The Liar's Crown by Abigail Owen - HIGH

The Liar's Crown by Abigail Owen, 434 pages. Entangled Teen Publishing, 2022. $16

Language: R (100 swears, 5 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (sex extensively alluded and implied); Violence: PG-13( dead bodies, battles, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Meren and Tabra are princesses, born twins at birth but their grandmother and years of tradition require the second born, Meren to be a body double for Tabra. A stand-in whenever danger is present, Meren replaces Tabra for her own protection. All of Meren's life her true identity and existence has been hidden from everyone, only the royal family knows that there is two princesses instead of one. But when a handsome stranger kidnaps Maren, thinking he kidnapped Tabra, the "real" princess, chaos ensues. Meren must overcome her fears and save her sister, before the real kidnapper comes to take her away. 

The Liar's Crown is your typical young adult novel. It has your feisty princess with a sharp tongue, the handsome black haired bad boy with a heart of gold- all set in a fantasy built world full of magic and intrigue. If that is your type of thing, then by all means read away, but if you need a solid plot structure- something other than the romance and running in the woods, then find your reading enjoyment elsewhere. I enjoyed it, and I will be reading the second one when it comes out, but I do think it fell short on the dialogue and writing style and overall structure. 

Meren is described with ""long black hair, golden skin and amber eyes"" and you can imagine Tabra has the same description. Cain, a friend of Meren's is described with ""onyx colored eyes and copper colored skin."" Reven is just described with dark hair."

Kenzie Hoehne 

Paper Heart by Cat Patrick - ADVISABLE

Paper Heart (A Companion to Tornado Brain) by Cat Patrick 304 pages. G. P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House, 2021. $18.  

Language: PG (15 swears - mostly Diety 0 'f's) Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (emotional bullying).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tess is still struggling over the death of her best friend Colette. She takes the opportunity to spend the summer at her Aunt's and Uncle's cabin where she can attend an art camp in town. The break from everything at home, including her twin sister Frankie, who is handling her emotions much better than Tess is, might be just what she needs. But, while art camp is fun, and she meets a nice boy, Tess feels like Colette may be haunting her. 

I loved the idea of Paper Hearts, how if you crumple them, you can't get the creases out - that mean words can do that to actual hearts. Paper Hearts was engaging in a different way than Tornado Brain. Not as frantic, and Paper Hearts has a romance! 

Lisa Librarian

City of Hooks and Scars (City of Villains #2) by Estelle Laure - ADVISABLE

City of Hooks and Scars (City of Villains #2) by Estelle Laure, 226 pages. Disney/Hyperion. 2022. $18.

Language: PG (15 swears 0 'f');  Mature Content: PG (one passionate kiss); Violence: PG (descriptions of violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Mary Elizabeth's whole world had changed. Her best friend has grown tentacles, her boyfriend has a hook for a hand, and Mally has sprouted horns. She hasn't seen them since the Battle of Miracle Lake, and everyone in town is calling them monsters. But Mary Elizabeth thinks she can find them - even though she lost her internship with the police department, she still knows her way around and who to talk to. But now there's a new villain they are calling The Red Queen, and Mary Elizabeth thinks she may hold the answers. 

Well, it's the middle book in what is most likely a trilogy - so the plot is primarily setting up for, what I hope, is an epic book three. I really like this look at the origin stories of the villains, and placing them in High School is perfect - it's fun hearing everyone's catchphrases. I missed the romance and angst - boyfriend is gone, best friend is gone - not much drama left when that happens. 

Lisa Librarian

Mandela and the General by John Carlin and Oriol Malet - ESSENTIAL

Mandela and the General by John Carlin, illustrated by Oriol Malet, 106 pages, NON-FICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. Plough Publishing House. 2018. $20. 9780874868203

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG-13 (depictions of racist violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A true story covered by John Carlin when he was a foreign correspondent, this book covers the end of apartheid as South Africa is poised on the knife’s edge of all-out war. Mandela knows he can’t avert a bloodbath without meeting up with his arch enemy, Constand Viljoen, who is leading the white, well-armed militias. The two meet in secret to determine the future of a nation and countless lives. 

This is a timely read when it seems political rhetoric and fear mongering take the place of civil discourse. Mandela’s comment, “We need to find a way that will reconcile your people’s understandable fears with my people’s legitimate aspirations,” is insightful. Carlin captures the emotions of this time period in a carefully written, concise format that demonstrates the value of empathy. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, Robert Venditti, and Olivia Stephens - ADVISABLE

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, adapted by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Olivia Stephens, 128 pages, GRAPHIC NOVEL. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $22. 9781368075008

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG (friend’s death, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

7th grader Tristan Strong is staying with his grandparents following the traumatic loss of his friend. While there, he accidentally rips open a rift into the world, Mid Pass. He finds the inhabitants there struggling against an evil that is threatening not only MidPass but could spill over into our world. Tristan encounters Black American folk heroes, John Henry and Brer Rabbit in his quest to return home and help MidPass. To accomplish this, he must find the trickster Anansi, who may hold the key to helping both worlds. 

