Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs - ADVISABLE

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs, 288 pages. Sourcebooks, 2021. $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (injuries described, death of a child, war) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1913 Mexico, 12yo Petra has lost almost everything. Her mother died shortly after her baby brother was born, and her father has been forced to fight for the Federales in the Mexican Revolution. Living with Abuela, her sister and baby brother was hard enough, but when they are forced out of their home - which is burned - Petra and her family cross the desert looking for a safe place, hoping to possibly end up in the United States. 

A heart breaking refugee story, showing the difficulties faced by Mexican immigrants over 100 years ago. I liked that Petra was old enough to take on family responsibilities, but still a young narrator elementary and middle school readers could relate to. She is resilient and responsible and makes some pretty tough choices. Based on events experienced by Dobbs great-grandmother, I'm so glad I read the author's note - I loved hearing about her research and the importance of not only telling your stories, but the connections we make when we listen to our grandparents. 

Lisa Librarian

Danger Unknown by Kathi Oram Peterson - ADVISABLE

Danger Unknown by Kathi Oram Peterson, 264 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Gerald has found Brooke again, which means she and Izzy need to leave tonight – now. Waking up from his recurring nightmare of his time in Iraq, Michael finds a little girl on his doorstep who leads him to her mother in a wrecked car. As Michael tries to help Brooke, he knows that she is hiding something, but Brooke can’t worry about this kind stranger who doesn’t understand how close Gerald is to catching them.

I was all in from the first page of Brooke’s story. Peterson reveals the complicated situation slowly throughout the book, keeping readers on edge as they wait to uncover the truth with Michael and Brooke. Watching the characters heal and grow during their challenges rather than waiting until the issues were resolved offers hope that the same will happen for readers in our own lives. The mature content rating is for mention of alcohol abuse and illegal activities; the violence rating is for persistent gun use and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South by Wade Hudson - OPTIONAL

Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South by Wade Hudson, 258 pages. NON-FICTION Crown Books for Young Readers, 2021. $18.  

Language: PG (5 swears); Mature Content: PG (refers to illicit relationship); Violence: PG-13 (Black man hunted down and shot, Emmitt Till's death, missing Civil Rights workers, 16th Street bombing-nothing graphic, but upsetting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS- OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Wade is a young Black child growing up in the South during the 1950's and 1960's. The story starts when he is in kindergarten and goes through his time in college. He has a close, big family and tight-knit community. He enjoys school, church and baseball but is aware of the segregation and social unrest happening around him. He works hard and goes to college, where he becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

I wanted to love this book because I love reading about the Civil Rights Movement and I enjoyed Warriors Don't Cry and This Promise of Change, but this book fell flat for many reasons. First, it is choppy and lacks a chronological storyline.  Second, the beginning is slow and detailed without building any depth for any of the characters. Third, when Hudson talks about the Civil Rights movement or some of the historical events surrounding it, he doesn't explain the events and assumes his readers have the background knowledge that go with the events. Overall, I was bored and right when the events would get interesting, like when he got arrested, it was glossed over. All of the characters in this book are Black, including the main character, Wade Hudson.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg - HIGH

This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg, 400 pages. Flatiron Books, 2022. $19.

Language: R (78 swears, 18 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Poppy (17yo) has been known as Katie for the weeks spent in Illinois. Now they're moving again, but it doesn’t feel the same as past moves; her parents are more on edge. Poppy tries to just be happy about finally seeing California and about the bits of freedom her dad is allowing, but the secrets her parents keep loom larger here – and the answers she’s always wanted to know feel within reach.

Poppy’s desire to know who she is and her longing for freedom to make her own choices are relatable struggles, and I felt connected with her in the first few pages. I wanted to know the truth just as much as Poppy did – the suspense nearly choking both of us – and I hope Weisenberg is already working on a sequel because I’m not ready to let Poppy go. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, mention of drug use and alcoholism, illegal activity, intense make out scenes, partial nudity, and mentions of sex and nude photos. The violence rating is for gun use, manslaughter, and mention of suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansen - OPTIONAL

The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansen, 235 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2022. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Berg the giant wanders alone, trading for the food he needs, but Berg really wants to be friends with the people who chase him away. They hurt Berg when they call him “Ünhold,” the name of a terrible giant. If only Berg could show them that he isn’t like Ünhold, then maybe they would be kind to Berg and let him stay.

The young giant, Berg, is simple in language and desire, and the simplicity is what makes his story relatable. His is a tale of belonging, of struggling to understand why what he thinks of as kindness is rejected by people, of wondering if he can be true to himself as well as the demands of those that are willing to call themselves his friend. Hansen writes beautifully in the descriptive way of Berg’s simpler language to illustrate this fantasy world from Berg’s point of view, but there are pieces of the story that don't make sense to me. The violence rating is for repeated attacks and death.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day - OPTIONAL

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day, 250 pages. Heartdrum (Harper Collins), 2021. $17 Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For 12yo Maisie, ballet was everything. But she's been working on recovering from a painful knee injury for months now and her hopes of dancing again in time to audition for summer ballet camps or even fall classes are dwindling. The longer it takes, the more anxious and moody she becomes. Soon she's ghosting her best friend, and hurting the people who love her the most. 

Maisie's little brother Conner is the comic relief to this serious story of a girl struggling with disappointment, mental illness and chronic pain. Middle grade readers will enjoy the friend drama and the optimistic ending. Maisie is a Native American. 

Lisa Librarian

Bargaining for the Barrister by Anneka R. Walker - OPTIONAL

Bargaining for the Barrister by Anneka R. Walker, 240 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Louisa is looking to marry someone who is not in need of her dowry, which is why she agrees to a matchmaking scheme. Paul, however, feels he is not yet ready to marry because he cannot afford to do so. His reluctance to marry coupled with his friends’ desire to dissuade their mothers from further attempts at matchmaking results in determination to drive away whoever the girl may be – even when Paul starts to see potential in the match.

Walker’s romance was a flurry of ridiculous situations, in an amusing way. I laughed aloud at the cheesy lines and awkward ideas that the characters seemed intent on following through with. The best part was when open communication stopped the madness and allowed for the happily ever after – as it often does. The mature content rating is for discussions of reputations being ruined, and the violence rating is for mentions of child abuse and neglect.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Wakers by Orson Scott Card - ADVISABLE

Wakers by Orson Scott Card, 400 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $20.

Language: PG13 (22 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Laz (17yo) wakes up alone in a box in a lab. Getting out of his box shows that there are other boxes with people in them, but they’re dead. Leaving the lab only raises more questions when Laz discovers that he’s the only living person in the city and that there isn’t any writing anywhere – no books, no magazines, no ads, no trash. Is this all a coincidence, or is someone putting Laz through this on purpose?

Orson Scott Card has done it again – need I say more? Somehow, Card is able to strike a balance between complicated plots and scifi imaginings without overwhelming his readers. While I can’t honestly say that everything made sense and none of the theorizing went over my head, the questions that I have compelled me to keep reading to figure out the answers. I have enough questions left for a sequel to be a welcome continuation, but the ending of Wakers is also conclusive enough to be satisfying and let me ponder my remaining questions on my own. The mature content rating is for nudity and innuendo; the violence rating is for descriptions of corpses.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young - ESSENTIAL

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young, 362 pages. Heartdrum (Harper Collins), 2021. $17 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; (child offered alcohol) Violence: PG (Fight, injuries, peril). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

11yo Nathan is spending the summer with his grandmother (Nali) in her mobile home on the Navajo reservation. 3 months without electricity or running water may be inconvenient, but he's got a science experiment (growing corn) and is excited to spend time with Nali and his Uncle Jet. One evening, while trying to figure out what is stealing his corn seeds, Nathan finds a Holy Being - a water monster from the Navajo Creation story. The water monster is sick, and Nathan, who is able to communicate with the Holy Beings, is charged with undertaking a dangerous task to help him. But the timing conflicts with a special ceremony for Uncle Jet - and Nathan needs to choose between helping his new friend and being there for his uncle. 

An amazing adventure, full of magic, tradition and family. I started telling people how much I loved this book before I was even finished. It catches the reader right away and the adventure is fast paced and exciting. Contains a lot of Navajo, but includes a glossary - I didn't need to use it, as Youngs writing has put everything in context. The author's note talks about how careful he was as a storyteller to respect the Holy Beings, and how traditional stories are special and sacred. Young's debut middle grade novel will appeal to the fans of Riordan's "Lightning Thief" and Calejo's "Charlie Hernandez." I know my students will love "Healer of the Water Monster." 

Lisa Librarian

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper - ESSENTIAL

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Carolrhoda Books (Lerner,) 2021. $18. 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma had a thriving African American community called Greenwood. Separated from the white community of Tulsa by railroad tracks, Greenwood was independent - with its own schools, hospitals, churches, everything a prospering town needs. Until the residents were attacked by angry white men who killed hundreds and burned down the whole town, leaving thousands homeless. 

Floyd Cooper's illustrations are magnificent - a beautiful tribute to the town  of Greenwood, and to his grandfather who grew up there. As we just passed the anniversary year, I have seen (and purchased) several books about the Massacre for my library, but this is the best. Accessible to every student, the text is straightforward and simply told. Unspeakable addresses the successes and the spirit of the people of Greenwood. It's a positive book recounting a terrible event. A must have for your school library.

Lisa Librarian

Red, White and Whole by Rajani Larocca - ADVISABLE

Red, White and Whole by Rajani Larocca, 213 pages. Quill Tree Books (Harper Collins), 2021 $18.00 

Language: G - (no swears);

Mature Content: G;

Violence: PG (medical discussions - mostly blood related.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Reha lives in 2 worlds - at home, she's Indian - her parents immigrated from India before she was born. they are very strict about school and have high expectations that Reha will do well. But at school, Reha wants to be a regular middle school kid, worried about much the same things as other middle schoolers, her clothes, friends, boys, dances, but because there are so few students like Reha, she feels like she doesn't really fit in at school.  When her mom is diagnosed with Leukemia, her home world starts to crumble. She thinks that maybe being the perfect daughter will make everything OK, but soon she realizes that what his needed most is the support of her friends and her family - but accepting that support is so hard.

Set in 1983, I loved all the references to movies, music, MTV, even videotape! Funny how so much has changed in the last 40 years, but how much stays the same - family relationships, friendships, even middle school. Her mother's Leukemia journey was heartbreaking; Reha feeling like she could make things different, and having to accept the way things were.  I think that both culturally and socially (dealing with cultural differences, having a parent with a life threatening diagnosis) my students would enjoy it. However, I do wish it wasn't in verse - that's such a hard sell for middle school students,

Lisa Librarian

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer - OPTIONAL

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer, 397 pages. Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins), 2021. $18 

Language: R (8 swears 12 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (sexual situations, reference to watching soft porn); Violence: PG-13 (injuries, gore, disturbing descriptions, peril). 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Ambrose wakes up on board the spaceship Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of the launch. The OS system is comforting and sounds just like his mother. Ambrose is not eager to get working on the necessary repairs he's been trained to perform, but then he meets the other astronaut, 17yo Kodiak. At first Kodiak is distant (and brooding) but eventually the two find that working together may be the only way they will survive the voyage and the rescue mission to save Ambrose's sister Minerva. 

Space, mystery, romance, thriller all wrapped up in 1 LGBT YA Science fiction novel. The romance was steamy, but not the most important part of the story. The twists and turns were unexpected and exciting, sometimes troubling, and occasionally funny. I do think, however, that the characters read older than 17, and that this may also be of interest to adult readers - there's no plot related reason for them to be quite that young - except maybe "first love?"

Lisa Librarian

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll - ESSENTIAL

A Kind of Spark: Being different doesn't mean your voice doesn't count by Elle McNicoll, 179 pages. Penguin Random House, 2020. $17 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Bullying, verbal abuse, used of the “r” word) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Addie is Autistic. She's very smart, loves to read and wants to be a good student, but her teacher, Mrs. Murphy, has no patience with Addie, tearing up her writing and treating her differently than the other students. When Mrs. Murphy tells the class about Witch Trials that happened in their Scottish Village over 300 years ago, one of the students says Addie would have been killed then as well, and Mrs. Murphy laughs along with the others. No wonder Addie has meltdowns in class. Eager to learn more about the witch trials, Addie reads what she can in the library and, feeling a kinship with them, decides to ask the Village Council to erect a memorial to the witches. Although she is told no, Addie is undaunted. She won't give up until they take her seriously, and not set her ideas aside because she is autistic. 

I’m so happy to see more books about neurodiverse kids, where they are the main character. Addie is great, I loved her right away. It was difficult to read about Ms. Murphy’s treatment of Addie. I liked the realistic depiction of middle grade friendships, and unfortunately the bullying was typical as well, children can be very mean to each other, especially when they see similar behavior from the adults in their lives. McNicol’s "ownvoice" debut is engaging, heart breaking and perfect for upper elementary or middle grade students.

Lisa Librarian

Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzie Lee - OPTIONAL

Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzie Lee, 432 pages. Marvel Press (Disney), 2021. $10 (paperback)

Language: G (0 swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: PG (implied sex); Violence: PG_13 (zombies, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Loki’s only friend in all of Asgard, is Amora, a sorceress in training.  When Odin sees a terrible vision in the God’s Eye Mirror, the pair actually destroy the mirror when they try to see the vision for themselves. Amora is banished to Earth, where her magic will eventually drain away and she will die. Years later, Odin send Loki to Earth, because he has received a plea for help – too many murders through what seem to be magical means.  Who should Loki find at the heart of the murders – Amora.

I will give Loki try, but I have had little success getting my students interested in books based on Marvels, Star Wars, or Star Trek. Loki has that spark of mischief and sarcasm that does appeal to a certain group of students. The book is good – I’m just afraid the interest level will be low.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Conductors by Nicole Glover - OPTIONAL

The Conductors by Nicole Glover, 432 pages. Harper, 2021. $10 (paperback).

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (married relations, undescribed); Violence: PG-13 (murders)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Hetty and her husband Benji used their magic skills to first escape their slavery in the South and helped others escape as conductors on the Underground Railroad.  Now, after the War, they live in Philadelphia.  When one of their friends is brutally murdered, Hetty and Benji are determined to find the culprit.  As they search, however, they unlock secrets that are perhaps best left hidden. They also find out who their real friends, and real loves, are.

Glover weaves in so much, that is hard to describe the narrative well.  There is Black magic – sorcery, and magic for whites – celestial, which uses wands.  Though I was presented this as a YA book, it really is for adult readers – Hetty and Benji are married, there are no teenagers in the book.  It is, however appropriate for YA, content-wise.  Just for older students. All of the main characters and most of the secondary characters are Black.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Bluebird by Sharon Cameron - ADVISABLE

Bluebird by Sharon Cameron, 464 pages. Scholastic, 2021. $19.

Language: PG (13 swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: PG (vengeance, Nazis); Violence: PG-13 (deaths and guns)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Eva may have left the horrors of Germany and the war behind, but she has come to America with a purpose – revenge. The Nazi who was in charge of Project Bluebird – an experiment with terrible consequences – 27 of them – must pay for his crimes, and Eva seems to be the only one who cares. The few allies she has will help all they can, but if the American government wants to save him for their own purposes, is she willing to go all the way – risk her own life to end his?

Cameron’s Bluebird feels like a companion to Code Name Verity in layers and complexity. Older students who love Holocaust-related books will love its depth. Project Bluebird is a real, but very murky WWII program. Cameron uses her skills to flesh out its possibilities.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Trusting True North by Gina Linko - ADVISABLE

Trusting True North by Gina Linko, 176 pages. Shadow Mountain, APRIL 2022.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (fights mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Since the virus struck, 10yo True feels like she is responsible for her family – her younger brother has bad asthma, her older sister has retreated into her cell phone, her dad is busy at the hospital, working long hours as a nurse, and her mother is on the other side of the border – in Canada – so, Mom can’t help at home. Not understanding really why she should remain distanced for others, True creates a treasure hunt for Georgie, which not only leads them to a neighbor’s barn which has kittens (!), but also they find Kyler, a bigger boy who has been labeled a bully. When Kyler contracts the virus, True feels like there is no one she can turn to – she must solve the problem herself.

I think Linko has done a great job of reflecting the concerns of many families who felt they have had to navigate lockdowns, absent parents, overworked parents, and more during Covid times. When parents are overworked, who can children really turn to?  A sweet book that reads as modern history. True and her family are white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson - ADVISABLE

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson, 336 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2021. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (fantasy danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Poppy loves her family’s bookshop Rhyme and Reason.  She knows how important it is for them to keep to their mission – welcome readers from all over the world and all throughout time, but never use the magic for themselves.  They are centered in 1944 Ney York. But something is wrong with the bookshop – the magic isn’t working correctly, and something evil seems to be seeping in.  Her older brother, Al, has been distraught since his best friend was killed in the current war, but would Al really endanger all that they have to find a way to use time for himself? Poppy will to be brave, to find allies, and step forward into danger in order to save all that she loves.

If you have a group of students who love fantasy books centered on bookshops, like Pages and Co, they will enjoy Poppy’s bravery and sheer gumption. It does get a bit dark – especially when more secrets are uncovered, but we all love a bit or direness and anger, right?

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Splendor by Breeana Shields - ADVISABLE

The Splendor by Breeana Shields, 330 pages. Page Streeet Kids, 2021. $16. 9781645673224

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Juliette was happy when her older sister Clare went to The Splendor for a week of pampering.  But ever since Clare returned, things just haven’t been the same. Juliette is determined to enter The Splendor herself and unearth its secrets.  What Juliette doesn’t know is the Henri, the beautiful boy who is her guide for the week, is also there to distract her.  The Splendor not has secrets, but it also wants YOUR secrets!

A must read for students who love old-world glamour with a hint of scandal thrown in. The beauty of The Splendor is nicely set off by its dark underbelly. Shields should write of this type of book.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero by E. Lockhart, art by Manuel Preitano - ADVISABLE

Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero by E. Lockhart, art by Manuel Preitano, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL DC Comics, 2021. $17.

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16yo Willow Zimmerman wants the city to better fund her high school, so she protests on the steps every morning before school. She wants to change things for the better, but she can't change what's going on at home. Money is super tight because her mom and sick, and even her late night job at the animal shelter barely makes a dent in the bills, let alone the food budget and mom's medical needs. But when a mysterious puzzle box arrives at her house it leads her to her mother's friend E. Nigma, who wants to give Willow a job, one that pays a lot more than the shelter. But it's not completely legal, and she will have to keep it all from her mom (who might not be too happy E. Nigma is back in their lives.) But when she and her dog are bitten by a monster "Killer Croc" Willow discovers she has super powers! 

I liked this origin story. I have to say, I didn't know who Whistle was, but I recognized other characters from the Gotham City like the Riddler and Poison Ivy. I look forward to following her other adventures. Comic book type violence and just a little swearing, it's best for middle school / high school readers.

Lisa Librarian

Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Miho Satake - ADVISABLE

Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Miho Satake - Translated from Japanese by Avery Fischer Udagawa, 232 pages. First Restless Books, 2021. $18 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (children in peril, animal attack). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Stuck inside at recess, 5th grader Kazu and his friends are trying to find their streets on an ancient map, and Kazu discovers his street name has changed. It used to be called Kimyo Temple Alley. Temple? He didn't know there used to be a Temple on his street! And Kimyo means "back from the dead" But when he starts asking some of the older community members about it, they seem to ask him more questions than they answer. Now, there's a new girl living in a house near his, a girl he saw come out of his own house in the middle of the night. Could she be a ghost "back from the dead?" A series of emails with his uncle confirms that there is a connection between his house/family and this Kimyo Temple, but Kazu soon finds out the truth is hard to discover, and lives may be at stake. 

What a terrific ghost story! Not scary or creepy all, but mysterious and exciting. Kazu is a feisty kid, not afraid to tell off an adult when he feels he can get away with it. There's a story within the story, a fairy tale of sorts that was also really good. I struggled a bit initially engaging with the cultural references, as I have limited knowledge of Japanese customs, but the story pulled together quickly and I found myself immersed. Sachiko Kashiwaba is a renowned children's author in Japan, I'm so happy to see "Temple Alley Summer" translated and available for US readers, too. 

Lisa Librarian

Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher - HIGH

Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher, 320 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2022. $19.

Language: R (34 swears, 16 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Victim to small-town life, Weston knows about the rumors that started to follow him after his parents’ divorce. Anna feels like Weston is her last chance to keep her part in the high school marching band and convinces him to help her. But Anna is also suffering as she struggles with the expectations the small town has for her. Connected by music and honesty, Weston and Anna hope for understanding and healing.

Reading this book is what hope tastes like. From the first page, I was engulfed by Weston’s hope; Anna’s hope soon joined it, but their hope also became mine. I felt with them. And then things started to look like they were wrapping up, but I had too much of the book left for it to really be over. Schumacher gutted me when the last conflict presented itself. I don’t even know how I’m supposed to life after closing this book. It was beautiful, and I treasure its reading. The mature content is for drug use and implied sex.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

RBG’s Brave and Brilliant Women by Nadine Epstein - AVERAGE

RBG’s Brave and Brilliant Women: 33 Jewish Women to Inspire Everyone by Nadine Epstein, 197 pages. NONFICTION. SHORT STORIES. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2021. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and Nadine Epstein had a conversation about how important women are and about the Jewish women that RBG admired. The 33 women that RBG looked up to were writers and politicians, mothers and scientists that all had something in common: they stood up against social norms to fight against discrimination.

I love the range of women that are illustrated in this book; they vary in the times and places they lived as well as in their home lives and careers and the length of their lives. Each of these short biographies talk about who they are as people, their hobbies and passions and families, helping readers to see them as more than simply their lists of accomplishments. Readers are encouraged to do what they can to stand on the shoulders of these great women and remember that you can accomplish great things, too.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp - OPTIONAL

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp 343 pages. Little, Brown and Company, 2021 $18. 

Language: R (100+ swears 37 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Intimacy); Violence: PG13 (Intimidation, physical assault) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

18yo Pen loves her dad's restaurant, Nacho's Tacos, she grew up there and dreams about someday running the place. But her parents want her to go to nursing school, they feel that she would have a better chance at succe - only she can't/doesn't/won't. So when Pen's brother is promoted to Manager, she decides to finally tell her parents that she's not going to school - that she wants to run the restaurant. It backfires, and Pen finds herself out of a job and out of the house. 

It seems that 18yo Xander, (also Latinx)  has been looking for his father his whole life. Zander needs money to hire a detective to find out what happened, but he has to be careful because he's undocumented. Getting a job at Nacho's Tacos is the perfect chance to earn some money and become independent. But someone is trying to shut down the restaurant. 

I've seen a bunch of "kids working in family restaurant" books lately, and my favorite is the food descriptions - Kemp did not disappoint, I think I ate out twice last week because I was reading "Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet." Yes, there's a romance, but this is also a complicated novel about family responsibilities, doing what's right and looking out for your community. There were several parts that shocked me, the level of abuse Pen's father endures from the loan shark is heartbreaking - it's like they can never get out from under desperate decisions they made years ago.  An eye opening story that my Latinx students will connect with, and other students will gain empathy and understanding.

Lisa Librarian

In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers by Don Brown - ESSENTIAL

In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, and Years after the 9/11 Attacks by Don Brown 121 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021 $20. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 - Upsetting themes, peril, talk of war and death, also torture. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

On the morning of September 11, 2001, hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center buildings in New York, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and crashed in Pennsylvania killing thousands of people. Evidence pointed to al-Qaeda, starting the longest war in American History. 

Don Brown does such a good job making complicated historical content accessible to teens. Briefly covering so many parts of story the graphic novel format is perfect. Includes some very interesting statistics along with an author's note and extensive bibliography and source notes.

Lisa Librarian

The Kate In Between by Claire Swinarski - ESSENTIAL

The Kate In Between by Claire Swinarski, 304 pages. Quill Tree (Harper), 2021. $15.

Content: G (some bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Kate and Haddie swore that they would be best friends forever, no matter what. That was then. Now, the girls barely speak – mostly because Kate wants to find a new group pf friends and she has been welcomed into Taylor’s popular group, who don’t want weird Haddie hanging around. When Kate rescues Haddie from a fall through the ice, a video of it goes viral and everyone calls her “Kate the Great”. Kate doesn’t love the attention, because she knows the whole truth of the incident. Was that part of it caught on video too?

Swinarski has written an excellent book for tweens and teens about the many pitfalls of friendship and popularity. I love that Kate’s problems are based on life and choices – not on a social disorder like anxiety. A must-read treatise on bad friendships. Kate and the kids around her are white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS  

Seeking Freedom: the untold story of Fortress Monroe... by Selene Castrovilla and E. B. Lewis - ESSENTIAL

Seeking Freedom: the untold story of Fortress Monroe and the ending of slavery in America by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by E. B. Lewis. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Boyds Mill), 2022. $19. 9781635925821

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When Major General Benjamin Butler allowed three fugitive slaves to refuge in Fortress Monroe in Virginia, he had no idea that his actions would swiftly lead to The Confiscation Act, and then soon to The Emancipation Proclamation.

Castrovilla gives us quick look at a profound moment in United States history. She gives due credit to the Blacks, especially George Scott, who was the first Black to be armed during the Civil War, and shares the names of the first three slaves who bravely went to the fort, hoping for help.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS  

The Missing Passenger (Liars #2) by Jack Heath - ADVISABLE

The Missing Passenger (Liars #2) by Jack Heath, 224 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $19

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (rough handling of children, death from poison- not graphic)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jarli, a young programmer, is infamous for creating an app that chimes if someone is lying. After gaining the unwanted attention of the mysterious villain Viper and almost dying, Jarli is trying to stay out of trouble in the small Australian town of Kelton. Unfortunately, his heroic instincts pull him back into Viper’s dangerous radar, and he’ll need brains, luck, and the help of friends to stay alive.

Heath’s fast pace, direct language, and relatable protagonist with a heroic heart are reminiscent of popular middle grades authors like Mull and Evans. Starting with a plane crash, it opens with action and keeps up the thrilling pace throughout. As soon as you think Jarli is safe, a new dangerous twist pops up. Friends become enemies and enemies friends, keeping you guessing about who can be trusted. Danger lurks around every corner for our tech-savvy hero in this realistic sci-fi thriller.

 Lindsay Blowers, Teacher 

The Mythic Koda Rose by Jennifer Nissley - OPTIONAL

The Mythic Koda Rose by Jennifer Nissley, 321 pages. Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021. $13

Language: R (34 swears, 12 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (suicide, drugs, alcohol, sexual refernces); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Koda Rose is the daughter of deceased rock star Mack Grady. Living most of her life in California with her mother, Koda is uprooted when her mother accepts a job in New York, forcing Koda to leave her friends behind. In New York, Koda meets Sadie, Mack's ex-girlfriend who the paparazzi call a "recluse". Wanting answers and closure, Koda seeks out Sadie in hopes to find out what the real Mack Grady. In doing so, Koda finds the confidence to step away from her father's shadow and step into her own spotlight.

The overall plot of the story was rather slow. The drive was practically no existent, it was just your run of the mill coming of age novel. Nothing really stood out to me as exceptional and the more and more the story progressed, the less and less I cared. It was cool to me that through her dad's journey she could really reflect on her own, but that was about it. The author used edgy teen drama such as drugs, sex and alcohol but was missing a crucial ingredient - edgy writing.

Kenzie Hoehne, Student Reviewer 

Both Can Be True by Jules Machlas - ADVISABLE

Both Can Be True by Jules Machlas, 368 pages. Quill Tree (Harper), 2021.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Ash and their mother have moved across town to a more inclusive middle school, after Ash was physically assaulted in their previous school and video was posted all over the Internet. Right now Ash is presenting as a girl, but moving towards a more male outlook. Then they see Daniel – a very cute boy that flutters Ash’s heart and they decide to present female for as long as possible as they become closer to Daniel. Daniel, meanwhile, finds Ash interesting, but he also has a big secret – a big problem. He has rescued an aged Pomeranian that pees uncontrollably. He is hoping that his adult co-worker will return in time to save the poor dog. Meanwhile, Daniel is hiding the dog in a tent in the woods as winter is starting to arrive.

Machlas skillfully introduces us to Ash and their family and showcases the many intricate relationships that Ash is trying to navigate. While Daniel’s story adds some comedy, I found it way too distracting for me. Daniel could be shown as a person with many dimensions without being such an over-the-top problem. I loved how one of the students in the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) addresses everyone as “Themdies and Gentlethems”. An excellent look into gender fluidity from the perspective of the person, instead of an outsider looking in. Ash presents as white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith - ADVISABLE

Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith, 224 pages. Levine Querido, 2021. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (police dog bite, pig killed by hand)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

13yo Sofia lives in New Zealand in the 1970’s. A part Samoan thorough her father and pakeha (white) through her mother, she and others like her (Polynesians) are the subject to police action ordered by the state to rid New Zealand to rid of NZ of “overstayers” – people allowed in on visas who didn’t leave. But Sofia is most concerned about finding a job to earn money to buy the go-go boots she wants – just like Marie Osmond’s. 

Smith has filled her book with lots of 70’s pop culture, focusing the story on Sofia’s life as a typical teen and allowing the surprise dawn raid during a family get together to flow naturally. My problem is that the book is formatted like a diary, so Sofia does lots of telling about events, instead of letting us see for ourselves. Regardless, librarians with any Polynesian students will be happy to have a book to show these students a mirror on their lives.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Junk Boy by Tony Abbott - OPTIONAL

Junk Boy by Tony Abbott, 368 pages. Katherine Tegen (Harper), 2020. $18 

Language:PG (19 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (child neglect)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

9th grader Bobby knows that he is hard to look at – in fact his mother took off when he was a baby because she found him so ugly. He and his surly father exist in a cabin surrounded by junk. It isn’t until he runs into Rachel, who has an extremely difficult with her own mother about Rachel’s girlfriend, that Bobby realizes that he does have something to offer the world, as he sees himself through Rachel’s drawing of him. Rachel, however, is a leap first kind of person, bulldozing her way through the world – when she needs saving, Bobby isn’t sure that he can save her.

I will always feel cheated reading a free verse novel. While the page count seems high, the poems are fairly short. Bobby is so unused to having anyone care about him, that his interactions are confusing and confused. While I am glad for the direction Bobby’s life is heading by the end, I am not sure students will persevere to that point.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Girl From Nowhere by Tiffany Rosenhan - ESSENTIAL

Girl From Nowhere by Tiffany Rosenhan, 391 pages. Bloomsbury, 2020. $18.

Language: G (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (persistent violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

After traveling with her diplomat parents her entire life and spending the last 18 months running from safe house to safe house, Bekami, the Chechan terrorist who has been chasing her family is dead, and Sophia and her parents can retire from spy work and live a normal life in a small Montana town. Right. While Sophia wonders if American high school has more pitfalls than international diplomacy. Plus, there is the extremely gorgeous Aksel who seems annoyed by Sophia and attracted to her at the same time. Also, some guy seems to be following Sophia – but her parents said the danger was over and she should act as if everyone is an enemy. So many things can go wrong in school and in life. Sophia’s life was built on keeping the secrets – and secrets from many sources seem to surround her.

If you think this is about treachery in the American high school, you are so wrong. Along the lines of A Secret Service by Joy Jenkins and Not if I Save you First by Ally Carter – a taut spy thriller with plenty of intrigue and action. Sophia and her parents are white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Nuclear Family #1 by Stephanie Philips - ADVISABLE

Nuclear Family #1 by Stephanie Philips, 44 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. AfterShock Comics, 2021. $15. 

Language: PG (2 swears); Mature Content: PG (cigarettes and references drinking beer); Violence: PG-13 (nuclear bombs dropping on the town/houses)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

During a seemingly run-of-the-mill day, the McClean family finds themselves under attack from the Soviet Union during the Cold War in 1950s Midwest suburbia.

This is the first installment of the series, so it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. The pacing starts out a little slow but escalates very quickly, making for an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read. The comic does a great job of capturing the feel of the 1950s, with references to the Korean War and featuring the stereotypically white-picket-fence, all-American family. It is quite terrifying to consider what might have happened if things went any differently during the Cold War. I could see this comic being used in a US History class for a “what-if” assignment or a supplemental text in an ELA class.

BookswithBeddes 

An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker - ADVISABLE

An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker, 215 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $15.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Anne is desperate to get away from both Will, her childhood friend trying to marry her, and Mr. Smith, a customer of her father’s who is trying to take advantage of her. She ends up in London with her widowed sister but still can’t avoid the men. With reputations on the line, Anne is willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself and her loved ones.

All the twists and turns of Anne’s story are reminiscent of a Shakespeare comedy, encouraging me to both laugh and roll my eyes as I say of course that happened! The aforementioned complications strike a balance of being over-the-top and authentic for the characters, which made it feel fun and not simply cheesy as Anne takes part in ridiculous plans to first save herself and then her loved ones from ruined reputations. The mature content rating is for innuendo and sexual harassment.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Valet’s Secret by Josi S. Kilpack - OPTIONAL

The Valet’s Secret by Josi S. Kilpack, 288 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Kenneth is pretending to be his valet when he meets -- and kisses -- Rebecca. Despite the best of intentions, Kenneth’s deception hurts Rebecca when she discovers the truth because she is a maid and he is heir to an earldom, a combination that is socially unacceptable. With every reason to say no, why do they want to say yes?

Kilpack quickly informs readers that her main characters are in their forties (48- and 42-years-old, respectively), and I nearly put down the book in my surprise, unsure that I could relate to such characters. Despite the age difference, I found myself understanding their conflicts between what they wanted and they were told they should do. I became invested in their lives and wanted to see things turn out well, and I enjoyed the details reminiscent of Cinderella stories.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Rivals by Tommy Greenwald - ESSENTIAL

 Rivals by Tommy Greenwald, 320 pages. Abrams, 2021. $18.

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: ; Violence:

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Walthorne North (rich) and Walthorne South (not) might only be middle schools, but when it comes to basketball, the rival teams might as well be professionals for all the pressure that is applied to the players. Pressured, possibly, from someone to play injured; pressure from a parent to succeed even though the player is sizing out of basketball; pressure to “save the family” by making it to the NBA. Chatter on the students’ chat board only fuels the rivalry. Also Alfie, a promising sports reporter and the game caller, inadvertently fans the flames by making assumptions that may not be backed up by facts.

At first I thought it was odd that funny guy Greenwald was branching into sports books. But I say more the merrier. Especially as an alternative to the prolific, but cold Lupica. Greenwald crafts great stories and this is no different. It is a bit more difficult to immerse into because much of the action takes places through texts, chat boards, articles, and such. Al of the main characters are white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The People Remember by Ibi Zoiboi and Loveis Wise - ESSENTIAL

The People Remember by Ibi Zoiboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise. PICTURE BOOK Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2021 $20.00 9780062915641 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Using the principals of Kwanzaa, Ibi Zoboi lyrically tells the story of African Americans. Beginning in Africa (with an amazing poem for two voices)she writes about the slave ships, the ocean, the plantations, Harriet Tubman, emancipation, the great migration, celebrations, religion, and community. She mentions historic figures in industry, music, civil rights, literature and politics, and continues through today, recognizing the recent victims of violence. 

Zobois' debut picture book is magnificent. Like Kwame Alexander's "Undefeated", this is an important book - the histories are very brief, it is beautifully illustrated and will be a terrific addition to my picture book section. A great read anytime of year , but certainly one I will pull out with the Kwanzaa books in December.

:Lisa Librarian

Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote by Alice Faye Duncan and Charly Palmer - OPTIONAL

 Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charly Palmer. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Boyds Mill), 2022. $19. 9781684379798

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In the 1960s, in Tennessee, when Black people went to register to vote, they were evicted from the homes in retaliation. Undaunted, they started registering in greater numbers. Many of them found refuge in large-scale tents erected on donated land. Duncan gives us a look into another facet of the voting rights movement in the 1960’s.

While formatted like a picture book, each page is dense with information about Tennessee’s Tent City and the movement towards the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is under attack in our present day. Duncan has not written a simple book meant for a quick read aloud. If students will read it on their own, it would be most useful in a middle school or high school that have enthusiastic teachers who cover the time period and issues. Palmer’s illustrations have depth and motion, and would delight any art teacher, too. I have to rate it OPTIONAL, because of the incongruity of the format with the dense text; it will be hard to find teachers and students who will embrace it outside of classroom use.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb - HIGH

 The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb, 192 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2021. $18

 Content: G 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11yo Loah is left in the care of an older couple when her mom goes on an expedition to the Arctic, searching for a very rare bird thought to be extinct. The mother named her daughter after the Loah bird. Loah, the girl, wonders if her mother loves her as much as she does the bird she is searching for. Loah wonders even more if this might be true when her mother extends her trip to the Arctic and stays there on her own when the others from the expedition go home. The couple Loah is staying with get sick and Loah is left to herself. She doesn't know if she can cope by herself with all the worries she has about her mother and the couple that was caring for her. Her friend Ellis believes in Loah and tries to cheer her up. Something goes terribly wrong with her mother's expedition. Loah needs to find the courage and the strength to help her mother. 

The book is really well written and the author paints beautiful and vivid pictures with her writing. This would be a good book for children being cared for by people other than their parents. Loah is very shy and not very adventurous. I think a lot of children might feel shy and awkward like the protagonist in this book. Reading Loah's story might give them strength and courage also.

 Ellen-Anita, LMS