Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon by Leila Howland - ADVISABLE

 

Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon (A Tangled Novel, #1) by Leila Howland, 284 pages. Disney Press, 2017. $17.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Rapunzel is learning to live in the castle and trying to learn the etiquette of a princess.  When she meets the adventurous Cassandra, who wants to be a soldier, Rapunzel hopes they can be friend.  Rapunzel has to choose a Lady in Waiting, so she decides on Cassandra and they quickly bond over a legend and clues to the Lost Lagoon which should hold the magic of the kingdom of Corona.  However, their friendship is tested when Rapunzel wants to share their secret with Eugene and someone outside the kingdom is also searching for the magic of the Lost Lagoon.  

I loved this sequel to the Tangled movie.  Rapunzel is a good friend and Cassandra has to learn to trust others.  Their fun adventure kept me reading and I enjoyed trying to guess who the bad guy was going to be.  The novel is clean except for a fight sequence towards the end. Fun read.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Rapunzel and the Vanishing Village by Leila Howland - ADVISABLE


Rapunzel and the Vanishing Village (A Tangled Novel, #2) by Leila Howland, 284 pages. Disney Press, 2018. $17. 

Content: Language: G: Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Rapunzel, Cassandra and Eugene go on an adventure, but they are quickly distracted when they come across the village where the notorious Flynn Ryder’s stories are set. Eugene loves everything about the village, but it become apparent that the people live under strict rules without a lot of self-expression. Rapunzel and Cassandra work together to figure out the mystery of the vanishing village, while trying to convince Eugene that not everything is as perfect as it appears.  

I like re-visiting favorite character’s stories and love the story of Rapunzel.  The first book in the series was my favorite, but the mystery of the vanishing village was well constructed.  The only inconsistency that was confusing is, why were they on the adventure in the first place? If you readers enjoy E.D. Baker’s Wide-Awake Princess series, they will enjoy this series as well.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann - HIGH

My Eyes Are Up Here
by Laura Zimmermann
, 352 pages. Dutton (Penguin), 2020. 

 Language: R (62 swears, 9 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

10th grader Greer knows that her breasts are large – like cup-size J large. She and her best friend, Maggie are excited for the new year – supporting each other as they choose different extracurriculars. And Jackson, the new cute boy, seems to like Greer as much as she likes him. When her P.E. class does a volleyball unit, Greer finds that she has some natural talent and delight in the game. But if she is going to join the team, her “girls” need better support. 

 I was delighted to read Zimmermann’s look at Greer’s life. She manages to be realistic about Greer’s body challenges, without being scatological. There is a story thread about some harassment that Greer receives, but I love that the heart of the novel is a girl trying to be her best self. Greer does look at her breasts and describes them, but everything is tastefully done and integral to the theme of the book. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell - ESSENTIAL

This Book is Anti-Racist : 20 Lessons on how to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work
by Tiffany Jewell,
illustrated by Aurelia Durand, 160 pages. NON-FICTION, ACTIVITY BOOK Quarto. 2020.  $15 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS, ADULT - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In 20 short lessons, readers learn about identity - personal and social; race and ethnicity, prejudice and history - including microagressions; resisting racism, what to do when you see injustice and so much more. Disrupt, interrupt, stand together - be an anti-racist youth!

Tiffany Jewell has written for children of color who need the words to speak up for themselves and others, especially when the adults in their lives have racist ideas. Young people will be empowered as they work through the activities. A wonderful resource for the classroom. Work is done in students' notebooks, so This Book is Anti-Racist can be used over and over. I did the activities as I read, and it's changed me - I see things differently, am more sensitive to bias and am ready to speak up. 

Lisa Librarian

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf - ADVISABLE

The Weight of Our Sky
by Hanna Alkaf
, 274 pages. Salaam Press, 2019. $19

 Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (War violence, death, shooting, killing) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Mealati (Mel) is 16yo and lives in Kuala Lumpur in 1969. She loves music, the Beatles, movies, especially movies with Paul Newman. She loves to go the movies with her best friend. While they are at the movies one evening, a racial riot/war breaks out between the Malays and the Chinese. It is deadly clash, gruesome and horrifying. While looking for her mother in the afermath, she is helped by a Chinese boy, Vince, and his family. To add to the difficulty,Mel suffers from OCD. She believes a Djinn lives inside of her and he is showing her all the gruesome ways her mom will die if Mel doesn't count our patterns fast enough and correctly enough.

 By reading this book I learned about the racial uprising in Malaysia. Mel is strong, and she works with the Djinn, counting like he tells her too, sometimes all night. I felt so bad for her. She is afraid it is all her fault, because she didn't count fast enough or long enough. Mel suffers in so many ways. She works through it as she helps Vince, and keeps looking for her mother. I recommend this book. Great human interest story, and very educational.  

Ellen-Anita LMS

Monday, September 28, 2020

Pretty Tricky: the sneaky ways plants survive by Etta Kaner and Ashley Barron - ESSENTIAL

Pretty Tricky: the sneaky ways plants survive
by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Ashley Barron
. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOKS. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781771473699 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Kaner and Barron have crafted a beautiful collaboration celebrating a variety of plants that use a variety of methods to survive, thrive, and procreate. Each bright illustration is accompanied by a few paragraphs – enough to share with interested students or for a budding botanist. I would even love to buy a couple of copies of the book and -- after getting permission from the publisher – separating the pages to create a set of study pages to share out with a class and have them gather info to share with the rest of the class. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story by Thao Lam - OPTIONAL

The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story by Thao Lam
. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2020. $20. 9781881473637 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A little girl and her family are fleeing their war-torn country and must make a fraught journey across an ocean to a safer home. 

Drawing upon her own experience and family stories about fleeing Vietnam with her mother when she was only 2yo, Lam creates a wordless panorama of a headlong flight. The added detail of a group of ants also fleeing add an interesting detail. The dangers the ants suffer during the voyage will be easier for smaller readers to process. With the too abundant number of refugees around the world currently, there is certainly room for more picture books about them. A teacher could easily pair this with Ziba Came on a Boat by Lofthouse and Vanishing Colors by Orbeck Nilssen. Secondary teachers should also look at this for a current events unit. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS  

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich - ADVISABLE

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich
. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2020. $18. 9781338359015 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Chicken Little gets hit on the head and talks to the sky to investigate. Another chicken happens by, mishears Chicken Little and sets off a panic in the hen yard. It will take several tries to calm everyone down enough to hear the truth. 

A great twist on the traditional Chicken Little story, but also an excellent look the importance of fact-checking and how hard it is to get people to acknowledge the truth. Not just for elementary students! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Ocean Calls : A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho and Jess X. Snow - ADVISABLE

The Ocean Calls : A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila, 2020. $18. 9781984814869 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE. MS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dayeon loves and admires her haenyeo Grandma, but is still a little afraid of the deeper ocean. On this trip to the sea she stays near the shore, trying to muster up the courage for a final deeper dive. 

A lovely introduction to a microculture centered around the Jeju Island of South Korea. There are many videos of the divers online. If your school teaches Asian culture, or if you just want to increase cultural connections, this is a must. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Saturday, September 26, 2020

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi - HIGH

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi
, 464 pages. Razorbill (Penguin), 2019. $19.

 Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (war and fighting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Onyii and her little sister are living in a refugee camp after escaping the havoc of war. The year is 2172 and the earth is a mess with a nuclear disaster and climate change. A civil war between Nigerians and Biafrans rages on around them. The camp the girls are living in is soon raided and the girls are captured and separated and forced to live on opposing sides. Onyii becomes a decorated soldier for the rebellion, while Ify is a promising student at her new school in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Both girls believe they will never see each other again until a mission goes wrong, and they are suddenly reunited with each other. Risking everything may be the only way the girls can stay together.

War Girls is set in a futuristic world with the plot based on the war in 1960 between Nigerians and Bifrans. Student do not need to know the history behind the war to enjoy this book. The two main characters are both fierce and competitive. Onyii has been a trained soldier her entire life with a mechanical arm infused with technology. Ify is the brains of the two and with her technical skills, which are very interesting to read about, she can control entire data bases. This book is packed with so much action, giant fighting robots and the tender relationships between characters that it will appeal to both girls and boys.

Jessica Nelson, Librarian 

Thanks to Frances Perkins by Deborah Hopkinson and Kristy Caldwell - ADVISABLE

Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights
by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2020. $19. 9781682631362 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Whenever Frances Perkins had a chance, she would do everything she could to help others – even if that took her into government, where it was rare to see a woman in the 1910’s. When President Roosevelt asked her to be his Secretary of Labor in 1932, Frances was the woman he wanted as his Secretary of Labor – the first woman ever to hold a Cabinet position. 

A nice succinct look at Perkin’s life. Hopkinson engages the reader from the start by having them do just a tiny bit of math at the beginning (No, I’m not going to tell you what for). Very useful addition to a picture book biography collection for upper elementary and middle schools. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Friday, September 25, 2020

The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning - ESSENTIAL


The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning, 386 pages, Tor Teen. 2020. $18.  

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG 13 (sword fights, deaths, battles, torture) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

16yo Princess Amarande is the sole heir of her father, recently deceased King Sedoa. But, she cannot inherit the throne without first marrying. She loves someone; the stableboy Luca! However, Amarande's marriage must be an alliance - a prince from another Kingdom, selected by the council. So, an evil prince and his brother, from a neighboring kingdom try to force Amarande's hand by arranging for Luca to be kidnapped. Trained by her father as a warrior, Amarande isn't having it; she leaves the castle in search of Luca intent on rescuing her love. 

I loved every moment of The Princess Will Save You. The adventure was exciting, the battles and swordplay were bloody and dangerous without crossing the line into gory, and the romance was adorable and sweet. I loved Princess Amarande - - well prepared by her father, she was perfectly capable of saving her love, herself and her Kingdom. Readers who love The Princess Bride will devour this! Can't wait to read it again. A satisfying ending, but I hope book two is on its way. 

Lisa Librarian

Summer and July by Paul Mosier - ADVISABLE

Summer and July
by Paul Mosier
, 311 pages. Harper Collins, 2020. $17

Content: G

 BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

 Juliet and her mom move from the midwest to Ocean Park in California. Juliet is scared of everything and dresses in black and wears goth make-up. She is sure this will be the worst summer ever. Juliet's mother starts a to-do list for her, and Juliet adds to the list herself. She quickly meets Summer, blond, suntanned and beautiful who loves the beach and surfing. The two girls really hit it off and Summer helps Juliet overcome her fright and anxiety issues. Juliet discovers that Summer has some struggles of her own. Can the two friends help each other?

 I really enjoyed this book. Juliet and Summer become such good friends. Summer helps Juliet overcome her fears. Summer helps her be brave and try new things, new outfits, boogie boarding, skateboarding and even surfing. I love the way Juliet is no longer afraid of life and living and trying new things. I think a lot of students struggle with things like Summer and Juliet; a parent leaving, death in the family, leaving familiar territory and friends. I highly recommend this book.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Thursday, September 24, 2020

The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs - OPTIONAL

 

The Conference of the Birds (Miss Peregrine’s Children, #5) by Ransom Riggs, 326 pages. Dutton Books (Penguin), 2020. $23. 

Content: Language: PG-13 (49 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jacob and his friends are on a mission to save the way of life of Peculiar Children.  They go about trying to find a person they believe can help them.  All the while, Jacob is dealing with his new feelings and a relationship for the Peculiar that he helped rescue from the last book and ending his relationship with Emma.  

I have enjoyed this series, until this book. I feel like the Peculiar Children part of the story is well done, but the reason I have read this far into the series is because I love Jacob and Emma, separate or together.  Their relationship abruptly ends, and the insta-love Jacob has for Noor is unbelievable, while Emma’s character hardly makes an appearance. If you have the other books in the series, then I’m sure your readers will want this one as well, but it has a spin-off feel to it that I don’t like as much as the first four books.  The violence includes a monster biting a head off. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Map of Days by Ransom Riggs - ADVISABLE

 

Map of Days (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, #4) by Ransom Riggs, 480 pages.  Dutton Books (Penguin), 2018.  $23.  

Content: Language: R (69 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Jacob is home in Florida and his peculiar group of friends are interested in his life and time, but Jacob’s parents are not interested in knowing the truth about Jacob’s life or his friends.  Jacob starts to learn more about his grandfather and what role he had in the Peculiar world, and Jacob decides he wants to help peculiar children that are in trouble, like his grandfather did.  As Jacob gets to know more about his grandfather’s job, with the help of his friends, Jacob and Emma start to grow apart.  Jacob starts to realize how complex and quickly changing the peculiar world can be.  

I enjoy this creative series and like Jacob and his friends.  I enjoy each book and feel like they have different enough story lines to be interesting, while at the same time operating within the peculiar world that has been developed throughout all four books.  I was heartbroken when Jacob’s parents wouldn’t accept him the way he was, but I love his friends and they way they help each other.  The content includes discussion of virginity and gross violence.  This book is also open ended and sets up for the next in the series.  The book would be advisable if not for the high swear count.

Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs - ADVISABLE

 


Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, #3) by Ransom Riggs, 463 pages.  Quirks Books, 2015.  $19.  

Content: Language: PG-13 (37 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Jacob and his friends are searching for other Peculiar Children that they have been separated from.  Heading to London and through a scary loop filled with Whites and Hollows, sixteen-year old Jacob and his girlfriend Emma encounter many creepy beings and they don’t know who they can trust.  Determined to free their Peculiar friends and the Ymbryne, Miss Peregrine, Jacob has to learn to hone his peculiar talent of controlling the Whites.  

I enjoyed this book as much as the first book.  I like Jacob and the creepy, dark world he encounters.  There are fun, quirky photographs throughout the book that add to the story.  This story had a satisfying end to their adventure but introduced a new problem/idea at the end that I’m looking forward to reading in the next book in the series.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson    

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs - ADVISABLE

 


Hollow City (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, #2) by Ransom Riggs, 428 pages. Quirk Books, 2014.  $11.  

Content: Language: PG-13 (24 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Jacob and his new found friends from Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children are on a mission to recapture Miss Peregrine.  Peregrine is in the form of a bird and has been taken by the Whites, and even if Jacob and his friends can find Miss Peregrine, they would still have to figure out how to transform her back into her human form.  The odd group starts a quest to look for their beloved headmistress and hopefully preserve their anonymity from the normal world and the evil White monsters.  

I loved the first book in the series because it is creative and unlike anything I’ve ever read, and this book has a similar feel.  Jacob is a great protagonist and I enjoyed all the peculiar children and their stories.  It would be super complicated to try and read these out of order, so realize it’s a bit of an investment and you would need to have the whole series.  The content includes violent threats of torture and dead horses.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson  

Saturday, September 19, 2020

1919: The Year that Changed America by Martin W. Sandler - ADVISABLE

 


1919: The Year that Changed America by Martin W. Sandler, 190 pages. NON-FICTION  $25.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Six major events happened in the year 1919 including the Molasses flood, women’s right to vote, race riots, communism raids, labor strikes and prohibition.  Each event is covered in its own chapter with photographs and a detailed explanation of the historical event.  At the end of the chapter, the author relates how the event from 1919 still influences us today. 

This is a content heavy history book about a shocking time in American history.  I totally enjoyed all the information and think history teachers will benefit from the content.  There are not many students who will read this book from cover to cover, but the information is helpful and can be used as a great resource. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson      

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Forget Me Not by Sarah M. Eden - ADVISABLE


Forget Me Not
by Sarah M. Eden
, 256 pages. Covenant Communications, 2020. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lucas is inspired to live after the deaths of siblings and friends throughout his growing up years, which, for him, means seeing the world and experiencing life. All these deaths had the opposite effect on Julia, Lucas’s neighbor, as she becomes withdrawn, especially when Lucas chooses to leave her behind. When these two are thrown together again after years apart, the reunion is not as joyous as everyone had hoped.

Eden skillfully uses words on the page to reach out to the hearts of readers. As I read from Julia’s point of view, my eyes filled with tears because I felt her pain of rejection, abandonment, and betrayal. I love this book for how it engaged me and drew me in so completely, though I am not as impressed with the lack of change in Lucas through the book; there is hope that he becomes a better fit for Julia, but I’m not a big fan of him.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden - OPTIONAL


The Gentleman and the Thief
by Sarah M. Eden
, 368 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2020. $16.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Hollis keeps up high-class appearances for the sake of his family’s reputation, but his passions lie in pursuits unaccepted by those of his social standing. Ana has fallen from high society due to the loss of her family’s fortune, and she strives to bring restitution to her family, even if society won’t easily overlook their tarnished reputation. Despite all their trials and secrets, Hollis and Ana are determined to right some of the ignored wrongs around them, but can they continue to do so without being caught?

