The Unwanted : Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown

The Unwanted : Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown, 105 pages. NON-FICTION, GRAPHIC NOVEL Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. $18. 1328810151

Language: G (0 Swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS,  HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The plight of the Syrian refugees is chronicled in this well researched, age appropriate graphic novel. Spanning from 2011-2018 we see that violence and fear has caused these people to abandon their homes and leave at great personal loss. Taken advantage of by smugglers, and unwanted by the countries they pass through and into, the families are living in refugee camps, hiding along the way, and drowning in the ocean with only a lucky few landing in a place they can live and work in peace. 

Don Brown is a master at taking something super complicated and paring it down to the essentials without losing the impact of the message (see Drowned City).  There were a lot of numbers thrown at us, but there are a lot of refugees. Brown is careful to not make it political or religious. A wonderful introduction to this terrible situation. Includes source notes and an extensive bibliography plus a dedication that made me cry.

Lisa Librarian

Price of Duty by Todd Strasser - ESSENTIAL

Price of Duty by Todd Strasser, 177 pages.  Simon, 2018. $18.

Language: PG-13 (21 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (one passing scatological reference); Violence: PG-13 (some blood and shooting)

BUYING ADVISORY:  MS – OPTIONAL, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jake may have come home for the Middle East a war hero, but he feels like anything but.  His demons haunt him night and day.  His girlfriend has been faithful, but is she ready to live with a man fundamentally changed?  And Jake has big decisions to make – is he willing to go AWOL and not return to that nightmare.  It would devastate his grandfather, who is a very big deal in their military proud town, but it might just save his life.

There cannot be enough books that shed light on the honest costs of war.  Not only is this essential to have in your library, but it should also be taught.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Spy School Goes South by Stuart Gibbs - ESSENTIAL

Spy School Goes South (Spy School #6) by Stuart Gibbs, 335 pages.  Simon, 2018.  $18.

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (lots of action, light description)

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Welcome back to spy school. The evil traitor Murray Hill is ready to spill the beans about SPYDER, but he will only tell his secrets to Ben Ripley.  Now Ben and Erica are headed somewhere with Murray in tow, and two stowaways – Mike and Zoe.  They are only supposed to observe, but why observe when you might be able to take down the whole organization?

With his signature flair, Gibbs takes us back to spy school in another dangerous, yet hilarious caper. So much danger mixed with valiant deeds. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista - OPTIONAL

The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista, 228 pages. Swoon Reads (Macmillan), 2018. $17.

Language: R (46 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG:13 (talk of hook-ups, steamy kisses); Violence: G   

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Stella has had an impossible crush on her brother’s best friend Will forever. But now, both he and her brother have gone off to college and she’s determined to find a senior boyfriend without he brother there to scare every boy away. Her best friend and design buddy, Franklin, makes a boyfriend bracket, just like a sport’s bracket to help Stella make her decision for the ‘one.’ Stella starts dating the boys on the list, but things become complicated when Will admits he has feelings for Stella and that he doesn’t want her brother to know. Can they keep their feelings and their budding relationship a secret? 

The big brother’s best friend romantic trope has definitely been done before, what gives this rendition sparkle are the characters and their artistic dreams. Stella is a bit self-centered, but realizes it. Will portrays boys with feelings and fears. Franklin stole my heart and my sequins with his fabulous fashion and friendship. Using a sports bracket for boyfriends was a fresh spin on an old idea. I really liked how important family is to the characters and her mom’s Filipino cooking and traditions. A little predictable, but overall an enjoyable game…I mean read.   

Samantha, MA, MLS

Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter - ADVISABLE

Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter, 379 pages.  Harlequin Teen, 2018 (2006).  $10.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (mentions without descriptions); Violence: PG (fight, not descriptive)

BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Originally released in 2006. The book has been extensively reworked to be more modern and a bit more believable.

When she was five, Jade was injured in the car crash that killed her mother.  Afraid of getting close to anyone, Jade holds the entire world at arms length.  Her mortal enemy at school is the queen bee, Mercedes – who also happens to be the girl who lived with Jade and her dad for a couple of years like family when their parents were seriously dating.  After a scare one night, Jade wakes up and the world has turned upside down – all the pops are goths, with Jade as their queen, while preppy Mercedes lives in fear at school, and in Jade’s home as Jade’s dad and Mercedes mom are married. Can Jade let go of her anger and fear of rejection to make this new life a life worth living?

I think this is super fun to read.  I like Jade a lot and I even like Mercedes.  While there are lessons to be learned, there is no need to hand it to someone who needs to learn them – just let everyone read it for fun.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World by Caroline Paul - ESSENTIAL

You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World by Caroline Paul, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki, 113 pages. NON-FICTION. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2018. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This book seamlessly combines information on activism, examples of activism, and advice for activism in one place with black and red illustrations throughout. This book is organized around 19 steps for getting involved that include steps like, “Change Your Habits,” “Write a Letter,” and “Invent Something.”   

My favorite thing about this book is the examples of real kids making a real difference. Even as an adult, I feel like there is very little I can do to affect societal change, but I genuinely felt like individuals can indeed make a difference after reading this book. I value books for their ability to take an overwhelming concept and humanize it and make it accessible, and this book does just that.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Crown of Thunder by Tochi Onyebuchi - ADVISABLE

Crown of Thunder by Tochi Onyebuchi, 303 pages. Razorbill (Penguin), 2018. $18.

Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13           

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Sequel to Beasts Made of Night. Taj and Aliya barely escaped Queen Karima and the city of Kos with their lives. But they are being hunted by sin beasts unlike any Taj has ever fought or eaten and Taj’s best friend Bo. They meet up with Arzu and she takes them to her ancestor’s village, but refugees keep pouring in and Bo isn’t far behind. Aliya the algebraist is sick. The Unnamed is speaking to her and if she can survive it, she believes that she can save the city of Kos and bring Balance back to their world. Taj will have to fight not only his best friend, but the woman he thought he loved.   

Told in first person, Taj’s struggle to decide whether to save himself or be the hero the world needs, feels real and believable. Aliya charmed me in book one, but she really comes into her own personality and power in book two. The reader learns more about Arzu’s background and her love, Juba (she’s the head of the clan). Fans of the first book will be excited to read the epic conclusion of this saga.

Samantha, MA, MLS

Rush by Eve Silver - ADVISABLE

Rush by Eve Silver, 361 pages.  Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins Publishers), 2013. $17.99

Language: PG13 (49 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After experiencing so much grief from things that she cannot control, Miki now holds a strong grip on everything that she can control—her grades, her diet, her emotions. But she cannot control the future, no matter how much Miki wishes to. On one seemingly regular day, Miki gets pulled into a parallel dimension that she does not understand to play what she is told is a game. It is not a game; it is real.

I love that Miki is so relatable and real, despite her impossible circumstances. Miki starts fighting a physical battle after fighting so long in an emotional and mental battle that came as a result of her hardships. We all fight these battles, and I found that I connected with Miki more than I expected, especially with a sci-fi storyline that is so farfetched. But be warned: this book ends in a cliffhanger that makes you wish the sequel was nearby.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout - OPTIONAL

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 366 pages.  Tor Teen (Macmillan), 2018.  $19.  

Content: Language: R (124 swears; 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Evie knows that she shouldn’t go into the shady club that her mom would disapprove of, but she does it anyway and it changes her life.  Evie meets a handsome boy at the club named Luc, but she can tell that he isn’t completely human.  After the devastation of the Luxen war, the humans did win and the Luxen, or alien race, is under strict rules, but when Evie gets pulled into Luc’s world she begins to understand that the humans don’t have as much control as they think.  

The Darkest Star is a spin off from Armentrout’s Lux series and Luc is one of the minor characters from that series.  I loved the Lux series, so it was fun to go back into that world and Armentrout writes characters with good chemistry.  I’m excited to read more of this new series.  The only reason it’s optional is the swear count.  I think teens would enjoy this book and they will especially enjoy it if they read the Lux series and get a background on the world, but this book can stand on its own.  Fun read!  

C. Peterson 

Dreamer by L. E. Delano - ADVISABLE

Dreamer by L. E. Delano, 312 pages. Swoon Reads (Macmillan), 2018. $11.

Language: R (62); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13   

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A sequel to Traveler, this book picks up a few weeks after the last. Jessa is still reeling from the death of Finn and she’s still practicing her traveler abilities by visiting herself in other realities. Until Eversor, her former English teacher and Finn’s murderer, shows up at a museum in New York and tries to harm her friend and maybe something more, Ben. Eversor and her dreamer, Rudy, want to cause a convergence and get rid of all the alternate worlds/lives/timelines. And then Pirate Finn, a Finn from another reality, comes to her house. Pirate Finn’s Jessa was killed in a fire, but this world’s Jessa doesn’t want to be the replacement, especially since she’s still mourning her own Finn. Mario (their dreamer) wants them to work together to stop Eversor and save all of the realities, but that’s easier said than done.

There’s an Irish pirate, so pretty much this book has plenty of teen girl appeal. The romantic triangle will definitely keep the reader guessing. The adventure and action between different realities will appeal to all teens. The plot moves quickly to the exciting finish. Highly recommended for libraries where Traveler has circulated well.

Samantha, MA, MLS

The Great New York Subway Map by Emiliano Ponzi- OPTIONAL

-->

The Great New York Subway Map by Emiliano Ponzi, NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. The Museum of Modern Art, 2017. $20. 9781633450257

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS- OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Massimo Vignelli was a graphic designer. He was a minimalist who thought that the items he designed didn’t need decoration and should be simple. He used this minimalism theory to update and recreate the subway map for New York City. It was a long process that required a lot of research to create the most simplistic, easy to read version of the map.

The styling of this picture book is really great. It’s an eye-catching look at a topic that would otherwise likely be uninteresting. The research process is highlighted and those who have ridden a mass-transit train or who have been to New York will really understand how Vignelli contributed to the system. There is an author’s note in the back.

Shay, High School Librarian, MLS

To Be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin - OPTIONAL

To Be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin, 289 pages. Swoon Reads (Macmillan), 2018. $17.

Language: R (37 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G  

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Savannah is a smart, snarky, school newspaper reporter who just happens to be plus sized. Her sister Ashley has left for college and now she is alone with her weight-obsessed mother. After her parent’s divorced, her mother was on an extreme weight loss TV show and they want to film a follow up at their house. Savvy reluctantly agrees to be filmed with her mother, but the edited and aired TV clip isn’t flattering to Savvy. Meanwhile, a cute, younger guy named George needs help with math and Savvy becomes his tutor. Sparks fly, but will Savvy’s own insecurities keep her from the perfect guy? Or will her mom’s unhealthy obsession with weight continue to spiral out of control?

Savannah doesn’t allow herself to be defined by her size. She is both confident AND insecure, which I thought perfectly portrayed teen girls. The author goes beyond stereotypes to show the main character’s complicated relationship with her parent’s post-divorce. Strong female relationships abound in the book, from supportive friends to a caring sister. The romantic interest, George, illustrates that teen boys have insecurities too. To be honest, I loved this book and think teens of all sizes will too.

Samantha, MA, MLS

How to Breathe Underwater by Vicky Skinner - OPTIONAL

How to Breathe Underwater by Vicky Skinner, 322 pages. Swoon Reads (Macmillan), 2018. $17.

Language: R (48 swears, 7 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (steamy kisses, walks in on her sister and her fiancé having sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Kate is a likable character who is dealing with her parent’s messy divorce, moving, a new love, and swimming. Kate is angry at her father (who is also her former swim coach) for pressuring her to swim so hard in hopes of gaining his elusive approval. Kate has to decide for herself if she wants to compete in swimming or just enjoy the water. Meanwhile, her best friend isn’t answering her calls, her sister got cold feet on her wedding-day, her mom is sad, and the boy that Kate likes (Michael) already has a girlfriend. Michael’s mom is also really sick and has had to be hospitalized.

The author gives a realistic and important look at the pressure parents can put on their teens when they compete in sports. The story is packed with lots of drama and plenty of excellent character development. Kate’s ultimate resolution rings true. The book also explores the themes of grief, mourning, and forgiveness in a thought-provoking, but not preachy way. Many teens will be able to relate to Kate and her struggles both in and out of the water.

Samantha, MA, MLS

MEET KISS THE BOOK JR!

Kiss the Book has become big enough, that I decided a change needed to happen.  So meet Kiss the Book Jr.!  The format has not changed, the reviewers are still the same lovely librarians, teachers, and dedicated book lovers -- we have just separated the board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and other elementary level only books to their own blog.

I hope that you will love seeing elementary level materials on Kiss the Book Jr., while the middle school and high materials remain here, on the original Kiss the Book.  Of course, if a book crosses over, it will be posted on both blogs - so you won't miss a thing!

Let me know what you think!

--Cindy

FYI:  I will pretty up Kiss the Book Jr. in the near future - no worries!

Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System by Bethany Ehlmann -- ESSENTIAL

Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System: Massive Mountains! Supersize Storms! Alien Atmospheres! by Bethany Ehlmann and Jennifer Swanson, 128 pgs. NONFICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2018. $13.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS -- ESSENTIAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This guide to the solar system is full of information on planets, stars, comets, and many other celestial phenomena.

The writing style works well, packing in a lot of fascinating info in a fun, approachable, concise style. Photos, graphics, sidebars, and even comic strips make the text even more approachable and interactive. I only wish it were available in a library binding, or even hardcover, since paperbacks do not last as long on our shelves.

Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist

Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel by A. W. Jantha - OPTIONAL

Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel by A. W. Jantha,  521 pages. Disney, 2018. $13.

Content: Language: PG (46 swears 0 'f'); Mature: PG; Violence: PG; 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Max and his sister Dani have recently moved to Salem from California. While trying to show off for Allison, Max lights the Black Flame Candle in the old Sanderson Sisters house bringing the evil trio back to life after being hanged over 300 years before. Now the 3 kids must undo the spell before the witches destroy all the children of the town. In The All-New Sequel, it's 25 years later, and Max and Allison's daughter Poppy has hated Halloween all her life, but this Halloween her parents have planned a special party for her and her friends - to keep them away from the dangers of 25 years ago - a blood moon on Halloween. But when Poppy, Travis and Isabella use a Ouija board to cast a spell in the Sanderson Sisters house, Poppy's parents and aunt disappear into hell and the Witches return - this time with a plan to take over the world. 

Hocus Pocus is much better as a movie - it's more of an adaptation than a retelling. Credit is given on the title page to the screenplay writers, and it reads like a narration of the movie. There are a few added elements (to set up the sequel) but otherwise I didn't feel the novelization either did the movie justice or added much to the story.  The Sequel has a great premise, but it just didn't play out well. Most of the sequel follows Poppy and her friends - Binx and Emily make an appearance but it seems like a connection to the original, rather than needed for the plot. I was most disappointed to see how little involved we are with the Witches! There are some funny moments where they try to navigate modern technology, must mostly it's a story about the kids who have no idea what to do. No spoiler, but the resolution was disappointing. There are song lyrics in both books along with narrated choreography which seemed strange, and unnecessary. Overall, an exciting idea as the movie is a cult classic. The cover is great and I hope it will get picked up by fans of the movie, but this reader was disappointed and probably wouldn't recommend.

Lisa Librarian

Trees: Kings of the Forest by Andy Hirsch - ADVISABLE

Science Comics: Trees: Kings of the Forest by Andy Hirsch, 121 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL/NON-FICTION  First Second (Macmillan), 2018.  $13.  Content: G.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

An acorn gets bored sitting around and is looking for excitement, so forest animals show him how a tree is a living organism with lots of exciting things going on inside.  The acorn learns lots of different things about the tree, including how roots grow, how water is transferred throughout the tree, why certain branches grown and not others as well as many different other inside workings of trees.  How trees help with pollination and how the leaves get maximum help from the sun, as well as defense mechanisms and insects that help or hurt trees is explained.  In the end, the acorn decides to hold still, so that he can become a tree and have an exciting life.  

This book is fascinating and answers all the basic questions you could have about how trees work, but it uses scientific terms and complex descriptions.  The illustrations are bright and attractive and help show how the trees work.  These would best be used in middle school or high school science classrooms, because I think the terms and ideas would be too complicated for elementary readers.  

C. Peterson 

History's Worst: Bonnie and Clyde by James Buckley Jr. - OPTIONAL

History’s Worst: Bonnie and Clyde by James Buckley Jr., 147 pages.  NON-FICTION Aladdin, 2018.  $19.  

Content: Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

This is a biography of notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde from the 1930’s.  The book gives a glimpse into Bonnie as a child and younger teen as someone who always liked an adventure and had a thing for bad boys.  Clyde liked having money and wasn’t afraid to break the law to get it.  When the two met they fell in love and were inseparable until the day they were gunned down by the law.  There illegal behavior and disregard for others is outlined through run-ins with the law.  As their notoriety increased, the ability to allude the cops was hindered and the FBI got involved, which led to their deaths.  

I enjoyed this short, non-bias look at these two outlaws.  It gives the facts without trying to play on emotions and paints a realistic picture of the crimes they committed.  My two issues with this book are that first, the cover and reading level is for younger readers, but the amount of torture, death and murders committed is a bit much for a younger crowd as well as the mention of Clyde being sexually assaulted in prison.  Second, the author emphasizes how much the pictures of Bonnie and Clyde were a big part of them becoming well known and led to their capture, referring to specific pictures throughout, but not one picture is included in the book which was frustrating.  If you can get your middle and high school readers to pick it up, they would enjoy it.  

C. Peterson

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss - ESSENTIAL

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss, 307 pages. FICTION. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2018. $17

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

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young girl shows up on the doorstep of “The Mostly Silent Monastery” with a shirt that reads “bicycle”. Bicycle quickly becomes a part of the monastery and is raised primarily by Sister Wanda who is very concerned about Bicycle making friends. Sister Wanda plans to send Bicycle to a camp for making friends, but Bicycle has other ideas. Bicycle leaves camp to go ride her bike across the country to meet her favorite famous cyclist in person in California. Along the way she crosses paths with all sort of quirky and charming characters, including a Civil War ghost and a Kentucky Derby horse, and most of these characters become her friend and cheerleader.

This might be my favorite book of the year. A true adventure story that left me antsy to see who the next character full of oddness and wisdom we would meet would be. The writing is excellent and the humor is on point. I think this would be a great first literary read for a student who is transitioning out of chapter books. It would also make an excellent classroom read aloud novel, ideal for grades anywhere from third to eight.     

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

So You Wanna Be in a Band by Michelle Garcia Andersen - OPTIONAL

So You Wanna Be in a Band by Michelle Garcia Andersen, 30 pages.  NON-FICTION Rourke Educational Media, 2019.  $26.  9781641564717  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

This book explains all of the things to consider when trying to start your own band.  Assuming you are good enough to perform, this book takes you through the steps of finding other band members, recording, how to find venues and increasing your fan base.  It has you consider some of the problems that might come up.  There is also a section that explains different career choices that include being in a band.  Each page spread has a couple of paragraphs, pictures and side bars to explain interesting facts.  

I guess my issue with this book is that I’m unsure who the audience is because the book looks likes it’s for kids, but the ideas are for independent people who can perform in restaurants and put themselves out there on social media which wouldn’t be young kids.  The ideas are well developed and good advice for someone who wants to start a band, but I’m not sure older kids, who would benefit the most from this book, would pick it up.  

C. Peterson