Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz - ADVISABLE

Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz, 384 pages. Putnam (Penguin), JUNE 2020. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jo March may have success with her first major novel, Little Women, but she is arguing with her editor and publisher about the need for a sequel.  But her fans are clamoring – then even send her letters! But just like she has no idea where to send the lives of her fictional family, Jo’s own life is in turmoil. Her heart belongs to her writing – not writing more stories about her life and her family, but the real writing that doesn’t pay the bills.  And Meg seems to be actually interested in Mr. Brooks.  The world doesn’t know that Beth actually is dead, and Teddy is becoming more persistent in romancing her.

I’ll tell you right up front – I am not one of those readers who always wanted Laurie and Jo to be true loves.  I have read all of the books and I have always love Mr. Bhaer and his life with Jo. But Stohl and delaCruz mix together a triple layered narrative that is a lot of fun to read. Like the latest movie, you really need to know the books in order to fully appreciate the many layers these authors have built.  They are so skillful, I didn’t even mind that this fictional Jo March does end up with Laurie. This is NOT a spoiler – it’s right on the cover. The only reason this isn’t ESSENTIAL is that the actual audience for it is small.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland - HIGH

Deathless Divide (Dread Nation #2) by Justina Ireland, 560 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2020. $19

Language: R (95 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: R (zombies and fighting, murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jane and Katherine escaped the fall of Summerland ahead of the zombie horde with Jackson, his young sister, and a few girls from the whorehouse.  After much arguing they head towards Nicodemus, a free Black community where they might hope for some quiet, but life being what it is, more fighting is will be in store.

If you loved #1, you will also love #2.  I could tell you so much more, because this offering is like an opera with two major acts (maybe three).  But I must keep my silence in order to allow you to enjoy it on your own.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker - ADVISABLE

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2020. $16.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

With a dying stepfather unwavering in his determination to leave Amelia and her sister, Clara, destitute, Amelia knows that this invitation to visit Sir Robert is their best chance to make a match. Amelia determinedly supports Clara in her desires to win over Sir Robert, even when it means spending time with an insufferable man, Peter. But is two weeks enough time to secure a marriage?

Walker uses foreshadowing well enough to let the readers know what is coming while still withholding how and with whom it will happen. I was dreading the climax with every page I flipped, only to be proven wrong in some of my assumptions and pleased by a much more satisfying scene than I imagined. The messages of trust, open communication, and love are well articulated as Amelia expresses her own thoughts and allows herself to change.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen - OPTIONAL

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen, 368 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2020. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Emmeline O’Shea, a 23yo activist, is forced to work with her nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed, when she receives a threatening letter concerning her upcoming speech. As both Oliver and her midnight speech get closer, those wishing Emme harm get more desperate to silence her. Without a fairy godmother or a miracle to save her, Emme might not live long enough to speak the words still in her heart.

While technically the fourth in a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone; it alludes to some events that were put into action in the previous books, but all the important pieces are explained here for readers. Emme’s story is advertised as a Cinderella retelling, but I found myself straining to find the connections through the first half of the book. Connections to the original story seem to be mostly a stretch of the imagination, though a couple factors are obvious like Emme’s stepsisters and a character named Gus-Gus. Overall, I liked the story, though I think I would have enjoyed it more without the distraction of looking for Cinderella-elements that were not there.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Draw a Comic! by JP Coovert - ESSENTIAL

Draw a Comic! (Maker Comics) by JP Coovert, 123 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, ACTIVITY BOOK First Second, 2019. $13.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

A DIY Guide to drawing Comic, there is a story-line. You have been given an internship to work with Maggie building her grandpa's library of comics, and along the way, Maggie will teach you how to create comics yourself. Also, there's a villain, Dr. Carl Stephens, who has acquired the lease of the building from the bank and wants to tear it down. Good thing Maggie has a piece of a treasure map from her grandfather - maybe you can help her follow the clues and Save the comics library. Maggie gives step by step instructions on drawing panels, using details to show the story, how to use captions, and writing a script; you visit an art supply star to learn about all the best pencils, erasers and pens and. how to take care of them, and so much more.

The kids are going to love this! The instructions are perfect - simple and precise. The story is engaging, but most of all it keeps the reader going through all the different steps to making a comic. It's not one you will have to worry about the kids writing in - each of the projects start with a blank piece of paper. I love that maggie has the reader draw their own panels and talks about layout and design and everything. This will definitely be popular.

Lisa Librarian

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers by Weshoyot Alvitre, Roy Boney, Jr., Lee Francis IV, Renee Nejo, Jonathan Nelson, and Arigon Starr - ADVISABLE

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers by Weshoyot Alvitre, Roy Boney, Jr., Lee Francis IV, Renee Nejo, Jonathan Nelson, and Arigon Starr 64 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Reycraft Books, 2019. $10.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A Collection of Graphic Short stories about the experiences of the Code Talkers, specifically during WWI, WWII and after.

Each story is illustrated and written by members of a Native American Nation. Stories represent Cherokee soldiers, Choctaw, and Dine; a stirring tribute to their bravery, resourcefulness and patriotism. Because of the various illustrators and authors, the style of both the pictures and the text vary. My favorite looked like a comic book from the 1940's - so cool - I wish these brave individuals had been lauded as heroes at the time, instead of keeping the secret for so many many years. I'm excited to offer this graphic short story collection to my students.

Lisa Librarian

Monument Maker: Daniel Chester French and the Lincoln Memorial by Linda Booth - ESSENTIAL

Monument Maker: Daniel Chester French and the Lincoln Memorial by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Shawn Fields. 64 pages.  NON-FICTION/ PICTURE BOOK Tilbury House Publishers, 2019.  $20.  9780884486435  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Daniel grew up among lawyers and judges, but when he tried to go to school he had trouble with his math subjects and found himself working on the family farm. One day, Dan found a funny looking turnip and decided to carve it into a frog.  When he placed the frog on his family table, his dad realized that Dan had a talent and went and bought clay.  It quickly became apparent that Dan was an artist.  Over time, Daniel became a sculptor and sculpted a hundred plus monuments.  In Daniel’s later years he designed the Lincoln sculpture found in the Lincoln monument.  

I loved this biography about a kid who didn’t know where he fit.  Daniel’s journey is inspiring for not only artists but for anyone who is looking for their passion.  I loved the support Daniel’s family provided and the unique setting of Concord, Massachusetts at the time that Daniel was growing up among men such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott’s family.  The illustrations are amazing and contribute to the feel of the sculptures.  Great history and human-interest story. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson    

Spies, Lies and Disguise by Jennifer Swanson - OPTIONAL

Spies, Lies and Disguise: The Daring Tricks and Deeds that Won World War II by Jennifer Swanson, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley, 132 pages.  Bloomsbury, 2019.  $22.  Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Fifteen different stories are summarized in this nonfiction account about World War II.  The chosen chapters revolve around little known operations that helped win the war.  Some of the topics cover the Code Talkers, different spy missions, Operation Mincemeat, Bletchley Park, and the plans behind D-Day.  

What a great idea, but the writing style is condescending.  I enjoyed the compilation of the many ways the Allies worked at winning the war but could not get over the tone and voice of the author.  She asks a ton of questions and uses phrases that are patronizing.  She also downplays the horrid nature of war and Hitler, while trying to be witty, but just comes off disrespectful.  Cool pictures, great premise, poor execution.  I do think there’s pieces of information that teachers could use and present in a better way to their students.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson      

Kids' Guide to Learning the Ukulele by Emily Arrow - ADVISABLE

Kids’ Guide to Learning the Ukulele by Emily Arrow, 96 pages.  NON-FICTION  Happy Fox Books (Fox Chapel Publishing), 2020.  $13.  

Content: G  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Emily Arrow teaches the basics of learning to play the ukulele.  She breaks it down into steps of how to hold it, how to tune, how to strum and then provides basic songs to sing along with.  There are also pages for you to write your own songs.  Some of the songs included are Mary Had a Little Uke, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and You are My Sunshine.  

This how-to manual for learning the ukulele is a great start for any age.  The colorful photographs and basic instruction make it easy to understand.  I have two kids who play the ukulele and this book provided fun songs and good info.  Although the songs are for the younger crowd, I still think teens would be interested in the information for starting a new instrument, and when you start a new instrument you start with the beginner songs.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy - ADVISABLE

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy, 282 pages.  Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random), 2020.  $17.  

Content: Language: PG (1 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG   

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

11yo Maybelle is left on her own quite often as her mother works two jobs, and during that time Maybelle dreams of meeting her father.  Maybelle hears her father’s voice as a DJ on a radio station and decides to enter in a singing contest in Nashville because he will be a judge there.  When Maybelle’s mother gets a job on a cruise ship, Maybelle is left with her neighbor, Mrs. Boggs, and together they embark on a road trip in her neighbor’s RV to get to Nashville for the singing contest.  

I'm not sure how believable this book is, but I still loved the idea that there are good people like Mrs. Boggs in the world.  The road trip was fun and a stowaway on the RV, (Maybelle’s nemesis, Tommy) makes for even more adventures.  Maybelle has severe panic attacks and suffers from guilt and abandonment, so there are heavy topics.  There is also a story about animal abuse and Tommy deals with a physically abusive stepmom.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson    

Sisterland by Salla Simukka - ADVISABLE

Sisterland by Salla Simukka, 192 pages. Crown Books (Random), 2019. $17              

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Alice lives in a world that is full of ice, snow and bitter cold. One day she falls through the snow into a land of summer, warmth and beauty. She meets her best friend, Marissa, there and they do everything together. They love all the different flowers, trees and creatures they meet. The land is called Sisterland. They learn that although it summer and nice in Sisterland the price for that is paid by Earth, where it is eternal winter and cold. Alice and Marissa set out on a quest to set things right. They need to find the evil queen Lili and convince her to make things right on Earth. However, the longer they stay in Sisterland, the less they remember of their life on Earth. Will they remember what they are fighting for so they can save Earth and get back to their families?    

If you like Alice in Wonderland, you will love this cute fantasy story. Alice and Marissa have a wonderful friendship in Sisterland. This was and easy read and students that like fantasy will really like this book.        

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Game Change by Joseph Monninger - OPTIONAL

Game Change by Joseph Monninger, 225 pages, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017, $18.

Language: R (54 swears, 11 “f”); Mature Content PG-13 (sexual references); Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

17yo Zeb Holloway is the back-up quarterback to the most talented QB in his high school’s history, T.T. Munroe.  Zeb has had limited playing time in his team’s undefeated season until T.T. sustains a leg injury one week before the state championship game.  Zeb is suddenly thrust into the limelight and must take on the role of team leader.  The novel covers the seven days from T.T.’s injury to the state playoff game. 

Zeb’s character grows as he comes to grips with his humble living conditions and family dynamics in New Hampshire’s backwoods.  The dialogue is stilted, but maybe that’s how football coaches talk.  There was some nice tension building to game time.  This is a coming of age story about a kid who has a lot riding on his shoulders and what one football game might mean, so there isn’t a ton of football action.  If you’ve ever been swept up in the drama of high school sports or just finding your way in the world, you’ll want to catch this, but if you’re looking for blow-by-blow game highlights, it’s a first down. 

Michelle in the Middle

A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee - HIGH

A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings #2) by Mackenzi Lee, , 464 pages. Katherine Tegen (Harper), 2018. $19

Language: PG-13 (51 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (many sexual innuendos); Violence: PG (battles)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Felicity has made her way to Edinburgh and found a job as a baker’s assistant as she futilely keeps pursuing her dream to become a physician. When the baker proposes marriage, though, she abandons her plans and flees to London to the tiny rooms where Monty and Percy are holded up and holding life and limb together. Though she is also rejected by the colleges in London, she gets a lead – her idol, Alexander Platt is headed off on an expedition.  At the moment he is in Germany, preparing to marry Johanna Hoffman.  What? Yes, Felicity’s former best friend. With the help of SIm, a female pirate who has her own reasons to also see Plat and Johanna, Felicity is prepared to make the trip across the continent, not knowing the she is heading into intrigue and danger and a trip to very exotic locations.

I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I didn’t need to enjoy this one. Felicity’s story moves quickly and the juxtaposition between Felicity and Johanna, with Johanna quite frequently winning the exchanges. I was pulled from chapter to chapter as I listened to the audiobook.  Now I really want to go back and read #1.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard - ADVISABLE

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora.  NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Schwartz and Wade Books (Penguin Random House), 2020.  $18.  9781524768287  

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Mary Walker was born into slavery, and after the Emancipation Proclamation she was busy working and raising her family.  Mary outlived two husbands and her three children, and at the age of 116 she decided she wanted to learn how to read.  She dedicated the next year to learning everything she needed to know to read and by the time she was 117 she could read for herself.  Mary taught others that you were never too old to learn.  

An inspirational and emotional journey that will help all readers appreciate the skill of reading.  I loved Mary and her strong spirit.  I loved the illustrations that created a poetic feel and the way Hubbard organized the story to compare reading to freedom.  There are fantastic photos of Mary celebrating life in the front and back covers.  Great read!  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV, Rian Sygh and Walter Baiamonte - ADVISABLE

Rebels Without Applause (The Backstagers Volume One) by James Tynion IV, Rian Sygh and Walter Baiamonte, 112 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Boom! Box, 2019. $15.

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'fs'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

It's almost time for the big musical, and the McQueen brothers - who have ruled the drama club for 4 years - are about to star in their final show. Jory has promised his mom he will join an after school club, but Drama Club is a little too intense - but the Backstagers want him! He would be a great addition to the stage crew, and he's not completely weirded out by the strange and creepy things going on backstage - the tunnels, the creatures, doors that change what's behind them. Just part of the magic of backstage right? But, when one of the crew goes in too far, the Backstagers need to decide what's more important, saving one of their own, or running the final tech rehearsal.

A little bit of backstage tech a lot of dangerous adventure. I'm glad to see they have an adult advisor - one misstep can be deadly - it actually can, but in this graphic novel, especially so. I loved the references to actual musicals, especially the song lyrics that accompanied their careful trek across the patchwork cat walk. I think your theater kids will find this series fun.

Lisa Librarian

The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown - ESSENTIAL

The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown, 250 pages. Scholastic Publishing, 2019. $14.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Iris, 11yo, has a history of nightmares and not being able to separate her dreams from reality since her father died the previous year. When Iris and her best friend Daniel get assigned a school project on the history of the town, a whole new world opens up when they decide to research the forgotten, segregated cemetery in the wooded area by her house. When Iris starts getting visits from a young girl, Avery, in the middle of the night, she isn’t sure if it is her imagination or a ghost. But Avery is an unsettled spirit who died when she was 11 and wants to be avenged, or at the very least, friends to die in the woods so she can have friends to stay and play, forever.

The Forgotten Girl does a great job of bringing up historical injustices of segregated cemeteries and how differently the races were treated, even 50 years ago; but still tells a compelling supernatural, scary story that middle school and upper elementary students would like to read. There is nothing too graphic or gory in the writing, yet it is just spooky and creepy enough to be interesting. The fears and unknown of real world things in Iris and Daniel’s view point is realistic and Brown keeps the parents and teachers just far enough out of the story to not ruin the events.

Dina W. - ELA teacher

Hunters for Hire by Gavin Brown - OPTIONAL

Hunters for Hire (Monster Club #1) by Gavin Brown, 247 pages. Scholastic, 2019. $17.

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

7th graders Tommy, Spike, and Karim, live in a world where monsters big and small show up.  Instead of animal control, besieged citizens can call professionals.  When the three schoolmates discover that there is AppVenture, an app that allows people to hire monster professionals, they sign up.  Soon they are busy capturing low-level monsters.  They discover that there is something fishy about AppVenture that is both sinister and potentially even more deadly than the monsters they are facing. 

Told in alternating chapters between the three characters, we get to see more of how each thinks and reacts.  Tommy bulks up on protein drinks and provides the muscle, Spike is a fierce girl who isn’t easily intimidated, and Karim, is a little more timid, but finds references to all the monsters and their strengths and weaknesses in Mortimer’s Monsterpedia.  If 7th graders can take on monsters, it’s a wonder more of them don’t seem to want to.  The plot is predictable, but family dynamics add some depth.

Michelle in the Middle

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia - OPTIONAL

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia, 384 pages. Katherine Tegen (Harper), 2019. $18

Language: G (7 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (fighting, murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Since her parents snuck her over the border, Daniela Vargas has set her sights on being the best Primera student and the Medio School for Girls.  On graduation day she is chosen (bought) for a rising star in the government, but her Segunda is Carmen – the girl who betrayed her the moment they set foot in the School.  Even worse, her ruse was only successful because of the help of the mysterious rebels – and now she owes them.  As Daniela learns more about her world and the rebels, she also learns more about Carmen and about the hidden desires of her heart. Can Daniela betray her family, her country, and all that she has worked for all these years?

For readers who enjoy romantic science fiction, Mejia creates a world that will be easy for them to sink into. The romantic tension between Carmen is Daniela is steamy, but not graphic. The pay out of the final twist reveal will have readers scrambling to get their hands on #2.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti - ESSENTIAL

The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti, 215 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2018. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mafalda, 10yo, in Italy, is losing her eyesight rapidly. Mafalda keeps a list of things she likes to do, and that she will not be able to do once she can no longer see. Mafalda notices as her eyesight gets worse, her other senses seem to sharpen. Her sense of smell and hearing become very sharp. Mafalda's best friend at school is the janitor, Estella. Estella helps Mafalda when things are tough and helps her deal with all kinds of things, from losing her eyesight, to the death of her grandmother, and everything in between. Mafalda also meets a boy that is not worried about her losing her eyesight, and he does not treat her differently. Mafalda has amazing parents that do whatever they can to help their daughter.   

I will recommend Mafalda's story to everybody. You feel Mafalda's heartache and the heartache of her parents. It is a great read aloud and has a lot of good discussion points. I found it extra interesting that the author suffers from the same genetic illness; Stargardt Disease. A powerful story for any age. I read this book in one sitting because I could not tear myself away.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Sven Carter & the Android Army by Rob Vlock - OPTIONAL

Sven Carter & the Android Army(Sven Carter #2) by Rob Vlock, 329 pages, Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2018. $18. 

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

In this sequel to Sven Carter and the Trashmouth Effect, Sven Carter is on the road trying to track down clues to other ticks like himself, destined to take down the world.  Sven is a tick, a synthetic human and one of seven deadly ticks loose in North America.  Sven and his friends, Alicia, William, and Junkman Sam, set off to locate the other ticks before it’s too late.  As Sven gets closer to his goal, the voice in his head telling him to kill his friends gets louder and more convincing.  

If you are leaning toward the bizarre, this book is for you.  Sven’s journey takes him on a cross-country trip as he faces killer lobster monkeys and a mind numbing (literally) pop singer.  There is a lot of action and the characters are fun, though superficial. I’d like to see William developed more fully.  Fun, totally unbelievable, over-the-top ride.

Michelle in the Middle