Something about the beginning was slow to get rolling and didn’t capture me as much as I wanted it to, resulting in a loss of motivation to continue reading the rest of the story. Hollis’s and Ana’s stories are well-written -- as well as the interspersed chapters of short stories mentioned in the book -- I just didn’t love reading it. The mature content rating is for illegal activity and mentions of prostitution.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka - OPTIONAL

Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, 384 pages. Viking Books for Young Readers(Penguin), 2020. $19

Language: PG-13 (2 swears, 7“f”); Mature Content: PG (Sex off the page); Violence: G


BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL


AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE


Fitz Holton vows to stay close to home for college while Juniper Ramirez can't wait to get as far away as possible.  Fitz will not leave his single mother who is battling early onset Alzheimer's.  Juniper is practically running away from her crowded family of five younger siblings. They both set off on their own week long adventure touring colleges, when their paths unexpectedly cross. Each will learn many lessons and make decisions they least expected.  


The struggles these two characters are faced with will help readers connect to this book immediately.  Decisions are hard to make when you are 18 years old which makes this book even more essential.  The love story that slowly develops between Fitz and Juniper is very endearing and the connection they both share with their family is very sincere and familiar to most.  I loved the lessons taught and learned throughout this novel.  Students will really enjoy it.        


Jessica Nelson Librarian                                                                  


Saturday, September 12, 2020

Jed and the Junkyard Rebellion by Steven Bohls - ADVISABLE

Jed and the Junkyard Rebellion by Steven Bohls, 282 pages. Disney-Hyperion, 2019. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (fantasy war violence).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL; HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In his debut novel, Jed and the Junkyard War, Steven Bohls created a unique steampunk world of junkyards, battling barges, and memorable half human-half gear characters. This follow-up is even better than the original with Jed coming to realize his true potential after only just learning of his true half-gear self in the first book. The young protagonist battles the evil Lyle while also coming to understand how to control his own power, and eventually save the world where he now truly belongs.

 I enjoyed this sequel even more than I did the original book. I think Bohls had to spend too much time in the first novel building up this crazy world, but the sequel gave him a full book to explore an interesting story of a young man coming into his own power and standing up for himself and those he loves. Once I started it, I did not want to put it down! The book is 100% clean and is really suitable for readers of all ages--I think this could even be a fun read aloud for younger elementary audiences. 

 T.C.
 

Friday, September 11, 2020

Ever After by Olivia Vieweg - OPTIONAL


Ever After
by Olivia Vieweg
, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphic Universe, 2020. $17.

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After surviving the zombie apocalypse, Vivi and Eva should be able to survive anything, including crossing the distance to the next town. While fighting zombies, each other, and their own guilt, will the girls make it to safety again?

While choppy and sometimes confusing, the story of these girls is compelling because readers get to see their different moral ethics in dealing with the zombies they find themselves surrounded with. The tenuous friendship between Vivi and Eva is tested along the journey, and readers wonder which is more important: their physical survival or the survival of the girls’ friendship. A zombie apocalypse really puts everything in perspective. The mature content rating is for nudity and illegal activity. The violence rating is for attempted suicide, gore, guns, and killing.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen


Taylor Before and After by Jennie Englund - ESSENTIAL

Taylor Before and After by Jennie Englund, 311 pages. Macmillan, 2020. $17             


Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (Drug and alcohol use and bad car accident where kids are killed); Violence: G.


BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL


AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH


8th grader Taylor and her family re-located from Oregon to Oahu. Two years ago. Taylor loves her school, and is always trying to get into the "cool" girls and does not really appreciate her good friends as much as she maybe should. At New Year’s there is always a big party and Taylor has never been invited. She wants to be invited so bad this year. Taylor loves to go with her brother Eli and his friends and watch them surf at Sunset Beach. They want to surf the infamous and dangerous "Pipeline". When tragedy strikes, it hits them all hard. Her mother is debilitated by her depression after the accident and has to be admitted for treatment. Her dad is angry and spends his time working and working and yelling when he is home. Is Taylor strong enough to work through all the hardships and her own depression? She will find out who her real friends are in all of this.


Taylor is a deep thinking, deep feeling girl. As the year goes on, I could see how she was changing and maturing through her writing. I highly recommend this book.


Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   


Thursday, September 10, 2020

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard - ADVISABLE

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard, 300 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2019. $17.

Content: G


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE


AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE


6th grader Kick Winter is staying with her grandmother in Bohring, Georgia - home to 453 people, 2053 alligators, and one monster curse - while Kick’s parents are away with their jobs.  Kick just wants to fit in at school, but it’s hard to blend in when your grandmother is the town psychic and your cousin is dressed in weirdly frilly dresses for school.  In order to survive the school year, Kick announces she is psychic, and soon has to start using her science obsession/psychic abilities, to figure out why students are disappearing as the curse seems to be coming true. 


Kick is a charming character and her struggles to fit in while also discovering truths about others is relatable.  Each chapter title is an applicable if appropriately vague, prediction from Grandma Missouri.  The Swamp, the Hollows, and Bohring make for a great setting, and there are even science experiments to try in the back of the book.  With this fun read, may the curse be with you.  


Michelle in the Middle


The Racers by Neal Bascomb - HIGH

The Racers: How an Outcast Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Challenged Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb, 323 pages, 2020, $19.

Content: G


BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE


AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH


In the years leading up to World War II, Hitler wanted to prove the Third Reich’s greatness in all aspects of life , including motor sports.  Rene Dreyfus, a top racecar driver finds himself barred from driving on any German or Italian race teams because he is a Frenchman of Jewish heritage.  So when Lucy Schell, an American heiress, forms her own racing team and hires Dreyfus, it becomes a showdown between France and Germany and two legendary drivers.


If you love cars and history, this book is for you.  This is an informative window into the dangers and glamor of early European racing.  Well written and researched, with plenty of photos, it will make you wish you could journey back in time to the exotic locales and witness these races firsthand.  Bascomb provides that time machine for you.  Start your engines, the race is on!


Michelle in the Middle


Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Three Keys by Kelly Yang - OPTIONAL

Three Keys (Front Desk #2) by Kelly Yang, 288 pages. Scholastic Press, 2020. $17.    


Content: G     


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL   


AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE       


Mia Tang and her parents have worked really hard since arriving in the U. S. from China. They are now proud owners of the Calivista Hotel together with other immigrants. Mia, 11yo, is in charge of the front desk. She works hard at the hotel and at school, even working separately with her teacher to get better at writing. Mia want to be an author. At the Calivista they welcome all kinds of immigrants that need a place to stay. Room cleaning, laundry and repairs are never-ending. They endure bullying and racial injustice. Mia is perpetual optimist and sees the good in people. She thinks she can fix anything and everything.           

Mia is very mature for just being 11yo. I loved the story of Mia, but realistically, having worked with 11-year old children for years and years, I have never met a child at that age with Mia's very mature thinking processes and actions. The book is fast moving, and a page turner. I wanted to see how Mia reacted to all the problems that came way. Mia, her parents and their fellow hotel owners do a lot of good and they are all like one big, happy family that stick together and help each other out.          


Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   


Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang - ADVISABLE

Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang, 256 pages. Scholastic Press, 2020. $18                       

Content: G


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE


AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE


Lauren and Tara are best friends and they do everything together. Tara has it all; she has designer jeans (Lauren wants some), she even has blue eyes and freckles! Lauren is Chinese American and Jewish. When they both try out for the school musical, even though Lauren has the best voice, Tara is picked for the lead because she looks like the All-American girl - blond and blue-eyed. The teacher even tells Lauren to her face that that was the reason she did not get the part. Lauren finds comfort and support in an unlikely place -- the radio show hosted by Nash. She calls him and talks about music and songs. Lauren loves the sound of Patsy Cline songs. Can Lauren and Tara manage to remain best friends through the upcoming trials they are facing? Will the strain on their relationships have an effect on the school musical?        


Lauren is a great protagonist. She is strong and hard working. Even with a blow like the one delivered by her teacher, she works through the challenges both with Tara, her other friends and the kids in the play, and with her teacher. I just hope that some teachers do not say those kinds of things to students. Lauren has a button machine and she makes buttons to show her moods and her goals. She even starts a little button business to save up for designer jeans. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written with a sense of humor. Lauren realizes what it really means to be All-American. I loved it!        


Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Love, Love by Victoria Chang - ADVISABLE


Love, Love
by Victoria Chang
, 224 pages. Sterling Children's Books, 2020. $17           

Content: G


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE


AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE


11yo Francis lives with her older sister, Clara, and their parents. They are Chinese-American. Francis deals with bullying and watches her sister get bullied because they look different. She feels pressure from her parents to always get A's in school and be more like Clara, who is in the gifted program. Francis feels that everything revolves around Clara. Clara is losing her hair and has a big bald spot on her head. Doctors do not seem to be able to help. Mom buys a lot of Chinese herbal medicines, but nothing helps. Francis is lonely both at school and at home. She has a friend, Annie, and they like to go to the library and they like to play tennis together. Francis finally feels like she fits in when she is invited to join the school tennis team. She is a great tennis player. Francis loves to read, and the Nancy Drew books are her favorite.


I loved how strong and resourceful Francis is, and how she goes from not fitting in, to having friends and feeling a sense of belonging. I also loved how Francis went about solving the mystery of her sister's illness. The book is written in verse and is a fast read. I could not put it down. I even brought it in the car just to finish the last few pages! This is definitely a "feel good" story and I highly recommend reading it.           


Ellen-Anita, LMS                                                                   


Blood Mountain by James Preller - OPTIONAL



Blood Mountain by James Preller, 230 pages. Fiewel and Friends (Macmillan), 2019. $17.

Language: PG (4 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: PG


BUYING ADVISORY: MS – OPTIONAL


AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE


Grace, 13yo, and her little brother Carter, 11yo, are hiking up Blood Mountain with their father and dog.  As they race ahead of their father, the unthinkable happens and they become lost.  To make matters worse, Grace falls, leaving Carter to go for help alone, though alone may be safer than what else is out there.  The mountain holds many dangers including an erratic loner living in the wilderness as well as an escaped mountain lion. 


The premise, while not new, has been well researched.  The story was engaging, but the use of present tense was a little off-putting for me.  There’s no violence, but the section on gutting a squirrel was fairly graphic, so hold on to your lunch. 


Michelle in the Middle


Sunday, September 6, 2020

Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd - ADVISABLE


Absolutely Everything
by Christopher Lloyd
, 352 pages. NON-FICTION. What On Earth Publishing, 2018. $22.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

What happened to the dinosaurs? Why is rice more common in Asia than in America? Who invented paper? How was the earth formed? All these answers and more are contained in this book as Lloyd takes readers through history -- from before the earth began until today when you are reading this summary.

Reading this book feels more like a conversation with someone who rambles about a bunch of interesting things rather than a textbook trying to teach you facts. Lloyd goes on relevant tangents as he tells the history of the world as we know it and answers more “why” questions than I would have thought possible in one book, though, unfortunately, he really can’t get to absolutely everything. I am disappointed that Lloyd focuses on the Western world, leaving out the answers for all my questions about the Eastern world, but I enjoyed what he was able to include. Note: I listened to the audiobook, and Lloyd’s British accent definitely makes the book more fun, though it means I missed out on looking at all the illustrations that add more context for readers.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia - ADVISABLE


Teen Titans: Beast Boy
by Kami Garcia
, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. DC Comics, 2020. $17.

Language: PG (18 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Gar Logan is a senior in high school, still picked last in gym class and known for throwing out jokes, but no closer to the popular crowd than he was last year. When Gar makes some risky choices for his fifteen minutes of popularity, he knows it won’t last -- but he didn’t know the consequences.

Beast Boy has always been my favorite Teen Titan, and this modern version of his origin story was fun to read. Garcia keeps the ideas the same but puts Gar in a world with modern technology, giving it a twist for old fans and making him more relatable for new readers. One of my favorite parts is the side message Garcia tells about how to be a good friend -- Stella and Tank watch out for Gar, and he does his best to support them, too.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Friday, September 4, 2020

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust - HIGH


Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
, 336 pages. Flatiron Books, 2020. $16.

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Locked away as the shame of the royal family, Soraya longs to be around people. But she’s poisonous to the touch, constantly endangering anyone who gets close. When an opportunity arises to remove the poison, Soraya will do whatever it takes, whatever the cost.

Every time I thought I knew what was going on, I was proved wrong. Soraya is a heroine like I have never read before, and I think the difference is that she makes more mistakes, things that I would never do but were real struggles for her character. Reading about someone so different from me was compelling, and I enjoyed the messages woven through about consequences, learning from your mistakes, and self-acceptance. The violence rating is for gore. Note: I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Nikki Massoud, does a phenomenal job, changing her voice for different characters and using her voice to surround listeners in the story.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud - OPTIONAL

 


Truly, Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud,
304 pages.  Point Paperpacks (Scholastic), 2019. $10.  

Content: Language: PG (11 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Zora is a driven, service-oriented girl, who during the summer before her senior year, is in a summer program at a prestigious college. While Zora is trying to learn how to raise money for her charity through her classes, she catches the eyes of Owen Whittelsey.  Zora and Owen mistakenly exchange phones, and their relationship is off to a rocky start because Owen is a prince of a small country and attracts a lot of attention wherever he goes. Owen and Zora’s relationship starts to affect both of their lives in different ways, but they still want to see where it will go.  

This is a cute romance with a strong main character, but the side stories about Zora’s family and charity make this book more than just a romance.  This is a clean read, except for the swears (ten of the swears are “God”).  Zora’s character is fully developed, but the romance felt unfinished and less fleshed out. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission by Ridley Pearson - OPTIONAL

 

Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission (Super Sons, #2) by Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Ile Gonzalez, 160 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL DC Comics, 2019.  $10.  


Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL  


AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  


Jon and Ian are the sons of the famous Batman and Superman, but their fathers are busy saving the world elsewhere.  Wyndemere, their city, and Jon’s mom, Lois Lane, are in danger from a virus that is spreading without a known cause.  Jon and Ian join with Tilly and Candace, two girls with their own strengths, to try and find the enemy and be the heroes.  


This is the second book in the series, and much like the first there is a lot of jumbled action.  The book jumps around a lot and there are a lot of story lines going on at the same time, which makes it hard to remember the main story conflict.  The illustrations are appealing and the idea of Batman and Superman’s sons taking on their own challenge is appealing, but I don’t think there is enough to keep readers invested in the series.  


Reviewer, C. Peterson 

Super Sons: The Polarshield Project by Ridley Pearson - OPTIONAL

 

Super Sons: The Polarshield Project (Super Sons, #1) by Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Ile Gonzalez 175 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL  DC Comics, 2019. $10.

Content: Language: G: Mature Content: G: Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Jon Kent, son of Superman, and his mother, Lois Lane, are forced to move to Wyndemere because of global warming and the rise of water on the coastline.  Superman is enlisted to go to Mars and collect dust in an attempt to build a polarshield in the atmosphere to cool the earth.  As Jon is getting used to living in Wyndemere, he quickly learns that not everyone is welcoming the refugees, and Jon joins up with Ian Wayne, Batman’s son, to fight off the unfriendly gangs.  Jon and Ian also meet Tilly and Candance, two girls who help them figure out who is leading the gangs. 

I was excited to read a superhero book with younger heroes and the graphics are well done.  The story line however is all over the place, with poor transitions and multiple characters with multiple stories it was hard to follow.  My eleven-year-old son also read it and said it wasn’t great with too much going on.  The violence is fighting.  


Reviewer, C. Peterson

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Flying in Love by Chalon Linton - OPTIONAL


Flying in Love
by Chalon Linton
, 200 pages. Covenant Communications, 2020. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After surprising her boyfriend gives her the bigger shock, 25yo Paige is nearly run over in the grocery store parking lot. Life isn’t going very well. But then the driver who nearly killed her insists on buying her dinner -- maybe things will get better for Paige after all.

The story is cute, but I couldn’t decide whether or not I was enjoying it as I was reading. Sometimes the characters felt relatable and realistic, but then they would start to feel inauthentic and contrived, and the constant back and forth was distracting. In the end, I think Linton opted to write the characters idealistically instead of realistically, but I also decided it’s okay because sometimes that’s the point of a story.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen