Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Popcorn by Rob Harrell - ESSENTIAL
The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters by Joan Reardon - OPTIONAL
The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters by Joan Reardon, 321 pages. Simon and Schuster, 29024. $18.
Content: PG (mild scares)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Anna Grimsbane is eager to join the family business of hunting witches. Well, the women in their family hunt witches - the men are considered to be frail and prone to death all because of a curse placed on them generations earlier. When her twin, Billy, disappears the night before their 13th birthday, she knows he has gone into the forest to find the witch responsible for the curse in order to break it himself. Anna wants to gather her best friends to help her find him. What she doesn’t know is that each friend has an ulterior motive for joining the search.
Anna and her friends are chaotic at best as they roam the forest looking for Billy. I liked the cast of characters they encountered along the way more than I liked the children. I also liked the needed resolution for the curse very much. I am just not certain that many readers will persist through the friend drama.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Loch Ness Uncovered by Rebecca Siegel
Loch Ness Uncovered by Rebecca Siegel, 159 pages. NON-FICTION Astra, 2024. $20.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Siegel takes a critical and thorough look at the origin of and continued fascination with the supposed appearances of the Loch Ness monsters.
Using extensive historical sources, she peels back the layers to let the reader know the truth behind the famous photo and looks at why people persist in believing, despite credible evidence to the contrary. She includes a small section at the end about fake news and how to expose it.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen - ADVISABLE
The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen, 373 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2024. $19.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (imaginary battles)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Lunar Jones is barely existing on Mars - a planet that was cursed by the death of the dragon that also transformed it into a livable place, but one where the flora and the fauna are out to kill humans. Betrayed and stuck in the inhospitable wilderness, Lunar finds his way to a secret facility, where his destiny as the companion to a hidden dragon is revealed. Can Lunar step up to the challenge and be the companion this dragon demands and also keep the Mars military happy?
I love science fiction. and I love Reintgen. I hope that having dragons involved will entice my many fantasy readers to give this a chance - it is really good.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Monday, February 10, 2025
Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia - MANY
The Brontes of Haworth Moor by Diane Browning - OPTIONAL
The Brontes of Haworth Moor by Diane Browning, 226 pages. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY Rowman and Littlefield, 2023. $34
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Browning has made it her life’s mission to refute the history of the Bronte family as was chronicled by Elizabeth Gaskell. Browning uses extensive research and expounds upon the many underhanded dealings of Gaksell when it comes to writing the biography that is still used to this.
An adult who loves the history of the Brontes and loves their works will also love this densely packed biography of the family. High school students will have a much harder time reading it.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Sunday, February 9, 2025
This Song is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin - OPTIONAL
This Song is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin, 256 pages. Sourcebooks Fire, 2024 (reprint). $10.
Language: R (25 swears, 7 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (bullying)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
17yo Ramona and Sam created the band, April and Rain. Tom soon joins them. They each live their own unassuming lives and just want to enjoy their music. The three friends bond and learn from each other as they get through high school, meet their goals and make their future plans. Not everyone understands them but they understand each other and are true friends unconditionally.
Nowlin shows an authentic portrayal of dyslexia. The high school band and unconditional best friends are refreshing. The tidbits of wisdom from Ramona are helpful to her friends. The ethnicity falls to white.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Away by Megan E. Freeman - ADVISABLE
Away by Megan E. Freeman, 458 pages. Simon, 2025. $19.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
While Maddie has been left behind to fend for herself, what happened to all of the people of her town who were evacuated? WHY were they evacuated? 12yo Ashanti, 12yo Harmony, 11yo Teddy, and 14yo Grandin all find themselves deposited with their families at the same refugee center. After months pass with no resolution, the kids are not content with the stories fed them by those in charge - especially Grandin, who is desperate to hear news of his father, who stayed behind. Can four kids find out the truth - something that seems to be eluding the adults around them?
I will admit up front - Freeman’s story is full of holes and impossibilities. But reading through the eyes of kids, they will love watching the kids ferret out the truth, when the adults around them just don’t seem to question or care. Freeman uses a wide variety of formats to further the story. It moves swiftly, so don’t let the size fool you.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Friday, February 7, 2025
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly - ESSENTIAL
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, 253 pages. Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins), 2024. $20.
Language: PG (5 swears (diety) 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bully)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
12yo Michael is worried about Y2K. He has heard that everything might shut down and he's started stockpiling a few things under his bed, things his mom would like, like peaches. But when 17yo Ridge appears at the apartment complex, and tells Michael and 16yo Ginny he's a time traveler from 200 years in the future, Michael really wants to know what the future holds for him and the world. But Ridge is in trouble with his own family, and shouldn't be here in the first place, he's not going to risk breaking protocol and causing a break in the time continuum. He just wants to go home.
I really liked how Kelly tells the story from both times, so it's Science Fiction told in an Historical Period. The action is exciting, it's fun reading about Ridge experiencing things he's only studied about. The science talk in the future isn't over our heads; all the technical stuff is really just jargon, the pages about the future are in a different font which helps readers keep track of which time. Although there's a time traveling kid with his own problems, the story is really about Michael, who has a mom who works a lot, he worries about starting 7th grade and the stuff going on around his neighborhood. The cover illustration shows Michael as Black.
Lisa Librarian
Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Crime Brûlée Bake Off by Rebecca Connolly - ADVISABLE
The Crime Brûlée Bake Off (Claire Walker #1) by Rebecca Connolly, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $18.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Claire is a teacher first and a hobbyist baker on the side—until she is accepted as a contestant on the upcoming season of Britain's Battle of the Bakers. Despite her anxiety over the competition aspect of the show, Claire goes. But she never expected the competition to turn deadly.
Though an average murder mystery, I enjoyed the characters and the baking competition aspects of the story. The murder itself was carried out in a brilliant way; however, I found the explanation in the end to be lacking, as if it was only half of the explanation. The suspicious activity mystery on the baking show side of things kept me engaged, and the romantic side plot was adorable. Overall, Claire’s story is fun and well-written.
All of the characters are British. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, and kissing. The violence rating is for corpses, assault, murder, and mentions of suicide.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All by Chanel Miller - ADVISABLE
Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All by Chanel Miller, 145 pages. Philomel (Penguin), 2024. $18.
Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (mention of raging father and difficult parents)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod - ADVISABLE
Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod, 224 pages. BIOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2024. $23. 9781250813732
Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
11yo Kathy lives in Thailand with her American father, Thai mother and sister. Every few years the family takes a vacation to Maine to visit with Kathy's father's extended family. She loves these trips. Kathy doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. She speaks English and she attends an international school in Thailand, but none of her friends are like her there. In her neighborhood, a boy tells her she isn't American because she doesn't have blue eyes. Although Kathy speaks English with an American accent, she finds she doesn't fit in at summer camp in Maine either. Where does Kathy belong?
Kathy Macloud's childhood memories make a really good graphic novel. I love her spunk and attitude, especially when she feels annoyed. She's a strong kid. I loved her camp experience. Her cabin mates (unfortunately) act as expected - for American kids, and Kathy feels othered. She has a great advisor at camp, and some marvelous aunts as well. A great empathy builder as well as a window for my new arrivals.
Lisa Librarian
Monday, February 3, 2025
Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia - OPTIONAL:
Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia, 400 pages. Disney, 2025. $19
Language: R (86 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
16yo Mullory feels alone and helpless. Her mother left her to take care of her terminally ill grandmother, leaving her with this warning, “Run if the strange finds you”. She starts receiving letters and doesn’t want to open them but when Elliot, a family services worker, arrives and tells her he’s checking in on Mullory and her Gran and seeing how difficult their situation is, might have a solution to help them. Elliot tells Mullory to open the letters. Inside is an invitation to Stoutmire Estate to participate in a game of mystery to win an inheritance. When she arrives at the estate, Mullory discovers that Elliott is actually Edwin and serves the estate owner, Xavier Stoutmire. Then things become more strange because a murder has been committed and a game has been created by the deceased that’s outlined in the will. The players must unravel the mystery with magical clues, riddles and illusions full of danger.
The book is definitely written for YA with the quips and easy crushes. I like how the author added literary quotes to broaden the impact. Flashbacks are sprinkled throughout the story as echoes that the characters can see. The author created an eclectic mix of characters.
The ethnicity is predominantly white.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Skyshade (Lightlark #3) by Alex Aster - OPTIONAL
Skyshade (Lightlark #3) by Alex Aster, 384 pages. Harry N. Abrams, 2024. $14
Language: PG (7 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
20yo Isla struggles with leaving Oro behind but knows it's best for the sake of Lightlark. She’s still angry with Grim for erasing her memories, but odd and destructive incidents help them work together to save the realms. Isla discovers a feather that writes on its own, leading her to learn about skyres, items that hold soul pieces. Zealots are disguised and Isla begins trusting them. She also starts to think that she’s the person causing destruction. Is Isla the traitor?
I like the mystery surrounding the unknown traitor who is wreaking havoc. I don’t really feel that Isla loves Oro as she loves Grim, who seems to be her soulmate. I enjoyed the author’s world building.
Isla has tanned skin, Oro is golden.Others have light brown skin and white skin.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Saturday, February 1, 2025
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman - MANY
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman, 528 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2025. $22.
Language: R (94 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Rón (16yo) wants to believe that Crown Royale, the latest virus, really leaves survivors happier because he needs that in his life. Morgan (19yo) wants nothing to do with the virus—until a wealthy patron offers to hand over her entire fortune if Morgan will fight against it spreading. Mariel doesn’t know what to think; she just wants to survive another day of living with her mom out of their car. Though they don’t yet know it, these three teenagers will affect the future of Crown Royale all over the world.
In Shusterman’s version of the future, Crown Royale comes after coronavirus. The various points of view from all over the world share different perspectives on whether the new virus is good or bad and why they believe that. Rón’s, Mariel’s, and Morgan’s stories invite readers to step into a new space to discuss concerns about viruses and vaccines that allows them to ask questions from new points of view and with new vocabulary. On top of that, the story itself is engaging and surprising. I look forward to the sequel.
Rón is described as having “brown” skin, Morgan is Eurasian, and Mariel is implied White. The mature content rating is for illegal activity; alcohol use, including underage drinking; mentions of drugs, nudity, condoms, masturbation, sex, and rape; kissing; and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, mentions of domestic and child abuse and war, gun use, bioterrorism, suicide, and murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Friday, January 31, 2025
The Quest of Danger by Stuart Gibbs and Stacy Curtis - OPTIONAL
The Quest of Danger (Once Upon a Tim #4) by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Stacy Curtis, 162 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2023. $1. 9781665917476
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Tim, a knight in training, and his friends are saved from falling to their deaths only to be thrown into a new quest. King Neptuna needs help getting his trident back from the knights who stole it. On their journey they encounter vicious beasts, pirates and their nemesis, Prince Ruprecht.
The quest story was fun and well paced. I liked that big words were used and defined (referred to as IQ boosters in the book). The illustrations are great and add to the overall experience.
The ages of the four main characters are not mentioned. The publisher lists the audience age as 7 to 10 and 4th to 6th grade. Throughout the book Princess Grace expressed her interest in and attraction to Belinda. This theme does not really fit for the target age or the quest theme and feels forced.
The ethnicity of the characters is not mentioned.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 by Rick McIntyre and David A Poulsen - ADVISABLE
The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 by Rick McIntyre and David A Poulsen, 114 pages. NON-FICTION. Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781778400223
Content: PG (some wolves are killed in fights)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
The story of Wolf 8, one of the wolves reintroduced the Yellowstone National Park. Wolf 8 is the runt of the litter, often picked on by his siblings. But he shows great strength and wisdom as he grows. He meets another wolf and takes over raising her pups after the death of their father. Together they have adventures, excitement and family drama.
A very interesting book that follows the lives of a few of the wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone. The narrative style was engaging and easy to follow. It is easy to see parallels and connections between wolves and humans.
Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian
Snoop by Gordon Korman - ADVISABLE
Snoop by Gordon Korman, 208 pages. Scholastic, JULY 2025. $19
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Middle schooler Carter is more interested in watching the latest viral video than keeping an eye on his younger brother Martin hurling down the ski slope. Bad call - now Carter has two broken legs and nothing to do but play on his computer. Which leads him to hacking into the traffic cameras around town and then hacking into private businesses cameras, as he finds out that life in his dinky little town is more exciting than he ever thought. That can’t really be a red panda pawing through the garbage cans? Then Carter decides to borrow his mother’s drone that she uses for her professional photography - the static cameras just can’t show him the details he needs to crack the puzzles that his town is hiding.
Korman brings his signature humor and boy antics to his latest. Sure to be read by kids who have found Korman. Includes a first love interest, a best friend in crime, and plenty of hijinks.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
I.R.L. by Jenny Goebel - ADVISABLE
I.R.L. by Jenny Goebel, 176 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $15
Content: G (tense with mild danger, ghosts)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
6th grader Lucy moved to Alaska with her scientist mother in October and has been doing online school with her classmates, because of the icy, snowy danger. When school is supposed to be IRL, (in-person), all she finds is a burnt out husk of a building. What is going on? Then she stumbles upon the graveyard - each tombstone bearing the name of one of her classmates. Something sinister happens and something sinister wants Lucy!
A nicely tense horror book with a believable (usually) plot - I loved the idea of ghosts using Zoom to go to school.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Thursday, January 30, 2025
One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen - OPTIONAL
One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen, 336 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $19
Content: G (mild danger)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Ever since his mother succumbed to her cancer, 12yo Atlas has been homeschooled by his father, as they climb mountain peaks all over the world. This year, 1939, they have joined an expedition to Mount Everest - sure that their group can be the first proven to hit the summit. Tension between the group, the unpredictable weather on the mountain, and hazardous climbing conditions - danger abounds on the mountain and within Atlas’s own feelings.
The weakest of Niesen’s books to date. Since it isn’t recounting a real historic climb of Everest, it doesn't fit into her normal retellings of actual events. Atlas is so unreliable - scatter-brained and angry - I don’t believe he would have survived any of the camps along the route, let alone be able to pull off the heroics he purportedly does. Nielsen’s author’s note of this being a metaphor doesn’t make things better. I probably won’t buy this unless it comes out in paperback.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee - OPTIONAL
Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee, 338 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2024. $20
Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (death and fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
9yo Hwagin was a child living in a clanner settlement outside the Empire of New Joseon when her community was devastated by a brutal attack. Rescued by an Imperial soldier who promises the Empress's protection, she is taken in as a ward of the state. Six years later, now known as 15yo Hwa Young, she attends a military academy and dreams of piloting a neurolink mecha, fiercely loyal to the Empire that saved her. When she and her classmates are hastily recruited as lancer pilots to fill personnel shortages, she believes she is finally achieving her dream. However, as she faces the realities of war, she begins to uncover troubling truths about the Empire and its methods. Hints of deliberate separation from older mentors and the grim desperation of the war effort suggests deeper conspiracies that challenge her faith.
Moonstorm captured my attention right away. I enjoyed getting to know the protagonist, Hwa Young, and following her journey from traumatized child to a loyal soldier. The world Lee created was both interesting and detailed with sociopolitical tension in the Empire of New Joseon and mecha warfare. I always question sending young adults into war and wonder how realistic that really is. I understand in this book it was necessary because of the shortage of people, but I can't imagine a 15yo flying an aircraft in a battle type situation. Despite that, I thought this was a fast-paced and thrilling book.
All of the characters in this book are of Korean or East Asian descent.
Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Actually Super by Adi Alsaid - ADVISABLE
Actually Super by Adi Alsaid, 275 pages. Alfred A Knopf (Random), 2023. $19
Language: R (47 swears, 11 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (smoking pot, some kissing); Violence: PG (a body, deaths associated with natural disasters, no descriptions)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Senior year for Sam, Chio and 18yo Isobel is fast approaching, but Isabel has decided to take her senior year off to hunt for superheroes. Yes, she knows how that sounds, but she isn’t looking for comic book superheroes. She is hoping to find real people with real super abilities who help others. She has felt such despair since COVID and she doesn’t seem to be able to connect with her parents so she is desperate to find something that will convince her that the world isn’t evil. Sam, Chio and her parents don’t want her to go, but she has convinced them that she needs this, and she is 18, afterall. With mixed feelings, they send her off with promises to keep in touch. Sam and Chio also make her promise that she will meet up with them for spring break in Mexico. Nine months later, Sam and Chio are at the designated meeting place in Mexico, but where is Isabel?
Alsaid tells the story mostly from Isabel’s perspective looking for supers which included a lot of new people, places and experiences and it was hard to keep track of it all and to know which ones were important to the story. I liked the chapters from Sam and Chio’s perspectives better, especially after they reached Mexico and I found the mystery of Isabel’s disappearance to be more interesting than looking for supers. I think readers that struggled during the pandemic will connect with Isabel’s loneliness, despair and desire to find something more. The end wrapped up so nicely, and while I appreciated that, it seemed too easy, and not what I thought Isabel would do.
There are characters from around the world.
RB Librarian
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall - ADVISABLE
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall, 304 pages. St. Martin's Press, 2025. $26
Language: PG-13 (13 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
13yo Nonie lives in the American Museum of Natural History in New York because of the immense hurricane and other intense storms that have swept over the world. When a huge flood hits the museum, Nonie leaves with her sister, 16yo Bix, their father and their family friend Keller. They are heading to their Aunt Clare’s house. On the way, they fight nature as the storms increase in strength, the wild and unknown. They try to stop for rest from the river and shelter from the rain but meet two men that only seem to want to harm them. Father gets shot, Bix also gets shot, and Keller gets pneumonia from jumping into the dirty river to rescue their boat from the strong currents. Will any of them survive?
The story has an interesting premise and dystopian plot. The author made the main characters flawed and relatable. I like that the story was carried on by hope, even when everything seemed lost.
The ethnicity is mixed.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Darkly by Marisha Pessl - OPTIONAL
Darkly by Marisha Pessl, 416 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2024. $10
Language: R (16 swears, 2 “f'); Mature Content: G (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death by shooting)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
High school junior Dia Gannon is applying for an internship at Darkly, once a game making enterprise, which has lain dormant since the owner died 39 years ago. Dia is suspicious of the internship announcement, because there’s no hidden clue, message or riddle, which is nothing like the owner Louisiana Veda who did everything mysteriously. Dia receives a letter announcing that she is one of the seven internship winners that have been chosen from across the globe and will be flying to London for the summer to complete the internship with the others. Dia meets Poe, the 17yo French winner, on the flight to London; Poe has a Darkly game inside a briefcase cuffed to his wrist. They meet the five other interns when they arrive at the boat that will take them to the Louisiana Veda factory near Thornwood, England. Dia feels deceptive vibes and she’s worried about what she’s gotten herself into.
I was immediately immersed in the story due to the voice of the main character. Dia is quirky, smart, and tough. The book was extremely interesting and unique and I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
The ethnicity is mixed with characters from around the world.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
We Do Not Welcome our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix, - OPTIONAL
We Do Not Welcome our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix, 240 pages. Scholastic, 2024.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
12yo Kim knows that his 10yo sister Eila is smarter than he is, but that doesn’t mean she is always right. She should have left the glowing orb alone like he told her to. Now Eila seems more insufferable than usual, thanks to Aster (the orb has a name) and Kim is almost sure it has something to do with that orb. With the help of his best friend, Bennie, Kim hopes that he can for once outsmart his sister and save Earth in the bargain..
A mildly interesting/funny scifi book. Eila was irritating from the first page, but I like Kim. I think this was set in the 1970s, but the setting didn’t really play into the plot, except for the lack of technology simplifying the action. Might be worth it in paperback.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Lady of Steel and Straw (Waking Hearts #1) by Erica Rodgers - OPTIONAL
Lady of Steel and Straw (Waking Hearts #1) by Erica Rodgers, 432 pages. Holiday Hosue, 2024. $20
Language: R (90 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: ; Violence: PG-13 (bloody fights, some deaths)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Ten years ago, it was the immortal scarecrow Guardians who kept the royal house of Tristain safe. Their ten years of exile are almost up and Charlotte is looking forward to greeting her family’s Guardian, the parson, Worth, again, and see her brother work in tandem with him. Instead, her brother is murdered by the man of the cardinal Lorraine the Pure and now Charlotte, inexperienced and angry as she is, is the one bound to Worth. And she has been commanded to turn over Worth’s heart for death. The few remaining Guardians and their allies have a plan to reclaim their prominence from the cardinal, but first they must plan and gather. And keep out of sight of the Cardinal’s Watch.
I am unsure why the blurb bills this as a star-crossed romance, but the romance part, at least in #1, is actually low key. The betrayal is nicely taut and the deep ulterior motives and betrayals are much more interesting. I never felt very invested in Charlotte and the Guardians - as I was listening, I kept asking myself why I should care and should I really side with the Guardians - and I couldn’t make myself care that much. The characters default white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators by Sherri L. Smith - OPTIONAL
American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators by Sherri L. Smith, 384 pages. NON-FICTION. Penguin, 2024. $20
Language: G (1 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mobs and beating mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
In the time between the wars, it felt like everyone wanted to learn to fly - and Blacks were no exception. Except that the barriers for them were built from prejudices of the past centuries. They weren't allowed access to airfields, they weren’t hired by aviation companies, they weren’t allowed to train as pilots for the military. So they took matters in their own hands and some few of them built their own planes and taught themselves to fly anyways. Male or female it didn’t matter.
I love that Smith shows us the Black aviation pioneers beyond the Tuskegee airmen, who were the only Black aviators I knew about. Unfortunately, at almost 400 pages, this is a tome - too much information for most readers. Purchase only if it is a topic that is discussed in your schools - otherwise, I would get this as an audiobook for a shared collection.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Monday, January 27, 2025
The Salt Thief by Neal Bascomb - OPTIONAL
The Salt Thief by Neal Bascomb, 272 pages. NON-FICTION. Scholastic, 2024. $19
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths mentioned, lightly described)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
in 1930 India, Mohandas Gandhi decided that the British had ruled India long enough - it was time for self-determination. In order to highlight the need, to draw international attention, and to force the hand of their British overlords, Gandhi decides to lead as large of a group that he can gather, tot eh seashore to gather salt - something that used to be freely available to all Indians, but now is strictly controlled by the British. They expect resistance, perhaps even death for some of their number.
I was surprised that the book is only 272 pages long. I listened to it and I felt like it dragged. I felt like I walked every step with Gandhi myself. It did not, unfortunately, ignite a passion on the subject for me.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli - ADVISABLE
Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli, 240 pages. Random House 2021. $18
Content: G (student deaths mentioned, but no descriptions)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Dead Wednesday is the greatest! The entire 8th grade is assigned the name of a student who died young and no one is allowed to talk to them all day - because of course, they are dead! Worm loves this idea. However his day is kind of ruined, because his dead person, 17yo Becca who dies in a car crash, actually shows up, well her ghost does, and she follows him around all day - decidedly not ignoring Worm. Worm’s day will definitely change him.
Spinelli goes back to his storytelling roots here - Stargirl quality. That being said, if a student picks this up expecting something silly, or something scary, they will be disappointed - lessons are learned and lives are changed instead. The characters default white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Sunday, January 26, 2025
World’s Worst Time Machine by Dustin Brady - OPTIONAL
World’s Worst Time Machine by Dustin Brady, 192 pages. Andrews McMeel, 2023.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
5th grader Liam meant to summon Thomas Edison with the janky time machine. Instead, he gets a different Thomas Edison - Tommy Twinkles from 1933, who is much more interested in robbing banks than helping Liam find a way to send him back. Maybe Elsa, Liam’s super smart friend can help Liam out of this jam.
For boys with short attention spans who like absurd premises. Kind of an elementary version of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures (for us old people who remember it). Buy it based on how fondly you remember that movie. The characters default to white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry - OPTIONAL
Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry, 208 pages. HarperCollins, 2024. $19
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
11yo Sophie is worried. Her elderly neighbor, also Sophie, seems to be struggling - especially with her memory. Young Sophie is sure that if she can prove there is nothing wrong with older Sophie, nothing will have to change. As young Sophie tries the three-word memory test, however, she learns interesting things about older Sophie’s history - she does not, however, feel that her experiment is a success in the memory department.
This is one of those books that adults want children to love. There are a few children who might like it, but it is not a book that kids will talk about to each other. Heart-tugging, sure. FAscinating - not so much.
The characters default white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Select by Christie Matheson - ESSENTIAL
Select by Christie Matheson, 240 pages. Random House, 2024. $18
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (bullying mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
12yo Alex loves soccer. SHe has been playing with the rec center team since she was just five. A coach from an elite club team sees Alex and convinces her mother to have her join - even though as a single mom family, Alex takes most of the heavy-lifting, tending her little sister, Belle. Alex must get herself, and sometimes Belle, to her practices and games - a delicate ballet of time and buses - all over the greater San Francisco area. Plus Alex has been coached by a supportive, encouraging woman for years and the new, male coach’s acerbic attitude and out-right hostility at times.
Matheson has written an excellent book - about single parent-families, about being there for each other, about standing up for yourself and not accepting bad behavior - especially from an adult. The only thing that surprised me was how unsupportive the team was in helping Alex and Belle get to games and practices - only once did anyone offer them a ride. But I would encourage kids of all sorts to read this - not just soccer girls. The main characters default white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar, - ESSENTIAL
Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar, 352 pages. Random House, 2024. $20
Language: G ( swears, “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (tension, arguing, a death)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
When Grace wakes up in the hospital, she can’t remember anything about the last week - she stepped onto the bus to go on the senior retreat and then…nothing. Worse, however, her sister Maddy is missing! The clues to Maddy’s disappearance are locked within Grace’s mind, but she can’t access it. Flashback to Maddy - Maddy is not excited to go on the senior retreat. Ever since her BFF went without her in the fall, Maddy has been the third wheel in their relationship. Plus Grace is the golden girl who easily makes friends, while Maddy is the wallflower who can barely speak in public. As the week goes on, the situation doesn’t seem to get any better. What happened? Where is Maddy?
Davidhizar’s compelling read is proof that you can write a thriller for teens that will grab your attention and hold without drowning the characters in sex, blood, or swearing. I was riveted and shocked in the absolute best way by the end. I can’t wait to share this! The characters default white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Friday, January 24, 2025
A Whisper in the Walls (Waxways #2) by Scott Rientgen - OPTIONAL
A Whisper in the Walls (Waxways #2) by Scott Rientgen, 399 pages. McElderry, 2024. $20
Language: R (36 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: G (mild kissing); Violence: R (arena fight, bloody visions, bloody deaths)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Betrothed to Theo, Ren has herself in the perfect place to get her revenge on the Brood family for murdering her father. SHe even has allies in her plots - Dahvid and his sisters - the last remnants of another old house, now almost completely destroyed by the Broods. Theo even seems to be sympathetic to Ren’s plans - he has seen how his family’s viscous need to dominate has destroyed lives.
Now back in civilization, Reintgen has added more characters, and upped the stakes, upped the betrayals, and upped the ulterior motives for every one of them. And the set up for book #3 - those last few pages - will shock!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Door in the Dark (Waxways #1) by Scott Reintgen - ADVISABLE
Door in the Dark (Waxways #1) by Scott Reintgen, 358 pages. McElderry, 2024. $20
Language: PG (21 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G (kissing mentioned); Violence: PG-13 (deaths briefly described)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Six students entered the waxway portal, but a squabble breaks out and when they reach their now random destination, one of them is dead. The other five need to not only find their way home in hostile territory, but also figure out which of them is the murderer. One of them is Ren, a brilliant scholarship student who has access to only the most limited amount of spell power, but can do amazing things with it - unfortunately, she also seems to rub those who would hire her after graduation, the wrong way. And then there is Theo - spoiled rich magic wielder, who has access to as much power as he wants, and he wastes it on stunts to impress his friends. Perhaps Ren can impress Theo along their journey - keep him alive, and maybe he can convince his family to hire her.
Reintgen has raised the stakes from his Nyxia series - creating another new magical power structure, a world to house it, and believable, relatable characters to root for or against. Ulterior motives and suspicions abound.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Trajectory by Cambria Gordon - OPTIONAL
Trajectory by Cambria Gordon, 304 pages. Scholastic, 2024. $20
Language: (25 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
17yo Eleanor is worried about her Jewish relatives who are still living in Europe as Hitler is trying to take over the continent. She has been hiding her math skills, but someone in the army finds out anyway and she takes the offer when they recruit her for a secret project. First she works with other women in the Computing Corps, but then she heads alone into a California desert army base, where her skills are needed for a top secret project - creating a new bombsight for more efficient killing. She encounters prejudice against her, casual cruelty towards her Black coworkers, and racism.
Gordon tries to make a single-POV look at the importance of math to WWII efforts, but Eleanor needs more support and opportunities for drama to make this really appealing. I would point math students interested in WWII at Candace Fleming’s Enigma Girls instead.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Snow Drowned by Jennifer D. Lyle - OPTIONAL
Snow Drowned by Jennifer D. Lyle, 304 pages. Sourcebooks, 2024. $12 (paper)
Language: R (92 swears, 12 “f”); Mature Content: PG (drinking mentioned); Violence: R (cult blood rituals and murders)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
16yo Grace can’t wait to graduate and leave Fall Island forever - she isn’t planning on sticking around like so many of her fellow islanders. Who cares if the Wescott founders were supposedly led to the island by a blue-lit angel sent from God. And Grace knows when the snow falls fast and thick, someone is probably going to die. Well, it isn’t going to be her. A chance encounter with Joseph Wescott a dark snowy nights leads them to discover the ritualistic murders of a man and three sheep - something is afoot-tonight!
Creepy danger, secretive cults, major back-stabbing and betrayals - in the dark, cold, nights of winter. Add this to your creepy horror books if you dare.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS