Like a Boss by Sarah Mlynowski, Hena Khan and Jennifer Bricking - ADVISABLE

Like a Boss (Best Wishes #4) by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan, illustrated by Jennifer Bricking, 192 pages. Scholastic, 2024. $17. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

5th grader Maya Amir is the next recipient of the magical bracelet. She really wanted to be the president of the environmental club, but when her best friend Hazel stepped up and volunteered, Maya didn't want to run against her. But Hazel wanted to plan posters that included a bunch of glitter and plastic and disregarded Maya's idea to recycle. If only Maya was the boss!  But, of course her wish comes true, but being the boss (of everything) isn't what she wanted. 

AJ and I have loved this series. It's fun to anticipate the problems. We love that the girls from the other stories are available for Maya to bounce ideas off of, and to be a support when things get bad. Lots of real environmental ideas as well. We especially loved Maya's grandmother Dadi - she's wise and funny. 

Maya and her family are Pakistani-American. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 8) 

The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome - ADVISABLE

The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome, 300 pages. W. W. Norton & Company, 2024. $19

Language: PG (3 swears, 0  'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (some fighting, some people get poisoned, it describes the pain and injuries in moderate detail)

BUYING ADVISORY:MS, HS  - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

16yo Naborhi becomes bonded to a fox-like  animal and begins having visions of a kidnapped boy. She meets Atai, the son of an Oracle from a rival queendom, and learns that she is being guided by the gods. She and Atai, along with Naborhi's cousin, Tamunor, set off across the continent to rescue the mysterious boy. But when they find him—and find out his true identity—Naborhi realizes there is more than just her freedom at stake. She must stop a war that has already been set in motion.

I liked how it was a little different from the other things I've read, because this book is about African folklore, and myths, and I like that. I also like that it had lots of action and how the main character was persistent with her dreams. It also was super engaging.

They are all from Africa.

Student Reviewer: E. Anderson, 9th grader

The Girl Who Fought Back by Joshua M. Greene - ADVISABLE

The Girl Who Fought Back by Joshua M. Greene, 142 pages. NON FICTION. Scholastic, 2024. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (Shooting, burning, exploding, gassing, all other war deaths).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Valda Meed is a Jewish teenager during WWII. She works at a sewing factory in the Warsaw ghetto. Then she becomes a smuggler because of her looks. She goes around buying weapons and food for her people. She is in constant danger from Nazi soldiers looking for Jews, and from unfriendly Polish people.

I liked how it made you feel the same sadness as the Jews in the ghetto. I didn't really like how brutal the truth was, but I loved how it was exciting and appreciated how truthful the book was.

EC 7th grader, Student Library Advisory Board 

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

 

The Wicked Ones by Robin Benway - OPTIONAL

The Wicked Ones by Robin Benway, 315 pages. Disney Enterprisers, 2023. $19

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G (kissing); Violence: PG (slapping, locked away w/o food, water; verbal threats and shouting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17yo Drizella and 16 yo Anastasia have always dreamed of having a loving mother, but Lady Tremaine doesn't work that way. Ever since their father left them, their mother has become harsher and harsher. Drizella and Anastasia are losing hope, until one day, on the way to lessons, Drizella meets the female scientist named Madame Lambert, and sparks an interest for science. Plus, Madame Lambert is like a real mother to her. Anastasia sparks a secret love with a horse-tender boy from the palace, named Dominic. These people are keeping them going while they prepare for the tedious ball, and suffer because of Lady Tremaine's harshness.      

Because there was just a lot of abuse and it made me feel super sad, and the writing style was kind of weird, and a little bit hard to understand. All of the characters are white.

STUDENT REVIEWER: E. Anderson 9^th grade

Tangled Up In Nonsense by Merrill Wyatt - ADVISABLE

Tangled Up In Nonsense (Tangled Mysteries #2) by Merrill Wyatt, 259 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon), 2022. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

13yo Sloane and Amelia are "famous" Youtube stars, who specialize in solving mysteries - specifically, old ones that haven't been solved. So, when they get to go to the peony enthusiast's annual competition, they get ready to upload more videos. Not because they like peonies, but because the place it's being held at is Tangle Glen, where bootlegger Ma Yaklin lost her two million dollars. While both Sloane and Amelia battle family issues, they get chased through attics, off roofs, and through forests on this exciting adventure.          

I liked the mystery (I wasn't expecting the ending), but it was kind of hard to get into at first. I haven't read many non-murder mysteries, so that's probably why - it's just I'm not used to it. Other than that it's a great book!

Sloane and Amelia are both white.

STUDENT REVIEWER E. Anderson 9^th grade

Lei And The Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea - ESSENTIAL

Lei And The Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea, 298 pages. Penguin Workshop, 2023. $18      

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting, not described in detail).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Anna goes from Colorado to Hawaii to visit her Tutu every summer for three weeks. During that stay, her Tutu tries to teach, and tell her the stories about her Hawaiian heritage. But Anna doesn't believe in that stuff anymore. Then she picks Pele's (the fire goddess) special 'ohi'a lehua flower and Pele's hawk comes and takes Kaipo, her best friend in Hawaii, away. Anna has to embark on a journey that takes her to the cave of a mo'o, and up the side of a volcano with a demigod to save her Tutu's house from the lava, and her best friend. With the wind at her side, and a talking bat, she learns to believe the stories her Tutu told her.

I liked how easy it was to get into the book. And it was a new experience for me, reading about Hawaiian Lore, it was cool. And it was a good amount of adventure and action. The characters were likable as well.    Anna is half Hawaiian.         

STUDENT REVIEWER E. Anderson 9^th grade

    

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

Shipwrecked! By Martin W. Sandler - ADVISABLE

Shipwrecked! by Martin W. Sandler, 144 pages. NON FICTION. Astra Young Readers, 2023. $25

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Sandler explains many major shipwrecks from history. First, the Antikythera shipwreck was found by sponge diving. Next, the Cape Gelidonya shipwreck was found on the coast of Turkey. The Shinan shipwreck had lots of porcelain in it. The Mary Rose shipwreck was a ship used by King Henry VIII. It also told the story of the Sao Jose Paquete De Africa which was a slave ship taking slaves to be traded. It went on to explain lots of other shipwrecks and the technology that has been developed.

I liked that Sandler talked about a variety of shipwrecks and showed how the technology improved. I also liked all the pictures and diagrams that were included. One thing I didn’t love is how each wreck had a chapter, but at the end, there were a bunch of short excerpts of other wrecks but no conclusion.

Student Reviewer: SR, 9th Grade Reviewer

Dreaming in Code: Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer by Emily McCully - OPTIONAL

Dreaming in Code: Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer by Emily McCully, 164 pages. BIOGRAPHY. Candlewick Press, 2019. $10

Language:  G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (abuse mentioned, not described).; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Ada Byron Lovelace grew up a very curious girl who loved adventure. Ada grew up without really having a connection with her mother and never knowing who her father was. She loved mathematics and science and she loved to read books and invent and try things such as flying machines . As she grew older she got married and had kids. She then started work with Charles Babbage on the Difference Engine.

I liked how McCully had a lot of detail in the book. It went through her life and really made me there and imagine what she would do and what it would look like if I were here. I struggled with the explanation of the machine she worked on as an adult. 

Student Reviewer: Sarah- 9th grade

A Sky Full of Song by Susan Lynn Meyer - OPTIONAL

A Sky Full of Song by Susan Lynn Meyer, 261 pages. Union Square Kids, 2023. $17

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (Throwing of vegetables and kicking and punching of Jews)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

11yo Shoshana and her family moved to North Dakota in 1905 to run away from the persecution happening to Jews in Liubashevka. Shoshana struggles with being different and unique in her Jewish religion. She finds joy in these struggles through music and showing her love to her family. She learns English and new things about the Christian religions that makes her confused.

I really liked the amount of details the book gave even in simple motion and actions along with the big actions. I felt that the book had no forward momentum, however. I felt like even though the story was moving forward it was stuck in place which just made it hard for me to want to read it. I also didn't enjoy how much description of a girl’s menstrual cycle there was. There wasn't anything graphic, but I also think it didn't need as much detail and they added to explain what it is.

Student Reviewer: Sarah T, 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

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 

The Sun and The Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro - ADVISABLE

The Sun and The Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, 472 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2023. $20

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G (some kissing); Violence: PG (Monsters, killing, blood, injuries)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

14yo Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, and 16yo Will Solace, son of Apollo, and boyfriends, venture together into the deep, terrifying depths of Tartarus (the bottom and most terrible part of the Underworld) to save an old friend. Their relationship hangs in the balance.

I just loved seeing all these old characters of Rick's again. I also really like how he incorporated things from his past books and different characters' storylines into this book. One thing that surprised me was how many characters came out as LGBT in the camp scene. I did not see that coming in my reading of the rest of the books in the series. As a teenager, I just didn’t see the point of having so many of the characters suddenly being out, but I’m sure he had his reasons and I can respect that. Nico di Angelo is Italian and gay. Will Solace is bi-sexual.

Student Reviewer: KC, 9th grade 

Raising the Horseman by Serena Valentino - ADVISABLE

 Raising the Horseman by Serena Valentino, 304 pages. Disney, 2023. $11

Language: G (5 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (Horse attempts to murder a boy)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

18yo Kat’s mother wants her to read a diary that has been passed down from generation to generation to the eldest girl in the family from the first Katrina, who is her 15th great grandmother and finds out her life is really similar to it. Then she meets someone called Isadora Crow and is her same age and they get along together until she finds out Isadora’s real last name.

I liked that Kat was smart, but also kind and gave Isadora another chance. I didn't like how Isadora wasn't really that straightforward with Kat. I really liked the book aver all though. Kat is the 15th great granddaughter of Katrina Van Tessel and is thought to be able to summon a ghost.

Student Reviewer: BG, 7th grade 

Michael Vey: The Traitor by Richard Paul Evans - ADVISABLE

Michael Vey: The Traitor by Richard Paul Evans, 336 pages. Simon Pulse, 2023. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; (adult drug dealing, not to kids); Violence: PG-13 (shooting, bombing, torture, murder, rotting bodies)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Michael and the remaining members of the Electroclan are shocked when Jack reveals he has gone to the side of the evil Chasqi and is now a traitor, which adds to their stress to rescue Tara from the evil Chasqi's clutches. But Taylor makes a bold decision that turns everything around. Now they must rescue both the Ridley twins AND stop the Chasqui from killing thousands of people in the city of Arequipa. Will the Electroclan's luck finally run out?

The writing was a little poor. Compared to the original Michael Vey series, this book struggles to compare. But Michael Vey fans will love to see all their favorite characters come back in this second sequel. If written better, it could be really good and a lot more enjoyable. It does have its moments, but it definitely has lots of things it could improve on.

The main characters are white.

Student Reviewer: Katherine, 8th grade

The Three Princes of Serendip by Rodaan Al Galidi and Geertje Aalders - HIGH

 The Three Princes of Serendip by Rodaan Al Galidi, translated by Laura Watkinson, illustrated by Geertje Aalders, 123 pages. Candlewick Press , 2017. $19

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The Three Princes of Serendip is a beautiful story book filled with even more beautiful illustrations. It tells the tales of soldiers, turtles, lions, woodcutters and many more all in a gorgeous setting. Each story follows your typical fairytale trope but branches off with more diverse and interesting characters, each with motives and hardships. Hardships that they learn from and it creates a moral theme for the reader to learn from.

I really did enjoy this book, it was a refreshing difference from what I normally read. The illustrations are beautiful and I read some of these stories to my 6 year old sister and she loved them! I loved that the stories were short, so one could read them in a timely manner! Recommend for children and their families!

Student Reviewer Kenzie Hoehne, Student Reviewer

I Am The Ghost In Your House by Mar Romasco-Moore - ADVISABLE

I Am The Ghost In Your House by Mar Romasco-Moore, 417 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2021. $16

Language: R (100 swears, 30 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (alcohol); Violence: PG-13 (brief sexual abuse description)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17yo Pieta isn't your ordinary girl, she is invisible. And not because she chooses to, or because she is a superhero - she was born invisible and the only human she has had a conversation with is her mother, another invisible person. Caught between longing for connection with the real world and staying hidden, Pieta has to decide whether to break out of her invisible cage or to use it as a shield. Romasco-Moore has crafted a very fascinating plot - what would it be like if one was invisible for life?

Pieta is an interesting character- and so is her mother, (their relationship is similar to Mother Gothel's and Rapunzel's in my opinion) I find those two qualities of the book made me keep reading. But to my dismay, the author turned a potentially brilliant idea into a sappy romance story with no significance and a lot of plot holes.

Student Reviewer Kenzie Hoehne Student Reviewer 

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna - AVERAGE

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, 415 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2020. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (strip search and examination, woman treated as objects); Violence: R (drowning, hanging, beheading, stabbings) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

All throughout 16yo Deka's life she has been groomed to become the perfect example of virtue, purity and humility. But when her tribe's annual purifying ritual deems her impure- her tribe and her family quickly turn against her. Soon a powerful stranger comes into her tribe and promises her an opportunity of a lifetime. Deka comes to relize that being impure isn't what it was deemed. With a purpose and a mission, Deka will have to overcome her personal trials to become what she is needed to be, a warrior. 

Forna's The Gilded Ones, was an immersive tale of prejudice, war and freedom. What I enjoyed about this novel was the diverse and exploratory characters it introduced, warrior women plus blood lusting priests but also I enjoyed the overall world building and idea of purification rituals, which I am sure Forna took inspiration from real life examples. What I didn't quite like was the overall plot, a big chunk of it just seemed like a training montage which was anti climatic. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer 

In the Same Boat by Holly Green - NO

In the Same Boat by Holly Green, 355 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $15

Language: R (40 swears, 5 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (“flipped off”); Violence: PG (little blood and description of injuries) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

All 17yo Sadie's life she has been training for the canoe race which involves vicious animals and harsh terrain. But she has to end the race sooner than later due to an injury which leaves her dad disappointed and frustrated. Throughout the next year she will train even harder for next year. She is ready for anything...but then her brother leaves her for a shiny better team. She has no choice but to team up with a neighbor boy who is more annoying than what's worth. On top of that, the boy is the son of her father's sworn enemy. 

This book can be summed up in one word, fluff. The plot was simple and rather boring and all the characters were flat. Nothing really special about this book, everything is extremely predictable. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer