Brides and Brothers by Anneka R. Walker - OPTIONAL

Brides and Brothers by Anneka R. Walker, 288 pages. Covenant Communication, 2021. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aiden has declared that finding a suitable wife in the months before his thirtieth birthday will be easy. Camille needs to find a new place to live by the start of next semester or else move in with her aunt. While brought together in part because of ulterior motives, will Aiden and Camille be strong enough to weather through their storms?

Aiden and Camille make a lot of their own storms unintentionally, and I wonder if they will make sense to readers who are unfamiliar with the film Walker based her book on, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The dramatics and cheesy scenes were fun to read because I could see the parallels of the film, and I loved the adaptations Walker made to modernize the story. While there are a couple applicable principles for relationships, the focus of this book is on how to get everyone to a happy ending, which led to speeding through some solutions awkwardly.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

These Vengeful Hearts by Katherine Laurin - HIGH

These Vengeful Hearts by Katherine Laurin, 336 pages. Inkyard Press, 2020. $19.

Language: R (54 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Ember is a sophomore with a mission: become part of the Red Court. Once she’s part of the feared group that rules Heller High from the shadows, Ember will do everything she can to take them down from the inside. But what is she willing to lose in exchange for success?

Ember might be taking all the risks, but readers are not exempt from the fear of watching her best laid plans fail. My anxiety constantly spiked over when and where the twist would come -- and I knew it was coming. I enjoyed the entertainment of reading Ember’s story as much as I loved how Laurin explores the ugliest emotions possible in a lesson of morality and ethics. Like Ember, you can pinpoint the actions that are incongruent with who you want to be and channel your efforts into something more positive. While it might be embarrassing or bring about consequences you don’t want to face, you will be happier for letting go of the parts of yourself that make you miserable. Mature content rating for underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell - OPTIONAL

To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell, 212 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $15.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Kate has secret plans to be a spinster, for she has seen the pain of love and marriage. However, her father has plans to stop using resources to support Kate. In fact, her father is going to gain resources by selling her hand in marriage to the highest bidder. What if that bidder is a stranger? What if he’s not?

The premise of Kate’s story was exciting, but my expectations went unfulfilled. While I’m not sure what exactly I wanted, I was disappointed by the conflicts which were divided into two categories: repetitive and overly dramatic. Furthermore, I still have unresolved questions. Thornell brings up good points on the topics of forgiveness and love, but the overall story was not great.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Out of the Fire by Andrea Contos - NO

Out of the Fire by Andrea Contos, 323 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $17

 Language: R (80 swears, 35 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (sexting mentioned, sexual abuse briefly mentioned, teens making out and smoking); Violence: PG (Dead body, fights and guns)

 BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Ever since 17yo Cassandra Adams was kidnapped 5 months ago, her life took a turn for the worst. Not to mention, 3 months ago her mother disappeared, not wanting to be found. While she narrowly escaped her kidnappers grasp, she didn't have any clue who it was or why they choose her to kidnap. Lost and confused, Cassandra meets three other girls who understand what it's like to be misunderstood and there a friendship is made. 

Contos tries, but ultimately fails, to create a novel of suspension and mystery. I found that every plot twist was predictable and sadly this book had more plot holes then twists. I liked how it discusses topics of misogyny, abuse and racism and how victims are often marginalized and ignored. I just didn't feel for any of the characters - I didn't sympathize for any of them. Each of them was forgettable and bland. Out of the Fire is a lower than average book with a weak plot and even weaker characters. 

 Kenzie Hoehne, 11th grade, student reviewer 

Summer of Brave by Amy Noelle Parks - ADVISABLE

Summer of Brave by Amy Noelle Parks, 232 pages. Albert Whitman and Company, 2021. $17 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Lilla Baxter-Willoughby does not lie, she just keeps a lot of things to herself. She does not tell her divorced parents how much she hates moving between their two apartments - having two bedrooms, but not really a place that is hers.  Lilla also keeps peace with her best friend and does not tell Vivi that she got the junior camp counselor job that Vivi wanted. Lilla is worried her life will be ruined if she starts saying how she really feels and what she really wants. During this summer of brave, Lilla and her best friends have a dare to write down every time they tell a lie or an omission. Lilla comes to realize that she tells way more lies (by omission) than she realized she did. She almost buckles under all the pressure from her parents, the camp counselor and her friends. She finally comes up with a brilliant way to let everybody know. 

I loved this book! I would recommend it to all students, 5th grade and up. Definitely a MUST READ. I could not put this book down. For me, it was a one-sitting read.

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Traitors Among Us by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - ADVISABLE

 Traitors Among Us by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, 264 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $8. 

Content: PG (some torture) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Maria and Krystia thought they were finally safe in an American Zone refugee camp in Germany. However, one night some Soviet enforcers arrive and basically kidnap the girls after Sophie, the Hitler’s Youth daughter from the Huber farm, outs their hiding place. Now they and Sophie and a father/son pair have been dragged to the Soviet Zone and interrogated by the brutal guards. Not only do the Soviets despise the Nazis, they also can’t stand the idea that anyone who should “belong to them”, should try to find a new life for themselves. All of the new prisoners are desperate to escape, but it will take cunning and luck to survive. 

I love the new dimensions that Skrypuch has added to the WWII story. The arc of the Marie/Krystia story has been entertaining and educational. Just the right amount of tension. I do hope the girls have finally found a safe refuge! 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko - ADVISABLE

 Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko, 275 pages. Katherine Tegen (Harper), 2021. $17. 9780063044609 

Content: G (some scares) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Zee and her older sister, Abby, had been keeping it together since their father took on a long haul trucking job upstate, but it’s been a while since he came home. And now the queen mean girl at school, Nellie, has ramped up her verbal bullying and gets Zee suspended when she can’t take it any more. Then a huge storm kicks up and a new principal rolls in – Principal Scratch. Zee immediately dislikes him, but no one else in the whole town will listen to her warnings – except her best frirnd, Elijah, and evil Nellie. They will have to defeat Scratch on their own. 

While definitely dark in places, Ghost Girl reminds me of a really good Buffy episode. Your readers who love ghost stories will embrace it. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

It's Girls Like You, Mickey by Patti Kim - ESSENTIAL

 It's Girls Like You, Mickey by Patti Kim, 233 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mickey has always had a lot of confidence, but this year she is nervous about starting 7th grade. Her best friend Ok moved. Mickey and Ok have kept up their friendship by writing letters and postcards to each other. Who will she sit by at lunch? Things look better when a new Korean girl is placed in her class, Sun Joo. Soon they are best friends and do everything together. Mickey and Sun Joo get into some hilarious situations as Mickey tries to teach Sun Joo English and Sun Joo tries to teach Mickey some Korea. One day Sydney, the mean girl, decides that she will be Sun Joo's friend. Mickey feels bad. Can they work this out? Can they all three be friends? Mickey's mom smokes too much and Mickey is trying to get her to stop that bad habit. Mickey also takes care of her younger brother, Benny. When mom loses her job, what will they do? 

I laughed out loud and I also shed some tears. Mickey is spunky and she has guts and grits. Mickey is not afraid to just be herself. She helps her mom, takes care of her brother and she is sure her dad has left for good. The story is well written, characters and strong and believable. I could not put this book down. I felt like I was ""right there"" with Mickey. This was a powerful book and the author writes 7th grade girls so well!

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School Success - OPTIONAL

 The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin, illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop. 129 pages. NON-FICTION/CHAPTER BOOK. Magination Press, 2021. $15. 9781433833755

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS -- OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Journal prompts, chapter challenges, and helpful tips and tricks begin each chapter of this handbook to how to best handle homework challenges. Short pop-up blurbs from illustrated characters share encouragement and wisdom from their own experience. 

Written specifically for students who are blessed with the challenges of ADHD, there is a lot of information on each page and in each chapter. But therein lies a potential problem: there is A LOT of information on each page! If staying focused and on task is already a challenge, reading through the vast amount of text in this book may prove to be more than many readers are up for, especially if reading this book is on top of homework they already have! 

Keri, elementary school teacher 

Into the Bloodred Woods by Martha Brockenbrough - NO

Into the Bloodred Woods by Martha Brockenbrough, 354 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $16. 

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (sexual harassment, ; Violence: PG-13 (Bloody fights, described torture) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Meet two royal siblings- Ursula and Albrecht. Ursula is a were. She can transform into a bear at will- and she was firstborn. Due to these facts all her life she was trained to be the queen but Albercht wants the crown for himself. Due to Albrecht's intense bias against the were people he fears that once Ursula becomes queen the were people will become more superior. With a kingdom on the brink of a civil war what they need is a strong leader whether that be Albercht or Ursula it is unknown. 

 I actually finished this book rather fast. The writing is fast-paced and easy to read but also sloppy. The descriptions I found were rather empty and passionless. I love fairy tale re-tellings and how they bring a sort of familiarity into the story but this book fell flat in that sense. The plot seemed like the author just tried to shove in as many fairy tales as possible which wasn't enjoyable because it just seemed there was no creative plotline or story idea. 

Kenzie Hoehne, 11th grade, Student Reviewer 

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong - OPTIONAL

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong, 439 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon), 2020. $15. 

Language: R (32 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (several innuendos, nothing on page); Violence: R (bloody, descriptive violence, including gun use) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Shanghai in 1926 may look like all pleasure and glam but just below the surface it is a city divided by the blood feud between the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers not to mention the strange sickness that has tainted the land. The Scarlet Gang- led by the Cai family has been in control over the city for generations and their heiress, Juliette Cai intends to keep it that way. Meanwhile the White Flowers have been slowly gaining traction- and have taken over at least half of the city and Roma Monatov- the heir of the White Flowers is willing to do whatever it takes for the greater good. With the strange sickness or Madness infecting the city Roma and Juliette must come together and investigate its cure before everyone they've ever loved succumbs to it. 

I adore Romeo and Juliet as a classic and I love when authors twist this classic love tale but this specific retelling I found hard to grow fond of. I thought the characters had realism and life- it was nice to see a flawed main character and watch her grow. Alas, the plot was not as driven or inspired as I was hoping. I often found myself in ruts where I just had to push through this one chapter because nothing really happened. Also the world building was slightly confusing and I found myself wondering what time period/historical context the author wanted me to be in. 

Kenzie Hoehne, Grade 11, Student Reviewer 

Deadman's Castle by Iain Lawrence - ADVISABLE

Deadman's Castle by Iain Lawrence, 243 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2021. $18. 

Language: G (no swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG 

 BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When 12yo Igor was little, his father witnessed a horrible crime and his family has been on the run and hiding ever since. His father said the man after them, who he refers to as the Lizard Man, is determined to get revenge. This last move feels different, however, and Igor would like nothing better than to go to school and manages, with his mom's help, to convinces his father to let him go. For the first time, he is meeting new people, making friends and living a normal life, but his father still acts paranoid about everything and is convinced the Lizard Man is going to find them. He makes them keep the doors locked and the blinds down, will hardly let them go outside or talk to anyone, and swears them all to secrecy. Igor's friend, Angelo, can tell something is up and, after a little persuasion, Igor tells him why his father acts the way he does. Angelo says his father is crazy and probably made the whole thing up, and now Igor is beginning to wonder if that is true. Is the Lizard Man real? 

So, take a mystery, some suspense and the perfect amount of scary, add in good friends and an ending that wraps up nicely, and you have a great middle school book. It was a quick read, I was engaged throughout and, at times, also wondered if the Lizard Man was real. 

Reviewer: RB 

Accused: My Story of Injustice (I, Witness) by Adama Bah - ADVISABLE

Accused: My Story of Injustice (I, Witness) by Adama Bah, 102 pages. NON-FICTION. Norton Young Readers, 2021. $17. 9781324016632

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content PG-13 (genital mutilation, strip searches); Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Adama Bah immigrated from Guinea and grew up in East Harlem. Adama felt like an American until 9/11 happened. There is strong anti-Muslim sentiment and her world is upended three years later when FBI agents arrest her and father for being potential suicide bombers. Adama spends week in a detention center, is repeatedly strip searched and doesn’t ever go public with her story for fear of being jailed or sent back to Guinea. She is forced to wear an ankle bracelet and her father is deported, leaving Adama to drop out of school to provide for her family. 

Sad and timely, Adama’s experience shows how quickly freedoms can be taken away when fear and prejudice prevail. Very short, at only 84 pages of her actual story and printed in large print. Interesting but almost too brief, it is a good exercise in empathy and compassion. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience by Salvador Gomez-Colon - OPTIONAL

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience (I, Witness) by Salvador Gomez-Colon, 106 pages. NON-FICTION. Norton Young Readers, 2021. $17. 9781324016656 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Salvador turned 15 years old just 18 days before Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico in 2017. Seeing the devastation to people in his country motivated Salvador to found Light and Hope for Puerto Rico, which raised over $100,000 to purchase and distribute solar-powered lams and hand-powered washing machines to those in need. 

 Salvador is a great example, but at only 83 pages and large text print dealing directly with his story, this reads more like an essay than a book. Good story, but it left me wanting more. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Visitor by K.S. Applegate, Michael Grant and Chris Grine - HIGH

 The Visitor (Animorphs, The Graphic Novel #2) , by K.S. Applegate, Michael Grant and Chris Grine, 202 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $13. 9781338538373

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Earth is secretly under attack by parasitic aliens called Yeerks. Rachel and her friends could be the planet’s only defense since they stumbled upon a downed spacecraft that gave them the power to morph into any animals they touch. Mr. Chapman, their assistant principal is a human host to a high ranking Yeerk and seems to be their best lead. Rachel takes the lead on this one, but getting closer to the Yeerk leader is dangerous. 

Good graphics will make this book appealing to a whole new group of readers. This is an ongoing storyline, so be prepared for it to continue. Tense and full of action, this should make fans happy. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue - HIGH

Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue, 218 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin Random House. 2021. $21. 

 Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Katie is desperately trying to raise money to attend summer camp with her friends. She tries a variety of jobs until she gets a gig cat sitting not one or two cats, but 217 of them! These are no ordinary cats and their owner may not be who she appears to be either. Katie has to deal with unruly cats, their owner who may or may not be a super villain, and try to save a friendship by getting to summer camp. 

This is a delightful romp through a universe that has weird and wonderful super villains and heroes. I love that Katie and her mother have a great relationship and that friendships change and that’s okay. Katie grows as a character and I will definitely want to read the next book, though this one ended very satisfactorily. Humor makes this fun. Caution, if your couch goes missing, check for cats. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Manu by Kelly Fernandez - ADVISABLE

Manu by Kelly Fernandez, 192 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $13. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - AVERAGE 

Manu is taken in by nuns as a baby. The nuns run a school of magic for girls, who are witchlings. Manu’s magic is pretty powerful and the headmistress believes she has the potential to help other people with it, though Manu would rather use it for pranks. When one prank goes bad, Manu’s best friend, Josefina wishes for Manu’s magic to disappear. Manu uses a dangerous spell to bring it back, but the spell brings back more than just the magic she bargained for. 

 The author draws from her Dominican Republic background and weaves Spanish words and culture into Manu’s story that makes this appealing. There are instances of demonic possession and Manu and Josephina are attracted to each other. There is a wide-open door for another book as Manu struggles to find who she really is and how she fits in. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Dennis Brutus: Poet and Political Activist by Craig Ellenport - ADVISABLE

Dennis Brutus: Poet and Political Activist (Discovering History's Heroes) by Craig Ellenport, 133 pages. NON-FICTION/BIOGRAPHY. Aladdin (Simon), 2021. $19. 978-1534462366 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (reference to beatings, protests, gun shots)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Dennis Brutus was a South African poet and political activist. He was imprisoned for his work to end segregation in South African athletics, spending time in jail with symbol of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela. Later, Brutus left South Africa, but he never left the fight to end inequalities. 

This is a well-written biographical sketch of a man who did many great things, but is not well known for his efforts or his life. Written as informational text, it may be difficult for readers to connect with the story of Dennis Brutus, as it reads a bit dry despite the dramatic and important events of Brutus' life. 

 Keri, elementary school teacher 

Copycat Science by Mike Barfield - ADVISABLE

 Copycat Science by Mike Barfield, 96 pages. NON-FICTION. QED Publishing, 2020. $16. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Ten categories of STEM topics are explored through the example and examination of what many famous scientists, engineers, and mathematicians have already done throughout history to discover the way things work. Illustrated as a comic strip, each historic figure is described with a brief biography, followed by a companion page that depicts step-by-step directions to explore one of their experiments on your own. The content of this book is both engaging and educational. The wording is clear, and the experiments are all feasible for young (and old) scientists alike. Even if one were not to try any of the experiments, their descriptions add to the understanding of how great each of these people were in the development of their field.. 

My third graders found the material a bit above their comprehension level, but were fascinated by the illustrations of the experiments; they are so clear and understandable that even students this young could use the book to guide their own STEM activities. 

Keri, elementary school teacher and her third grade students 

Big Brain Book by Leanne Boucher Gill - OPTIONAL

 Big Brain Book: How it Works and All its Quirks by Leanne Boucher Gill, Phd, 224 pages. NON-FICTION. Magination Press, 2021. $25. 9781433830457 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

This is, indeed, a big book about the brain and how it works. There are three sections to the book which are further separated into short chapters, each of which is written to answer a specific question about the brain. There are a multitude of text features to help guide the reader through, as well as a final short summary and a "Now What?" section to invite further exploration of the chapter topic. A well thought out, well laid out, well designed book, this is incredibly eye-catching. It is also extremely informative. It is, however, large, wordy, and likely to appeal only to a very narrow audience. It is described as being written for kids who are interested in the brain, and it has met its mark in every way. It isn't an overly easy or generally appealing book to most elementary or middle school readers, unless they have a specific reason to want to research or learn more about the brain. 

Keri, elementary school teacher 

The Friendship Book, by Wendy L. Moss - OPTIONAL

The Friendship Book by Wendy L. Moss, Phd, 143 pages. NON-FICTION. Magination Press, 2021. $15. 9781433832291 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A guide to help one understand and develop the skills, habits, and ability necessary to friendship, this book is filled with multiple examples of how others have made and kept friends. True to life situations are presented throughout the book. Related questions and answers are examined, with the hope that the reader will appreciate and apply the principles laid out in this book with success. 

This book is extremely wordy. And long. And clinical. My heart breaks for the person who picks up this book with the intent to learn something about friendship because that person is obviously seeking for something incredibly important, and will likely only exacerbate the problem by spending time alone, reading this book. The magic friendship pill or formula isn't to be found in any of these many chapters. 

Keri, elementary school teacher 

All These Warriors by Amy Tintera - HIGH

All These Warriors (Monsters #2) by Amy Tintera, 336 pages. Clarion Books, 2021. $18.

Language: R (117 swears, 8 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

17yo Clara might only be months older from when she joined the international squad to fight scrabs, but she isn’t the same person anymore. Clara can now kill scrabs without flinching, have ten-minute long conversations with her brother, and joke around with friends that she made. If only Clara could solve the mysteries of how to defeat the scrabs and heal the wounds Julian left in her life -- then everything would be perfect.

Tintera doesn’t beat around the bush; even if it’s been a while since you read the prequel, Tintera drops readers right back into Clara’s story. I was just as engaged in and excited about Clara’s life as I was when I needed this sequel months ago because I finished All These Monsters. Clara and the other characters around her are so real and relatable that I forget they are only imaginary friends. I love Clara and her determination to succeed despite what she believes are her failures, and I love the support she gets from the family she has made for herself. I’m happy that I didn’t have to wait for another sequel to come out, but I’m devastated that the story is over. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and partial nudity; the violence rating is for blood and gore.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen