Evil Spy School: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar - ADVISABLE

Evil Spy School: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar, 352 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2024. $25 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

13yo Ben Ripley just got expelled from spy school. Luckily (or unluckily) he gets picked up by the evil organization, SPYDER. They begin training Ben but he's not sure for what. Turns out Ben is so deep undercover in SPYDER, not even he realizes it at first. He will have to make his new evil companions trust him while finding a way to communicate to his CIA friends. 

 As the graphic novel rendition of the book, this is fabulous. It is well illustrated and the pictures help tell the story. The story is fun and keeps. you guessing. I loved Ben's new evil friends and their quirks. There's plenty of humor to go with the high adventure and kids will be wishing they had spy missions of their own. The Spy School novels just got another reason to cheer. Race is never stated, but most of the characters are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Snowglobe by Soyoung Park - MANY

Snowglobe by Soyoung Park, 384 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2024. $21

Language: PG (23 swears, no ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (alcoholism, mention of suicide throughout, enslaved people); Violence: PG-13 (assault, on-page death: not gory)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS-ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

After the Warring Age, which resulted from extreme climate change, the world has become an icy tundra. Snowglobe is the only place left that means warmth, comfort, and a life those outside the dome only dream of. However, this dream life comes at a price. Residents of Snowglobe must consent to their lives being broadcast to the people outside the dome as 24/7 television programs. When one of the most popular actors dies, instead of letting her adoring fans know, a plot is devised to replace her with a lookalike and keep her show going. Chobahm, who lives a brutal existence in one of the outside settlements, is given this opportunity, but is this chance at the good life really a dream come true or the beginning of a nightmare?

Fast-paced and captivating, the engaging character development and action scenes makes for an enjoyable read. The book has a clever plot twist that is fully explained before a cliffhanger is served up at the end that sets up the next book nicely. Necessary trigger warning for continual mention of suicide should be in place for potential readers. 

Reviewer: AEB

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld - MANY

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld. PICTURE BOOK Greystone Kids, 2024. $19. 9781778401176 

Content: PG (Did you read the title? Shows a dead bird and its burial) 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

When the other birds find Bird, who is dead, they gather to grieve and to decide what they need to do. 

I LOVE what Fisher and Starreveld have done. From the gorgeous collage birds to the succinct, matter-of-fact text, the creators have composed a work that fascinates and helps turn death from a macabre mystery to a part of life that deserves time and care. Pair with The Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown  and The Funeral by Matt James both also about birds dying. Elementary librarians - if you have either of the other books on your shelf, add this one - it is a delight (in a totally respectful way). Middle school and High schools - buy this either for the content or for the beautiful collages - some of my students saw me showing the book to their teacher and they want to read it immediately. 

Cindy, MS Librarian, MLS 

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer - MANY

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer, 368 pages. Feiwel & Friends, 2024. $19. 

Language: R (40 swears 0 'f');  Mature Content: G (kissing); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

16yo Jude is shy and doesn’t have much self confidence. He’s had a crush on Maya since middle school but is afraid to ask her out. He’s afraid until he finds a lucky charm that gives him successes and confidence. When he finally gets to take Maya on a date everything seems fine until he loses the lucky charm. The luck changes not just for him but for his family too.

I enjoyed the humor. The story is sweet. It’s a fun read that inspires the reader to work towards their dreams. The ethnicity includes white, Asian, Mexican American, and Korean American. 

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian

Eragon by Christopher Paolini and Sidharth Chaturvedi - ESSENTIAL

Eragon by Christopher Paolini, illustrated by Sidharth Chaturvedi, 360 pages. Young Adult Knopf (Random House), 2023. $46 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (loss, grief, danger);  Violence: PG-13 (battles, killings) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT, GIFT - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

15yo Eragon discovers he is more than a poor farm boy, but a Dragon Rider, when he discovers a blue rock that hatches into a dragon. Adventure, magic, and incredible danger ensue as he finds himself thrust into a power struggle that could save or destroy the Empire. 

This is the first illustrated version, and it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the book's hardcover release. The illustrations are beautifully done and add to the mystique of the book. Fans of the Inheritance Cycle will love it. The book's size is larger (9 1/2x11) but will make a statement on any bookshelf. The main characters come from a wide variety of races and cultures found in fantasy. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Come Home Safe by Brian Buckmire - ESSENTIAL

Come Home Safe by Brian Buckmire, 190 pages. Blink, 2023. $18

Language: G (no swears); Mature Content: PG (marijuana mentioned); Violence: PG (manhandling by the police, yelling)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL                     

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

14yo African American Eddie is on his way with his 12yo sister in the NYC subway when he is confronted by a police officer about jumping the turnstile and smoking pot. Being an Honors student and as polite as you can be, he doesn’t understand why he is the target. As much as he tries to remember his father’s advice about confrontations with the police, the situation swings out of control and Eddie is hurt and manhandled before his is finally released - not because of the great kid he is, but because the real perpetrators were caught. Olive wants Eddie and her father to fight back and sue the police. But when she becomes victim of a white “Karen” who insists that Olive stole her phone, Olive begins to realize some of what Eddie has been through and dangerous life can be when living Black.

I was thoroughly engaged by Eddie and Olive , especially the stream-of-consciousness narrative as Eddie tries to remember and apply what his Dad taught him. Buckmire did an excellent job of weaving Eddie’s thoughts into the narrative. I first listened to this as a free download from libro.fm, but went back and reread the print copy too. I would love to see this discussed in classrooms - a brilliant way to talk to students about life as Black or biracial.

Cindy, Library Teacher

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel by Jenna Yoon - HIGH

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel by Jenna Yoon, 352 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2023. $11      

Language: G (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G (death in fire mentioned); Violence: PG (death in fire mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Lia Park goes to a magic school ,but hasn't found her power yet. She goes on a journey to find her power and save her parents. She has a friend, Joon, along the way that helps her face the challenges. As she goes on her journey, she is tormented by an evil diviner spirit that wants to take a jewel to have ultimate power. Lia goes to the land of the immortals to get help from the dragon king to stop the evil spirit. 

I liked that Lia had a friend along the way. I also liked how it wasn't only one of them figuring things out, but both of them were figuring things out. I didn't really not like anything, because I thought the book was pretty good all around. 

Lia is Korean and so is her friend Joon.      

STUDENT REVIEWER: B. Goring, 7^th grade

 

Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink by Stacy McAnulty and Shawna J.C. Tenney - ESSENTIAL

Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Godwin Books (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250304056

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Vampire walks into the smoothie shop for a little blood to end his day.  However, the server behind the counter tells him all about how important blood is for humans, instead. 

McAnulty has taken something as basic as blood and turned it into fun! I would have loved this as my text for any science class on any level! She has such a talent for turning information into something intriguing.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

It takes Guts by Jennifer Gardy and Belle Wuthrich - ESSENTIAL

It takes Guts by Jennifer Gardy and Belle Wuthrich, 137 pages. NON FICTION. Greystone Kids, 2021. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (Just talks about what happens inside your body. There are no real pictures); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS, ADULT - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Gardy walks you through step by step what happens in your body when you eat. First, it gave an overview of all the different organs that are in your digestive system. Then talked about how food moves through your esophagus. Then it explained how your stomach turns food into chyme. After, it explained the process of throwing up during a retroperistaltic wave. Lastly, it talked about the small and large intestine. 

I really like how clear Gardy made things and broke down the information. It also had good illustrations and diagrams. Lastly, I liked the author’s writing style.

Student Reviewer: SR, 9th Grader Reviewer

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

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 

APPEALS TO: MANY

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

Once We Were Witches by Sarah Driver - ESSENTIAL

Once We Were Witches by Sarah Driver, illustrated by Fabi Santiago. Farshore, 2023. $8

Language: PG (5 swears, no ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS–ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Thirteen years ago, magic was banished from the land. Any child found to have magic was sent to Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls where she is taught that her sins are many and her chance at redemption is slim. Sisters Spel and Egg have lived most of their lives at the school with no understanding of their past or the magic they have. Then one day they receive a message telling them to run.

A perfect book for readers who love a spooky vibe, this cozy fantasy contains adventure, sibling love, found family, and witchy magic. The world building is well crafted bringing the reader into a new place where they want to stay awhile.

AEB

Piggy: Permanent Detention by Vannotes - HIGH

Piggy: Permanent Detention by Vannotes, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL graphix Scholastic, 2023. $13 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The world is in disarray after an outbreak of a zombie-like disease. Willow and her team, the Silver Paw, do what they can to survive, which is not easy when there are the Infected and their leader PIGGY, who seems bent on taking them out. Willow and teammate Cami, are separated from the others and have to make their way through an abandoned school filled with a barbarian clan of kindergartners, a gladiator pit in the cafeteria, and an infected-filled gym. 

This seems like "The Walking Dead" for elementary students. The art is bright and colorful and will most likely entice readers. However, there wasn't a lot of plot besides getting away from the mysterious infected PIGGY via an old school building, and anyone who can't get past kindergartners probably deserves to let Darwinism take over. There is no clear culture or race since the characters seem to be a mashup of weird animal creatures. Think not-so-adorable stuffed animals come to life. 

Michelle in the Middle

Looking Up by Stephan Pastis - HIGH

Looking Up by Stephan Pastis, 228 pages.  Simon and Schuster, 2023. $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Saint is a girl facing lots of changes. The neighborhood she loves is disappearing. But it is when her favorite and ancient toy store is demolished, that she realizes she must take action. Enlisting the help of a quiet neighbor boy whose house is also in danger of being torn down for newer buildings, she hatches a plan to save her hometown from realtors. 

Okay, my description of the book doesn't capture the quirkiness that makes reading a Stephan Pastis book an adventure in joy. Saint is a great character who is relatable even in her oddness, which makes her more endearing. Her observations about life are truthful from a child's perspective. While mostly funny, the book also touches on real issues such as change and loss. The line drawings add a lot to the tone of the book. Sign me up for another one! The culture or race of the main characters is not specified. 

Michelle in the Middle

Swimming in a Sea of Stars Julie Wright - ESSENTIAL

Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright, 256 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2023. $20 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (mention of suicide); Violence: PG (mention of abuse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Addison tried to end her life and now she’s heading back to high school. This is giving her anxiety about how she’ll be received at school and how she’s going to make it through the day. When she arrives at school, she sees another student dealing with family problems. This helps Addison see outside herself and realizes she is in a position to help someone else. Hopefully the rest of her day will help Addison heal and regain hope. 

I enjoyed the writing because of the emotional intelligence, wisdom and humor. The author connected the characters’ lives smoothly. The story and characters are inspiring. The ethnicity is mixed. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Library

Mall Goth by Kate Leth - MANY

Mall Goth by Kate Leth, 244 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2023. $22. 

Language: R (5 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (heavy petting, grooming of child by adult); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

15yo Liv and her parents have moved to a new town and the first day of school she steps on the wrong toes - not off to a great start. When she came out to her old friends as bisexual, it didn’t go well, so she is also suspicious of anyone friendly. There is a hot guy, but he seems to have a long-time girlfriend, and there is an intriguing girl who works at the gaming store in the mall. Liv needs to navigate home drama, friend drama, boy drama, and a teacher who is taking a bit too much interest in her.

I loved this graphic novel about a girl on the fringe finding her peeps. The heavy petting is between Liv and a boy with all clothes on; the teacher never gets a chance to do anything physical. While Liv is out as bisexual, there is no same-sex intimacy. Except for the one “f”, I would have rated this ESSENTIAL. My goth daughter will love this. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie, - ESSENTIAL

The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie, 336 pages. Dutton (Penguin), 2023. $20 

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

It’s an ordinary summer day, until it suddenly isn’t. 18yo July Fielding is still there, but all the life has disappeared from the world. July goes from home, to school, around town - trying to find a reason, a way out, someone else. Flipping between NOW and ONCE, we, together with July, only have bits available to piece together what has happened, puzzle out who is leaving clues for July to follow, and walk with her as she tries to find her way out. 

I can’t tell you too much, because you need to experience July’s story as Condie has laid it out. Ally has written romance, science fiction, horror, post-apocalyptic, even a picture book - but July’s story surpasses them all. 

 Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Poop for Breakfast by Sara Levine and Florence Weiser - ESSENTIAL

Poop for Breakfast: why some animals eat it by Sara Levine, illustrated by Florence Weiser. PICTURE BOOK Millbrook (Lerner), 2023. $21. 9781728457963 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Poop is not just for dung beetles! Other animals need to eat poop too. 

Levine and Weiner give us a straightforward look at animals that eat poop and why they do it. I really like the part about why humans should NOT eat poop. Sure to attract a wide audience - even at a high school. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Beauty Reborn by Elizath Lowham -MANY

Beauty Reborn by Elizath Lowham, 200 Pages. Shadow Mountain, 2023. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (allusion to rape); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS -ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Beauty has taken herself to the castle of the Beast to trade her life for her father's, leaving behind not only him, but two older sisters and older brother. Instead of taking her life, however, the castle welcomes her in, and she finds that the owner is much more complicated than he seems. Beauty will need to confront the darkness within herself before she might be ready to break not only his curse, but her own. 

Reminds me a lot of Stacey Jay's Of Beauty and Beast in that they both add new depth to the classic story in beautiful ways. The characters default white. 

Cindy, Library Teacher 

One Girl In All The World by Kendare Blake - MANY

One Girl In All The World (Buffy: The Next Generation #2) by Kendare Blake. 342 pages Hyperion 2023 $16 

Language: PG-13 (13 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Making out briefly mentioned, a vampire biting the side of someone's neck made sexualized); Violence: PG-13 (Stabbing vampires in the heart with a stake, fighting monsters and killing them) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

"One Girl In All The World" is a deeper dive into the world of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the hit TV series. It's full of the same characters and similar plot lines as it emphasizes the character, Frankie, and her struggle to balance being a slayer-witch but also going to school and dealing with tests, the social ladder, and teachers. 

Going into this book with no previous knowledge of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I was rather confused, but the overall world establishment and development of characters were nice. I thought that the author captured several of the high school cliches a little to perfectly and Frankie's high school life was too clique. Frankie is described as white. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson - MANY

Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson, 240 pages. Quill Tree Books (HarperCollins). 2022. $17. 

Language: R (26 swears, 5 F); Mature Content: PG (loss, self-questioning) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY

When Cassie is 11yo, she and Elias see a train crash off a bridge into the water. When Cassie is 17yo, Elias returns and she has to face her fears. Elias wants to look for ghosts and Cassie has a deep need to feel safe. Things come to a head when Cassie questions her faith, and their secrets, and has to survive the world around her. 

 Skillfully written, I love that Cassie's questions of faith are addressed beautifully and carefully. She and Elias make the perfect foils for each other and their adventures are intriguing and enlightening. The beginning pulled me in and intriguing enough to get me quickly to the end. A great stand alone book with plenty of life metaphors. Cassie is a good Catholic girl with a warrior zipped tight inside and Elias is from Australia with a varied cultural background. 

Michelle in the Middle