Graphic Novel mashed up with a craft book and you'll have book 3 of the Crafty Cat series. The story begins with Crafty Cat (aka Birdie) putting some finishing touches on her latest project which she hopes will convince her teacher that she is the right person for the part of the butterfly in the up coming play. You may wonder, as I have, why is that Birdies secret identity is a cat, and does she really turn into a cat or is just her imagination. I never found the answer to this, and I found the book quite underwhelming. Not a series I would spend money on.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: By Art We Live

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626724877

Price: 13.99

The Cobalt Prince

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 17, 2018

Review

This is the story of Oona who must save 5 worlds of another solar system. The main goal is to light 5 beacons, one in each of the worlds. In this, the second book, her goal is to light the 2nd beacon. But before she can do that she must first face her sister Jessa, who left her on the 1st planet. As she travels the 2nd world in search of the beacon, all whom she meets tell her something different, making the task that much harder. Fans of Star Wars and Avatar will really enjoy this series. It is best to start at book 1 for the most enjoyment of future books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Siegel, Mark & Alexis

Illustrator: Bouma, Rockefeller, Sun, Xanthe, Matt, Boya

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101935897

Price: 20.99

Bad Guy is a Two - Word Word

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

In this sequel to Recess Warriors: Hero is a Four-Letter Word the recess drama continues. There is a large cast of characters, plot twists, a scheming fourth grader who is determined to rule the entire playground and cliff hangers. You will also find complicated backstories, and lots of adventure in the manga like art work. One of the best features I liked about the book is that lack of technology involoved in the story line. It's kids on the playground as they should be - playing! This is a good recommendation for fans of Doug TenNapel and Kazu Kibuisko.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Marcus

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roarinng Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626727090

Price: 12.99

PIGNIC

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 20, 2018

Review

"Pignic" is a simple, yet clever book for the youngest set. In this story, pigs set out to have a perfectly fine "Pignic." There is a tree to climb, a kite to fly and delicious treats in the picnic basket. However, after a while, a shower approaches and we as readers we think that this just cannot help but spoil the "perfect day for a picnic" atmosphere. However, lo and behold, it does become the MOST perfect day for a picnic after all, as the pigs are able to frolic in a huge and glorious mud puddle. What could be a more perfect ending to their day.

A great little picture book to use when studying springtime, mud season, or farm animals.

Soft, lovely watercolors depicting happy, delightful pigs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Phelan, Matt

Illustrator: Phelan, Matt

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062443397

Price: 17.99

EERIE ESP

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

A short non-fiction book by Lerner Publishers. This book is one of a series entitled "Fear Fest." This book on the topic of ESP is divided into 4 section: 1) What is ESP? 2) What is the history of ESP? 3) Who might have ESP? and 4) Can we ever find the truth? The book includes a glossary, a bibliography and websites on the topic of ESP. A well designed presentation of both photos and information. As for answering the question if "ESP" is real or not real, the book states that "scientists cannot say for sure." Thus one must come to their own conclusion!

A great little introductory book on the subject of ESP for the student with an interest in parapsychology.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Tracy

Illustrator: , (photos)

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512434044

Price: 17.99

The Forgotten Book

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island Library, Orr's Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 20, 2018

Review

Imagine Jane Austin meeting up with some magic, mystery and a touch of folklore. In this tale 16year old Emma, discovers an old book when exploring an unused part of the boarding school. What she uncovers next is hard to believe - apparently anything she writes in the book comes true! However, as Emma soon discovers this book isn't with out consequences, and she isn't the only one interested in what magic the book holds. Along comes a new student, Darcy de Winter, who also has great interest in the book and wants desperately to get his hands on it. Will the mystery be solved?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Glaser, Mechthild

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250146793

Price: 17.99

Potions & Parameters

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 24, 2018

Review

This is the 5th volume in a series that combines logic puzzles and coding instruction, with a mystery plot thrown in for good measure! Professor One-Zero creates a poisonous potion called Green Pop, and he'll stop at nothing to get the whole world taking it. Hopper, Eni, and Josh put their coding skills to the test in order to get through a portal that will take them to another dimension where they can access a way to stop the professor from ruining the world. I found this to be a fun and interesting way for kids to learn coding, & maybe be introduced to Sci-Fi genre. There are as many twists and turns to this story as there are lines of code. A great introduction to Sci-Fi and coding!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mike Holmes, Gene Luen Yang

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626726079

Price: 10.99

Tom's Midnight Garden: A Graphic Adaptation of Philippa Pearcelassic

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 27, 2018

Review

A charming adaption of a classic, Edith has provided an enchanting graphic novel which will expose another generation to this rich story by Pearce. The dark graphics draw the reader into the story of Tom who is sent to visit relatives when his brother Peter becomes ill with measles. Life is boring and quiet till Tom is drawn into a time travel situation making the reader wonder if it is a dream or a boy's fantasy. This graphic follows the original storyline while it deepens the reader's experience. The colors and shades used help identify reality from fantasy. Each page reads like a paragraph, offering insight into Hatty’s story. Facial expressions and environmental details are well executed by this talented illustrator. Add this to public libraries and to intermediate as well as middle schools

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pearce, Philippa

Illustrator: Edith,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow (HarperCollins)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062696571

Price: 22.99

Urban Legends/C;lose Encounters/Origins

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 30, 2018

Review

This book is a chapter non-fiction picture book composed of 5 chapters and a glossary, quiz, and a selected biography. This is a well designed book for students interested in the topic of close encounters. The photos and illustrations are nicely balanced in regard to placement of the text. Chapter topics are: 1) Ancient Aliens 2) Abductions 3) Crop Circles and 4) UFO's, followed by a conclusion. Chapter set up is comprised of 1) Introduction, 2) The Best Recorded Sighting, 3) a Timeline, 4) Evidence for and Against, and 5) Is it Out There?" In chapter 5, Carl Sagan is quoted as saying, 'the stuff of life is everywhere." He thought that alien life was likely. This book is part of a series entitled Urban Legends.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, C.M

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Full Tilt Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629206110

Price: 27.99

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 1, 2018

Review

This lovely picture book shows how Joey Cornell's collection of curiosities trinkets, and doodads that he one day transformed into very unique, original artwork. As a young child, Joey collected "things." His siblings made fun of him; calling him "trash picker and "pack rat." All except for his mother who thought it was "weird, but wonderful." Joey said, "If I like it, I keep it. One day Joey's dad became ill a never to return home again. Joey retreated to the barn with his collection of "things," and there, began to sift, layer, mix, and make. "Art," he whispered to himself. Soon Joey got to work assembling, sorting, arranging, and creating in a way that made his siblings respond with comments such as "heavenly, exotic, and magical." The story closes when Joey spies a ticket lying on the ground. "If I like it, I keep it," he said. This ticket was apparently one of the tickets purchased by his dad when he took him to a Harry Houdini show. This story is based on the childhood of the great American artist, Joey Cornell. The book includes author notes and a selected biography in the back of the book. AS an artist Joey became famous for putting things into small wooden boxes, carefully choosing things that connected with his passions, obsessions, and memories. Soft water color illustrations accompany and extend the text.

Appropriate to use when studying American artists. Also, can be used as a book for children who are themselves collectors of "things," as so many of them are!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming and Dubois, Candace Fleming, Gerard Dubois

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: realistic fiction,biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399552397

Price: 17.99

Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 3, 2018

Review

Can I Touch Your Hair... is a true collaborative of authors and illustrators. Written by two newly acquainted email friends and illustrated by a couple the reader benefits from four perspectives. When a teacher assigns a poetry project and tells her students to pick a partner, Charles and Irene find themselves paired. Although not friends they work together learning about each other as the project and their friendship develops. The teacher instructs the class to write about anything "It's not black and white". That statement seems to lead readers to the purpose of the text, one student is white and the other black. In reality this could be any two students who learn to work together, sharing their different perspectives and background. The illustrators show Irene and Charles at home, in church, on the playground as well as on the beach. The artwork is somewhat abstract and several mediums are used to illustrate the story in poetry. Collage provides visual interest but it is the poems that soar. Add this to intermediate schools and put a copy on public library shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Latham, Irene

Illustrator: Qualls, Sean

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (Lerner Plublishing)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512404425

Price: 17.99

Brave Enough for Two

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 4, 2018

Review

Although the author has previously illustrated a book this is his first as author and illustrator. Voss has given readers a sweet picture book story about quiet Olive and her adventurous friend Hoot. Starting on the first page we see hints of the storyline. As the characters wander away from home the adventures get grander but each time Hoot quiets Olive's nerves. A laundry basket becomes both a hot air balloon and a boat providing lots of imagination and adventure. The illustrations are lovely and the background almost glows due to the added digital colors. The endpapers show that Voss was influenced by Winnie-the Pooh.

Consider this kind and friendly picture book for elementary school media centers and purchase for public library collections. Students will be looking for future adventures of Hoot and Olive.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Voss, Jonathan D.

Illustrator: Voss, Jonathan D.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co (Macmillan)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250127488

Price: 17.99

Detective Dog

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 5, 2018

Review

Nell is an excellent sniffer and uses her nose to solve crimes. In this rhyming story by Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) - Nell helps her person, Peter, with a classroom disaster. All the books are stolen one day. Unflappable Nell uses her nose to sniff out the culprit - and helps the thief find a way to free books - a library card! The story is told with humor - and the illustrations are full of humor as well. There is much to pore over on each page. This story would work in story time or one on one. Nell is a great new canine character - and may she have more adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Ogilvie, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250156761

Price: 17.99

Wedgie and Gizmo vs. the Toof

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2018

Review

“Wedgie and Gizmo vs. the Toof” is the second book in the “Wedgie and Gizmo” series by Suzanne Selfors. Wedgie is a corgi dog who loves eating, digging, and being friendly. Gizmo is a guinea pig genius who wants to take over the world. The Toof (real name “Pinkie”) is a pig with a snaggletooth who belongs to their new neighbors. Wedgie and the Toof are going to take part in the school pet parade, but Gizmo believes that they are really trying to thwart his plans of world domination. The book is really funny and will appeal to kids who like “Dog Man,” “Stick Dog,” and “Hamster Princess” and other funny books that combine great illustrations with silly stories. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Selfors, Suzanne

Illustrator: Fisinger, Barbara

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katharine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062447654

Price: 12.99

Mae Among the Stars

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 6, 2018

Review

The lifelong dream of Mae Jemison makes a fantastic story for early biography readers. As a child Mae wanted to see the earth from the sky, her goal was to become an astronaut. This book follows that dream as Mae becomes immersed in space related books and art. Always having the benefit of her parent's support Mae had to navigate through those who did not believe she could achieve her goal.

A fantastic book with the perfect attitude, presentation, and illustrations. The author has captured Mae’s enthusiasm showing that dreams come true for young girls regardless of their race and gender. Playful illustrations add to the charm, especially the two page spreads that are full of stars. This is a book that will be welcome in all homes, consider giving a copy to your favorite child as a holiday or birthday gift. Excellent biography for early grade assignments. All primary school media centers and public libraries need to add this book to their collection. The only unfortunate feature is the poor binding.

Consider for CREAM.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ahmed, Roda

Illustrator: Burrington, Stasia

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper (HarperCollins)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062651730

Price: 17.99

Annie's Life in Lists

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2018

Review

This is good for a quick read, fun story, and a different way to look at writing. The chaptersare Ainne's life month by month. Annie's lived in Brooklyn and has to move to a small town, Clover Gap. She has an amazing memory for people details... name, name of everyone in your family, your pets, what you like, don't like, and anything that you have ever done. She gets kicked out of her former school because she had to bring a note to the principal. While there she gets nevous,she a picture of the principal and another man. She finds out he is the principal's brother, and she tells the principal that he looks like the drycleaner man near her family, but the stopped going there because the man had a cat, and her dad has allergies. Brother does have a drycleaning company and a cat, but his shop is in a different district. Parents and kids more out to the counrty. Her older brother is very angry at her and Annie tries to hide her memory from others. Examples of list titlles; Four examples of how quiet I can be, Four reasons I'm quiet, Four things I have pretended not to remember so people won't think I was weird #2. A conversation I had with Jesse Bruner in first grade where he told me he hadn't washed his hair in two months

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mahoney, Kristin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/ Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Book

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524765095

Price: 16.99

Tom Brady

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 10, 2018

Review

One entry in the 4 part Football Stars series under Bearport Publishing's Amazing Americans series, this books tackles Tom Brady's rise to football fame. It starts with Super Bowll 51's comeback win, then moves chronologically through his career, jumping from young life to college to the NFL. It also touches on his family life. Back matter includes a brief timeline and glossary. Clearly designed for a very young reader, this book hits only the very basic details. I'm not sure who the intended audience is. I feel that a Brady fan at this reading level would already know much more information than this book provides. I'd pass on this book, and this Football Stars series in general.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kelley, K.C.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781684024520

Price: 25.64

Hazel and Twig : The Birthday Fortune

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2018

Review

Hazel and Twig are adorable little mice that live with their family in an enchanted, lovely woodland setting. Twig is about to turn one and a party is planned. Hazel and Twig have Korean grandparents, Halmoni and Haraboji, and they also have Grandma and Grampa Thistle. A lovely Korean tradition takes place at a first birthday called a Doljabi, a fortune-telling ceremony. The invitations are delivered by a mail snail. The birthday baby chooses an item from many and this is meant to predict the child's future. Twig chooses something completely unexpected and all wonder what it might mean. The illustrations are soft and whimsical; one wishes to somehow inhabit this snug forest. This book would be especially appreciated by children of adoption and children of mixed culture. It is definitely one to consider adding to your picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yu, Brenna Burns

Illustrator: Yu, Brenna Burns

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689704

Price: 15.99

Layover

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Longcreek Correctional , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2018

Review

A flight layover in LA offers three step siblings an opportunity to duck the family vacation that is bound to expose bad news. The problem is that the book is unrealistic mostly in terms of normal teen and sibling behavior. These characters have the financial means and connections to live high for three days where normal runaways are more apt to find themselves on the streets.

The description of the city is fun to follow, who does not want to see the famous Hollywood sign? This reader's favorite character is that of the younger sister Poppy but she is not one of the two main characters. As a first novel this is a good work but not a necessary purchase for libraries. Layover contains sexual scenes and illegal substances; there are mature teen readers who can deal and who will totally enjoy the adventure. Look toward future work by these two authors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Andelson, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown (Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524764876

Price: 17.99

Layover

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Longcreek Correctional , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2018

Review

A flight layover in LA offers three step siblings an opportunity to duck the family vacation that is bound to expose bad news. The problem is that the book is unrealistic mostly in terms of normal teen and sibling behavior. These characters have the financial means and connections to live high for three days where normal runaways are more apt to find themselves on the streets.

The description of the city is fun to follow, who does not want to see the famous Hollywood sign? This reader's favorite character is that of the younger sister Poppy but she is not one of the two main characters. As a first novel this is a good work but not a necessary purchase for libraries. Layover contains sexual scenes and illegal substances; there are mature teen readers who can deal and who will totally enjoy the adventure. Look toward future work by these two authors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Andelson, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown (Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524764876

Price: 17.99

Big Choo

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 13, 2018

Review

Little Choo, a young steam locomotive, wants nothing more than to be big, strong and brave like his father, Papa Pufferbelly. One day he decides he is ready to take on an old bridge, a load of freight and a huge mountain, so he gets on the main line. Sadly, the mountain is too much for him and he is derailed! Papa Pufferbelly urges Little Choo to try, try again and Little Choo learns about how to handle a setback. The illustrations are spot-on, portraying motion and expressions that fit the text well. This is also a great readaloud with lots of chugga-chugga and choo, choo going on. Kids will enjoy hearing this selection over and over and will absorb the lesson on how to get up and try again when one experiences a failure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaskan, Stephen

Illustrator: Shaskan, Stephen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545708579

Price: 16.99

Snow Lane

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

This book is a great tool for letting students know that when their family is trouble it's Okay to ask for help. Annie is a fifth grader and the youngest of nine children in a very Catholic family. Her self-thoughts that run through her head shows her upbringing, " I don't know what the hell (five Hail Marys) would give them that Idea. The older siblings are very talented: Nutcracker dancer, sports hero, one goes to MIT. They go to Mas, dad works two jobs. Mom has checked out as a parent. It's up to the older kids to take care of the younger ones. Annie is dyslexic and in GT classes. Any extra money goes to the older kids who are doing well in the world. Mom has become a hoarder, and she beats her children. The world doesn't see what's happening within the home. One of the girls runs away, and DHS gets involved. Annie doesn't want her family to break up, and she gets DHS to help.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Angelini, Josie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Fewer and Friends / Macmillian Pub

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250150929

Price: 16.99

The Journey Of Little Charlie

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

The book might be difficult for some to read due to the colloquialism. Page 1: "And 'cording to the only folks who was there to witness the whole fuss, the word kept tumbling outta me o'er and o'er for more'n half a day. Long 'nough for Ma and pap to wonder if I'd banged my head on something and got tetched." The story is about a boy whose father died while owing money. Charlie had to do his dad's job to pay back Cap'n. He has to travel from the south to Canada to capture and return runaway slaves and their children. Cap'n is pretty graphic about some of the violent ways used to control slaves.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Curtis, Christopher Paul

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545156660

Price: 16.99

Another Quest for Celeste

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

In this sequel to A Nest for Celeste, the young mouse unexpectedly finds herself on a Mississippi steamboat headed north. She makes friends wherever she goes including a young Abe Lincoln. Celeste has engaging conversations with her many animal friends along her journey. Her communication with the young Abe Lincoln is of a different sort. The story is well written and filled with adventure. The black and white pencil illustrations enhance the twenty two chapters. I highly recommend this novel for young readers grades 3-5 interested in friendship, nature, and a bit of history.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cole, Henry

Illustrator: Cole, Henry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062658128

Price: 16.99

A Pup Called Trouble

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

This coyote pup is aptly named. Trouble's curiosity sends him on an unexpected adventure to Central Park in NYC. Trouble makes several friends there including a crow, an opossum, an owl, a fox, and a poodle. He is pursued by an animal control officer which provides action and suspense to the story. The conversations between the animals are fun and interesting. The author includes facts at the end of the book about coyotes, crows, and opossums. The author also points out that coyotes have been spotted in Central Park. They can be found in every type of environment. Young wildlife lovers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good story filled with adventure, will enjoy this engaging novel. Recommended for grades 3-5.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pryon, Bobbie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978006268223

Price: 16.99

Avalanche!

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

This brief, yet action filled story is part of the Survivor Series. Ashley and Ryan, twin siblings, ski off trail in Wyoming hoping to see a wolverine. They end up being swept away in an avalanche and buried in the snow. Fortunately, they have had training concerning avalanches, but unfortunately, both have sustained injuries. The first person narrative works well in this action packed drama. The black and white illustrations add to the story. Included is an author's note, avalanche and wilderness safety tips, and suggested websites. I highly recommend this novel for young readers, as well as, older reluctant readers. Grades 3-8

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson , Terry Lynn

Illustrator: Orban, Jani

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544970397

Price: 9.99

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

This book that David Serlin has collaborated on with Selznick is wonderful is so many ways. The large sparse text and the detailed black and white pencil drawings with a splash of color make this book so much fun. Young children will enjoy this thick book on their own. Anyone sharing with them will equally enjoy it. There is repetition in each of the five chapters that adds to the amusement. The author includes a key at the ends which explains the detailed drawings, an extensive index, and a bibliography. I highly recommend this funny and charming detective story with touches of art history, opera, film history, space exploration and more.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Selznick, Brian

Illustrator: Zelznick, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338180619

Price: 16.99

The Craft-A-Day Book

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

I credited the illustrator as Jennifer Larson, she is really the photographer. This book is great. It has 30 projects with photos on how to make things with recycled materials. Table of contents has six sections with 3-6 ideas in each section. Some projects can be easily done by younger children Tissue paper jar luminaries to whimsical cardigan Swaters. One of the chapters is named Embellishment. There is a section on tools, craft resources, and an index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cornell, Kari

Illustrator: Larson, Jennifer

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/ Learner Pub. Group

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512413137

Price: 38.98

When My Heart Joins the Thousand

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2018

Review

A relationship develops between strangers when a foster-care runaway sees a fragile young man toss his cell phone into a pond at a park near her home.

17-year-old Alvie recovers Stanley's phone and offers to return it to him in an email, and an online relationship develops. The two eventually meet in person, and readers realize Alvie like falls on the Aspergers/Autism spectrum and Stanley suffers from physical challenges of his own. The closer the two get, the more Alvie struggles, and she eventually cuts off ties with Stanley, loses her job, and becomes homeless. The two eventually reconnect and their relationship becomes stronger despite their individual faults. This book's strengths lie in the development of the characters, particularly Alvie in flashbacks to her upsetting childhood and her relationship with her mother.

This book would appeal to high school readers and would not be appropriate for middle school due to sexual content and some troubling family scenes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Steiger, A.J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen / Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062656476

Price: 17.99

The Bagel King

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2018

Review

The Bagel King is a sweet story about a little boy who always has bagels with his grandfather every Sunday. Unfortunately, one day, his granddad falls down and gets hurt. There are no bagels for Eli, for his grandfather, or for his grandfather's friends. The next Sunday, Eli goes himself to get the bagels. The illustrations are the best part of this story--sensitive and bright, they engage readers and draw them into the story. Nichols use of bold lines and soft acrylic colors brings emotion to the illustration. The story by Larsen is cute and fairly simple. The addition of Yiddish words can feel a bit forced at times, but doesn't interfere with the simplicity or sweetness of this story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: Nichols, Sandy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771385749

Price: 16.99

Don't Tell

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2018

Review

Don't Tell! is the follow up to Booth's first book, Don't Blink. A young white girl and her animals friends all question the reader to find out who told them about their super secret book. In the end, they find out it was the elephant who has been telling everyone because he likes to share secrets. His friends agree that it can be fun to share secrets sometimes. The concept lacks the charm of Booth's first book and other fourth-wall-breaking fare. Though the animals are speaking directly to the kid who is reading the book, they don't provide a lot of opportunity to actually speak back. The text also feels very repetitive. Additionally, the concept of secrets is one maybe too difficult for a book as simplistic as this one. Though both includes an author's note at the beginning reminding adults that they should speak to the kids in their life about what secrets to keep or not keep, the story doesn't do a lot to support either perspective. Booth's illustrations, however, are the winner of this book. The expression on each animal (and their human companion) is compelling and draws the reader in far more strongly than the actual text. On top of that, Booth's mixture of traditional and digital mediums creates fluid illustrations with a lot of interesting texture and color. Recommended as an addition purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Booth, Tom

Illustrator: Booth, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250117373

Price: 17.99

The Truth About Bears; Seriously Funny Facts About Your Favorite Animals

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2018

Review

Lots of facts about bears are sandwiched between pages covered with adorable illustrations of three types of bears. Young readers seeking information or just interested in bears will find this book suits their needs. The print is large and easy to read, the illustrations are sharp as well as detailed, and the storyline holds its own. Designed as signs are several informational sentences that help to explain the eating habits, body functions, and behavioral habits of bears. Speech bubbles add to the graphic charm while a map and back matter expand the informational content in this attractive and interesting non-fiction picture book.

Add this to primary school collections and watch for the other titles in the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Eaton, Maxwell

Illustrator: Eaton, Maxwell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book (Roaring Brook Press)

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626726666

Price: 15.99

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2018

Review

Opening with an illustrated timeline, this picture book biography compilation of "young women who changed the world," is a beautiful, if not incredibly informative, brief look at these women. Each entry has an illustration by a different artist, a poem that describes a bit about what each woman is famous for, and a couple of sentences of actual bio description at the end. At the end, the author explains a bit about how she chose her subjects and includes further reading, sources, and notes for each woman individually.

While the book is a great idea, it falters in its execution. Several of the poems feature incredibly difficult vocabulary words with no definitions included, and with the use of the poems instead of using the space to share more actual information about the women, readers end up learning very little factual information. Share for its beautiful illustrations and as inspiration for further research on these and other extraordinary women. Not an essential purchase.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hood, Susan

Illustrator: , Various Artists

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062699459

Price: 18.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Search For The Mermicorn

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2018

Review

Search for the Mermicorn is the fourth title in the Purrmaids series by Bardhan-Quallen. Like the other three titles the illustrations are sure to please primary grade girls who adore magic and animal fantasy. The author's interest in marine science is obvious in this story line where three mermaid kittens search the ocean for their research assignment. Readers follow these adventures as the purrmaids seek mythical mermicorn creatures and interacting with friends along the way. The story is fun and fanciful but does totally fall outside reality. The conclusion is predictable and yet believable.

Fourth in series

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524701703

Price: 4.99

Do Not Open This Math Book

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

The book is a great tool for parents to use with children. The illustrations are cute with Mr. Mouse helping to guide the way using real-world math, practice problems with answers, analogies, mental math tricks, and activities. There are 10 chapters with two to seven parts. There is an introduction explaining the "new math" to parents that help to teach kids how to analyze how the math works. There are some basic instructions with a "game time" section for play and practice. The back has an answer key and index. The book itself is paperback.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McKellar, Danica

Illustrator: Maberry, Maranda

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933985

Price: 18.99

Devils Unto Dust

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

When the Wild West is swept up in a plague that turns people and animals into undead things called shakes, it takes a very special kind of girl to survive such circumstances. Willie is that girl. Her mother dies from the disease, and Willie is left to raise her younger siblings as their father is a shiftless drunk who they rarely see. The kids are holed up in Glory, Texas, an isolated town fenced in to keep the shakes out, and fallen under the rule of ruthless shake hunters. Willie finds her family in peril when her father steals a huge sum of money from one of the hunters, and Willie must pay the debt. Luckily, she finds two young hunters willing to help her for cheap, and they venture out into the shake-filled desert to find her father, get the money, or die trying. It's not often you find a book peopled with both cowboys and zombies, but "Devils Unto Dust" does it very well. The scenario works well in a post Civil War Texas, and there is even reference to timely historical innovations, such as vaccinations and the transcontinental railroad. Best of all, Willie isn't just another spunky pioneer girl, but a young woman who tries to do the right thing even though she is lonely, afraid, and angry.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Berquist, Emma

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062642783

Price: 17.99

Strange New World

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Uniqueness is unthinkable -- everyone looks the same, depending on which clone you came from, and in Lakewood -- questions aren't asked and the outside world is exactly as it is in Lakewood. Dahlia 16 and Trigger 17 realize that is not the case as their journey continues in the finale to "Brave New Girl".

This is a fast paced and suspenseful sci-fi-fi that will surprise you in the end. Recommended for grades 7 up

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Vincent, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399552496

Price: 17.99

The Window

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Twins Anna and Jess have drifted apart recently. They use to share everything, but apparently Jess's "twin sense" wasn't working -- she didn't "feel" that her twin was dead even after her father told her and she saw Anna in the morgue. But what happened to Anna -- stories are going around school that Jess finds hard to believe, but the more she looks into them...

Recommended for grades 10 and up. Fast paced with a suspenseful plot that will keep you interested till the end.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Amelia, Brunskill

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524720292

Price: 17.99

The Sun Played Hide-and-Seek A Personification Story

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

This is a fun read aloud, great for personification, and has an interesting way to use the examples in a presentation. The illustrations are watercolor. Different students were asked to make a presentation on different figurative language. One little girl has to present on personification, and she spends much time outside letting nature talk to her. When it's her time to present, there is a fire drill. She asks if they can go on a field trip to show the kids. "The bench was calling her name. The water fountainHiccuped."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Brian P.

Illustrator: Crimmins, Carol

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Millbrook Press/Lerner Pub. Group

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467726481

Price: 21.34

Dear Rachel Maddow: A Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Brynn, a former honor student, is barely making through her remedial classes and barely making through everyday dealing with friends, her mom and stepfather since her older brother Nick died -- from a drug overdose. Her passion is the school paper, but grades won't let her participate -- so what is a girl gonna do? Mr. Grimm, her English teacher, has given the class an assignment to write to a famous person and ask various questions. So Brynn, who is a big fan of Rachel Maddow, has chosen Rachel to be her soundboard. What follows is a series of emails (basically a journal) to Rachel Maddow where Brynn is has a tendency to be candid about what makes her mad in the world.

Well written and in an email format, some foul language, deals with the death of a loved one, parents, LGBT and disability diversities. Written in 1st person narrative. Recommended for grades 10-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kisner, Adrienne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250146021

Price: 17.99

Sharks nature's perfect hunter

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

The Science Comic Series book #9 features the ocean's #1 predator -- Sharks. Exploring the history of sharks from over 400 million years ago to the present time, this informational graphic novel provides detailed information on a wide range of sharks. From the scary great white, the gentle nurse shark, the bull shark that can live in both salt and fresh water, to many other different types of shark, the information is presented in an easy to understand manner. The detailed illustration provide many facts without overwhelming the reader. A wide range of information is included on shark's undersea terrain, their adaptability, their biology and behavior and what makes a shark and how they evolved. Also included are mistaken facts about sharks, how they are misunderstood and what can be done to help protect them.

The backpages include a glossary, illustrated pages of the Shark family tree, and an interesting page titled -- Don't Say "shark attack"-- that proposes that journalists avoid using the inflammatory phrase "shark attack". Suggested alternative phrases are listed that detail the various shark events. The foreward pages written by a marine conversation biologist and science blogger stress that sharks are in trouble and need help.

An excellent resource for young readers who want to learn more about sharks.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Flood, Joe

Illustrator: Flood, Joe

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626727885

Price: 12.99

Holly Jolly Summer

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Being the mayor's daughter in Christmas, Kentucky has always been the glue for Darby and her widowed father. When her first kiss happens in front of townspeople and tourists amidst the annual Snow globe display, the summer is quickly labeled a disaster for her. Darby must take a maintenance job at the rundown Christmas-themed park to make amends while finding her role as first daughter challenged by her father's potential girlfriend. As she perseveres through the messes on the pavement and the disgruntled reactions of park staff members, she slowly earns acceptance in the "misfit" band of friends. It is a summer of unsuspecting romance, new friendships and daughter growth for Darby. Romance fans will enjoy this beach read with a Christmas theme.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart, Tiffany

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374305758

Price: 17.99

Love & Other Train Wrecks

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Ammy has had enough of relationships in her family. She is heading out to her father's second marriage without her mother's permission or blessing. Taking the train, ignoring the passengers around her seemed like the perfect plan until Noah claims the seat next to her. Noah is on a quick trip, with a bouquet in hand, to surprise his ex-girlfriend and win her back. Ammy and Noah's world becomes entwined when the train stops on the tracks during a snowstorm. As they both are desperate to get to their destination they decide to leave the train and find the bus stop. In a 24-hour period, where the weather gets worse, their travel decisions take wrong turns and they must depend on strangers to assist them, the romance of life comes crashing in. As they share pieces of their lives while stranded, an unexpected twist in their family circles jeopardize that anticipated future. A satisfying, yet realistic romance that has a pesky snowstorm thrown in.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Konen, Leah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402509

Price: 17.99

The Sky at Our Feet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Readers are taken on a once-in-a lifetime excursion in Central Park through the first person voice of Jason Riazi. After American-born Jason learns that his Afghanistan Mother's visa expired and is living in the US illegally, he panics one day when he sees her being interviewed by men in suits at the laundromat. He rushes home, grabs money, a snack and his Aunt Seema's address in New York City and runs away from their New Jersey neighborhood. He gets himself to Penn Station, and then Jason faints and wakes up in the hospital. In his fear, he pretends to have amnesia. There he meets Max, a girl with her own secrets, who wants the chance to see the zoo in Central Park. They execute an escape plan and with naïve bravado, they traverse New York City. Max has been waiting in the hospital for a surgery to help her epilepsy. Jason learns some of her fears and quick tips about helping her while they locate the zoo that he has to put to use when she does have a seizure on the sidewalk. Each child's adventure comes to an end safely, and their friendship endures beyond the ending of the story. A timely story that provides adventure, family, differences and a few helpful hints on how to help someone having a seizure.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hashimi, Nadia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062421937

Price: 16.99

Thank you, earth

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

A beautiful thank-you note to the earth as well as a call to action for young readers to become environmental activists, this book is a strong addition to any library.

The story begins with a gorgeous photograph of the Caribbean Sea on the right hand page, with the centered text Dear Earth. On the opposite page there are two photos -- the top photo of a a magical spiderweb and the eye-catching photo below of a long-billed curlew. The book continues thanking the earth for all the wonders the earth gives us. Wonders such as the water and things that float. This page featuring photos of a sea otter and a white ibis and a willet. Sunsets, edges, patterns, sounds,storms, seasons and even struggles are just some of the featured gifts of the earth. The book is thought provoking and can be read on many levels. The book is enjoyable to read from just an artistic level due to the beauty of the photographs. While at the same time, there is much more to the story with many opportunities for teachable moments.

The back pages include a note from the author that inspires readers to write their own thank you notes to the planet. The author also includes suggestions on what to do with the thank you notes for the most impact. Investigate the facts, share the story, participate, be an inventor, help the helpers, ask for action are all headings in this section. Also included is a list of select resources and organizations along with a listing of photograph description and locations.

A book that can be used in the classroom for both science and art, a great read-aloud or for reading alone. A recommended purchase for every public and school library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sayre, April Pulley

Illustrator: Sayre, April Pulley

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062697349

Price: 17.99

In the past

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

A collection of creatures from the planet's last 544 million years, readers will discover both the familiar and unfamiliar in this novel poetry book. Information is presented via rhymed or free verse text and is complemented with large, naturalistic, soft colored illustrations done in mixed media. With a geologic time line running throughout, beginning with the Cambrian Period and ending with the Quaternary Period, the creatures featured are arranged chronologically. It would have been easier to read if the pronunciations of the various animals were included in the verse pages not just in the back pages.

The back pages include a note from the author which notes that new discoveries are being made every day which make a book like this challenging to write. Also included in the back pages are notes on the animals featured and the facts about them that inspired the poems.

At times the poems are humorous and at times the poems are very straightforward and realistic highlighting the true nature of the animals. This is not a whimsical foray into the past, but a realistic journey back in time where readers can gain a great deal of knowledge with limited, meaningful verse and realistic illustrations.

A recommended purchase for both school and public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliot, David

Illustrator: Trueman, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763660734

Price: 17.99

The Island at the End of Everything

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

How would life be different if you lived in a leper colony on an island? Amihan's world is surrounded by a lush forest at the edge of the sea where she lives with her mother who has leprosy. Although this island is beyond the reach of most people the government wants to remove all the children, relocating them on a different island from their home and family members.

Hargrave offers readers a fresh storyline, one where courage and love rule the text. The separation of family members is tenderly handled by the author and still it is sure to make the blood boil in the veins of compassionate readers. We definitely have a villain, it is Mr. Zamora's actions that counteracts what was good. Good vs evil is fully depicted, revealing fictional telling of what may have happened to real families. Butterflies soar into and out of the story as they predict negative actions and impact the ultimate best result. Preteen girls will enjoy the story as they learn about a shameful mistreatment of people in this historical novel. Add to intermediate and middle school media centers and recommend to public librarians. The Island at the End of Everything would be a great selection for mother/daughter book groups.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hargrave, Kiran

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopt (Random House)

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553535327

Price: 16.99

Monsters Unleashed Bugging Out

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Good for kids who like a series with a fun plot. Freddie is with his former bullies in a new school. These guys and the monsters that he created last year from using the 3-d printer at school are now their pets. The year starts out in art class with a new student trying to draw bugs. He's having problems so Freddie helps him. Trevor takes Freddie's drawings and uses the 3-D printer at the new school...The fun continues

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kloepfer, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062427533

Price: 16.99

Deep Dark Blue

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Polo Tate recounts her journey from idealistic high school athlete to U.S. Air Force Academy recruit, to traumatized assault survivor. Polo had dreamed from a very young age of joining the Air Force, so it's with excitement and anticipation that she heads to the Academy for basic training and to become a member of their elite volleyball team. She's someone who is used to succeeding, both as a student and as an athlete, so when things start to go wrong, she assumes if she works harder, than things will be better. Unfortunately, harassment and abuse escalate to an assault. Compounding the injury, Polo is not believed by her peers, and a very large upperclassman works hard to break her spirit and prevent her from pursuing justice. This is a great story of resilience and overcoming adversity. Since this is a book aimed at a younger audience, I wish that Polo had emphasized more how important it is to have people who support you, as nobody makes it through something like this on their own. However, this story will certainly resonate with high school girls, particularly athletes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tate, Polo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781250128539

Price: 18.99

Aftermath

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Skye's life fell apart after her brother was killed in a school shooting. But Luka wasn't a victim, he was a shooter, and one of the students gunned down was the brother of her best friend/crush, Jesse. Flash forward three years and Skye is moving back to the town that her family fled in the aftermath of the tragedy. Her Dad is gone, Mom is clinically depressed, her grandmother is very ill, and she hasn't seen or spoken to Jesse since the incident-but she's still convinced that her brother was innocent. Skye is shocked to find that Jesse -previously a straight A student-is troubled and struggling. When she finds herself the victim of a series of cruel pranks and bullying at school, she and Jesse team up to find out what really happened that day, but it seems that someone will do anything to keep the past buried. This is a timely subject for a mystery, and highlights how an act of violence victimizes many people, including the family of the shooter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Armstrong, Kelley

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399550362

Price: 17.99

The Greedy Goat

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

The Greedy Goat is a large and attractive picture book, its cover displaying a cheerful looking goat with the capital letter G hanging from its mouth. By this farm tale's end, some readers and listeners stretching from two years old to five, will understand the meaning of the word greedy. All will have seen some common farm animals, basic colors, the days of the week, and even how it feels to be sick. A seasoned author/illustrator offers clear and brilliantly colored illustrations done in mixed media in a giggle producing story. Warmly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Horacek, Petr

Illustrator: , author/illustrator

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763694975

Price: 15.99

Class Action

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

When sixth grader Sam has to put off building a tree house with his Dad again, he puts a halt to the barrage of homework by protesting during class. Now expelled, he rallies the help of his retired lawyer neighbor, a diverse mix of school friends and his sister to persuade the school system to stop the pressure of homework. As they file case after case to appeal the court's decisions, Sam and his friends, along with readers, learn various court cases that have influenced children in the school system. Although the storyline is somewhat over-the-top, this is an enjoyable read which imparts much food for thought. How do we spend our time? Are we learning to our potential? What motivates teachers, schools, students, even parents? Recommended for middle grade collections and social studies/civic teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frank, Steven B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328799203

Price: 16.99

Stone for Sascha

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

As in all wordless books, the illustrations must convey the story and hold the reader's attention so the story can be heard. Aaron Becker's digitally painted illustrations pull the reader into the story immediately. They are large and beautifully rendered in hues of brown and gold. The author offers two stories in one. The first is a little girl,Sascha, and her family leaving for a vacation at the beach but without her dog, who has died. Collecting stones along the shore, she comes upon a particularly unique one and thus begins the second story- this stone's story, its origin, the path it has taken to end up on this beach and how it will soothe the sorrow of a little girl who has lost something valuable, her pet. This story has to be read more than once so the reader can soak in the beauty of both the tale and the illustrations.Use this picture book in an art class and in units using wordless books as writing prompts. this is a keeper.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Aaron

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 978763665968

Price: 17.99

Secret Kingdom

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

When the partition of India took place in 1947, Nek Chand Saini, became a refugee and was relocated to a"new, modern city" in a part of India away from the village he and his family had called home forever. He had only the stories of his village, his culture, and his family to sustain him. This story has many meanings. It is the story of being uprooted from everything one knows, family, friends, the home and area your family has lived in all because of a political ideology. It is the story of the importance of stories and the importance of memories of all that has come before. Nek is determined to hold onto his culture. As a young man, he finds a few acres of untouched land. He slowly works in secret to clear it and recreate the stories of his youth with bits and pieces of broken glass, cracked pots and other materials thrown away. He built a rock garden covering some 12 acres. When government officials discover his secret kingdom, they want to destroy it- until the people of his city come. This is a true story. Nek became a famous folk artist and today between three and four thousand people visit his Rock garden of Chandigarh. This is an astonishing story and feat of art. Claire Nivola's illustrations done in watercolor and gouache give the reader the feeling of being in Nek's garden. This is a story that needs to be read and shared. Pair it with Bottle Houses: The Creative World of Grandma Prisbrey by Melissa Slaymaker and Roxaboxen by Alice Mclerran. It can be used in STEAM units.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenstock, Barbara

Illustrator: Nivola, Claire

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674755

Price: 16.99

The Radical Element: 12 Stories of Daredevils, Debutantes, and Other Dauntless Girls

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Jessica Spotswood has collected twelve stories from various YA authors exploring American culture from bold female perspectives. Settings range all across the country and the timeline from Savannah, Georgia in 1838 to Boston, Massachusetts in 1984. In Dahlia Adler's Daughter of the Book, an Orthodox Jewish girl desperately wants to study the Torah, despite her family and culture's insistence that it was only for men. Marieke Nijkamp writes the story of Carrie, a girl who is coded as autistic though (in keeping with the time the story was set) this is not explicitly stated in the text of the story. Carrie is observing the arguments of the Supreme Court as they debate the forced sterilization of so-called feeble minded people. Sara Frizan tells of Sohelia, sent to the US by her parents to avoid the war in Iran, who finds strength and passion in music and singing for a punk band. Each of the twelve stories highlights a culture, perspective, or circumstance that has not been given much attention in previous historical works. A solid collection that will show many people a mirror of themselves in history, while also giving them a view of someone else.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Spotswood, Jessica (editor)

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694258

Price: 17.99

A Girl Named Hillary: The True Story of Hillary Clinton

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

A Girl Named Hillary is a solid biography of Hillary Clinton for young readers. Like many biographies for readers of this age, Paley focuses on Clinton's hard work, even in the face of defeat. Manwill's sweet illustrations show scenes from Clinton's life in an appealing and engaging way. Each stage of Clinton's life is given only a few pages, with slightly more focus on her childhood and school years. The book also includes a glossary, timeline, and photographs of Clinton in the back. Though there are more complete biographies out there, this is an inspiring first look at an inspiring woman.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paley, Rebecca

Illustrator: Manwill, Melissa

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338193022

Price: 4.99

Rebound

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

The prequel to Alexander's Newbery-award-winning novel The Crossover. This book, appropriate for MG or HS readers, is another stellar offering. Charlie Bell, long before he was cool Chuck Bell, was a teenager coping with the unexpected death of his beloved father. The poetry of the book, this time coupled with graphic novel-style interludes, is excellent. Alexander captures the grief and angst of adolescence particularly when faced with the loss of a dear role model. He explores the powerful connections of family, traditions, and sport. This is a book that a reader who loves basketball can revel in, but with a depth of story and character that can hook any reader. It was difficult not to get pulled into the sorrow of losing a dad all the while knowing that Chuck's own boys will experience the same heart-wrenching loss, to fall in love with a teenage character all the while knowing that we are going to lose him too soon. A poignant, engaging book that confirms Alexander's immense talent and authentic voice. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Kwame

Illustrator: Anyabwile, Dawud

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544868137

Price: 16.99

Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain is the first in a new series by Zac Gorman. Thisby is the twelve-year-old gamekeeper for the Castle Grimstone, a destination for anyone who fancies themselves an adventurer in the Land of Nth. Thibsy takes care of dungeon after dungeon of dangerous beasts, monsters, and creatures with her careful notes and a lot of very hard work. Until, that is, Princess Iphigenia and her younger twin brother come to visit. Ingo is kidnapped, which leaves the princess and the gamekeeper to rescue the prince and find their way out before they fall prey to some kind of danger. As complete opposites and with magic, monsters, and mayhem behind every corner, that might be harder than it sounds.

Gorman weaves a quirky and entertaining adventure story for those readers who have tired of the usual fare. By calling on classic fantasy critters of a less known variety (kobolds, trasques, etc.), and subverting some tropes of the genre, Thisby's adventure will be a breath of fresh air to many readers. Those new to the genre might miss some of the more tongue and cheek moments, but any reader would enjoy Thisby, Iphigenia, and the dungeons of Castle Grimstone.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gorman, Zac

Illustrator: Bosma, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HarperCollins Childrens

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062495679

Price: 16.99

Children of Blood and Bone

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

This lushly imagined West African-inspired epic fantasy series opener tells the story of a young woman, Zelie, and her brother Tzain, who live hand to mouth with their father since their mother, a maji, was murdered years before when the ruler of Orisha, King Saran, ordered all adult maji killed in an effort to ensure the continued dominance of the ruling class by eradicating magic. Though Zelie, whose white hair marks her as a maji, has the potential to work magic, it is only when a series of seeming coincidences throw her together with the fleeing Princess Amari, who carries with her a stolen scroll, that she learns there may be a way to bring magic back to her people. As Zelie, Tzain and Amari embark on this quest, they are urgently pursued by Amari's brother Inan and the soldiers he commands, who are intent on stopping them. Multilayered characters grapple with issues of agency and power, loyalty and shame as the novel is narrated in the first person alternately by Zelie, Amari and Inan. Vivid descriptions of the setting and the concepts of the magi balance nicely with well-paced battle and action sequences and heart wrenching violence will leave readers aching for the main trio of characters — all of which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the second volume.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Adeyemi , Tomi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250170972

Price: 18.99

Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest

Reviewed by: Alison Reddy - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

The Pigeons aren't getting any respect! In Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest, a group of pigeons begin griping about the trials of their species. Everyone loves to see the bluebirds and hear the cardinals sing, but everyone takes the pigeons for granted. Dr. Coo explains this wasn't always the case. Pigeons were once revered messengers and celebrated for their bravery. So how do they get humans to see them this way again? Peaceful protest that's how! The pigeons pack up and leave and the humans realize they would miss a world with out their feathered friends. A kindly worded letter to the mayor talks compromise and the humans and pigeons find a happy, peaceful ending. The Illustrations are soft but vibrant and really bring the city and pigeons to life. The text includes a lot of dialogue and is lengthy at times, but overall is a fun story that can be tied into lessons or just told for fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hampson, Sarah

Illustrator: Reich, Kass

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781771383615

Price: 16.99

Whale In A Fishbowl

Reviewed by: Alison Reddy - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Whale In A Fishbowl is a charming story with beautiful soft illustrations that capture the sadness Wednesday the whale feels. She is always longing for another glance at the blue she can spot when she jumps high enough from her bowl but she doesn't understand why. One day a young girl named Piper stops to admire Wednesday. Piper thinks Wednesday is beautiful, but also knows she belongs in the sea. Wednesday struggles to understand how her home could be anywhere but her bowl until the day she finds the courage to leap into the unknown and find where she belongs. This story is told beautifully with simple text young readers will love listening to while gazing at the page filling illustrations. This book includes one fold out page to show Wednesday's final brave leap to the ocean.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Howell, Troy

Illustrator: Jones, Richard

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781524715182

Price: 17.99

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

Mason Buttle is a genuine, lovable, earnest (sweaty) character. In this book for MG readers, Connor captures the voice of a boy who struggles with things. Mason is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade. He is a slow processor and his learning disabilities cause his words to get stuck; thoughts are not easy nor always coherent and things get muddled. This makes him an easy target for neighborhood bullies. His best friend Benny has died and the local sheriff is sure that Mason has more information about the events leading up to Benny's death than he has admitted. Mason is just feeling grief and confusion and frustration at not being able to give the sheriff the information he so clearly thinks Mason has. Mason makes a new friend, Calvin, and what a character! The tiny, brainy foil to Mason, the two are an unlikely but understandable and delightful duo. When Calvin goes missing, all of the angst and heartache about Benny comes back to Mason, but this time, he is going to get it right and save Calvin. The mystery surrounding Benny's death is a bit predictable, but as you discover it along with Mason, it works especially since the truth of the situation clicks with Mason as he tells his own story into the recording device given to him by the school guidance counselor. He finally realizes how powerful his own story is. This story of loss and redemption and of the giant, sweet boy with the perpetually sweaty face who finally learns how smart he really is will stick with you long after you close the book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Connor, Leslie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062491435

Price: 16.99

Firefly Forest

Reviewed by: Alison Reddy - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

In Firefly Forest soft glowing fireflies lead the reader through fairy houses and tree hollows. The illustrations will illuminate the imaginations of young readers The text however is want. The rhyming couplets have a lack of flow that are hard to get through. It is disappointing because the pictures are so vibrant and captivating.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Frampton, Robyn

Illustrator: Heath, Mike

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Imprint

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250122636

Price: 18.99

You Go First

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

A story of friendships lost and found aimed at upper elementary/middle grade readers who know all too well the fissures that can appear between long-time friends when social status and the pressures of fitting in become the most essential part of life. Two kids, who live miles apart, connect over an online Scrabble game. When one reaches out to the other in "real" life, via telephone, a friendship of sorts forms. But unbeknownst to the other, both make their life seem okay and both believe that the other has a firm grip on how to confidently and correctly navigate middle school. Meanwhile the boy, Ben, has a home life that is quietly falling apart as his perfectly ordinary parents divorce, and an abundance of misplaced confidence that he can win the School Council presidency though only a sixth grader (he's actually only allowed to run for treasurer). This puts a bulls-eye on his back for the school bullies. And while Ben may shake off their attempts to humiliate him, convinced that he is receiving recognition and these are mere road bumps on his path to greatness, the reader knows that a grand humiliation is in store for him. And the girl, Charlotte, is discovering that she is not one of the popular kids and that her up-to-this-point best friend Bridget is. The book is deftly told from the perspectives of both characters as they navigate a particularly challenging week. Charlotte's voice, in particular, may echo the feelings of many middle school-aged kids who suddenly find that they are being left behind as friendships shift. In the end, both kids learn that sometimes it just takes one person who will listen and with whom you can connect and be honest to ease the loneliness and let you know that it will be okay.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062414182

Price: 16.99

Misunderstood Shark

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2018

Review

A film crew of underwater creatures is getting ready to go live with a program when Shark appears and the show becomes a matter of survival as Shark does what he does best...give a tour of his mouth to a fish...snuggle with a seal...and provide Band-Aids to bleeding humans?! In an effort to improve PR for misunderstood sharks everywhere, and realizing that the show is rolling live and that people are watching, Shark goes against type to show that he is not the vicious, blood-thirsty creature everyone thinks he is; he is just misunderstood! If you're looking for a deep message in this book, you could delve into the fact that shark only does nice things when people are looking, or that the book shows Shark NOT doing most of the things that he actually does (eat fish and seals and respond to the smell of blood in the water), and you might be a little perplexed because what is Dyckman trying to say about behavior or the true nature of sharks? But if you put this in the hands of a child and sit back, you will see that it's funny to surprise your audience with unexpected actions and it's delightful to use bright, sharp illustrations to tell a silly story that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering whether or when Shark will return to his true nature. And in a hilarious ending, Shark does do what he does best and the reader is left giggling and thinking maybe sharks aren't so misunderstood after all but people do need to lighten up. This one will circulate often.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dyckman, Ame

Illustrator: Magoon, Scott

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338112474

Price: 17.99

Out of the Blue

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2018

Review

Recommending this title to the Cream Committee. The falling Beings started plummeting to earth all around the globe a few weeks after seventeen-year-old Jaya's mother died. Her father's obsession with finding one lands her and her younger sister on a Being finding quest in Edinburgh. While out by herself, Jaya witnesses a falling Being, the only one of 87 to land alive, and is able to hide her in the absent landlord's apartment. Jaya enlists the help twin siblings, Allie and Calum, who she had seen the day before as they were publicly protesting one of the Being-centered cult groups. Protecting the Being, they name Teacake, proves to be frustrating, enlightening and amusing for the three while Teacake tries to assimilate and heal her broken wing. Along the way, Jaya is forced to confront the romantic loss of her girlfriend, the loss of her mother and how grief has changed her. Each character, aside from Teacake whose origin and world remains a mystery, is fully developed and adds to the theme of loss whether it be relationship, loss of parent, chronic illness, or family roles. Cameron does not offer an answer to the Teacakes origins, but provides an interesting take on what earthlings envision angels to be that will stay with readers after the pages of the book fly shut.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cameron, Sophie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250149916

Price: 17.99

The Elephant Thief

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2018

Review

A young pickpocket accidentally wins an elephant at an auction. He is then offered a job by a zookeeper, if he can ride the elephant (Maharajah) all the way from Edinburgh to Manchester in only one week. Danny is disguised as an Indian Prince (Prince Dandip) so that he will attract great crowds, enthusiasm and excitement. along his route to Manchester. A rival zookeeper does everything possible to prevent Danny from winning the race to Manchester. The rival zookeeper has designs on Maharajah that are not in the elephant's best interest. And Danny's past connections with a gang in Edinburgh (the Leith Brotherhood) also poses challenges. Danny is unsure at times of whom he should trust. And, can he win the trust of the elephant for whom he cares deeply. With great determination and the unfailing support of his friend, Hetty, Danny forges ahead on his journey despite many mishaps and the great odds of failing the mission. A great book for kids who love elephants and a good mystery as well. With well developed characters and many twists and turns, this book is both surprising and intriguing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kerr, Jane

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338188431

Price: 16.99

The 78-Story Treehouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2018

Review

This is the sixth installment in the popular Treehouse Adventure series imported from Australia. The comical slapstick of Andy and Terry and the layout of large "Where's Waldo" style illustrations with a few lines of text is the same as the other books. In this episode, Andy and Terry are making a movie. Within the first few minutes, the director named Mr. Big Shot cuts the part of narrator leaving Andy without a role in his own movie. This places Terry in the spotlight, as well as a monkey named Mel Gibbon, and Andy begins to question their friendship. While Andy tries to fill the time with a few of the absurd activities around the treehouse, he eventually finds himself kicked out of his home altogether. The movie is plagued with clone Andys, movie-idea-stealing spy cows, and a possible chip thief. Andy and Terry are able to patch up their friendship when it is revealed that the cows did indeed steal their movie. A funny, comical, fast-paced illustrative novel for graphic novel fans and younger readers who enjoying carrying around larger books. Perfect.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: Denton, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250104854

Price: 13.99

The Penderwicks at Last

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2018

Review

This fifth and final installment of the popular Penderwick series, finds sixteen-year-old Ben and eleven-year-old Lydia the sole siblings of their blended family of six living at home. Everyone is getting ready for a trip to the mansion Arundel Hall, from the first book in the series, to celebrate Rosalind's wedding. There are chickens, dogs, Cagney's daughter Alice, Batty's memories, potential ghosts and an upset Mrs. Tifton. Compared to the other books in the series, the story line is light on depth and lacking in substance. Due to the wrapping up of memories and gathering of the older characters by the mention of their names, readers unfamiliar with the series may want to start with an earlier book to understand the bonds they have with each other. Fans of the series will want to read this one for closure, but may find their interest waning.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Birdsall, Jeanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755665

Price: 16.99

Addiction and Overdose Confronting an American Crisis

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2018

Review

The book serves as an important learning tool for many families. The contents include addiction and overdose in America, the power of addiction, facts of addiction, from prescription drugs to heroin, patients and doctors in the middle, prescription for a better future, relapse and recovery, source notes, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, and an index. It helps families with knowing that they are not alone, drug danger zones, tips for teens, and it's 126 pages of short easy to read facts and charts.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldsmith, Connie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/ Lerner Pub.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512409536

Price: 35.31

Bug Girl Fury on the Dance Floor

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2018

Review

This is the second book about Amanda aka Bug Girl and Emily her superhero partner. Emily still has not figured out what her power name should be and it makes her insecure. Amanda had thought that the girls seemed to bond over the summer but now that middle school has resumed, Amanda feels ignored and snubbed by Emily. What is worse, the new girl Geri has become the new school bully. As their supermoms go on retreat, the two girls and newly named sidekick Vincent are left to figure out a cryptid mystery in the town's sludge filled lake, the bad cooking in the school cafeteria and why some of their classmates start missing school. An extreme amount of energy is focused on what the characters outfits and Emily s inability to be real friends with Bug Girl. Each chapter starts with a fun bug fact and Syed's comic-style illustrations are scattered throughout. Although the characters are in middle school and the vocabulary is challenging, the book packaging reads for a younger audience. Bugs, girl power and superheroes, unite!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sarah Hines Stephens, Benjamin Harper

Illustrator: Syed, Anoosha

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: {Imprint}/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250106636

Price: 14.99

The Boy WhoWent Magic

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2018

Review

Good for young readers who like adventure stories with a strong plot line. Bert an orphan lives in a time when there use to be magic, but not anymore. Only to discover that he has magic? Ferenor's (magicians) mages were banned, hunted, and killed by the royal family hundreds of years ago. They are no longer believed to be more than fairy tales. Bert's life is getting out of control when he meets a Finch. ( A girl with metal legs and a strong personality. They and a Professor sail across the skies being chased by a Prince.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, A.P.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338217148

Price: 17.99

Drawn from Nature

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2018

Review

Recommending this nonfiction book for cream consideration. In the introduction Ahpornsiri explains how the various seasons of the year come to life and fade in a cyclic way and she challenges the reader to look "beyond the surface...". A table of contents lists how each season is broken down to two page spreads that discuss standout moments for each season. Awakening of trees in the Spring and hares hopping, crickets chirping and the action by the water's edge in the Summer, deer behavior and migration in Autumn and bare branches and a how foxes keep snug in the Winter. A few paragraphs on each page provide a narrative for the particular illustration. Each page is richly illustrated by Ahpornsiri's spectacular collages of pressed petals and leaves that correspond to each season. The collages are in the shapes of the various animals, fungi and background fauna that are a delight for the eyes. Every piece of each illustration is created from a plant, according to the note from the artist in the back matter. A glossary is also included, although references are not. Artists, crafters, wildlife enthusiasts and hide-and-seek fans will all appreciate and pour over this beautiful offering.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ahpornsiri, Helen

Illustrator: Ahpornsiri, Helen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763698980

Price: 22

The Ruinous Sweep

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

A badly injured teen, Dono (Donovan) clings to life in a hospital bed, wading through an eerily nightmarish otherworldly existence as he tries to communicate clues about what happened to him - and to his father, who was murdered - to his tenacious girlfriend, Bee (Beatrice). In a thriller that makes particularly good use of alternating narration, readers piece together the backstory of Dono's troubled relationship with his father, who has a longstanding alcohol use disorder, and Dono's struggle to manage the flashes of explosive rage he experiences when confronted with other peoples' bullying or cruel behavior. At Bee's urging, he'd been planning to tell his father he wouldn't visit him anymore, but something went terribly awry, and now two police detectives are hanging around the hospital, asking Bee what she knows. Inspired by Dante's Inferno, Canadian YA author Wynne-Jones tells this story in two parts. He balances Dono's heavily atmospheric internal narrative with plentiful action, ratcheting up the tension as he slowly matches up details between Dono's experiences, including with a gang of drug traffickers, a seemingly unstoppable brute who pursues him through the woods and a woman, seemingly death personified, who tries to seduce him, with the current going-ons in Bee's world. The second part of the novel is straightforward realistic fiction and will elucidate some of the questions from the beginning. This unusual structure will demand patient readers but also presents the possibility of it being paired with its inspirational text in a high school setting. An engrossing and chillingly effective novel filled with characters both monstrous and humane.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wynne-Jones, Tim

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697457

Price: 18.99

Rocket the Brave!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

Rocket the spotted puppy is following a pink butterfly up the hill, around the pond and to the edge of the woods. After Rocket identifies that he is scared and wants to be as brave as the butterfly, he follows it into the forest and doesn't feel scared anymore. This easy reader is written for the young new reader since the text is in a large font with a sentence or two per page. The large amount of white space and matching of text description to illustrative action is perfect for the beginner reader. There are a few dialogue quotes for variety. Dog lovers will enjoy this adventure with Rocket.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hills, Tad

Illustrator: Hills, Tad

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: schwartz & wade books/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524773465

Price: 12.99

A Peaceful Garden

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

This is a gentle, purposeful book about cultivating a garden. Two unnamed cats take the reader through all the steps of preparing, planting and harvesting a garden. Readers are interactively asked if they have a hat, rake, and bucket. Do they like carrots, peas and lettuces? Signage is put out, as rabbits feast on the carrots, and offerings of daisies and a little saucer of water for the bees are suggested. This is a complete process of planting a garden in a gentle, friendly way. Pierce's watercolor illustrations provide many details of the gardening without being chaotic or busy. This book will most likely bloom while being read together. The end papers picture various items found in the garden with their word in stylized script.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

London, Lucy

Illustrator: Pierce, Christa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062297471

Price: 17.99

Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

An historical fiction account of the six wives of Henry VIII from their perspectives, each written by a well-known YA author (Candace Fleming, Stephanie Hemphill, Lisa Ann Sandell, Jennifer Donnelly, Linda Sue Park and Deborah Hopkinson, with M.T. Anderson writing as the King, as well as a short vignette at the end from the perspective of Elizabeth I). Evocative writing brings each of these historical figures to life and though they are portrayed very differently from one another, there are unifying themes of betrayal and grief throughout. As Henry's obsession with producing a male heir to the throne progresses throughout their stories, he grows increasingly self-pitying and unhinged and it's made clear how each of his wives, particular to their own circumstances and temperaments, endured and attempted to thwart his cruelty. Court gossip and political maneuvering intricately weave themselves throughout these deeply introspective first person narratives, and the inclusion of vengeful exchanges and the sexual details of what happens between the king and his wives will likely spur readers on. A fascinating and carefully imagined collection of backstories of a group of fabled women, this should appeal mightily to teens and young adults who are history buffs.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

M.T., Anderson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524716196

Price: 18.99

Bears and Blossoms

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

This is the seventh book in the bear series. Spring is here with all the blossoming trees and the bears decide to have a picnic and fly their kites. As Big bear anticipates eating the bread he just slathered with honey, the wind whips it out of his hand and blows the bears with their kites up over the trees. Big Bear must leave his treat to gather the air-borne bears and bring them to safety. Most of the rhyming couplets work although a few are forced. Use this story about cuddly bears during a spring-themed story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697556

Price: 15.99

Sleepy Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

The ever-emotional, high maintenance Bird is back in this fourth book about sleep or as bird is finding, not sleeping. Bird is not tired. He goes to fox who offers a snuggle of his blanket. Bird goes to Beaver, who suggests reading a book (warning major product placement of the other bird books). Rabbit offers Bird his stuffed cat. "Are you trying to give me nightmares?" reacts Bird. Raccoon suggests singing a soft lullaby and Sheep suggests the obvious. When none of these work for him he runs into the forest and has the customary meltdown. His faithful friends come to put him to sleep (which works only for a few minutes). Although parents who have a bird in their household may choose this for the commensurate humor, this one seems to lack the charm of Bird's bad attitude that the first book in the series provides. In the bold black-stroked illustrations and dusty purple color scheme, Bird seems to read more irritable and unrelenting than usual.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338157857

Price: 16.99

The Snow Queen: A Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

A Demon creates a magic mirror that reflects negative thoughts and when one of his minions steals the mirror and it breaks, shards of glass fall all over the lands. People that come in contact turn mean and Kay, Gerda's, best friend is a victim. The only way to save Kay is to get him back from the mean and horrible Snow Queen. The story line pretty much follows the original version written by Hans Christian Andersen with a few adaptation made to fit the graphic novel.

In the beginning of the book there is an introduction telling when the story was originally published along with some of the back ground history that Andersen used to write his tale of adventure and love. Following the introduction is the Dramatic Personae page with drawings of each of the main characters, making it easier to see who they are the novel.

The illustrations are soft with a gothic feel to them and compliment the story line quite well. Again, liberties have been taken, but overall fans of Hans Christian Andersen will enjoy this classic tale. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Andersen, Hans Christian

Illustrator: Marjarian, Emilie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canterbury Classics

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684121021

Price: 15.99

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

When the master of Baskerville manor is found dead outside of the gates with a stricken look of horror on his face and with the rumors of a mysterious hound in the marshes, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called in to investigate. Fans of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy this graphic version of the classic tale. The illustrations are deep and thoughtful with an old gothic style to them. The pauses between the text are accented with panels of illustration to make the reader wonder what is next.

As with all of the graphic novels in the Dark Tales series, there is an introduction of the original story, such as when it was first published and a back story along with what adaptations have been made for the graphic novel.

Recommended for grades 7 up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Conan Doyle, Sir Arthur

Illustrator: Shephard, Dave

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canterbury Classics

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: mystery,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684121007

Price: 15.99

Beauty and the Beast: A Modern Retelling

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

After taking shelter in a secluded castle, a merchant takes a rose for his beautiful daughter -- after being told not to by the owner. From here the lovers of "Beauty and the Beast" will remember this classic tale and will thoroughly enjoy this version. The illustrations are soft in their color and hue and compliment the text extremely well.

As with all of the Dark Tales series, there is an introduction in the beginning of the book that discusses the origins of the tale and any adaptations that were made for the graphic novel along with the Drama Personae of the characters. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

LePrince, Jeanne-Marie

Illustrator: Katz, Pete

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canterbury Classics

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684120994

Price: 15.99

The Call of Cthulhu: A Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

H.P. Lovecraft was known as the leading author of supernatural fiction in his time. This version of "The Call of Cthulhu" strays a bit from the original work, but does make it easier to follow if the reader in not familiar with Lovecraft's works. The illustration are deep and dark with an old school gothic style that fits the tale.

As with all of the Dark Tales series, there is an introduction that explains the publishing and background of the story along with the Dramatics Personae of the characters involved.

Readers might want to become familiar with H.P. Lovecraft before attempting to read this graphic novel. Recommended for grades 10 and up

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Lovecraft, H.P.

Illustrator: Shephard, Dave

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canterbury Classics

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: science fiction,horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684121014

Price: 15.99

Spill Zone: The Broken Vow

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

Addie has finally gotten what she wants -- enough money to take she and her sister far away from the spill zone. But, what she's being asked to do is dangerous and now there is an outsider who wants to tag along. Maybe he'll help ... Great pick up from where the first in the series left off. Definitely need a third to really see what happened to Lexa "That Night" and how Vespertine saved her. The illustrations are pencil and ink along with being digitally photoshop. They represent the atmosphere of the book and characters extremely well. If you loved the first book, you will definitely like this one.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Westerfeld, Scott

Illustrator: Puvilland, Alex

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626721500

Price: 22.99

Jack B. Ninja

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

McCanna and Savage bring the high kicks, mission suspense and death-defying leaps of an action ninja movie to the preschool set in this rhyming picture book. Jack B. Ninja goes on a secret mission, finds the secret treasure, trips a wire, and ends up being surrounded by Ninjas. All is well because it is his family celebrating his birthday. The twist at the end will be approved by all budding ninjas since the characters stay ninjas throughout, no dream sequence here. Savage's illustrative style of large characters on wide expansions of space provides the right touch of danger in dark and shadowy colors. Singular images in the background like pagodas, pond lilies, bridges and bamboo stalks suggest the setting. McCanna's text flows smoothly in the rhyming scheme while clearing describing Jack B. Ninja's actions and reactions. Young ninja fans will jump for this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCanna, Tim

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545917285

Price: 16.99

Wordy Birdy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

An omniscient narrator, with the side comments from Wordy Birdy's three very patient friends, describe how the brightly-colored and self-centered Wordy Birdy obsessively talks from the minute she gets up in the morning. The problem or morale in this picture book is that Wordy Birdy never stops to listen to the answers of her plethora of questions or observations. Only when she comes face-to-face with a bear is she able to stop the talking and react, and only after extreme interference run by Rabbit, Squirrel and Raccoon her three amusing and sarcastic, albeit loyal, friends. The humor stems from the friend's reactions to Wordy Birdy and the adult readers will commiserate with the friends if they have a Wordy Birdy of their own. Mottram's brightly colored detailed illustrations provide the added layer of expression and the use of large white dialogue bubbles, that many times take over the two page spreads and make the reader hunt for the single sentence text by the narrator, accentuate the intrusive nature of Wordy Birdy's verbose habit.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauer, Tammi

Illustrator: Mottram, Dave

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524719296

Price: 16.99

Road Trip with Max and His Mom

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

Full of adventures for newly independent chapter book readers to enjoy, this book is a sequel to Weekends with Max and His Dad with a third book about Max to follow in 2019. Having chosen his hero Ernest Shackleton for his biography report, third grader Max decides to become an awesome explorer too. Max begins to imitate his hero's feats at the start of his weekend road trip with his mom who drives them to a birthday party and family reunion. Amusing pen and ink drawings are well placed and succeed in adding much to the text. While his parents are divorced, Max has a close and tender relationship with each of them, making the story both entertaining as well as reassuring to its readers and listeners. Recommended, CBRespecially to boys of about seven through nine years old and for reading aloud which may prompt useful discussion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Urban, Linda

Illustrator: Kath, Katie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544809123

Price: 16.99

Freddie Mole Lion Tamer

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

The colorful book jacket showing on its front four lions sitting on stools just behind a small, cheerful boy may have early grade school readers, especially boys, eagerly reaching for this book. A friendly narrator will tell them the story of Freddie Mole, an exceptionally good boy who is around ten years old and gets a job at a circus to help out his family. Freddie's work ethic and his courage allow him to succeed amazingly well at all that he does including being a trapeze acrobat and a lion tamer. Six to nine year olds who like the circus are the book's best readers and listeners. Written as it is by a prolific author of well received books for adults and children, the telling is sure, entertaining, and informative, making it a good read- aloud as well. Newly independent readers will welcome numerous detailed and funny pen and ink drawings as well as generously sized type on the book's just over one hundred pages. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Alexander McCall

Illustrator: Hindley, Kate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press / Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524713775

Price: 15.99

All Summer Long

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

This graphic novel about changing friendships written and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning author, Hope Larson, will connect with any reader who ever felt the pains of middle school. Bina and Austin have been best friends since they were born. Each summer they keep track of their fun in a "summer fun index", but now that middle school has ended things are beginning to change. Austin leaves for a soccer camp that he did not even tell Bina about. Bina has always loved music and is interested in starting a band, so with Austin gone she begins to focus on developing her own interests. The art is simple black, white, and orange panels that focus on the faces of the characters and their emotions which only helps the reader to explore the confusion that Bina feels as she experiences the upheaval between middle school and high school. This is a strong selection for libraries serving middle school and high school students. Recommended for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Hope

Illustrator: Larson, Hope

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304850

Price: 21.99

Animus

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

It is true that everybody is afraid of something. In this story, there is a small park in Kyoto, Japan of which everyone should fear. Each piece of equipment holds a special power to know your deepest fears, to enter other’s dreams, or to warp time. The playground is haunted by a masked boy named "Toothless." Is he really just a witness to what happens on the playground or does the playground really have a mind of its own? Is the playground responsible for all the mysterious disappearances of children and will its reign of horror end when the body of Toothless is found? This black and white graphic novel is the perfect blend of creepy, dark, and compelling until the very last page. Warning: do not read before bed!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Revoy, Antoine

Illustrator: Revoy, Antoine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626721838

Price: 16.99

Animus

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

It is true that everybody is afraid of something. In this story, there is a small park in Kyoto, Japan of which everyone should fear. Each piece of equipment holds a special power to know your deepest fears, to enter other’s dreams, or to warp time. The playground is haunted by a masked boy named "Toothless." Is he really just a witness to what happens on the playground or does the playground really have a mind of its own? Is the playground responsible for all the mysterious disappearances of children and will its reign of horror end when the body of Toothless is found? This black and white graphic novel is the perfect blend of creepy, dark, and compelling until the very last page. Warning: do not read before bed!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Revoy, Antoine

Illustrator: Revoy, Antoine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,graphic novel

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626721838

Price: 16.99

The War Below

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

In this historical novel of WWII Luka and his family are taken from their home in Kiev, Ukraine. Luka, a young teenager, ends up in a labor camp. He escapes leaving behind his friend Lida, who he vows he will find again. Luka's manner of escape is gruesome, yet he finds it comforting since he is surrounded by the bodies of his friends and fellow captives. He ends up meeting and working with the underground Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighting both the Nazis and the Soviets. This well written story of survival is filled with harrowing and moving events. The author uses flashbacks to explain the background of Luka's life. The notes at the end include the framework of the story describing some key historical events. This title was previously published by Scholastic Canada as The Underground Soldier in 2014 as part of a trilogy. The other titles in the trilogy are Stolen Child and Making Bombs for Hitler. I highly recommend this inspiring and informational book for older middle grade and middle school students.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978133823302

Price: 17.99

A Girl Like That

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

When Porus and Zarin are found dead as a result of a car accident many people wonder what Porus was doing with "a girl like that"? Porus is by definition a good boy who helps his family and has always stayed away from trouble. "That girl" is Zarin, an outspoken, rebellious orphan who defies expectation by flirting with and dating boys. In her debut novel set in Saudi Arabia, Tanaz Bhathena creates a love story which explores and pushes against the cultural expectations of girls and gives voice to their budding desires for love and independence. The story tackles the complicated and timely issue of sexual assault, as well as complex family dynamics. The chapters alternate between Porus, Zarin, and occasional classmates to piece their story together. The alternating narration does not provide distinct voices for each character, but the plot twists move the story forward. This book should be part of every Young Adult Library collection for its inclusion of teenage voices in modern Saudi Arabia. A glossary of words and phrases is listed in the back.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bhathena, Tanaz

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374305444

Price: 17.99

A Grain of Rice

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

The original edition was first published in 1986 with a reprinted edition in 1995. This is the 2018 edition. In this retelling of a Chinese folktale a young farmer, Long Po, asks the Emperor for his daughter's hand in marriage in exchange for saving her life. All that Young Po requests as his reward is a single grain of rice doubled every day for a hundred days which sounds simple enough to the Emperor. This clever and humorous story is a lesson in exponential mathematics. It is beautifully illustrated in fine pencil drawings. At the end is an easy to understand explanation of the math by Daniel Rockmore, a professor of Mathematics and Computer Science from Dartmouth College. Young children will enjoy this delightful story and it would make a useful and fun addition to the math curriculum for middle grade students.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pittman, Helena Clare

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978152476552

Price: 14.99

Voices From the Second World War: Stories of War as Told to Children of Today

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

This is a compilation of first person accounts from WWII veterans and citizens from the Allied and Axis countries. Their stories are moving and inspirational. These stories were first collected by children who interviewed relatives and family friends for the British children's newspaper First News. The sixteen chapters include topics such as fleeing the Nazis, blitzed Britain, women at war, the bombing of Germany, the resistance, the fall of Japan, etc. The layout of the book is attractive and inviting. Numerous black and white photographs enhance the stories. Included is a forward, quotes and photographs of the children who collected the stories, a subject index, an index of interviewees, a glossary, photography credits, and acknowledgements. I recommend this book for middle school and high school students doing research on WWII, as well as recreational reading. The original copyright date is 2016 by First News/Walker Books Ltd.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Compilation, various contributers

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694920

Price: 24.99

The Price Guide to the Occult

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

Nor is the descendant of Rona Blackburn, who cursed the original settlers of Anathema Island when they condemned her for being a witch. Rona’s modern-day descendants continue to live on Anathema Island and each has inherited a "burden" or magical power. Nor's "burden" is her ability to hear and feel the thoughts of plants and animals, but she is beginning to suspect that her powers are even stronger. When Nor’s estranged mother returns to the island, the reunion turns into a battle royale. Nor stands up to her mother and learns the full capabilities of her powers. Themes of self-harm and abandonment are handled responsibly, but overall, the characters were one-dimensional and the plot is predictable. A few unresolved issues hint at a possible sequel. Consider for an additional purchase where paranormal books such as the Beautiful Creatures series are popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Walton, Leslye

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978076369110

Price: 18.99

What's Your Favorite Color ?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dophin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

Eric Carle has compiled the answers to one question asked of fourteen authors/illustrators in this charming book. Starting with Carle himself we learn each person's favorite color and have the opportunity to view their original artwork which depicts the color. A short sentence or paragraph adds depth and humor to the visual presentation. Mainers are delighted to have Melissa Sweet’s Maine morning gray included in the book; those are the shades this reader recognizes and loves in our marine environment. Just as the hardcover edition this board book is delightful in color, design, and text. The full size picture book edition is more sensible in a library collection. Toddler interest will be limited to the colors and animals, they may miss the full content of the text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carle, Eric

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: GodwinBooks (Henry Holt and Company)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250184207

Price: 11.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Always; I love You Always

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2018

Review

Always: I Love You Always is the newest of the Emma Dodd's Love You Books series. As the previous board books in the series this is a winner for any parent/child reading partners. The large and clear illustrations will attach any little one and the loving message is sure to please all readers. Silver and gold foil make the pages shine adding to the appeal. During one typical day reader's watch as the small elephant has good and bad moments, managers to stay clean and get totally dirty and shows emotions. Regardless of his/her behavior the large elephant is quick to assure little one that love is always felt.

Pre-school children will love the illustrations and beginner readers are sure to accept the challenge to read the large font text. Add to public libraries who have one or two of the series and to those who have yet to start a collection of these cute board books. This or other titles in the series make excellent gifts for babies and their parents.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books (Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781536200577

Price: 9.99

Love: I Love You All the Time!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dophin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 5, 2018

Review

Recently published in this board book format, Love: I Love You All the Time is one title in the Emma Dodd's I Love You Book series. This series entry has very colorful illustrations that are both charming and visually pleasing. Parent and child bunny could live anywhere, their environment is the great out-of-doors complete with flowers, rain and stars. Young children will identify with spending time cloud watching with a parent as well as jumping off rocks into open arms. Each two page spread tells a little story but the unifying theme is one of unconditional love. The text is scarce but sweet and reassuring.

Add this or the hard cover copy to public libraries. Consider this title in board book format the next time you are invited to a baby shower.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dodd, Emma

Illustrator: Dodd, Emma

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow ( Candlewick Press)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763699413

Price: 9.99

Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Katherine Rundell has created a wonderful prequel for a classic tale "The Jungle Book" by Kipling and the illustrations are breath takenly done.

Mowgli is running from his mother because he thinks that she found out what he has done to the owl's nest. So in his escape, he runs into Baloo, Kaa and Bagheera, just to mention a few of the beloved characters. In these not so chance meetings, Mowgli begs for a story where each that are told to Mowgli are the back stories to all of the characters -- how his mother was a fierce fighter, before she became a mother. How Bagheera and his sister lived in cages until their escape and how Kaa, the snake, became the greatest hypnotist of all times.

Each story talks of loss, family and friends, importance of community and especially of being able to see past differences for the greater good. These are stories that can be and should be read with the family. Meant for all ages and is promised to bring back the memories of reading "The Jungle" as a child.

The illustrations are spectacular and portray the story being told. They are pen and ink type sketches that are filled in with soft colors that compliment the text.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rundell, Katherine

Illustrator: Williams, Kristjana S.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Walker Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781536205275

Price: 24.99

Bright Burns the Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

In this fantasy twist on Swan Lake, Larson brings her duology to a satisfying conclusion. It is ten years since Queen Evelayn of the light's conduit stone was cut out. She has spent those years as a swan except for once a year when she is forced back into her human form by the King Lorcan. It is now time for the many vows and bonds the characters have made in the first book to be fulfilled. Romance, loyalty and betrayal result from the layered consequences that Evelayn and Lorcan have been forced to accept while protecting their kingdoms from forces beyond the immediate evil Mathair Damhan. This sequel did not seem to have the "information dump" that plagues some series. Secondary characters are developed and the suspense of the quest and the action it requires does not overtake the depth of Evelayn's confusion and growth in her role as Queen. It was not necessary to read the first book to understand and enjoy this female powered fantasy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Sara B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338068788

Price: 17.99

White Rabbit

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

This propulsive whodunnit takes place all in the space of one night, when just as Rufus is confronted by his ex-boyfriend Sebastian at a party, he receives a troubling phone call from his half sister, April, who begs him for help. In short chapters that alternate between flashbacks and the present, readers are pulled into the provocative and pulpy mystery, which begins with Rufus and Sebastian (who has a car and insists on driving Rufus, who's on foot) finding a drugged April covered in blood and holding a knife next to the body of her murdered boyfriend at his wealthy family's summer house. The house is littered with alcohol and drugs, including pills called white rabbits, known for sometimes producing violent behavior in their users. As the pair track down one after the other of April's friends, the backstory of their relationship is slowly pieced together, the details of which are both steamy and heartrending. Clever dialogue that is authentically peppered with the foul language and sexual references that would be characteristic of many older teens melds well with the breakneck pacing and the mystery will keep readers guessing until the very end. Though some characters are more fully explored than others, the dynamics of sexual orientation, class and more are nuanced and realistic. Readers who've enjoyed books by Gillian French and Karen McManus will be a natural audience for this one.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roehrig, Caleb

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250085658

Price: 17.99

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read?

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

The latest in the dinosaurs series by Yolen and Teague, How Do Dinosaurs Learn to READ will have students laughing all throughout. As usual, the rhyming text includes posing questions to frame the examples of what NOT to do while learning to read. From using the book to play fetch with the dog to having a "hissy fit" and jumping on the book, the book is ripe with material to have a great discussion about book care as well as techniques for learning to read. The large full color dinosaurs jump off the page in these double page spreads. This latest edition is sure to please fans of this series and may even create some new ones! Additional tips on ways to learn to read are included at the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338233018

Price: 16.99

New Shoes

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

With her characteristic pop-eyed animal characters, simple text, and bright, full-page spreads, Varon brings readers into the South American jungle with an assist from George Boorujy and his illustrated guidebook. Francis the donkey makes shoes of the finest ingredients, one of which is strong tiger grass. When his friend Nigel the spider monkey, purveyor of this main ingredient, goes missing, and Francis is commissioned to make a pair of shoes for his favorite calypso singer, Francis must leave his secure, insular world to venture into the jungle to find the wayward monkey. Francis and the reader meet the various animals, ecosystems, and vegetation of the jungle and learn that they are not so scary once you get to know them. You can almost hear the calypso and taste the star apples as you accompany Francis on his journey. The lesson of growth and the acquisition of understanding that comes when we engage with the world and talk with others who look different from us or who live in different environments than we do is appropriate for many ages. By leaving his small world and venturing into the wider one, Francis gains new friends and a greater sense of self and belief in his abilities. Fans of Varon, lovers of graphic novels, and animal enthusiasts will delight in this offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Varon, Sara

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439207

Price: 17.99

Dinosaur Expert

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

More fun and exploration in Mr. Tiffin's class. readers have been to Mr. T's class in McNamara's previous books, How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin,The Apple Orchard Riddle, and A Poem in Your Pocket. This time the reader joins the class on a field trip to the Museum of Natural History where they are to experience all things dinosaur. Kimmy is passionate about dinosaurs and shares her knowledge with her classmates until a fellow student informs her that girls cannot t be paleontologists. To prove it- he shows her the names credited with the fossil discoveries and they are indeed all men. Kimmy is brought to silence until a savvy Mr. Tiffin shows her a special exhibit. McNamara's strength in this series of books is dispensing information on a chosen subject in a manner the reader can understand and acknowledging that the students in the class possess both strengths and weaknesses. He helps guide them to be their best selves. Brian Karas's signature illustrations brings Mr. Tiffin's class to life. this book can be used in a STEAM unit on dinosaurs, feelings,girls can be anything, and navigating a classrooom. A good choice for your library.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McNamara, Margaret

Illustrator: Karas, Brian

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz and Wade

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780553511437

Price: 17.99

The Ugly Five

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Beginning with an author's note explaining the inspiration for its creation, the latest effort of the dynamic duo of Donaldson/Scheffler is grounded in reality. When traveling in South Africa, Donaldson heard of a group of animals called the ugly five: wildebeest, hyena, lappet-faced vulture, warthog, and marabou stork. She felt affection toward these animals who are not the glorious creatures people venture onto the savanna to ooh and ahh over. This backhanded ode to these seemingly unlovable beasts includes the same stellar rhyme we expect from Donaldson, and the bright, expressive, almost comical illustrations from Scheffler. We meet each repugnant animal and just as we are questioning, "why did nature create these yucky beasts?"...we meet their babies who love them all, no matter what they look like. The beauty-being-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder message will not be lost on young audiences, who might bristle at a book calling any creatures ugly. In the end, we learn that we should not be unkind to or judge another creature on its outward appearance, a lesson that bears repeating as children navigate the playground and classroom dynamics and learn to practice kindness. The book closes with a little more information about more animals found on a safari and invites the reader to express an opinion about which animals are of interest. Not an essential purchase, but a solid offering to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338249538

Price: 17.99

Mermaid School

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The first day of school is an emotional day for all children, including mermaids and merboys. The reader discovers that school is school whether it is below or above the water. Ms. Wetzel's introduces school to her charges in a rhyming text that is easy to read out loud or silently. Her students are just like their two legged counterparts on their first day of school- making friends, learning a-b-seas, lunch, music, and art. This is a rather different first day of school book but the fundamentals are there. It is a fun book to read, listen to and look at. Ms Swaney's illustrations are friendly, soft, calm with white space that doesn't crowd the pictures or text. Younger non-readers can "read" the story with just the illustrations. A good addition to your first day of school selections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart Wetzel, Joanne

Illustrator: Swaney, Julianna

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780399557163

Price: 17.99

Spell & Spindle

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Such a fun ride from a museum through the city to a scary circus, this is a Stephen King book for intermediate age readers. Schusterman has provided a well written story that goes to the very soul and is the perfect fit for autumn adventures. Chance helps around the museum where Penny the marionette sits quietly on a shelf, the action starts in earnest when Chance takes Penny home. Other characters add to the charm of the chase but it is Penny who steals the show.

The detailed chapter heading illustrations reinforce the story line in this 1950 style novel. Even without technology and modern threats this is indeed a scary book that is appropriate for almost any middle grader. I would call it a good old fashion read. Add to public library collections and consider for school media centers where fantasy is collected.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schsterman, Michelle

Illustrator: Honesta, Kathrin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House (Penguin Random House)

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550706

Price: 16.99

Roar A Dinosaur Tour

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons memorial library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

A bright and boldly illustrated introduction to the wonderful creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Simple text will take the youngest readers on a tour of long, long ago. Pronunciation guide on the end pages is most helpful.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paul, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown Books For Young Readers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524766986

Price: 16.99

The Monarchs Are Missing:A Butterfly Mystery

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

In this 56 page book, the reader is given a crash course in the plight of the monarch butterfly. Summering in the United States,those monarchs that live east of the Rocky mountains travel some 3,000 miles to a few remote areas in Mexico, only to return in the spring. Sadly, like many insects and animals before them, the monarch is in danger of becoming extict. Ms. Hirsch lays out the history, the life cycle, the migration and perils facing these insects that weigh no more than a raisin and fly on paper thin wings. The studies show that not as many monarchs are reaching Mexico, they are not surviving the winter in Mexico and they are not coming back to the US in the numbers they once did. Scientists between the United States and Mexico are looking at what is going wrong. Climate change, loss of habitat, invasive species, human interference( cars kill large numbers each year)all contribute to their loss. After giving all the negatives, Hirsch empowers the reader to help save these "canaries in the coalmine". Plant, Plant,Plant! Wildflowers, milkweed corridors,care of our forests by scientists, citizen scientists and butterfly lovers can give the monarch a fighting chance.There is an author's note in the back as well as a glossary, further reading, citizen scientist organizations, and ways everyone can help. Photographs, charts and maps add to the reader's interest. Like the monarch itself, this is a small book with lots to say. Add to STEAM selections on butterflies, climate change, endangered species and what citizen scientists of any age can do to help.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512452501

Price: 31.99

Dinosaur Parage

Reviewed by: Karen Spiliopoulos - Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

This board book is just right for the youngest explorers to discover the age of dinosaurs and begin a lifelong love of long gone era.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Halpern, Shari

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250155245

Price: 7.99

Code Word Courage: A WWll Navajo Code Talker and a Lonely Young Girl - Can a Stray Dog Save Them Both?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

Although not the first YA novel about Code Talkers during the Second World War, "Code Word Courage" is a good historical fiction novel that encompasses compassion for those serving and long distance communication with family and friends on the home front . Larson has weaved a classic dog story into a very real tale of warfare where a canine character named Bear is both the comforter and hero. Believers will love the fact that Bear could be two places at once or at least time travel where as cynics may reject the premise and therefore the book. Emphasis is places on the background of the Navajo soldier who is trained as a Code Talker. This is a historical novel that should not be missed by intermediate and young YA readers. There is content that appeals to male and female readers and the story is both revealing and lyrical. Add to all public libraries and to middle school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Kirby

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545840750

Price: 16.99

Melody Kingdom

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The third installment of Cucumber Quest takes place in the Melody Kingdom where Princess Piano of Trebelopolis has been kidnapped. Cucumber and Almond need Piano's signature to give them power against the Nightmare Knight, so they have to defeat baddies and overcome obstacles. The illustrations are great and the story is hilarious. This volume's guest villain is straight out of an anime (bangs covering one eye, very handsome, likes to cause trouble), so kids and adults who like anime will enjoy it. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

D.G., Gigi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250159830

Price: 22.99

The Ripple Kingdom

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The Cucumber Quest series continues with "The Ripple Kingdom." We follow Cucumber, supposed hero of legend (though he doesn't want to be), his sister Almond (who wants to be a knight), as they continue their quest to defeat the Nightmare Knight. The illustrations are fabulous and the dialogue is very funny. Cucumber is a reluctant hero (he just wants to avoid danger and study all the time to become a mage) while Almond, who lives for fighting and danger, drags him along on their quest.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

D.G., Gigi

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250159823

Price: 21.99

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The jokes were bad, but to be fair, it's hard to come up with many new "good" knock-knock jokes. The jokes often rely on images on the page, so it's not really a great book for reading aloud to other people unless they can see the page. For instance, there's a moon on the page that has a few space jokes. If you didn't see the moon, you'd have no idea why all of a sudden the jokes are all about astronauts and space. Not a must-buy.~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Beth, Georgia

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512483482

Price: 11.82

Let's Explore the Moon

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

"Let's Explore the Moon" is a decent nonfiction book for early reader collections. The words and sentences are short and the photographs look very good. It talks about where the moon is and how it looks and asks a few open-ended questions for readers to think about. Not a must-buy, but a good book if you have a nonfiction section for younger kids. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moon, Walt

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512433463

Price: 20.00

Back from the Brink: Saving Animals From Extinction

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

"Back from the Brink: Saving Animals From Extinction" by Nancy F. Castaldo is a nonfiction book featuring several stories about animals that nearly went extinct. Whooping cranes, condors, wolves, and bald eagles are a few of the animals discussed. The book may be challenging for some readers, but there is a glossary in the back and the stories are interesting to read and not overly long. There are also links at the back of the book for kids who want to learn and do more to protect endangered animals. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reiman, Nancy Castaldo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544953437

Price: 17.99

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

"Counting on Katherine" by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk is a must-buy for any children's biography collection. It is the perfect combination of a picture book with relatively simple sentences that still gets a lot of information to the reader. The repetitive phrase "count on me" is a great way to show how she used math to do important things (including sending Apollo 11 to the moon and getting the Apollo 13 astronauts back to Earth). The illustrations are lovely and detailed, but not overly busy. An excellent book for any library. ~Reviewed by Kate Radke

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Helaine

Illustrator: Phumiruk, Dow

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250137524

Price: 19.99

Code Word Courage: A WWll Navajo Code Talker and a Lonely Young Girl - Can a Stray Dog Save Them Both?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

Although not the first YA novel about Code Talkers during the Second World War, "Code Word Courage" is a good historical fiction novel that encompasses compassion for those serving and long distance communication with family and friends on the home front . Larson has weaved a classic dog story into a very real tale of warfare where a canine character named Bear is both the comforter and hero. Believers will love the fact that Bear could be two places at once or at least time travel where as cynics may reject the premise and therefore the book. Emphasis is places on the background of the Navajo soldier who is trained as a Code Talker. This is a historical novel that should not be missed by intermediate and young YA readers. There is content that appeals to male and female readers and the story is both revealing and lyrical. Add to all public libraries and to middle school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good

---

About the Book

Author:

Larson, Kirby

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545840750

Price: 16.99

Splish, Splash, Ducky!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2018

Review

A sweet slight story that brings Ducky outside to play in the rain. Large bright and bold illustrations are the trademark of Cousins, this book does not disappoint readers who love her artwork. Toddlers will be able to identify the animals while pre-school children will know the plant life as well. The font is large and simple making it an easy book for early readers to sound out the text. The best thing about this picture book is that it shows children that playing in the rain can be fun.

Offer this to toddler story time groups and add to public libraries.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763698447

Price: 16.99

Listen to Your Heart

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Kate really doesn't much care for getting to know other people. She's got a big family and her best friend. What more could she need? She'd rather spend her time out on the lake. But this year, her best friend Alana talks her into taking a podcasting class with her, and Kate ends up getting stuck as a co-host for an advice call-in show. Yikes. One of the callers is looking for love advice for his crush, which she just knows is her friend Diego calling about Alana. As the year goes on, Kate and Alana balance keeping secrets and their fiercely loyal friendship.

West has nailed another sweetly romantic story that teens in love with love will love. It's a great female friendship book as well, as both friends end up supporting each other instead of fighting and falling apart.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Kasie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Point

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338210057

Price: 17.99

100 Bugs! A Counting Book

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

A counting book focusing on bugs and plants all the while introducing the reader to the number 10.. Each count of 10 on a two page spread, gives the reader different ways of reaching 10 and a seek and find challenge to find said bugs on the page. Each bug is introduced by a verb: zipping, zooming,flitting or darting, each bug is found on a wild flower,so this counting book introduces not only math but language and science. The author has both an insect and flower glossary in the back. Kaufmann's large, bright illustrations are detailed without looking like they came out of a reference book and give the reader different perspectives to see the bugs, from the ground up and the and the bugs view from on high. Lots to see and learn from a concept book about the number ten! STEAM for our younger readers- math, science and art!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Narita, Kate

Illustrator: Kaufman, Suzanne

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780374306311

Price: 17.99

Creating Titanic - The Ship of Dreams

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island Library, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

A great book for the Titanic enthusiast. Great detailed illustrations/pictures and indepth explanations of all that went into building the ship, from creating a space to build such a large ship to how the pieces were put together to all the high class finishing touches. I highly recommend this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blake, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781684024308

Price: 28.50

Stick

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The charm of this story and it's illustrations are only topped by the simplistic text that is great for the very early reader. My 4 year old granddaughter loved this book. It was an easy one for her to learn new words and practice her reading skills. The story itself illustrates many uses of a simple stick giving a young child many creative ideas for it's uses.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dickson, Irene

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow / Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781536200164

Price: 14.99

The Pirates of Scurvy Sands

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

I thought this would be a fun book for preschoolers - but I found the story line a bit difficult to follow especially for a young child. It seemed to jump from one place and story to another without an easy connection. Then move from text on the page to text in speak bubbles and graphic novel style, with difficult font for a young child to read.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Duddle, Jonny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692933

Price: 16.99

Rockets Defying Gravity

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

This is the 11th book in this very popular science series. There is always an interesting story combined with interesting science facts. In this edition kids learn about early flight and the development of rockets. How they moved from entertainment to being seen for their uses in the scientific community. For instance on July 17, 1929 Robert Goddard launched the first rocket with a scientific payload. The people in town complained about the noise, but with the help of Charles Lindbergh and a grant, Robert Goddard was able to build on his research, and you know the rest of the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Drozd, Anne & Jerzy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781626728264

Price: 19.99

Icebergs and Glaciers

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

With global warming a reality, icebergs and glaciers are more apt to be read about than at any other time. Simon's book takes the reader from the first snowflake that falls to the ice field it becomes, to the glacier that moves! Simon explains how glaciers are formed, how they move-a layer of melt water at its base and creep- layers of ice crystals form and glide or "creep" over one another, and how they are moving faster that ever. Icebergs are discussed- how the Titanic went down because of one at a great loss of life compared to the 2007 MS Explorer hitting one off of Antarctica with all passengers surviving. This is a good,basic introduction to the subject by an author known as the "dean of the children's science book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062470393

Price: 17.99

Brave Jane Austen

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This is a wonderful, well illustrated story of Jane Austen made for the primary reader. It has the many details of her life, and how female writers were looked upon in that time period, and yet she persisted! I found it to be a very inspiring story that I hope will help young writers and others to also be inspired to follow their passion. This book is well worth the purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pliscou, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627796439

Price: 17.99

Hide!

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dophin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

While Mike the elephant is napping Pat the fish dives into the ocean to meet new marine animal friends. The story is predictable making Pat the victim of a hungry shark. Wait for it... Mike jumps in to save the day and all is well. Not only formulaic, this book boarders on boring and will have limited appeal in libraries or bookstores. Written for school reading programs the story is less important than the number and level of words used in the text. The illustrations are cute and full of action, many of the marine creatures expose their unique way to hide within shells and sea plants.

Not recommended for libraries or schools who do not use the Guided Reading Level system for teaching reading skills.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, Steve

Illustrator: Henry, Steve

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: I Like to Read (Holiday House)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437733

Price: 14.99

The Orca Scientists

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The Orca Scientists gives readers a thorough examination into the scientists that study the orca pods of the Pacific Northwest including details about how scientists collect data, the type of data they collect, what they are looking to find in the data, and how it all got started. Readers can also find ideas for ways to help, glossary, index, photo credit, bibliography, and an author's note at the end of the book. The writing clear and engaging, paired with many photographs of whale, scientists at work, and aerial shots of the areas. Most readers will walk away from this book with more knowledge when they started. However, Valice expects some understanding from readers about orca whales. Paired with the depth of knowledge, the complexity of the vocabulary, and the topic, this book is probably best suited to upper elementary students and may fair better in a school library setting, where complex picture books are more likely to be read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Valice, Kim Perez

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544898264

Price: 18.99

Not One Damsel in Distress

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore is a collection of folk and fairy tales retold by Jane Yolen. The selected tales span the globe including Greece, Niger, Argentina, China, White River Sioux, Poland/Jewish, France, and Azerbaijan, among others. Each tale is accompanied by an illustration and features a girl whose cleverness, strength, bravery, courage, or kindness (often more than one) all help her solve the problem and save the day. Yolen includes notes about the origin of each story, as well as the research she did to find and retell it. The illustrations by Susan Guevara fall flat in presentation. They appear washed out, like color illustrations that have been copied in black and white, and do little to carry the inspiring words of Yolen. The print size and length of each tale skew towards a younger audience, while the vocabulary indicates a slightly older audience. All the same, many young readers will enjoy this collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Guevara, Susan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328900203

Price: 15.99

My Teacher's Not Here!

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

My Teacher's Not Here is a gentle title that will help young and nervous kids plan for the strangeness of having a substitute teacher. This is a worry that affects many young ones, and the shy and fearful Kitty learns that, yes, the day is different but things will still be okay. Battuz's simple, bright illustration convey the anxiety that Kitty is experiencing, as well as her growing comfort and joy as everything is okay. This text can be used to prepare and individual child or a whole class when a beloved teacher might be absent for the first time.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Button, Lana

Illustrator: Battuz, Christine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383561

Price: 16.99

Escape the Underdark

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

In a new series of choose-your-own-adventure-style books, Matt Forbeck writes the Endless Quest books that take middle school readers through actual Dungeons & Dragons content in an adventure filled quest. Escape the Underdark puts the reader as a fighter (one of the twelve standard classes in D&D games), trapped in an Underdark prison. By choosing who to align with, when to fight, and where to go, readers can get themselves out of our into trouble. There are many twists and turns that lead to success or failure. This series of books is particularly good for kids who are already hooked on D&D, kids who love this style of book, or both. It may be an excellent way to introduce kids to Dungeons & Dragons if they haven't heard of it before, or to get kids who are into D&D reading more books. Purchase wherever either is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Forbeck, Matt

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781536200652

Price: 8.99

To Catch a Thief

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

In a new series of choose-your-own-adventure-style books, Matt Forbeck writes the Endless Quest books that take middle school readers through actual Dungeons & Dragons content in an adventure filled quest. To Catch a Thief puts the reader in the place of a halfling rogue (one of the many options for players in the actual Dungeons & Dragon game). After trying to steal from a noble looking woman, the reader is tasked with stealing a baby griffon. On their way, the adventurer may find more than they bargained for. There are many twists and turns that lead to success or failure. This series of books is particularly good for kids who are already hooked on D&D, kids who love this style of book, or both. It may be an excellent way to introduce kids to Dungeons & Dragons if they haven't heard of it before, or to get kids who are into D&D reading more books. Purchase wherever either is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Forbeck, Matt

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781536200669

Price: 8.99

Hullmetal Girls

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Hullmetal Girls is Emily Skrutskie's third novel, a thrilling sci-fi tale that focuses on the first person perspectives of Aisha and Key, two girls who have just been transformed into Scela--mechanically enhanced soldiers that share a body and mind with a super computer exoskeleton to help keep order and safety in the Fleet, the group of ships orbiting through space without a planet to anchor themselves to. Aisha agreed to become part of the program for the salary that would provide medical care for her little brother. Key doesn't remember why she signed up, a fact that is distressing to her despite the assurances from the medical team that it occasionally happens. As Aisha, Key, and their teammates face their first threats in the form of a Fractionist protest, a movement unhappy with the inequity between the seven Districts of the Fleet, questions begin to form about the dark forces that are secretly at work. Aisha and Key both find themselves lost and wondering who they might really be working for.

Skrutskie is a master of the science fiction genre and bringing her unique biological, visceral twist to the narrative. The result are characters that grab the reader and yank them through the sharp turns of the story. Hullmetal Girls is not gripping because of its suspenseful moments (of which there are many) nor its unique take on common sci-fi tropes (which feels fresh and inventive). Instead, it is the heart of the characters, their compelling emotions, and diverse experiences that makes the reader immediately care about what will happen next. Strongly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Skrutskie, Emily

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacourte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524770198

Price: 17.99

Let's Talk About Love

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Alice already knows she's biromantic (able to fall in love with people who have the same gender as her or who don't). And she's known for a really long time that she's asexual (someone who doesn't experience sexual attraction). But she hasn't been able to share that last bit with anyone but her best friend. After another rough break up thanks to her lack of sexual interest, Alice feels about ready to swear off dating altogether, until Takumi shows up at her work. He's so cute that he exceeds the Cutie Code she's always used to define her aesthetic crushes in the past. But Alice worries that Takumi, like everyone else, won't understand. Add on top of that parents pressuring her towards a career choice she doesn't think she can stand, and a huge fight brewing with her best friend, and Alice isn't sure she'll make it through the summer.

Kann's Alice is a lively character with a charm and spunk. She leaps off the page as a fluffy, sometimes spoiled character, with a huge heart and a lot of endearing qualities. Both in text and on the front cover, Alice is portrayed as a dark-skinned black girl. Takumi is Japanese and other characters, in explicit text and contextual clues, are suggested to be several other ethnicities and religions.

Most important is the example that is set with Alice's asexuality. Though she experiences misunderstanding and outright aphobia from friends and partners, Alice never doubts her asexuality or right to feel that way. Additionally, Kann explores the many ways that asexual people can and do show their partner that they are cared for and loved. Vital for all YA and NA collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kann, Claire

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250136121

Price: 16.99

Catwoman: Soulstealer

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Sarah J. Maas is the latest author to take on one of the DC characters in their series DC Icons. Catwoman: Soulstealer is the origin story of Selina Kyle, who begins as a seventeen year old girl illegally fighting in an underground ring for the money to take care of her sick little sister. When social workers begin to ask questions, Selina panics and tries to fight the police officers, which leads to her arrest. Rather than go to jail and have her little sister sent to a dirty foster home, Selina agrees to let a mysterious benefactor put Maggie in a good foster home and take Selina to Italy where she will train.

Three years later, she comes back as Holly Vanderhees, an heiress that's the cover for the Catwoman persona she puts on to steal from wealthy citizens in Gotham. Eventually, she teams up with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, both aligned with her mission to steal from the rich. Meanwhile, Luke Fox, watching over the city as Batwing while Batman is away, tries to stop the three women.

As with the other titles in this series, Catwoman: Soulstealer will be very popular with DC fans and fans of Maas' other books. However, without any major movie production to push less dedicated fans her way, Catwoman may not enjoy the same rise in popularity. Maas handles the action well and Selina's grey antihero morality. However, there are times when the writing seems to become repetitive or needlessly dramatic. Still, many readers will enjoy this book. Recommended as an additional purchase unless the rest of the series is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Maas, Sarah J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399549694

Price: 18.99

Remy Sneakers and the Lost Treasure

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

Remy Sneakers stars in another adventure as he and the Critter Crew try to solve the mystery of his missing family history journal. Someone has broken into his home and stolen the journal and he must try to follow the clues to to find it again. The search takes Remy and the crew underground where they encounter many ferocious animals. Eventually they track down the thief and recover the family journal. This beginning chapter book is easily accessible by early readers. Words and graphics tell the story on every page making this a good selection for reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sherry, Kevin

Illustrator: Sherry , Kevin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338034615

Price: 9.99

But the Bear Came Back

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

A bear comes to visit a little boy but the boy tells the bear he must go home because bears do not "belong in houses." The bear leaves, but no matter how hard the boy tries, the bear returns again and again. The text of the story tells only part of the story, however the illustrations show the friendship that is forming between the two. The illustrations show the bear and the boy reading, painting, and bathing together until finally the boy shouts for the bear to go home and not come back. When the bear does not come back, the boy realizes how much he misses the bear and sets out to find him again. He forms a search party, puts out food, tacks up posters and waits. Finally the bear returns. The boy did not appreciate the bear until after he was gone sparking a great conversation about the value and boundaries of friendship. The colorful illustrations are a delight and will be enjoyed by all readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauer, Tammi

Illustrator: Taylor , Dan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781454920984

Price: 16.95

Don't Blink

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

Don't blink! If you blink you will have to go to bed. Every time you blink, you must turn the page and each time you turn the page you get closer to bedtime. Suggestions to stare at some interesting things are introduced when the reader doesn't seem to be able to resist blinking. From optical illusions to holding your eyes open this story does everything to get the reader not to blink. Bedtime is inevitable though. Each page includes various size fonts and the bright eyed owl in a hilarious adventure in resistance right to the end. The background of each page starts out in all white then starts to include some black borders before turning all black as the little own falls asleep. This humorous interactive bedtime story is a winner!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krouse Rosenthal , Amy

Illustrator: Roberts , David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780385391870

Price: 17.99

A Mammal Is an Animal

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

Nonfiction for ages 4-7 can be filled with clear, accurate facts if well organized, explained concisely and accompanied by watercolor illustrations that direct the young eyes to understandable and appealing visual information. This book does just that. In an elegant, deceptively simple looking book, Lizzy Rockwell takes away the clutter of unnecessary facts in both words and pictures. The book includes a repetitive question, "But is a ---- a mammal? No!" In this way characteristics of animals are scientifically narrowed down to mammals. Additional information is presented on end papers with outline drawings of mammals, a carefully colored circle graph identifying the major animal classifications, two pages of clearly written brief summary of mammal facts (for all, most, and some mammals), and reference sources.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustrator: Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436705

Price: 17.95

The Squirrels' Busy Year

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

The Squirrels' Busy Year presents some of the the seasonal activities of squirrels. They are curled up but also digging for acorns in the winter, looking for food, eating bugs, and digging up bulbs in the spring, lazing about in the summer, and burying acorns in the fall. A supporting "character"is an owl that threatens the squirrels throughout the year. Mixed media paintings accompany the text and draw the listeners' attention into the true life story. A few, clearly written concepts "Thinking about the Seasons" are included at the end and before the title page and suggest background information about thunder, lightning, clouds, and snow. There is also an index at the end. This book can be read as a informational story but can also serve as an introduction and discussion starter to squirrels and the seasons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Martin

Illustrator: Jones, Richard

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763696009

Price: 16.99

Peter & Ernesto: a Tale of Two Sloths

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

This graphic novel has humor, beginning philosophy, adventure, "human" drama, and a happy ending. Ernesto is a sloth who is not content and longs to see all of the sky beyond his treetop home that he shares with his best friend Peter, another sloth. He sets off for adventure with gusto. He enjoys the shaky bridge over the deep gorge and embraces each challenge his travels bring. Meanwhile, Peter misses his friend but is willing to go beyond his comfort zone in search of him. The friends view life's challenges differently. Peter clearly does not like the shaky bridge, but he keeps going until he ends up on a good lookout rock. Crabs help him be hopeful that his good friend will return. After multiple adventures, Ernesto ends up in the Arctic being chased by a polar bear and escapes with the help of a new whale friend. Peter and Ernesto are reunited in the end, and each has a new perspective as they look out from their treetop home. The black lined illustrations are done in shades of blues, olive greens, with a touch of red. The sloth's expressive big eyes and simply sketched bodies add to the book's humor. Kids can read the illustrations as well as the short speech bubble text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Annable, Graham

Illustrator: Annable, Graham

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626725614

Price: 23.50

The League of Lasers

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

The second book in the Star Scouts graphic novel series is jam-packed with action, fascinating new creatures, amusing robots, and some of the best alien hair in comics today. Avani has been asked to be in the elite Star Scouts group The League of Lasers, but in order to join, she has to pass a test requiring her to survive on a possibly-hostile planet. Her over-achieving navigation system gets Avani marooned on a planet but within a Bermuda Nebula that does not allow communication. Fortunately, Avani is not the only Star Scout who crash landed on this planet; unfortunately, the other Scout is Pam, Avani's nemesis. The two must work together to communicate with the natives, finagle a ride on a rocket, and get off this planet, and this is the best part of the book. What started as an adversarial relationship of a Mean Girls proportion shifts to a relationship of give-and-take and appreciation of the skills of the other. Lawrence's sci-fi adventure story deftly explores the difficulty of friendships and mirrors the feelings of many middle grade readers. The end of the book has the promise of more adventures and a double-page spread on the creator's process which will be of interest to young GN enthusiasts. A recommended purchase particularly if you have or can add Book one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lawrence, Mike

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626722811

Price: 14.99

Chasma Knights

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

With a pastel palette and anime-style illustrations and spare text, this graphic novel will appeal to emerging readers, but the scientific concept of elements catalyzing may perplex them and would be better for an upper elementary-aged or middle grade reader. In Beryl's world, toys are all-important. There are knights who can use the elements to catalyze, transform into other things. But Beryl is a Neon Knight and therefore unable to catalyze. Instead, she uses her tools and her ingenuity to transform toys from one thing to another. When she meets Coro, an Oxygen Knight (the most powerful kind) who is having trouble with her catalyzing skills, the two work together to show people that hard work and stick-to-itiveness can overcome the lack of natural ability. The message is great for STEM lessons though the book should be read once and then again to ensure that readers understand the concepts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Petty, Kate Reed

Illustrator: Sun, Boya

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626726048

Price: 17.99

Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

Snowball and the Last Tree Standing is a not so subtle allegory or fable with a young hero Snowboy and his imaginary Ice Troopers companions. After saving a polar bear from the Evil One-eyed Emperor, they team up for awhile with Greenbackboy who has a new game called "KA-CHING." The boys get lots of gold after cutting down the trees and catching all the fish. However, Snowboy is able to save one tree and two fish and save the world from KA-CHING. Illustrations are done in pencil and digitally colored with shades of blues, yellows, greens, and browns. Young children may enjoy discussing the evils of KA-CHING and what Snowboy did to save the world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oram, Hiawyn

Illustrator: Sif, Birgitta

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763695729

Price: 16.99

Quiet Please, Owen McPhee

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Like many young children, Owen McPhee has a lot to say and cannot keep it inside. He blurts out in class, in library, at lunch time with his friends, even to his dog when he gets home. Barton's pencil sketches and soft palette effectively capture the feelings of other children when Owen cannot control his words. And when Owen gets laryngitis and cannot speak, she shows the power of the white space, helping the reader see that there are times to listen and times to talk. The diversity of the children in Owen's classroom is noticeable and appreciated. Ludwig, a nationally renowned speaker on helping children connect with kindness, has created a character with whom many young readers will connect and identify. A classroom teacher can use this book to begin a discussion on blurting/listening (questions for discussion are even included in the end matter) and a story time could use this to show how others might feel if children interrupt. It's a simple, lovely book that will easily find its place in classrooms and libraries for years to come.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ludwig, Trudy

Illustrator: Barton, Patrice

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399557132

Price: 17.99

The Way You Make me Feel

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2018

Review

Clara is the class clown in high school. But when she ends up taking one of her pranks too far, she, and another student (Rose) involved in the prank have to work in her dad's food truck all summer. And the other student Rose? Well, she and Clara pretty much hate each other. This seems like it's going to be a mean girl read but it actually more about getting to know someone before you decide what they are all about. It was also cool to read about what goes on behind the scenes in food trucks. Clara's "running away" part to visit her mom seemed s bit unreal, but the rest, including a sweet romance, was well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goo, Maurene

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374304089

Price: 17.99

Life L1k3 (Like)

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

Eve lives in a place were androids and robots are integrated into everyday life. Eve herself is a mechanic that fixes all kinds of things including robots. But one day, when she is out battling in the arena against another robot, something happens. Now she is on the run and if she gets caught, she will probably die. This sci-fi story is a page turner from the start. The language/jargon used is sometimes hard to follow, but the story itself is still solid. Kristoff delivers not only an action packed sci-fi adventure, but one that makes the readers think- if robots were made to be more human like, should they be in control of what they do or, should they be under human control. And if robots are free to choose, what is to stop them from harming their less powerful creatures, humans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kristoff, Jay

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524713928

Price: 18.99

The Stone Girl's Story

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2018

Review

Mayka is made of stone but she is alive. Her father, her creator, has passed and the living things he made have survived him. But, the marks on their stone bodies that keep them alive are fading. Someone needs to find another stonemason like Mayka's father to re-carve those marks to keep them alive. Mayke decided to head off to find a stonemason that can do that. But as she soon finds out, not all stonemasons have good intentions. The premise of this story is wonderful. And the stone creatures were really interesting and all so different. The story does start out a bit slowly so it might lose readers because of that. It definitely picks up later on and that along with the issue of the merits of controlling all stone creatures will keep readers engaged. The ending however is not as exciting as the rest of the story, which may leave readers feeling disappointed at the end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Durst, Sarah Beth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328729453

Price: 16.99

Sparks!

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2018

Review

Two cats team up to be a superhero dog (they use a dog suit that they fit into) and perform good deeds. Why? Because everyone loves a dog. The tricky part is that there is someone out there trying to capture them and use them to control all of the animals in the world. This is a fun graphic novel with silly scenes, cool, bright illustrations, and a crazy plot. The robotic litter box is one of my favorite parts of the book- so much humor here with just the right amount of action. Cream

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boothby, Ian

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338029468

Price: 12.99

Camp Panda

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2018

Review

This book is all about how the giant panda bear is being saved from extinction. The beginning of the book is just ok. There were good photos and some cool facts, but it might not grab a reader's attention enough to make them continue reading. However, when the story of Tao Tao, a real baby giant panda, is introduced, the story was became very interesting. How humans worked to enable him to be an independent giant panda that could survive in the wild was pretty amazing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Thimmesh, Catherine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544818910

Price: 17.99

Love Double Dutch!

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2018

Review

The colorful dust jacket, the book's only illustration, shows a smiling, pretty African American girl jumping double Dutch. She is thirteen year old Kayla, a caring sister to her younger brother and also frequently rude, bossy and a champion double Dutch jumper. She and her brother must leave Kayla's beloved Bronx and spend the rest of the summer in North Carolina with her aunt and her family when Kayla's parents separate. In this fast moving story of just over 200 pages, middle school girls attracted to that dust jacket will notice how city girl Kayla finds a southern suburb a quieter, friendlier place and is amazed at how hard she has to work and drop some "Brooklyn attitude" to coach her new double Dutch team to be able to compete against an excellent southern jumping team. Important issues, family problems, even a first romance may appear to be resolved too easily, but the book's emphasis is on creating an enjoyable, lively reading experience and it succeeds. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spicer-Dannelly, Doreen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781524700003

Price: 16.99

Did You Eat the Parakeet?

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2018

Review

An attractive and funny book, generous in size for reading to a group and sporting brightly colored, uncluttered line drawings and tells its story in rhyming verse. A small girl accuses her astonished kitty of eating her parakeet. Preschoolers and the rest of us as well will enjoy seeing the bird right on top of the little girl's head. But is that really a cat with perhaps a fat tail and is it a mouse in the child's pocket? What is "a budgie brûlée and "a feathered flambe"? A few somewhat less than definitive drawings do get clearly identified in the text and while brûlées and a flambe will mean nothing to three to five year olds, the words do satisfy the rhyme scheme and may very well entertain older readers. These few weaknesses do not altogether mar a genuinely amusing book, a first picture book for its author, illustrator that should be great fun for sharing with a group as well as one to one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Iacolina, Mark

Illustrator: , author

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux imprint of Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780374305888

Price: 17.99

The Story Collector

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2018

Review

This mystery adventure is based on some truth. Eleven year old Vivian Fedeler really lived in the New York Public Library where her father was the superintendent of the library. She was born there in 1917 and lived there with her family for fifteen years. She grew up hearing about a ghost in the library. There was a theft of a very expensive stamp collection that took place in the library. These facts are used in the plot. Each chapter is assigned a Dewey Decimal number relating to what takes place in the chapter. There are several black and white illustrations that add to the story. The book is well written with interesting characters. The setting is unusual which makes it appealing. There is an author's note, timeline, and a couple of black and white photos of the library.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tubb, Kristin O'Donnell

Illustrator: Bruno, Iacopo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250143808

Price: 16.99

Frenemies in the Family: Famous Brothers and Sisters who Butted Heads and Had Each Other's Backs

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2108

Review

Fifteen famous siblings are presented in this fascinating and fun non-fiction book. Elizabeth I and Bloody Mary, Siamese twins Chang and Eng (1811-1874), Vincent and Theo Van Gogh, the Wright brothers, Peyton and Eli Manning, Serena and Venus Williams, and Princes William and Harry are some of the siblings profiled. Each chapter ends with a collection of fact boxes related to the siblings. The black and white graphic art go perfectly with the author's informative and humorous approach. Readers with or without siblings will enjoy browsing and learning about these siblings. This book would also be useful for research on any of the siblings included. There is an extensive list of sources and excellent index.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krull, Kathleen

Illustrator: Lam, Maple

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780399551246

Price: 17.99

Rescue

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2018

Review

Joni, twelve years old, lives with her family on a sheep farm in Vermont. She loves riding her horse, Archie, who is challenging at times. A family moves in next door from California. Joni looks forward to having a friend nearby, but the new girl, Chess and Joni are very different. Chess is a vegan and animal rights activist. Joni has a lot of experience with animals and tries to help Chess understand the relationship that farmers have with their animals. The relationship is tense at times. Chess creates a very dangerous situation when she tries to rescue some miniature horses she feels are abused. Readers will enjoy the story and be satisfied how the conflict and differing opinions are resolved.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Haas, Jessie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: BoydsMill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780629798806

Price: 17.95

When the Crickets Stopped Singing

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2018

Review

The story takes place in California in 1939. Twelve year old Angie and her best friend Geraldine befriend a new girl, Reba Lu, a preacher's daughter. The novel is written from Angie's point of view. The three girls make a pact to "love thy neighbor," especially the ones who are not easy to love. There is Miss Emma, the doctor's daughter, who keeps a variety of animals in her bedroom and is considered strange at times. Dodie Crumper is a girl at school with some unpleasant personal habits. They try to include her in their circle of friends. The three girls work hard to keep their agreement. World War I hero, Jefferson Clement, has recently returned to town. He is well dressed and charming. Many respect him, but Angie discovers his past and current predatory actions on young girls. She is faced with making a difficult decision that could have serious consequences. The characters are believable in this well written book dealing with a sensitive topic. The "Afterward" brings up questions for the reader. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cram, Marilyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629797236

Price: 18.95

Born Scared

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

Elliot has been governed by paralyzing fear since the day his twin sister died -- an hour before they were born. Sequestered, except for contact with his Mum, Auntie and trusted family doctor and of course, Ellamay, his twin sister, Elliot has to face his fear of the world and everything in it on Christmas Eve in a blinding snowstorm to find his mother, who was only going to be gone 10 mins.

Kevin Brooks creates another interesting thriller that deals with overcoming ones fears and would be enjoyed by fans of his along with fans of thrillers and suspense novels. The only aspect of this novel that wasn't clarified is Elliot's mental illness that is never really explored by his mother and family doctor.

Recommended for grades 7 -9.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brooks, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763695651

Price: 16.99

The Girl in the Locked Room: A Ghost Story

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

Jules may only be in 6th grade, but she has traveled quite a bit and is ready to settled down. Her father restores old houses for a living while her mother writes historical novels about the places they have lived. From the moment they moved into their temporary housing on a dilapidated estate, Jules has noticed a young girl in an upstairs window and keeps hearing and seeing things that she can't explain -- even to her parents. Unfortunately, the house is not safe enough for Jules to explore -- yet!

This fast paced and scary, but gentle ghost story will be enjoyed by fans of the paranormal. Recommended for grades 4-6

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hahn, Mary Downing

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781328850928

Price: 16.99

And the Ocean Was Our Sky

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

An advance society of whales train for combat in their search for the mythical human killer of whales, Toby Wick. Bathsheba's pod discovers a human trapped in a ship they just attacked and this human carries a message that might lead the pod to their ultimate destination. Written from the whale's perspective, this version of "Moby Dick" carries the same prophecies and twists that Melville used to engage in the battle between man and beast.

The illustrations are ink drawings that are the flip side of the ocean where the sky is the abyss not the depth of the ocean. Beautifully illustrated and compliments the story. Recommended for grades 7 and up. A great companion novel to use as an introduction to "Moby Dick".

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ness, Patrick

Illustrator: Cai, Rovina

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062860729

Price: 19.99

A House That Once Was

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Pportland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

This book is a story about a boy and a girl who discover a house "that once was but now isn't a home." With trepidation, they carefully enter this abadoned house in a forest. Soon they begin to discover clues about the people who might have once lived there. And they wonder if the old house is still waiting for the owners to someday return. As they visualize the people who might have lived there the illustrations become fully painted and better defined. The old house itself, on the other hand, is sketched with many areas of white portraying a feeling of emptiness, When they are finished exploring and imaginging, the children return to their own home that is both cozy and warm, where dinner is waiting.

A good book to broaden a child's pondering and imaginging about the "live" of old houses.

This story makes the point that it is the people who live in the house that make a house a home. Illustrated by Caldecott honor artist Lane Smith.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fugliano, Julie

Illustrator: Smith, Lane

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978162672

Price: 18.99

A ome In The Barn

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

This is a picture book by Margaret Wise Brown about the many animals and small creatures who move into the a big warm barn when the weather outside turns chilly and blustery. One by one, a variety of animals and small creatures come in from the cold to the warmth and shelter of the big red barn. The blustery wind is conveyed to the reader by bending grasses and drifting leaves, while the barn, in contrast is painted a warm, inviting red. It all speaks of coziness and safety along with the beautifully depicted camaraderie of the animals. The illustrations were drawn by Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney while the text was written by the beloved Margaret Wise Brown. Margaret has great expertice in showing us the world through a child's experience and perspective. Other classics written by Margaret Wise Brown are "The Runaway Bunny," and "Goodnight, Moon." A great book for little ones as the weather turns cooler or when learning about farm animals in general.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Margaret

Illustrator: Pinkney, Jerry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper/ An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9788880066237879

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Little Chef

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

It's a special day because Grandma is coming over for dinner. This story is all based around a little girl, Lizzie, (little chef) who wishes to make her grandmother's favorite meal - super special smashed sweet potatoes. And special meals must always have a secret ingredient! Lizzie experiments until she finds the "right" special ingredient and then adds it to her dish. After eating, Lizzie's Grandma claims that Lizzie's super special smashed sweet potatoes are even better than her own. When she asks Lizzie what the special ingredients is, Lizzie says - "a chef never tells anyone her secret ingredient. The Grandma then tells Lizzie - "And being with you is the best ingredient of all." The story ends with Lizzie wondering what she should cook tomorrow.

A cute, simple, and playful story demonstrating once again, how food and loved ones can make for a wonderful combination!

For young children ages 4-8 yrs, Good for any occassion or even a non-occasion. Just for the fun of it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

2nd author: Elisabeth Weinberg, Matt Stein

Illustrator: Keiser, Paige

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: FEiwel and Friends/An imprint of MacMillan Publishing Group

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250091697

Price: 17.99

Lost In The Library

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 12, 2018

Review

Two lion wait patiently every morning to greet visitors to the New York Public Library. They sit outside the library doors on two Plinths. One is named Fortitude, the other Patience. One night Patience disappears. Fortitude misses his friend and abandons his post in order to search for Patience inside the labyrinthine halls of the library. Eventually, Fortitude discovers Patience reading books in the children's room of the library! Fortitude convinces Patience to leave and return to his post, as they absolutely must be there to greet morning guests - before the sun rises and the pigeons start to coo. The two lions return to their post; Fortitude, however, soon discovers that he has a need for something else. It is his desire to read books! "Patience," he said, "when there's no one around, Tonight can we sneak in and read?" Told in clever rhyme and with colorful but somewhat subdued art, this is a wonderful introducton to the New York Public Library. Nice to use when studying New YOrk city and/or libraries in general.

For children ages 4-8 years.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Funk, Josh

Illustrator: Lewis, Stevie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,historical fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250155016

Price: 17.99

The Day The War Came by

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2018

Review

This book was inspired by a poem that Nicola Davies wrote about news of refugee children being denied welcome in the United Kingdom. Nicola helped to begin a project called #3000 chairs in order to bring attention to their plight.

This story shows the experience of a single refugee giirl and how, throuogh a simple act of kindness, refugee children can maintain hope for a beter life.

A young regfugee girl finds her way to a school only to be told that there "There is no room for you, you see. There is no chair for you to it on. You have to go away." And she understood then that the war had gotten here too." She returns to her hut on a corner and crawls beneath her blanket. Soon there is a banging on the door and a child's voice said. "I brought you this, so you can come to school. My friends have brought chairs too, so all the children here can come to school." A touching and very poignant story of a child who has lost everything to the war and yet, throught the kindness of a peer, is able to maintain hope. This story was inspired by true events.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: cobb, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781536201734

Price: 16.99

Rabbit and Possum

Reviewed by: Connie Smith - Breakwater School, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2018

Review

Rabbit is preparing for a visit from Possum. Possum, however, falls asleep, (because it is now daylight) and doesn't wake up until he hears a loud noise in the bushes. Possum, (scared by the noise) sprints up a tree while Rabbit chases after him. Possum is now stuck and rabbits don't climb trees. However, Rabbit thinks of a variety of ways to help Possum get "unstuck" from the tree. Finally, Rabbit coaxes a moose (whom Possum fears is a monster that will eat them both up) to come and stand at the base of the tree. "Possum stares at Moose's giant antlers, And his flaring nostrils, And his enormous mouth. Possum takes a deep breath." He jumps onto moose's back. Rabbit then says, "I know what we should do next." And they return to Rabbits house for their much delayed snack!

A cute, simple story with cartoon-like illustrations that young people will find engaging and humorous. A good story to read a snack time or when studying forest animals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wulfekotte, Dana

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062455819

Price: 17.99

To Kill A Kingdom

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

Princess Lira is a siren that is known for her ruthlessness. Every year on her birthday she collects hearts of princes with her bare hands. She has been raised to believe that humans are evil and by killing the princes, she is killing future leaders. The only person she is loyal to is her cousin. Lira's mother punishes her by turning her into a human and says that she must capture the heart of Prince Elian or she will remain a human forever. Prince Elian is uncomfortable in his own kingdom and would rather be on the sea ridding the world of sirens. When he rescues the drowning Lira, he has no idea that she is the siren he has been seeking. As the two enemies embark on a journey to find the Eye of Keto, they become very close and a romance is born. Readers will enjoy this dark, well written fantasy/adventure story inspired by The Little Mermaid.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Alexandra , Christo

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250112682

Price: 18.99

Crunch The Shy Dinosaur

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

Crunch is a shy dinosaur who needs some coaxing to come out of the bushes. This interactive text encourages children to try to get Crunch to come out by speaking quietly, singing Happy Birthday, telling him their name, and finally saying good night. At times, the book will need some extra explanation as phrases like "uncomfortably close" and "appropriate distance" are used. Overall, young children will enjoy the playful text and illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dunlap , Cirocco

Illustrator: Pizzoli, Greg

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550560

Price: 17.99

Louisiana's Way Home

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

10-year-old Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night and tells her that they must leave their home immediately. Louisiana does not want to leave her best friends but granny is very persistent. Their journey finally takes them to a little town, Richford, Georgia where Louisiana meets a cranky motel owner, a minister and a mysterious boy. When her granny leaves her alone to fend for herself and discover who she really is, Louisiana is finally able to make her own decisions. This heartwarming tale is expertly written with sadness and humor. Louisiana was first introduced to us in DiCamillo’s book Raymie Nightingale and readers will be excited to hear her story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

DiCamillo, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763694630

Price: 16.99

Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

John Watson is trying to settle in at his new school when a school field trip presents a crime needing to be solved. The Alpine Star, the world's most famous jewel, has been stolen from the museum his class is visiting. John and his friend Martha are led by Sherlock Holmes as they try to uncover the mystery. A fun mysterious new series told through a mix of detective notes, comic strips, and school assignments this mystery will be a hit with all readers! The mixed media format adds to the enjoyment of this tale and makes it accessible to all readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hearn , Sam

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781338193152

Price: 12.99

A Dog with Nice Ears

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

Lola wants a dog but her parents are always saying no dogs. Instead, she pretends to be a dog and then pretends she has a dog named Snowpuff. Her unusual dog will have a puffy tail, nice ears, bark quietly and hop. After a trip to the pet store, Lola comes home with a pet rabbit. Fans of Charlie and Lola will delight in reading this new tale.. Additional fun elements include the hot pink outline of Lola's fantasy dog.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Child , Lauren

Illustrator: Child , Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781536200362

Price: 17.99

Tiny and the Big Dig

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - Sacopee Valley Middle School , Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 14, 2018

Review

Tiny is a small dog with big determination and he smells a bone deep beneath the ground. It is confusing sometimes to tell who is talking but the message about determination is strong. Young readers will love the animals in the story and the ink and watercolor illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rinker, Sherri Duskey

Illustrator: Myers , Matt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545904292

Price: 16.99