Loaded with adventure, the graphic novel keeps up a frenetic pace as Tristan battles foe after foe. This is a nice companion to the novel version. It’s helpful to get a visual on the iron monsters and the different facets of MidPass. The artwork is vibrant and laid out well. Those interested in Black American folk lore will enjoy this telling.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter - HIGH

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter, 291 pages. Simon, 2022. $20

Language: R (100+ swears, 15 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11th grader Emilie has the perfect Valentine’s Day planned out – she is going to tell her boyfriend that she loves him and has the perfect present chosen. Instead, she catches him kissing his beautiful ex. Worst of all, that isn’t the last of the bad day. The next morning – that bad day starts all over. And then again. Finally, Emilie has had enough and sabotages everyone around her all day, dragging in Nick, her science lab partner and boy whose car she crashes into every day, along with her into her plan to do as much damage as possible. The next morning – it’s the 15th. Now what is Emilie going to do?

Fast paced and compelling – I finished in one afternoon. Of course, this is a take on Groundhog’s Day, and I didn’t mind at all. Watching Emilie pick up her life after she trainwrecks everything and finally figures out the real lessons she needed to learn was a lot of fun. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Final Cut by Denis Markell - ADVISABLE

The Final Cut by Denis Markell 289 pages. Delacorte (Random House). 2022. $17 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Alex Davis is finally in 7th grade, where he gets to choose an elective! Although he hoped for the cool video game design class, he ended up in Filmaking. Determined to make the best of it - and excited about the school's Golden Reel competition, Alex, Priti Sharma - the prettiest girl at school, his best friend Lexi and a loner named Theo begin work on what they think might be a winner. But someone is determined to sabotage their movie. 

I like that Markell set The Final Cut in a private school. Primarily because the choices of electives were amazing, difficult offerings to justify to 7th graders in a public school setting, but also, I like that the kids were all a bit eccentric (Theo especially). I really loved the conversation with Alex and his mother about appropriate boundaries with girls, and not making judgements about them based on what they wear. Alex's sister Violet - her parents really treat her like a toddler, I was shocked that she was 7. All in all, though, a solid stand alone with a fun storyline, full of political intrigue, teacher drama and mystery. One of the characters comes out to their friend, Priti is of Indian descent, all other main characters are white - based on the cover illustration.

Lisa Librarian

Yuck, You Suck by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati - OPTIONAL

 Yuck, You Suck by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Eugenia Nobati. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Millbrook Press (Lerner), 2022. $21. 9781728415666

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Yuck, You Suck is a book of poems about animals that are suckers, such as mosquitos. Each poem is about a different animal and the poems are in a variety of styles and include facts about the animals. The end of the book has back matter about each animal and a glossary of scientific terms.

Nobati's illustrations are a colorful, engaging style that will definitely draw in readers. For the most part, the poems rhyme and rhythm worked, with a few exceptions. I found some of the poems to be less engaging and difficult to understand without already knowing the scientific terms; it might have been helpful to have the back matter on the necessary page, instead. I did enjoy Yolen and Stemple’s voice and playful style.

Marinda, school librarian 

Where We Come From by Diane Wilson, et al and Dion MBD - ESSENTIAL

Where We Come From by Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, illustrated by Dion MBD. PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda Books, 2022. $19. 9781541596122

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Four authors, of different ethnicities and backgrounds, describe where they and their ancestors come from. They start with a general description of their ancestors and move to a more specific description of themselves. They use figurative and descriptive language to describe themselves and their familys' history with a focus on storytelling. 

If you don't read the book summary, you may not realize that the book focuses on four specific people and not the world in general. This is made more clear at the end, but it's a good perspective to have at the beginning. The art is beautiful and detailed. I especially liked the images of the four authors (portrayed as children) with their bodies a reflection of their different family stories. This would be a great book to use for older grades as a way to introduce personal narrative. There is additional information in the back about the 4 authors and their histories. Most students would find they have something in common with one of the four. 

S. Graf, Librarian 

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace - ESSENTIAL

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, 408 pages. Little, Brown for Young Readers, 2022. $15 

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex); Violence: PG (Death kills by touch, poisonings)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Signa is born into a rich family; when she’s two months old, her mother Rima throws a party. No one realizes the wine is poisoned and baby Signa sees Death approach her mother before he moves onto the others who drank the wine. Signa is left alone in the home after Death tries to take her too but he sees her brilliant future instead of her short past, what he usually sees as he takes someone’s life. Now, at 19yo, Signa lives with Aunt Magda; Signa has lived with several relatives throughout her lifetime, but Aunt Magda is especially mean to Signa. Every guardian she’s had has died and she thinks it’s her fault and that Death’s taking people on purpose and because of her, but when Magda dies, Death appears once again and assures Signa that’s not the case. Signa is retrieved by her new guardian’s workers and taken to Thorn Grove where the lady of the manor, Aunt Lillian, is deceased and Signa’s cousin Blythe is ill; cousin Percy and Uncle Elijah seem healthy though. Sylas, the worker who brought her to Thorn Grove, helps investigate Lillian’s death; the two of them believe someone poisoned Lillian and is now poisoning Blythe and they want to solve the mystery before the poison takes Blythe’s life also.

I love the rich prose and beautiful descriptions of the scenery. I appreciate the fact that the book has very little swearing and vague details of sex that keep it out of the sensitive materials area. I enjoyed reading about the main character’s views on and dealings with proper etiquette and the setting is beautifully descriptive. The ethnicity is white and brown. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

 

Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Saint-Marie and Julie Flett - ADVISABLE

 Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Saint-Marie, illustrated by Julie Flett. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2022. $19. 9781771648073

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A young Indigenous girl in Alberta Canada expresses her feelings in a love song for the seasons, animals, places, and traditions that are in her community.

Still This Love Goes On is a gentle, enjoyable story/song that pulled at my heart. The love and hope Buffy Saint-Marie has for her indigenous people and land is portrayed beautifully. Stunning illustrations create emotional vistas that share her heart. 

PGPowers 

Made 4 You by Eric Walters - ADVISABLE

Made 4 You by Eric Walters, 281 pages. DCB Young Readers, 2022. $16 Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG ( kissing) ; Violence: PG (non-graphic murders, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When 17yo Becky is assigned to show the new guy around her Indiana high school, she has no idea what she’s getting into. Gene is unlike anyone Becky has ever known - he wears a blue suit and carries a briefcase on his first day of school. Gene has been home schooled his entire life, and becoming a senior in high school is not easy. Luckily he has Becky to help him learn to fit in. But the more time Becky spends with him, the more she realizes Gene is not a normal teenage boy. He is beyond brilliant, knows every fact, learns to play the saxophone like a pro overnight, and suddenly becomes a star basketball player. Most importantly, the more time they spend together, the deeper in love with each other they become. When the truth comes out about Gene’s origins, the two must work together to stay alive and to keep his secrets safe. 

Every teen dreams of a life filled with non-stop action and sweeping romance, and Walters definitely delivers both. The sweetness of the love story encompasses the beginning, and then almost without warning the adrenaline rush begins as Gene and Becky steal cars, crash-land an airplane, and run across country to keep each other safe. Although there is a fair amount of fighting and gun-wielding, and even kissing, none of it is at all graphic, and the pair do all they can to refrain from using violence to solve their problems.

Tammie H, Librarian 

Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong - HIGH

Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong, 528 pages. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. $18

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: ; Violence: PG-13 (Killing by poison, shooting, bloody shooting and stabbings)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The prologue tells of a painful scientific experiment on a person that has been strapped down. Then the story starts as Rosalind is trapping a criminal who is a member of the group responsible for the death of her cousin Juliette during a past act gone awry. She’s exacting revenge on those who were part of it. Political intrigue, spies, agents, Communists and Nationalists describe the characters in this book. Her handler pairs her with another agent, Orion, who has family issues as well. The two of them have to pretend to be married so they can infiltrate the newspaper company and try to discover information on the serial killer murdering people with a toxic liquid in syringes. What they discover turns their lives around and, unbeknownst to Orion and Rosalind, the reader is given the true identity of a mysterious agent, Priest. 

I enjoyed learning about the history of 1930’s China. The author’s notes give readers a glimpse into her research and what's based on facts and what’s completely fiction in this story. The author’s notes on Asian history during the 1930’s are fascinating. Rosalind and Orion are characters with depth and I had fun getting to know them. All of the characters or of Chinese descent. Mentions that one of the characters is transgender. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - HIGH

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, 444 pages. HarperCollins, 2017. $10 (Scholastic Book Fair version)

Language: R (100+ swears, 54 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (teen drinking, marijuana, foreplay, arousal mentioned ; Violence: PG-13 (gun deaths, riots, beatings, police violence, fires set)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Starr lives in a rough part of town and after one of her best friends gets shot in a drive by shooting when they’re ten, Starr’s parents have her attend a private school that’s safer. Now Starr is 16yo and she witnesses her other childhood friend getting fatally shot by a police officer. Her friend did nothing to provoke the shooting, except for being black.

Thomas has a powerful novel that is about much more than racism. It’s also about choices, bravery, integrity and helping others. This book has a lot of swearing which is authentic to the lifestyle of the character’s surroundings, but the message of empowerment makes it a must read. This is a novel that will stick with me. I liked how the author shows reality and brings her characters to life to make the readers care about them. I like that two different worlds are brought together by two teens living in both and experiencing the stark differences in each. Character development is abundant and bravery and integrity are a huge factor in the main character’s life and family. I love how the main character’s family is open to discussing everything instead of keeping secrets from each other.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian 

Violet Made Of Thorns by Gina Chen - HIGH

Violet Made Of Thorns by Gina Chen, 368 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2022. $16

Language: R (39 swears, 2 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (Drinking and described sex); Violence: PG-13 (Blood, injuries, sword fighting and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Prince Cyprus has lived his whole life being a hopeless romantic, full of poetry and beauty. But when the prophesy resurfaces, pressuring him to find a bride in order to save his kingdom, he can't do it. His childhood companion, Violet, is the new seer who must help him find a bride before the prophesy becomes true. Cyprus's father, enlists Violet's help to get Cyprus to meet and fall in love with a beautiful lady of the court during a masked ball. Violet must get Cyprus to love the match his father made, for the fate of the kingdom depends on it. 

 

Violet Made of Thorns is set in a very whimsical kingdom, full of seers, ballroom scenes and princes. The characters are morally grey, which I find refreshing as the "heroes" of the story don't always make the right decisions and the "villains" aren't always burning down villages- they have humanity in them. Violet is described with “blushed yellow,” skin and Dante has “clay-brown” skin, and Raya has “brown” skin. Prince Cyprus or the royal family's skin is not mentioned. 

Kenzie Hoehne 

Every Dog in the Neighborhood by Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell - ESSENTIAL

 Every Dog in the Neighborhood by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2022. $19. 9780823444274

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Louis and his Grandma go on walks every day in an urban neighborhood. Grandma sees something on her walk that she is upset by. She writes a letter to city hall. She encourages Louis to do the same. Louis asks, "How many dogs are in our neighborhood?" City Hall responds and says they don't know. Louis takes matters into his own hands and knocks on every door in the neighborhood. He enjoys getting to know his neighborhoods and especially the dogs writing down their names as he goes.

Stead writes a perfect story for an animal lover. I am a dog lover and had a very close relationship with my grandma and so naturally I loved this book. The names of the dogs are very unique and creative. I like the grandma's example of being involved in civic affairs and how to create change. I can see this book being checked out in a library constantly. It's incredibly charming. The diversity of the cast is many different races. It looks as though Louis and his Grandma are of Hispanic ethnicity.

Emilee-School Librarian 

Five Kisses One Problem by Angela Carling - ADVISABLE

Five Kisses, One Problem by Angela Carling, 227 pages. Amazon, 2022 $3 (Kindle only)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Liberty, Maya and Nikola are back! This time the story is mostly about Liberty. She just graduated from high school and has been accepted to an internship at Campaign Headquarters. She want to go into politics so this is perfect and she is so excited. On her first day her skirt rips as she is getting out of her car, and things quickly goes from bad to worse. She is going to have to work with the senator's very handsome son, Grant. They grew up together but Liberty could not stand him. They never got along and he was just a problem all around. Maya and Nikola think that Grant would make Liberty happy and come up with a plan to help Liberty and Grant realize that they could be friends, even more than friends. Of course, nothing goes as planned. No matter what Grant does, Liberty takes offense. What will it take for her to see that Grant is great? Maya and Nikola come up with a plan. It will take at least five kisses to complete. 

I love the story of these girls and already look forward to soon read about Maya. The characters are fun, the story refreshingly clean in today’s society. I read this in one sitting, enjoying every minute the twists and turns on the road to a fun conclusion. A great read for anyone, especially young girls asking for romance books. I definitely recommend this book.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Five Survive by Holly Jackson - HIGH

Five Survive by Holly Jackson, 400 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2022. $20.

Language: R (41 swears, 110 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Using an RV to drive to Gulf Shores where the rest of their friends and classmates flew to for spring break sounded like fun. But then Red (17yo) and her friends got lost. And then the RV not-so-accidently broke down. Now the six of them need to find out who is hiding a secret the other five are not willing to die for.

Tensions are high from the start, and Jackson doesn’t let up. These desperate characters are up all night, and readers get caught up in the fear and frustration. New chapters bring more complications, not the relief everyone is hoping for – and it was thrilling to read, except for those times when I wanted to reach in and punch that one guy in the face. While the ending is somewhat open-ended, I was satiated by the denouement.

Red, Maddy, and Oliver are white; Simon is at least half Korean; Reyna is Mexican; and Arthur is undefined. The mature content rating is for mentions of drugs, underage drinking, illegal activity, innuendo, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for blood and gore, gun use, and murder. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Given by Nandi Taylor - OPTIONAL

Given by Nandi Taylor, 464 pages. Wattpad Books, 2020. $18.

Language: R (41 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Yenni Ajani (18yo) has a duty to her tribe as one of the chieftain’s daughters, including marrying to strengthen alliances. But Yenni’s father is sick, and nothing they do helps. Yenni appeals to the Sha and is granted Orire N’jem, a year-long journey, to dedicate herself to learn the magic of Cresh, hoping to discover a cure for her father – but the gods have other plans.

Taylor introduces a new world with clashing cultures and forms of magic; I enjoyed the worldbuilding as much as I enjoyed the story. There were a couple points that felt like they were unrealistically overlooked by the characters, though it’s possible they could be purposeful loose ends to be addressed in a potential sequel. Overall, the book is entertaining, with adventure, magical spells and battles, family struggles, romance, and more.

Yenni is depicted as Black on the cover, and her people are also described that way. When Yenni travels to Cresh, she observes people with skins of many hues, including sandy, golden brown, pale, blue, green, and more. Weysh is described as having dark skin, though not as dark as Yenni’s. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, innuendo, mentions of rape, partial nudity, and implied sex. The violence rating is for fantasy fighting and blood.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost by Martha Freeman - ADVISABLE

Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost by Martha Freeman 260 pages. Simon and Schuster. 2021. $18. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Noah is a theater kid. His drama teacher, Miss Magnus, actually breaks her leg just before rehearsals begin for the 6th grade play Hamlet. Coach Fig is put in charge, but rather than directing, he only sort of supervises - he has a side job as a wedding planner. When a strange old man named Mike, who seems to have theater experience, the show might just be saved. But, who is Mike, and why does he disappear? Maybe Mike is a ghost!

I love 'Let's put on a show" books. Especially when the kids have to pull together and make it happen. I loved that it didn't turn into a free for all farce, and I also loved that it gave a realistic picture of all the moving parts of creating a production, including the stage manager and the tech people. Theater kids are really going to like Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost. 

Noah is white, but he has a diverse set of friends.

Lisa Librarian

The Real-Life Murder Clubs by Nicola Stow - OPTIONAL

The Real-Life Murder Clubs by Nicola Stow, 240 pages. NONFICTION, SHORT STORIES. Ad Lib Publishers, 2022. $17.

Language: R (25 swears, 12 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Stow interviews and shares the stories of citizens who have helped in several different cases – identifying suspects and victims in their free time. These citizens are often part of online communities that come together to try and crack cold cases. The work is never done, but Stow tells readers about a few of the victories.

The internet and all of its resources can be used for good, as is shown by the citizens highlighted in this book to catch criminals. However, Stow and her interviewees also include a warning chapter about what happens when social media and trolls go out of control. I am in absolute awe of the work that regular people are dedicating hours of their free time to behind the scenes. There is good in the world, and this book shows how good is triumphant over evil.

The mature content rating is for mention of drug and alcohol use, mention of pornography and brothels, illegal activity, and mentions of nudity and rape. The violence rating is for gun use, gang wars, mention of kidnapping and chemical warfare, mention of decomposing bodies, mentions of suicide, self harm, mention of abuse and cannibalism, animal cruelty, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales - OPTIONAL

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales, 384 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2022. $19.

Language: R (227 swears, 68 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

20yo Jordy, the famous brother of the new Princess Samantha, is the focus of a new TV show called Second-Chance Romance, allowing him to re-date his exes from before he became famous. 18yo Maya is adamantly against going on the show until it occurs to her that she could expose Jordy as a jerk and a cheater. But that also means Maya has to face Skye, the girl Jordy cheated on her with.

The first third of the book was nerve-wracking because I was constantly bracing myself for everything to go horribly wrong, resulting in embarrassment for Maya and sympathy-embarrassment for me. Once the lines between enemies and allies were rearranged, the story became more enjoyable because I could finally relax. Our emotions can be difficult to navigate, and I appreciated how Maya struggles with finally getting revenge, figuring out what she really wants, and the idea of letting something go to make space for something better.

Most of the characters are implied white. Kim is Indian-English. The mature content rating is for innuendo, alcohol use, intense make out scenes, and implied sex.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Edited by Barry Lyga - NO

Edited by Barry Lyga, 285 pages. Blackstone Publishing, 2022. $20.

Language: R (97 swears, 41 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Mike is in love with Phil. And he thinks she loves/d him, too. They were together during senior year, and then they separated after graduation, but now Mike will do anything in his power to get her back – even if it doesn’t make much sense.

Initially, I thought the beginning was just disorienting. But things never got better. By chapter six, I wished I could have put the book down three chapters earlier. The story doesn’t make sense, and I was annoyed. And then Lyga comes in and breaks the fourth wall worse than I have ever seen before. Maybe we can offer kudos to him for doing something new and surprising readers, but I am not pleased with the surprise and his over-meta-ing. If I could un-read this book, I would.

Mike is white, and Phil and George are implied white. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and mentions of nudity, condoms, and sex. The violence rating is for mentions of domestic violence, child abuse, and suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon - HIGH

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon, 419 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $16

Language: PG-13 (20 swears, 3 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (Sexual jokes throughout the book and making out briefly described); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

 In order to escape dramatic events that unfolded at her high school, Barrett Bloom goes to college. At first glance, college seems like the perfect thing that Barrett needs, but when little details start making her first day of college worse and worse- Barrett struggles to be an optimist. One of those details being, her frenemy from high school is her roomate. When it seems Barrett can't take it anymore, she goes to sleep, and wakes up in the same day... the cursed first day of college. Can Barrett make it out of the loop she's mysteriously caught in? Or will she have to find join in living every single day the same? 

See You Yesterday is a cute novel, good for cuddling by the fire on a cold autumn day. Barrett can be relatable at times and she can also seem annoying. This book is good to read for the romance, the cute little scenes of Barrett and her love interest are awesome, but the overall plot is rather boring and overused. I mean, Groundhog day, Happy Death Day and The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things all have the same plot. Barrett Bloom is described as curvy, with wavy dark hair and pale skin. Miles (her love interest) is Asian.

Kenzie Hoehne 

Five Kisses Five Days by Angela Carling - ADVISABLE

Five Days Five Kisses by Angela Carling, 187 pages. Amazon, 2018. $3 (Kindle only)

 Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Nikola is excited about the summer and attending college in the fall. She has a great boyfriend, Sam, and two best friends, Liberty and Maya. Nikola has had a lot of changes in her life, her parents divorce and the move to Arizona. On graduation day she walks across the stage, receives her diploma and she sees Sam waiting for her. But, life is about to change again. Sam breaks up with her in a very public humiliating way and he walks off with his new girlfriend. Nikola is devastated and Liberty and Maya try to console her, with no luck. They need a plan to help their best friend. Liberty needs to kiss 5 different boys in 5 days. They think that way she will quickly forget Sam's kisses.

I loved the book! It was easy to read, fast paced and fun. The characters are believable and so is the story. Angela Carling write teenage girls so well. I read the whole book in one sitting just to see how this whole plan was going to work out. Nothing goes and planned and the girls get into some hilarious situations. After some twists and turns the story has a nice ending. The book is refreshingly clean and free of agendas. I have read several of Angela Carling's books love every one of them; I am now a fan of her books. A lot of students love reading romance books, and this is fun book to add to any collection Happy reading all around.

 Ellen-Anita. Librarian 

What’s Inside a Flower? By Rachel Ignotofsky - ESSENTIAL

 What’s Inside a Flower? By Rachel Ignotofsky. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2021. $18. 9780593176474 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL; HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Flowers live everywhere and come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Flowers have many parts which perform many functions. Plants receive their energy from the sun by photosynthesis. Flowers need to be pollinated so they attract pollinators. Plants use seeds to reproduce, and seeds are spread many ways. Rachesl Igonotofsky ends her delightfully illustrated book by saying, “Happy flowers mean a happy earth for you and me.” 

This “happy” book of clear illustrations and prose create a simple, yet complete picture of what flowers are and do. Children will enjoy the bright, detailed story not knowing they are learning science principles. 

MOMMAC 

When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman and David Litchfield - ADVISABLE

 When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by David Litchfield. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION. Beach Lane (Simon), 2022. $19. 9781534450394 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

There are times and places where the sky above us glows. 

Litchfield’s luminescent illustrations are a definite treat here. Beckerman’s textual frame gives us a short line and then a more detailed explanation at the bottom of the page. I like that it is there, instead of stuffing it in as back matter. A great treatment for older students, or as a supplement, would be Cornelia Li’s Nature’s Light Spectacular 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rick The Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko and Ruth Chan - ADVISABLE

 Rick The Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Ruth Chan. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $19. 9781534494640 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Rick is a Nature Finds rock hosted in an elementary classroom. He wishes for adventure that other rocks have in the student’s rock unit (volcanoes, cliffs, etc.) When the chance for adventure comes he takes it. This story is an excellent introduction to rocks and how they are formed while simultaneously a story about friendship and home.

This picture-book-almost-comic brings rocks, moss, and tree bark to life. The comics style of dialogue makes it fun to follow Rick’s adventure.  I liked watching the changes the children made to their Nature Finds and that the young girl recognized Rick even amongst other rocks. The illustrations play an integral role in the story, however, very young children were not interested in the classroom storyline or learning about rocks. I would like to see this as an introduction or wrap-up to a rocks unit in upper elementary school. 

 Mariah Gerlach, MLS

The Road to After by Rebekah Lowell - ADVISABLE

 The Road to After by Rebekah Lowell, 180 pages . Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022. $17. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (psychological and emotional abuse); Violence: PG (dad hits child, child hits mom)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

10yo Lacey, and her 4yo sister, along with their mother, live in constant fear of their abusive father. His strict rules don’t allow them to leave the house. They can’t go to school. He won’t even let them buy fruits and vegetables or watch a movie without him. When he brings home some dental tools and announces that he will be doing some work on the girls’ teeth, they know they must flee. With Dad in jail, the girls all begin to learn what life should be like. Lacey finds an instant bond with nature and learns many life lessons while experiencing freedom for the first time. 

The psychological and emotional abuse the girls endure is handled delicately. There are two brief instances of physical abuse, but within the story Lowell manages to provide the reader with messages of beauty and hope. Perhaps most notable are the constant yet subtle reminders that nature teaches us many things about growth, change, letting go, and finding our way. The characters in this novel -in-verse are implied to be white. 

Tammie H, Librarian 

Trigger by N. Griffin - OPTIONAL

Trigger by N. Griffin, 256 pages. Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Simon), 2022. $19 

Language: R (100+ swears 20 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (suicide, psychological, emotional, physical abuse throughout); Violence: PG-13 (child abuse, gun violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Didi can’t remember her mother. Growing up with her abusive and controlling father has never been easy, but she has learned to survive. She doesn’t speak at school, she doesn’t let herself think about hunger, and she pushes herself to be all the things her father expects. By the age of 15 Didi has learned to hunt with one shot, win every game of chess, get perfect grades, and run faster than anyone else at school. But now all her preparation has brought her to this one moment in time. A showdown with her despicable father that could cost her her life. 

A difficult, gritty read with prose that is, at times, unconventional. The constant abuse Didi suffers is one thing, but it is interesting to have a peek inside her mind to see how she processes and internalizes things over which she has no control. The pervasive swearing feels somewhat forced at times, as does the unimaginable conflict, however Griffin says the events are based on her own experiences. 

Tammie H, Librarian 

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard - ADVISABLE

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard, 304 pages. Tor Teen, 2022. $17 

Language: PG-13 (16 swears, ‘0 f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (Underage drinking, mentions marijuana); Violence: PG-13 (Dead, ripped apart bodies, beheading) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Luminaries are hunters of nightmares. Winnie, 16yo, is about to start the trials that lead to becoming a hunter. After her father was exposed as a spy, their family lost everything, including him. She is excited to become a hunter and draws every creature she sees with her wonderful artistic skills. When she accidentally witnesses a banshee killing then carries the head to the hunters, she's celebrated for her first hunt. Winnie asks Jay to train her because she feels extremely behind since she hasn’t had access to teaching or coaching for the last four years; Jay agrees, but Winnie has difficulty reading him because he's aloof, strong and oblivious to the attention and flirting of Winnie's peers. As Winnie builds her skills, she discovers a coded message from her father and the book ends with the shocking deciphered note he left for her.

My favorite quote comes from Grandpa Frank: “That’s why we’re called the Luminaries, Winnie, we are lanterns the forest can never snuff out”. I enjoyed the mystery of the Whisperer and the discovery of another mystery that leads into a sequel. I also enjoyed the writing and that Winnie is an artist. I like the character Jay and the mystery surrounding his life. The characters seem to be of a variety of races, but none particularly stood out or played a part in the action. One of the minor characters is LGBT. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Beach Read by Emily Henry - HIGH

Beach Read by Emily Henry, 361 pages. Berkley, 2020. $16 

Language: R (128 swears, 15 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (unfaithfulness, explicit sex, alcohol); Violence: PG (fire mentioned) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

January's life has been a fairytale. A romance author, she believes that love can conquer all, including two times beating her mom's cancer and giving her the most gorgeous boyfriend. However, all of that is quickly turned on its head when her father dies suddenly from a stroke and January finds herself spending her summer in the mysterious lake-house once shared by her father and his other lover. To make things even better, her next door neighbor is the moody Gus, her college nemesis and whose stories are dark, philosophical contemplations in comparison to January's "Happily Ever After's." Unable to bring herself to write, January and Gus make a bet: Gus will write the romance, and January will write in Gus's normal style, and the winner of this will settle the case of the collage competition once and for all. 

I picked up this TikTok-recommended novel with a bit of apprehension, but was pleasantly surprised! The writing is thoroughly enjoyable to read as it is creative, funny, and poetic all at the same time. Not only is this story a romance, it is an exploration of grief and betrayal. The characters are all very lovable and realistic, so you're not experiencing unbearable second-hand embarrassment for them! The reader must be aware, however, of the couple sex scenes in the book that do not fade to black and are rather explicit. 

 Reviewer: Sierra 

Rise of the Black Quarterback by Jason Reid - ESSENTIAL

Rise of the Black Quarterback by Jason Reid, 270 pages. Andscape, 2022. $27. 978136807662 

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (minimal racist language, fighting mentioned) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE; HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Before Kaepernick, before Mahomes, Black pioneer athletes were involved with football from the very beginning. For several reasons (collusion, racism, fear), though, Blacks were almost completely frozen out of the high profile leadership role of quarterback. 

Reid takes us on a journey from the roots of football’s beginnings to the present day, exploring pivotal Black players throughout that history. Each chapter highlights a key person. Football is so young, still, that many of the men mentioned are still alive (Tony Dungy). Before I read this, I leant it to one of my football-playing reluctant readers. He loved it! So make sure that students know that you have it and it will circulate. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Disability Visibility by Alice Wong - ADVISABLE

Disability Visibility by Alice Wong, 121 pages. NONFICTION, SHORT STORIES. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2020. $18.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

These seventeen stories are experiences written by those who have disabilities to share their experiences, their points of view. They show readers issues, needs, and complications that most people don’t think about because they haven’t had to. It’s time to open your eyes.

Being able to see new points of view and introduce new thoughts I’ve never had are two of the reasons I love to read. All seventeen of these stories are compelling because they are real, and readers can feel that. My world is expanding because of what I now know. The more people who know, the better the world will become for all of us.

The mature content rating is for mention of sexual harassment, and the violence rating is for mentions of suicide and abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Oracles of Our Stars by Serge Elie Seropian - OPTIONAL

The Oracles of Our Stars by Serge Elie Seropian, 124 pages. POETRY. Serge Elie Seropian, 2020. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Seropian’s collection focuses on themes of love, the universe, yourself, and worship. None of these poems are titled. Instead, the book itself reads like one long poem, flowing and evolving over the pages.

The flow worked amazingly well for the first two-thirds of the book. Towards the end, the poems got longer and less poetic, more like sermons than emotions to connect with. I am still adding a couple of poems to my personal favorites, even if the entire book didn’t have my attention.

The mature content rating is for mention of alcohol.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Violet and the Pie of Life by Debra Green - ADVISABLE

Violet and the Pie of Life by Debra Green, 279 pages. Holiday House. 2021 $19.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Violet Summers loves math and pie! She also loves her dad, but her parents have recently split and dad moved out. Violet auditioned for the school play , the Wizard of Oz, with her best friend Mckenzie - Violet got the role of the Cowardly Lion, McKenzie is a monkey. McKenzie doesn't like Ally who is cast as Dorothy, but she has been friendly and nice to Violet. Even exchanging phone numbers with her feels like a betrayal. McKenzie made Violet quit girl scouts and now, unhappy with her own part in the Wizard of Oz, wants her to quit that too. But Violet is enjoying rehearsals and is starting to make some new friends as well, and maybe if she does well, her parents might see her in the show and get back together. 

I loved the show - the rehearsals and costume issues (of course the lion costume is going to smell weird!), I loved running lines and how the cast became a sort of family. I also really liked how Violet made graphs and charts to help her make sense of her problems.  Oh, such a sweet book about middle school, parent problems, working out friend issues, and especially discovering the real you. 

Lisa Librarian

The Q by Amy Tintera - HIGH

The Q by Amy Tintera, 352 pages. Crown BFYR (Random House), 2022. $19.

Language: R (210 swears, 24 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Lennon (19yo) is touring with his father on his presidential campaign when he is suddenly kidnapped and left in the Q, part of Texas that was walled off to prevent the virus from spreading. Life inside the Q isn’t what Lennon expected, but with war brewing and an exception to leave the Q, he’s desperate to leave. Maisie (18yo) works out a deal with Lennon, hoping to get him out while preventing war from destroying the only life she’s ever known.

We can sympathize with the hardships of quarantine and vaccines, which makes this more drastic situation that the characters are in more real for readers. I love Tintera’s humor and her relatable characters – especially her strong and confident female characters. Though the book wraps up without a cliffhanger, I am not ready to let this world go and am hoping for a sequel.

Maisie is half Mexican and half English, Lennon is white, and most other characters are implied Hispanic or white though not all of them are. The mature content rating is for mention of alcohol and nudity as well as for illegal activity. The violence rating is for blood, mention of cannibalism, gun and bomb use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Rise of the Black Quarterback by Jason Reid - ESSENTIAL

Rise of the Black Quarterback by Jason Reid, 270 pages. Andscape, 2022. $27. 978136807662

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (minimal racist language, fighting mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE; HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Before Kaepernick, before Mahomes, Black pioneer athletes were involved with football from the very beginning. For several reasons (collusion, racism, fear), though, Blacks were almost completely frozen out of the high profile leadership role of quarterback. Reid takes us on a journey from the roots of football’s beginnings to the present day, exploring pivotal Black players throughout that history.

Each chapter highlights a key person. Football is so young, still, that many of the men mentioned are still alive (Tony Dungy). Before I read this, I leant it to one of my football-playing reluctant readers. He loved it! So make sure that students know that you have it and it will circulate.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Gleanings by Neal Shusterman - ESSENTIAL

Gleanings by Neal Shusterman, 432 pages. SHORT STORIES. Simon and Schuster, NOVEMBER 2022. $20. 9781534499973

Language: PG (7 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (gleanings mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Shusterman gives us peeks into the past and futures of the world of Scythe with his new book of short stories. You may have to refresh your memory of the names of certain scythes, but you will not be disappointed. Most of the stories are just interesting to read, some are very thoughtful. One of the stories made me cry – I won’t tell you which, though – you’ll just have to see if you cry too. Mild LGBT content, cultural characteristics beyond the Scythe universe don’t exist.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rivals (American Royals #3) by Katharine McGee - ADVISABLE

Rivals (American Royals #3) by Katharine McGee, 392 pages. Random House, 2022. $16

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (alcohol use, fake pregnancy, toxic relationships); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In the third installation of American Royals, Beatrice is found newly queen of the United States and in a marriage with Teddy, and while she loves him deeply, Teddy and she find it challenging to balance both time for each other and the many list of duties Beatrice has to fulfill. On the flip side, Samantha, Beatrice's sister, can only be found next to her boyfriend, Marshall. As Samantha and Marshall spend more and more time together, will their love be enough to survive the scrutiny of the public and Marshall's demanding family? And finally, we find Nina and Daphne, always at odds with each other, fighting for Prince Jeff's love...but could there be a third woman vying for attention? Yes, the mysterious, manipulative (more manipulative than Daphne? Yep!) and powerful -- Gabriella. As Gabriella becomes an obvious threat for both Nina and Daphne, they must team up against a common enemy.

Rivals was not at all what I expected. I've been a big fan of the American Royals series, the first one was amazing, but I feel like as the series has progressed, the story line and plot has become more convoluted and bland. The characters I once knew and love, are just going through boring uneventful challenges that ultimately I don't care about. Don't get me wrong, anyone that started the series should continue reading the rest of the books, and I will get my hands on the 4th book when it comes out, but it all feels like a money grab to appease fans like me, and I am not appeased.

Kenzie Hoehne 

And We Rise: the Civil Rights Movement in Poems by Erica Martin - ADVISABLE

And We Rise: the Civil Rights Movement in Poems by Erica Martin, 124 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2022. $18. 9780593352526

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (racial slurs, burnt body, historically accurate racial violence, blood, deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

From 1877 to 1968, Martin follows the Civil Rights Movement in poetry.

When I first started reading, I felt a little cheated – that each event covered was only allowed a few words. But as I immersed myself, each poem became a stripped down, stark, aching look at the person, the event, the moment – more powerful because blunt words accorded it. I would love ELA teachers to adopt this as a master text and use each poem for different groups of students to explore the subjects in even more depth - to spur research and writing. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui - ADVISABLE

 Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui, 288 pages. Scholastic, 2022. $18. 9781338702118

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

8th grader Shaheer is at his fourth middle school in as many years. Everyone always stares at the new kid, but these stares seem different. Ashar loves hockey – so much her is striving to join the most prestigious high school in the area, looking to join their most prestigious hockey team, too. So who is this new kid who seems to have stolen Ashar’s face? The boys quickly find out that they are identical twins separated at birth. Ashar wants to switch places so that he can get to know their father. Shaheer is more reserved, but willing to go along – at least for a while.

Normally the old Parent Trap treatment is a little odd and dated, but Siddiqui freshens the trope with boys who care about each other and some additional family drama that adds better dimension that a hateful stepparent. The cultural refences (ummm – yummy food, amongst other things) flow naturally and add character and interest. The main characters are all Pakistani.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright - ESSENTIAL

The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright, 288 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Seven-year-old Chellamuthu gets into a lot of trouble for stealing money, playing with elephants instead of getting his sister’s medicine, and generally not being where he should be. When his father tells Chellamuthu to stay put, he isn’t very surprised to come back and find his son is gone. But this time, Chellamuthu has been sold to an orphanage, and he might not ever make it home again.

Chellamuthu is a real boy who was kidnapped and then adopted by an American family who renamed him Taj. This book tells his story of being denied his family, his language, and his culture and his journey to rediscover who he is and where he came from. Taj’s story is miraculous. I couldn’t believe how things came together – though after much struggle and effort on Taj’s part – and I rejoiced with him and his families after every triumph.

Chellamuthu/Taj and his biological family are Indian, and Taj’s adoptive family is American. The other characters are Indian, American, and English. The language rating is for non-English swearing; the mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, and implied sexual abuse; and the violence rating is for child abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen