Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle - HIGH

Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle, 544 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023. $17 

Language: R (68 swears 33 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex and underage drinking); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

19yo Emory heads back to Aldryn College for her sophomore year. She’s still reeling from watching her classmates drown last spring,in the Dovermere Cave, as the tide rushed in. Baz likes his solitude; he is the older brother of Romey, who is Emory’s deceased best friend and one of the eight drowned classmates. She ventures to the cove and sees several classmates around a bonfire. All of them see the body of one of the drowned classmates float onto the beach but he isn’t dead; he’s breathing and starts to seize. Emory tries to save him and does more than her magic should allow. Baz is watching and realizes she’s a tidecaller; a person who can perform all types of magic and he realizes Emory has no idea what power she holds. 

The alternating points of view brought more to the story since we learned Emory’s perspective and Baz’ too. Beautiful descriptions of the settings throughout the story. The character development is done well.
Ethnicity is predominantly white with side characters who have umber skin and tawny brown skin.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson - HIGH

Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson. 326 pages. Viking, Penguin Random House LLC, 2023. $19 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (some kissing, one incident of underage drinking); 

Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Three weeks before high school graduation, 17yo Leila's boyfriend of four years breaks up with her. Even though he still loves her, he feels like he needs to be able to date other people as he heads off to college. Leila is devastated. Her best friend reminds her that the high school's Last Chance Dance is coming up. Still hurt but willing to give it a try Leila submits the names of three crushes to the dance committee; Kai, Mason, and Eva. She is surprised when she is matched with all three of her choices plus a wild card match. Now all she has to do is pick one to go with to the dance. Leila spends the next three weeks working through her grief from the breakup, dealing with her parents' divorce, exploring the possibility of relationships with her four matches, and learning more about who and what she wants in a relationship and out of life. 

I really enjoyed this fast-paced rom-com. The dialog is contemporary. Leila has the support of great family and friends who help her when she is down but are also willing to help her out when she needs to make some self-corrections. There are some positive messages including leaning into joy, being willing to take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone, and that sometimes the things we need come from unlikely sources. There is an added bonus of a scene showing the value of school libraries, librarians, and diversity in books. I also appreciated that the author did not feel the need to rely on the crutch of filling gaps in the dialog with foul language. Leila, her family, most of her friends and all but one of her dates is black. Mason is white. 

A Snow

Vaccines Change the World by Gillian King-Cargile and Sandie Sonk - advisable

Vaccines Change the World by Gillian King-Cargile, and Sandie Sonk, 192 pages. NON FICTION. Albert Whitman & Company, 2022. $11                       

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Vaccines have saved humans for a few hundred years, and it's all thanks to the brilliant scientists that created them. This book goes through all the stories of the scientists that helped in the creation of these life-saving concoctions and the timeline of the diseases that spurred their creation.  

I think the book was very interesting. I appreciated the detail the author went into to describe the stories and scientific processes. The author included everything and tied the stories together well.

Student Reviewer, KC 9th  

The Other Side of the River (Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna) by Alda P. Dobbs - ADVISABLE

The Other Side of the River (Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna) by Alda P. Dobbs. 368 pages.  Sourcebooks, 2022. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, injury) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Now safely across the border into the United States, 12yo Petra Luna is desperate to keep her family together, she's a hard worker but she is only twelve and she's trying to support her little sister, baby brother and abuela. There are so many refugees in San Antonio and not enough work or housing for everyone. Petra will work on her days off just to keep her job. But the odds are against her, as soon as her employer finds someone a little older and a little stronger, Petra is let go. She thought life would be so much easier on the other side of the river. 

A darling companion to "The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna," Dobbs continues the story, but the situation is so different, the plot isn't dependent on having read book 1. I loved Petra's resilience, and way the refugees of the Mexican revolution are portrayed. Although the story takes place more than 100 years ago, I found it interesting and relevant. Petra and her family are Mexican 

Lisa Librarian 

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young - OPTIONAL

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young, 373 pages. Delacorte Press, Penguin Random House, LLC. 2023. $13.

Language: R (64 swears 24 'f'); Mature Content:  PG-13 (Underage drinking). Violence: PG-13 (murder, vampire deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Siblings and high school students Theo and Marco throw an epic end-of-the-year party without permission. As their punishment, their father takes them with him to spend the summer at their grandma's house on the Oregon coast. Their grandmother is superstitious and the town is small. Marco and Theo are not happy to be there. They soon make friends with some of the local kids and things seem to be looking up. Their grandmother tells them to always be home before dark but their new friends seem to have a magnetic pull that Theo and Marco can not resist. Soon Theo begins to see that the town and her new friends are hiding dark secrets. 

An enjoyable vampire story. The characters were interesting and believable. The story had good pacing. I liked that the whole town was involved in the story in one way or another. The excessive use of the F word was unnecessary. Beware that vampires are killed by decapitation, and by being run through by stakes. Bodies are discovered that have been bitten and mauled. Theo and Marco have a white father and Hispanic mother. Their friends are described as white, black and brown. 

A. Snow 

Seven Percent Of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover - OPTIONAL

Seven Percent Of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover, 312 pages. Harper Teen, 2023. $15 

Language: R (100 swears 20 'f'); Mature Content:  PG-13 (Kissing, making out and caressing but nothing too descriptive) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Rose Devereux is 18 years old and a high school senior. All of Ro's life there has been one thing for certain. She is going to create some world altering technology and be living in California. Her father has other plans, and wants her to continue the family legacy and work at his cafe. It isn't until Ro creates an app for a senior project that suddenly her dreams become a reality. The app, MASH can use human behavior to predict your future. MASH becomes a overnight sensation and everyone is downloading it and wanting to see what their lives are like, and Ro must decide if her algorithm is playing god or just a fun past time. 

Seven Percent Of Ro Devereux is an entertaining and interesting book but lacks in logic and character development. This book is a fun read but often times I was left scratching my head at the ideas behind MASH the app and the claims how it's backed by 'science' and 'behavioral psychology'. The book didn't actually provide any science just broad sayings. I also thought the characters were very flat and often times one dimensional and not very relatable . Rose Devereux is white with bright blonde hair. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb - ADVISABLE

Looking For True by Tricia Springstubb, 273 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2022. $19

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11yo Gladys, small for her age, quite eccentric in her dress and vocabulary use, meets Jude, also 11yo, but he is quite laid back, easy going and tries to always be obedient. Both kids live in a ramshackle neighborhood. Gladys’ mom runs a daycare and Gladys often has to help out; her dad works all day. Jude has a mother and a little brother, but no father. Jude's mother works at the rest-home and takes every shift she can get. She is always exhausted and not always very nice. Jude is mostly responsible for his little brother. A chance meeting with a neglected dog brings these two kids together. They name the dog True. They find out where the dog lives and go by to visit as often as they can. One day True is gone. They set out to find True, and when they do they decide to hide the dog in a safe place, and visit every day. They even make a schedule. Things do not go as planned and the kids panic a little, then come up with a new plan.

I loved this book; it touched my heart. Here are these two kids who really have nothing, doing all they can to save this dog. The story is told by both Gladys and Jude in alternating chapters. Gladys is extremely bright and Jude is so level headed. It really is great to see how these two, very different kids end up working together. It is great, this way you get the perspective of both the children. I would highly recommend this book. It might even want you and your children to get a dog of your own.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coates - ADVISABLE

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coates, 273 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Scholastica (Tick) has learned all there is to learn about the candle-making trade in 13th-century England. If she is doing all the work, and has learned all that she has, is she not a real apprentice? One day she finds a young boy at her workstation - her father's new apprentice. She is no longer allowed to help with the candle-making, just because she is a girl. Instead, she is expected to help in the house and hang out with other girls in the village. She learns that she will not even be allowed to go to the big fair in September. She looks forward to the fair all year! Will she be able to convince her father to let her come?

Life in the Middle Ages was hard for many reasons: not only for the strict roles imposed on girls and boys. The story is both interesting and captivating. I loved this book. The characters are all English. I don’t know how much your students read Middle Ages set books - but if they do read Karen Cushman, for example, they would also enjoy this. 

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

The First Magnificent Summer by R. L. Toalson - HIGH

The First Magnificent Summer by R. L. Toalson, 336 pages. Aladdin Books (Simon), 2023. $18

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (first period mentioned); Violence: PG (father hits her)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Victoria Reeves lives in Texas with her mom, her brother Jack, and her sister Maggie. Their parents split a couple years ago because their dad cheated on their mom. Now, the kids have to go spend the summer with their dad in Ohio, along with his new family. Victoria is excited and wants to show her dad that she is grown up now. She also brings her journals, which she loves to write in all the time. However, her summer does not go according to plan. She gets her first period, her dad doesn’t welcome her the way she expected, she misses her mom, and more.

I thought it was a really cool idea that the author chose to write this from the perspective of you reading Victoria’s journals, however that did make it slightly confusing at times but overall it worked. I also liked how there were poems, quotes, and definitions included because it made you think more deeply.

The ethnicity of the main character isn’t described, but on the cover she is depicted as white.

Student Reviewer: Sophia, 9th Grade Student

The Sister Split by Auriane Desombre - ADVISABLE

The Sister Split by Auriane Desombre, 242 pages. Delacorte Press, 2023. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Autumn lives in New York City with her mom, her brother George, and her best friend Saskia, but when Autumn‘s mom starts to date Harrison, they decide to move to East Hammond. Autumn does not like this idea at all, so she tries to sabotage everything and make her mom and Harrison not get along. She tries everything and still nothing seems to work, not to mention having to share everything with Harrison‘s daughter.

I like how the story went along. It’s so realistic to how a 12yo or 13yo girl would act; it’s fun and dramatic and unique. While the girls explore the idea that they might like each other romantically, they realize they are just good friends. The characters default to white. 

Student Reviewer: HS, 7th grade

Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins - OPTIONAL

Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins, 291 pages. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2023. $18. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Since her mother died, 13yo Pandita has snuck over to the abandoned house across the street where they used to play and Pandita left notes for her mother after her death. Pandita wants to save the home, but her older sister is all about tearing it down and building affordable housing. Summer was supposed to be fun, but her older sisters have enrolled her in drama camp, where she has to see her former best friend every day. Plus she’s had a falling out with Mr. Marvin, the elderly man she has been sharing her love of poetry with.  And while her new friend, Leo, is a bright spot, his family can’t actually afford to stay in the valley.

Supposedly the book is set in the 80’s, but there is only a little bit of 80’s feeling to the book. Pandita’s parents are from India, but the most Indian thing about it is the food. Mitali Perkins is usually so spot on with her writing - but this, I felt, falls short of its potential.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf - ADVISABLE

The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf (The Clackity #2), 300 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2023. $18.

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Evie promised her aunt she wouldn’t go through any more magical doors without backup.  And as soon as she promises, the same day she has to break that promise. Though, to be fair, she was mesmerized and tricked.  Now on the Dark Sun Side again, Evie hopes that she can solve the mystery of Blight’s missing ghosts - and maybe find a clue to what happened to her parents.  The Nighthouse Keeper is out to bend Evie to her will, but perhaps with the help of Lark, a ghost, she will be able to find some answers. 

I had a harder time loving this one as much as the first.  Evie’s mistakes were much more obvious this time and her ending was more deus ex machina. The Nighthouse Keeper is nowhere near as scary as The Clackity, but I am sure Clackity will be back in force in book #3.  Oh yes - Evie has very good reasons for another trip to the Dark Sun Side.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Code Red by Joy McCullough - ESSENTIAL

Code Red by Joy McCullough, 228 pages. Ateneum (Simon), 2023. $18.

Mature Content: G (talk of menstruation, some bullying about periods)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

13yo Eden was an elite gymnast until she had a severe injury that derailed her Olympic hopes. Now she is adapting, or not adapting to middle school.  When your mother, who owns a large period product company hijacks career day, it is hard to keep a low profile. An accident gets Eden and another girl, Mirabel, suspended for a few days and Eden is introduced to Mirabel’s exciting extended family, to the world of having less, and to activism.  Eden would love to have period products available free to all - and her initiative gets picked up by Mirabel’s older sister - putting Eden into direct conflict with her mother.

Eden's mom is a great example of someone who thinks they have it all and is completely failing at being a good parent and sometimes even a good human - but without being too much of a cartoon villain. I empathized with Eden as she broke her mother’s outrageous punishments in order to be a better human, and a better friend.  A great book about social justice, activism, families - so many things. Eden defaults white while Mirabel’s family is Latinx.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson - ADVISABLE

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson, 218 pages. Pajama Press, 2023. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Roxy and her best friend Scout are eager to enter their YouTube channel EaVillKids, where they report their East Village neighborhood happenings, in a contest to win a documentary made of an idea they submit. Life is all too real for Roxy, who is raised by her grandmother in Umbrella House, a reclaimed tenement building.  Developers have their beloved building in their sites and the local Council may side with the developers. Roxy wishes that the Midnight  Muralist, who was big in the East Village in the 1980’s could come to save the day this time, too.

Roxy’s enthusiasm is fun to experience and she has moments of stretching and growing, especially with her relationship with her best friend. A good way to inspire young people to see that they can influence their world. Umbrella House is a real place in NYC’s East Village and the tenants acquired the building just as described - though Roxy and the Midnight Muralist are not real people. I missed any reference to ethnicities within the book.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Forget Me Not Blue by Sharelle Byars Moranville - ADVISABLE

Forget Me Not Blue by Sharelle Byars Moranville, 264 pages. Holiday House, 2023.

Content: Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’) Mature Content: PG (adult alcohol issues); Violence: PG (adult flashes gun.)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

5th grader Sofie and her older brother 13yo Con are used to taking care of themselves.  Their beautiful mother is also unreliable and easily distracted. Tommy, Mom’s boss tries to keep an eye on them and bring them food.  And one day Mom’s grandfather shows up - he’s newly out of prison and working to keep himself clean. One day Mom stays away longer than she ever has before and the kids are sure something is very wrong. And even when she does return - will she manage to stay with them or has she committed crimes for which she needs to atone?

From the cover of this book, you would assume that it is about a girl with some social anxiety who spends a lot of time in a swimming pool.  Nope - has to be one of the worst cover choices I’ve seen since The View From Saturday. This book deserves a bigger audience - it will stay with me for a while. But almost no student will pick this up voluntarily. The ending for Sofie is a bit deus ex machina. I will buy this for my library because of the important issues it covers - plus I sometimes get requests from our counseling center for novels that touch on certain issues - such as alcohol addiction and parents in prison.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Hurricane Girls by Kimberly Willis Holt - ADVISABLE

The Hurricane Girls by Kimberly Willis Holt, 288 pages. Little Brown, 2023. $22

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three girls were born around the time of Hurricane Katrina. Greer, Joy Mia, and Kiki are now 7th graders and best friends. But Greer’s younger sister was in a terrible accident while Greer was watching her and is now confined to a wheelchair. Greer has given up her beloved running and is grieving and dealing with her enormous guilt for her sister’s new life. The other two hatch a plan for the three of them to enter a team triathlon for kids - even though Kiki, who has a swimming pool, doesn’t know how to swim; and Joya Mia has never ridden a bicycle. Each of the girls has challenges and struggles to conquer, but right now they are not even sure if their friendship will survive.

A lovely book about the power a solid friendship can lend to each member - while looking at the near disasters that can occur when we hide our pain and don’t receive support and guidance from those we love. JoyaMia’s Latinx family is the most visibly ethnic - the others seem to be white.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri - OPTIONAL

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri, 224 pages. Levine Querido, 2023. $22

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting, talk of assassination)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

When Samir rescues “Monk” from the monks who want his blood, Monk becomes Samir’s “monkey” servant. In order to win his freedom, Monk must pay off his debt. Considering how many people want Samir dead, Monk decides that each time he saves Samir’s life, that erases part of the debt. There is a beautiful girl amongst their fellow travelers that Monk also wants to impress. As they travel along the Silk Road, danger - because of Samir - lurks around every corner.

Nayeri’s writing feels like a modern fable or myth - but it is one that passed right by me.  I can see students reading this as part of a class, but not sharing it with each other as a great read.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

 

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin - HIGH

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin, 640 pages. HarperTeen, 2023. $20 

Language: R (84 swears 7 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing; implied sex) Violence: R (bloody deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

19 yo Huntress Celie finds a woman dead as she’s leaving the cemetery after visiting her sister’s memorial spot. She learns that more bodies have been found and she’s being kept in the dark for her protection. She goes out on her own to investigate when she gets kidnapped and pulled into vampire life on the Isle of Requiem. Celie discovers that things aren’t always as they seem. All that she has grown up to believe is turned upside down and she has to learn to rely on the help of others.

I like the complexity of the characters. I like the character variety and character development. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the whole story. The ethnicity is predominantly white with amber, tawny, and bronze skin characters mentioned. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus - ADVISABLE

Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus, 288 pages.  Margaret Ferguson (Holiday House), 2023. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Dory lives with her older (17yo) and her younger brother in a small apartment in New York City.  Dory’s mother is dead and her father is away fighting during WWII. The families within their apartment and others extended through the neighborhood are very supportive of the children while their father is away.  However, when a new landlord arrives, the kids are in trouble - if he finds out they are alone, the family will be split up into the foster system. But Dory has an idea. Maybe they can find a way into the abandoned and sealed hotel above their favorite restaurant! 

I love Dory’s spunk and ingenuity.  And I love that the narrator has included some particular asides, breaking the fourth wall with the reader. Good look at life in NYC in the 1940’s and lots of tension and adventure to move the story along. While I would love to rate this ESSENTIAL, I know that historical fiction is not a huge draw usually. Dory and her family are white, and their neighborhood is diverse.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Top Story (Front Desk #5) by Kelly Yang - ESSENTIAL

Top Story (Front Desk #5) by Kelly Yang, 304 pages. Scholastic, 2023. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mia is excited to be in San Francisco’s Chinatown for journalism camp at the Chronicle. Even though it occupies her winter break, she is ready to go. Plus her best friend Lupe is attending her own mathematics camp across the bay at Berkeley and Mia’s mom is getting for her first major mathematics lecture - IN ENGLISH! The other kids at camp are older than Mia, and some of them are influencers, who seem to have more pull with the editors. If Mia and the other token diverse campers want to be heard, they are going to have to find a way to tell their stories on their own.

I love that along the way Mia learns even more about the history of Asians migrating to the US.  I liked that Yang wove these incidents (Angel Island, internment camps, racist laws) into the narrative without feeling intrusive. I feel this book in particular could stand alone, even if it is #5, and be used to spark many class discussions. Yang also gives each of her diverse characters room to bring in their own cultures.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Of Jasmine and Roses by Jill E. Warner - ADVISABLE

Of Jasmine and Roses by Jill E. Warner, 256 pages. Covenant Communications, 2023. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Too Indian to be English, Anna (23yo) has found herself a position as a governess, making her too much of the help to be a lady’s niece and too much of a superior to be the help. With so much experience as an outsider, Anna thought she could help her two charges navigate the newness of their positions in society, but she struggles to help make a place for them where she has never fit. And the attention of Mr. Thaxton makes placement that much more complicated.

Though Anna’s story is set in the 1800s, her experiences with racism are real and relevant, making this historical romance much more than a fluff read. Racism is an arbitrary reason to not like someone, and readers can feel that as they look at the world from her perspective. Anna thinks to herself that “she really should have been used to these kinds of slights, but being used to something didn’t make it hurt less,” and no one should have to get used to consistent, hurtful treatment.

Anna is Indian-English. The rest of the characters are English. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Bean: The Stretchy Dragon by Ari Stocrate - OPTIONAL

Bean: The Stretchy Dragon by Ari Stocrate PICTURE BOOK Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2023. $12. 9781524881016 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

It's an ordinary day for Bean, a dragon who lives with Sally, a witch with blue skin. Bean wakes up, eats her favorite food (beans, of course), and goes for a walk in the forest. There she encounters magical creatures (each of which have their own fact page) like a jackalope, a fur-bearing trout, and a swamp monster. In the evening, Sally gives Bean a bath and makes them dinner. Then, it's time for bed. 

I wanted to love this graphic novel style picture book. The illustrations are adorable, but for me, the writing fell flat. There was no discernable story, and Sally was not introduced until the middle of the book. It could be a French to English translation error, but the wording was awkward at times. (For example, the jackalope's antlers "behold powerful magic" rather than hold powerful magic, and when Bean jumps on the mushrooms, "the mushrooms are bouncing" rather than bouncy.) Maybe as a companion to the original webcomic, it would be more enjoyable. 

Rachel, Elementary School Librarian 

The House That Whispers by Lim Thompson - ADVISABLE

The House That Whispers by Lim Thompson, 327 pages. Little Brown, 2023. $17

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (main character is nonbinary or a transgender boy, but is not out to anyone); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Simon (who has not told anyone that in his head he refers to himself as Simon and uses he/him pronouns) is headed with his sisters to Nanleen’s house for a week while his parents stay behind and “talk”. Simon is worried about Nanleen because she has started to forget things and he thinks the house may be haunted. As he investigates what he thinks is a ghost, he learns about his great-aunt Brie, who no one in the family talks about - for reasons that may be similar to what Simon himself is going through.

I like that Thompson took a risk to fold a story about gender identity into a book that is more about past family drama.  It is a nice mix for an issues book. SPOILER ALERT:  this is not a ghost story - the haunting is all the haunts of unresolved family problems both past and present.  I think that will disappoint some kids who pick it up for the cover and the title. Simon is white.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

Atana and the Firebird by Vivian Zhou - OPTIONAL

Atana and the Firebird (Atana Duology #1) by Vivian Zhou, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. HarperAlley (HarperCollins), 2023. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The mermaid Atana lives alone on her island, contenting herself with reading about the world—until the night a firebird falls from the sky. Ren, the firebird, has heard stories about Earth and wants to see everything. But the world is not just beauty and books.

Unknown adventure becomes a quest, acquaintances become best friends, and generosity becomes a trap. Life is full of surprises, and, like our heroines, we make the best decisions we can. Sometimes that looks like leaving our islands for adventure and sometimes that means standing our ground. The illustrations are simple and beautiful.

The characters in this world are depicted to be diverse. The mature content rating is for partial nudity, and the violence rating is for fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Sounders - ESSENTIAL

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Sounders, 304 pages. Sourcebooks, 2023. $16

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Grady had no idea that he was related to crazy Eudora Klinch, the old lady who walked around their town with a shovel, constantly mumbling to herself. Eudora has left Grady a tapestry that supposedly leads to a treasure that was forgotten long ago.  Grady thinks nothing of it until someone tries to break into his house. And when someone dies because of the tapestry, Grady and his two best friends decide they must solve this mystery once and for all.  Grady and his father are doing so poorly, that they are about to lose their home and will be forced to move out of town; maybe this treasure will save them.

Solid addition to a mystery collection.  Grady is pretty clever and he and his friends are resilient, imaginative, and persistent. While the slasher type murder mystery that most kids are drawn too, kids who like kids solving less deadly mysteries will enjoy this. 

Grady is white, one of his best friends has red hair, and the other is Black; however, ethnicity doesn’t play any part in the book.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

unOrdinary by uru-chan - OPTIONAL

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan, 336 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. HarperAlley (HarperCollins), 2023. $20.

Language: R (27 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In a world where the social hierarchy is enforced by the powerful abilities of those on top, it’s a miracle that John, a zero, survives high school each day. John doesn’t believe the hierarchy is right. But, without fighting back, how can one boy prove the system wrong?

The illustrations are very well done, and uru-chan does a lot to help the flow of reading go smoothly through each panel. Volume 1 lays out several different pieces for readers, and it will be interesting to see how they all come together in future issues. However, there is a difference between a twist in a story and being lied to, and I feel like I, as a reader, was lied to, which does not endear me to the story.

The majority of characters are depicted as white. The language rating is also for several censored expletives, including 7 f-words. The mature content rating is for partial nudity. The violence rating is for assault, blood, fantasy violence, and mentions of murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Dawnshard: From the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson - OPTIONAL

Dawnshard: From the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson, 171 pages. Tor Books, 2020. $9 

Language: PG (8 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG; (Battle fighting but no blood/gore) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

In a story that takes place between Sanderson's Oathbringer and Rhythm of War, young woman Rysn is still adapting to the injury that left her a paraplegic. Her pet Chiri-Chiri is one of the things that keeps her motivated, so when Chiri-Chiri starts acting sick, Rysn seeks a cure: Chiri-Chiri must be returned to the island of her birth, an island that no one has survived when they visit. With creatures intent on keeping her and the Knights Radiant on her crew away from the island, Rysn must face unknown Gods and survive. 

This is an interesting novel for those who are heavily involved in the Stormlight Archive. If you're not a fan of the series or haven't read the first three novels then this one won't make much sense. It heightens some of the world-building that Sanderson has done, and it brings up characters and storylines that are enjoyable and fan-favorites. The students who love Brandon Sanderson will enjoy this, but it's not a good pick for the average fantasy-reader. Rysn is a fictional ethnicity with no specific skin described 

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher bookbug123@gmail.com

Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price - ADVISABLE

Sense and Second-Degree Murder (Jane Austen Murder Mysteries #2) by Tirzah Price, 416 pages. HarperTeen, 2022. $11 

Language: PG (10 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: G (Murder and some violence - no blood.) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, 18 yo and 16yo respectively, find their lives in upheaval when their father dies prematurely and all his wealth goes to their brother, who chooses not to share much of the inheritance. Marianne, having trained under her father who was a private detective, determines that his cause of death is awfully suspicious, and when aspiring chemist Elinor runs tests on their father's final drink, she has to agree. Together, the sisters determine to uncover the truth, but as intriguing men involve themselves in the girls' lives, they don't know who to trust or who to investigate. More than anything, their different personalities cause conflict that they must settle if they want any hope of uncovering the villains of their story. 

This is a delightful retelling of Sense and Sensibility. I loved the twist on independent women making a name for themselves while also paying tribute to their original characters and motivations. Even for those who know Sense and Sensibility, there are some twists and turns that keep this ending original and fresh. There isn't much depth in terms of themes and it loses a lot of Austen's wit and insight, but that makes it a great introduction to Austen for those who are hesitant to begin with her. I think this would pair well with her novels in a classroom setting. Elinor, Marianne, and their family as well as the other main characters are all assumed white. 

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron - HIGH

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron 240 pages. Bloomsbury YA, 2023. $15 

Language: R (95 swears 2 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Kids having sex and drinking, cults) Violence: R (Bloody injuries with descriptions of injured organs, etc.) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

17yo Charity helps run a summer camp where a classic slasher movie was filmed; now, the camp helps reenact the horror of the movie for guests. However, what starts as a fun summer quickly turns into a nightmare when Charity and her coworkers realize someone really is out there who wants them dead. As Charity and her girlfriend fight to survive, they must face the history of the camp and the horrors that have been waiting for years.

This has all the elements of a classic slasher film. I loved that Charity recognized all the cliches of horror and wouldn't allow that to happen to her. Readers will love the fast pace of the story as it picks up and the plot twists, but it is incredibly violent so be warned if that's not for you. Charity is black, and her girlfriend Bezi is alluded to being Black as well.

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

The Voice Upstairs by Laura E. Weymouth - HIGH

The Voice Upstairs by Laura E. Weymouth, 320 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023. $20 

Language: PG-13 (19 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (passionate kissing); Violence: PG-13 (deaths and bullying) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

(17yo?) Wil and Ed have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They enjoy spending time together more than with anyone else and their feelings are growing stronger towards each other. Wil is known for her close connection with death and being able to see when someone will be dying soon. When mysterious and suspicious deaths happen at Ed’s manor, he asks Wil to help. The two soon discover that they are in way over their heads. 

The prose is beautiful. Wil and Ed are wonderful characters and I grew to love them both. The mystery surrounding them pulled me into the story and created intense suspense. The hauntings added a creepy vibe that gave another dimension to the story. 

Ethnicity falls to white. Ebony skinned maid and a terra cotta skinned laborer. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

The Lotus Flower Champion by Pintip Dunn and Love Dunn - OPTIONAL

The Lotus Flower Champion by Pintip Dunn and Love Dunn, 400 pages. Entangled Teen, 2023. $19 

Language: R (38 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody fight) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Alaia struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and she’s taking a trip to Thailand with her parents to give her terminally ill mother a last trip of peace. Before they reach land, there’s an explosion on the yacht and her family is separated. Alaia and her mother wake up stranded on an island with ten others from the yacht. Things just get weirder and more dangerous as they discover they are on an island where Thai folklore comes to life. They soon find out that they are the main characters in the legends and they’re going to have to fight for their lives. 

I appreciate the folktales of Thailand resources the author shares at the end of the book. I enjoyed the premise of folktales coming to life. This book is a quick and easy read. Asian American is dominant. The yacht captain, Preston, and Elizabeth are white. Lola and Rae have warm brown skin. Sylvie is Filipina. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade by Claudia Gray - HIGH

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade by Claudia Gray, 432 pages. Disney Press. 2023. $17 

Language: PG-13 (10 swears 0'f'); Mature Content: G (holding hands) Violence: PG (danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

16yo Audrey Perez, her brother, and their parents are moving to New Orleans and she will be attending a girls-only private high school. Audrey doesn’t want to leave her old house or her boyfriend Chase behind but her family is hoping that the move will help her anxiety.  Audrey accidentally finds a haunted mansion and thinks she hears her boyfriend’s voice calling to her from inside, so she goes in. Once she enters, she’s enthralled by the atmosphere and the library. Audrey gets possessed by three spirits, one at a time, a guitarist, a ship captain, a jazz-loving evil man, and each spirit helps her find a key. Once she starts collecting the keys, she sees and feels an ominous fog coming for her. 

I like the spookiness level of the book. I found the possessive spirits interesting because they were each unique. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the story. Audrey Perez is of Spanish descent. Tatum Stewart is Scottish. Iris Boone is African American. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker - HIGH

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker, 432 pages. Inkyard Press, 2023. $19 

Language: R (29 swears 2 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing) Violence: R (bloody deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

In the Year 775 in Guangzhou, China, 17yo Zilan lives with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins who have all accepted her as part of the family. She has the ability to resurrect people and brings extra money to the family with this skill. She wants to be a royal alchemist and travels to the palace to fulfill her wish. She survives trials against prejudice with her cleverness and some help from the prince. Once Zilan begins to train, she’s named the Scarlet Alchemist and she discovers how dangerous and awful the Empress is, what she’s using the alchemists for and why she needs Zilan. 

I love the Prince because he’s funny, innocent and has a kind heart. Zilan is an interesting character because of her skills and background. I enjoyed reading the book and the suspense, romance, and science fiction made it easy to dive into. Chinese is the main ethnicity. Zilan had a Chinese mother and a foreign father. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

White Bird by R.J. Palacio, with Erica S. Perl - ADVISABLE

White Bird by R.J. Palacio, with Erica S. Perl, 264 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2022 $18. 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Physical assault, characters shot at, murder, not graphic) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Sara lives in Vichy, France with her parents. It's the 1940s and the Nazis have taken control of the region. One day, at school, the Jewish children are captured. Sara manages to escape and is rescued by 13yo Julien, a young boy who uses crutches, as he had polio and his legs are crippled. He takes her home and hides her (with his parents' consent) in the family's barn. For the next 2+ years, Sara must remain a secret, nevertheless, she grows close to the family who is caring for her, and especially this boy, who is sacrificing everything to help her. 

Based on the graphic novel from 2019, this retelling which coincides with the release of the motion picture, is well done. I read the graphic a few years ago, and it tells the same story - I expected additional scenes or other characters, but it stays faithful to the original. I did like the occasional illustrations - taken from the graphic novel, and there's an 8-page section of glossy photos from the movie. I think the movie tie-in will draw readers to the novelization, but I would still recommend the graphic novel first. Sara is Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian 

Covet by Tracy Wolff - HIGH

Covet (Crave #3) by Tracy Wolff, 600 pages. Entangled Teen. 2021. $15 

Language: R (297 swears 98 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing; petting, implied sex); Violence: R (bloody deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hudson states that 17yo Grace is his mate but she’s still in love with Jaxon. The three of them discover that the bond between Jaxon and Grace was created by the Bloodletter and that’s why the Bloodletter could and did break the bond. Now they and their group of trusted friends are on a mission to save Jaxon's soul. They end up in prison which seems unescapable. They meet Remy and Calder and are placed in their cell, unsure of whether they will be allies or enemies. If they survive prison, it will be a miracle. 

The amount of swearing distracts from the story. I like how kindhearted Grace is. The story actually pulls me in when Hudson is arrested by the Circle after the graduation ceremony and Grace insists on going with her mate to prison; I was invested in the story after that. Flint is black. Grace, Macy, Hudson and Jaxon are white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Coyote Lost and Found (Coyote Sunrise #2) by Dan Gemeinhart - ADVISABLE

Coyote Lost and Found (Coyote Sunrise #2) by Dan Gemeinhart, 288 pages. Henry Holt & Company (Macmillan), March 2024. $18 

Language: PG (13 swears 0 'f'): Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, injuries, dangerous behavior) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Coyote Sunrise found a box of ashes she's pretty sure are her mother, and she's a bit confused and maybe a little angry that her dad, Rodeo, didn't tell her it was in the bus with them all along. Turns out her mother left a message in a poetry book about what to do if she passes away, and Coyote's dad is still so grief-stricken that he hasn't looked at those pages. But, when Coyote tries to find the book herself, she vaguely remembers leaving it at a thrift or used book store somewhere during their travels the year before. She just can't tell Rodeo the book is gone, but she can convince him to go on another crazy adventure on the bus. 

Coyote makes friends so easily on the road, I hate that she's the "weird kid" at school and feels so alone. Gemeinhart tells a story that is both poignant and humorous. I was so happy to once again be along for the ride. Coyote is strong independent and driven - and the lessons she learns about grief, friendship, and resiliency are timeless. I wonder if I love it so much because I can relate to the characters and experiences, is it my age or will the younger set feel the same? 

Coyote and Rodeo are white, Salvador is Hispanic, Wally is Asian. 

Lisa Librarian 

Teacher's Pet by Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre - ADVISABLE

Teacher's Pet (Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley Twins)  by Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre, 204 GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic Random House, 2023. $21 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jessica and Elizabeth are vying for the lead in the dance recital. Elizabeth seems to have her teacher's eye, though Jessica is convinced she is the better dancer. Feelings run high as recital night gets closer. 

The twins' feelings about dancing, friends, and relationships is believable. They don't always get along, and they have different personalities and sets of friends, but they somehow work things out. The plot is pretty straightforward and fairly predictable, but it's an enjoyable ride. Fans of Sweet Valley Twins will be totally satisfied. The twins are Caucasian. 

Michelle in the Middle

Bone: More Tall Tales by Jeff Smith and Tom Sniegoski - HIGH

Bone: More Tall Tales by Jeff Smith with Tom Sniegoski, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2023. $13 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A camping trip with young scouts to a legendary landmark results in some great campfire stories about an explosive trip to the moon, a delicious quiche, an imagined monster come to life, and two stupid Rat Creatures that fun afoul of a boar. 

 The stories are short but engaging and the humor is wicked. Rabid fans of the Bone books will gobble this one up and newbies to the series will discover what makes Bone books so fun. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Misfit Mansion by Kay Duvault - ADVISABLE

Misfit Mansion by Kay Duvault, 304 pages GRAPHIC NOVEL Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2023. $23 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Even though Iris lives in a crowded house, she yearns to find a family she can belong to instead of the other monsters. Iris' home is protected by Mr. Halloway who has provided horrors like Iris a safe place to live away from humans. When the house's locking spell is broken and the horrors are able to break free, they learn a lot about themselves and others, especially when old secrets come to light. 

The art is well done and lends itself really well to the story. Iris and her fellow horrors are a great bunch of misfits. There are some nice themes of forgiveness, family, and acceptance. The story is straightforward and fairly predictable, but it's an enjoyable ride. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel - ESSENTIAL

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel, 224 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2023. $26 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (carnivorous bats) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Shade is a young silverwing bat. He gets separated from his colony during the annual migration and ends up facing storms, vengeful owls, and carnivorous jungle bats that would destroy everything he holds dear. 

Incredible graphics and an intense storyline make this impossible to put down. The art is lush and intricate and I totally bought into the story even though I am not a fan of bats. I found myself cheering for Shade and am ready for the next book. A bonus is that readers will take in facts about bats and not even realize it. Totally engaging from start to finish. 

Michelle in the Middle

Hope Wins by Rose Brock - ESSENTIAL

 Hope Wins by Rose Brock, Editor, 195 pages. NON-FICTION. Philomel (Penguin), 2022. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Brock has collected inspiring stories from modern authors for young people. I enjoyed learning about the authors, hardships they endured and how those hardships helped them become the people they are today. I have read many of the books these wonderful authors have written, and I really enjoyed learning about them. Sometimes I did not immediately recognize the author's name, but after reading a little I realized I had read their books. Fascinating - I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I just could not put it down. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. The authors are of different ethnicities.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian 

Threads of Peace by Uma Krishnaswami - OPTIONAL

Threads of Peace by Uma Krishnaswami, 325 pages. NON FICTION, BIOGRAPHY. Atheneum (Simon), 2021. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (Minors smoking, minors having kids mentioned); Violence: PG-13 (Jail, shooting, blood, injuries)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Threads of Peace, shares both the stories of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., both leaders striving for peace through non-violence, in their struggles to bring justice, freedom, and peace to a violent and segregated world. The author was very detailed and thorough in her research of both leaders which made the story a lot more interesting. I learned a lot more facts about both men than I have ever known before - or maybe even wanted to know. It was difficult at times to stay focused or interested because it was long and very detailed. If someone had a specific interest in learning about these two figures then they would be able to enjoy more. Mohandas Gandhi was Indian and lived in India, South Africa and Europe in his lifetime. Martin Luther King Jr. was Black and lived in America. Student Reviewer: KC, 9th grade