Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins - ESSENTIAL

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins, 416 pages. Putnam’s (Penguin), OCT 2020. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Since her cousin Cal moved in with her family, Hannah, 12yo, has struggled to empathize with him or, sometimes, really tolerate him. She knows that Cal has dealt with a lot of crap – his mother died of cancer three years ago, and his entire life his father has been oppressive and abusive – even more so since Cal’s mom died.  Since Cal’s dad made his money by “acquiring” it from unwilling donors, when the police caught up with him, Cal needed a place to stay. Cal knows he struggles – to control his temper, to communicate on any sort of real way, to overcome the abuse. When Hannah’s family starts to fall apart, Cal blame himself, and so does Hannah, even though she knows in her heart that isn’t fair.

Okay – I’m doing an appalling job of explaining Hopkins newest story.  She started her career years ago looking at the effects of heroin on  a girl’s life.  This time she uses her free verse to explore the effects of anger and addiction of the life of a child of addicts. While I don’t love free verse as a writing choice, I totally love Hopkin’s exploration of Cal’s and Hannah’s lives.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Havenfall by Sara Holland - OPTIONAL

Havenfall by Sara Holland, 305 pages. Bloomsbury, 2020.  $19

Language: PG (15 swears, 0“f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Against the orders of her father, Maddie, 17yo, is returning this summer to the town of Haven and to the Inn at Havenfall, to work with her uncle Marcus who is the Innkeeper – the one who guards the gates between the three realms and watches over the yearly peace talks between the realms. Maddie is also excited to get back to Brekken – her best friend and now love interest from one of the realms. When Uncle Marcus is attacked and rendered into something akin to a coma, Maddie is the only one who act as Innkeeper and work to keep all of the realms safe.  Is this an old menace that has been hiding amongst them all these years?  How can you defend against an enemy that can change its appearance at will? Maddie will need to unravel mysteries and quickly figure out who she can trust in order to save three – maybe four – worlds.

Holland tries really hard to craft an epic fantasy book for a YA audience.  It only partially succeeds. There is not enough meat to extend this into the realms of epic and because of that, there is a lot of background, setting, and personality that the reader has to infer – there is just not enough to fully immerse yourself into the story.  I had to always remind myself to pick it up to finish it, instead not being able to put it down.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Amulet of Power by Raymond Arroyo - ADVISABLE

The Amulet of Power (Will Wilder #3) by Raymond Arroyo, 280 pages. Yearling (Random House), 2019. $8 (paperback)

Violence: PG (danger, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Will Wilder is getting more comfortable with the relics he is protecting – so comfortable that he uses one to give him strength to excel on the school football team. Perilous Falls is also in trouble, because strange shadow beings are stalking the residents, but only Will can see the creatures. Throw in betrayal being plotted by someone close to Will and you have a recipe for danger, doubt, and self-discovery.

I was a bit disappointed by the third book in this series – especially because I love the first two so much.  Why – because Will becomes so selfish this time around and causes problems by overt choices he makes. It seems to have gone straight to paperback – so at least it is cost effective.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Magic Required by Obert Skye - ESSENTIAL

Magic Required (Wizard for Hire #3) by Obert Skye, 416 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2020. $18

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The evil Ray is still after Ozzy and his power to control people with his mind. When his mechanical bird, Clark, and his wizard tutor Rin go missing, Ozzy doesn’t know who he can turn to. Plus Sigi’s mother is determined to make Sigi understand that her father, Rin, has no magical powers.  However, Ozzie, Sigi, Rin, and Clark will need friends and magic in order to outwit Ray.

Skye’s Wizard for Hire is so much fun!  Skye writes a great mix of danger, mystery, tension, and fun – so many laugh-out-loud moments!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Gryphon’s Lair by Kelley Armstrong - ESSENTIAL

The Gryphon’s Lair (A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying #2) by Kelley Armstrong, 352 pages. Penguin, 2020. $17.

Violence: PG (some fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Because of the aftermath of the battle with the pregnant gryphon, Rowan is now the Royal Monster Hunter and her twin Rhydd is the heir. Rowan has to decide whether she is a Monster Hunter or a Monster Killer – and she will start with a test challenge of taking the baby gryphon to the mountains to be with its own kind. While she is escorted by her teachers, she also has along Dain, who does not seem to display much faith in Rowan.  Thankfully she also has her pegasus, her jackalope, and together they may make more creature friends along the way.

I have not read book #1 in this series, but now I will be sure to go back and catch up.  I didn’t really need it, though, to follow this action. Armstrong blends the right amount of danger with self-discovery and companionship and a healthy dash of mythical creatures.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Jewel Thief by Jeannie Mobley - OPTIONAL

The Jewel Thief by Jeannie Mobley, 350 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2020. $19.

Content: G (1 swear, 0 'f')

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

16yo Juliette Pitau has been hauled in front of King Louis XIV and convicted of stealing one of his prize jewels.  Now, as she awaits her fate, she goes back over the events that brought her here. From her life as the daughter of the king’s premier jeweler and down through their disgrace and the desperate gambles she has made to restore her father’s reputation.

Unfortunately Juliette fails to catch my imagination and sympathy – her story just didn’t generate the angst and anxiety that I was looking for to capture a reader’s attention.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor - ADVISABLE

Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor, 368 pages. Harper Teen, 2020. $18

Language: PG (25  swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (deaths mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

16yo Alice is in Paris with her parents to visit the apartment that her deceased grandmother left as Alice’s inheritance – an apartment her own mother had no idea existed. As she explores her history, she finds that her grandmother had a sister, Adalyn!  A sister Alice sees in a photograph surrounded by Nazi officers.  How can this be?  Armed with this new aunt’s journal, Alice takes to the streets of Paris to see if she can figure out exactly why Adalyn would be there.  With the help of a beautiful boy, Alice delves into life in Paris during World War II.

The narrative actually alternates between Alice and Adalyn’s point of view. Taylor’s story is a well-written dance between past and present. World War II books are very popular in almost any school; this is a worthy addition.  The romance aspect is nicely to read.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Lost Fairy Tales by Anna James - ADVISABLE

The Lost Fairy Tales (Pages and Co #2) by Anna James, 284 pages. Philomel (Penguin), 2019.  $17

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Tilly’s friend Ms. Whisper has been removed from her position as head of the British Underlibrary and replaced by the very suspicious Mr. Chalk. When Tilly and Oskar travel to Paris for a visit, they also visit the pages of a book of fairy tales where they find that something is very wrong. It’s up to Tilly and Oskar to save the fairy tales and to somehow convince the adults that Mr. Chalk is not to be trusted.

The villain Chalk reappears, along with new baddies for the friends to maneuver.  We also get to hear much more about bookwanderer powers and about the nature of fairytales.  I especially liked learning about bookwanderers not attached to an official Underlibrary. Not essential, because it is nice and fun, but not powerful and breathless.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Feed Your Mind : A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant and Cannaday Chapman - ADVISABLE

Feed Your Mind : A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Abrams, 2019. $18. 9781419736537

Language: PG (2 instances of the "n" word).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

August Wilson was a very smart boy - he was reading by the age of 4, and was a smart student, but racial prejudice by both students and teachers, kept him from regularly attending school. He was a brilliant writer - loved writing poems. As an adult, he listened carefully to the conversations going on around him, writing down snippets and incorporating them into his writing - eventually using them in his plays. 

It's a long read for a picture book. Too long for a read aloud - unless you do it in parts - Bryant has divided the story into acts, like a play. Chapman's illustrations are so expressive. I liked the use of shadow to direct the focus. It reads like a play with free verse narrative, and creative staging in the illustrations.Includes an author's note, an extensive timeline, bibliography and list of plays. The "n" word is used twice as August is confronted by racial prejudice.

Lisa Librarian

The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer - ADVISABLE

The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer, 176 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2019. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

With the subtitle “Legendary Leaders, Fierce Females, and Wonder Women Who Ruled the World”, this browsable nonfiction volume introduces readers to leaders and innovators from throughout history and around the world. The featured individuals are grouped into eight chapters: Empire Builders, Women of Action, Revolutionary Rulers, Culture Shapers, Monarchs of the Arts, Legendary Leaders, Queens of Knowledge, and Queens of Adventure. The individual entries range from single paragraphs to double-page spreads, each including at least one illustration. A few entries focus on objects possessed by the powerful, such as crowns and other power tools.

The range of individuals included in this book is wide, though current leaders are notably absent. The 5-page index is adequately thorough; however, there is no timeline. Since the entries are organized by categories, you jump around in time quite a bit. Kids who enjoy browsing through world records and almanac will find this an interesting addition, and educational. Be aware, however, that most entries are too brief to be much help in research. There is a companion book, The Book of Kings, which is similar in look and organization, but may not be as necessary to round out your school collection as this one.

P.K. Foster, MLS, school librarian

The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar and Stephanie Warren Drimmer - HIGH

The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar and Stephanie Warren Drimmer, 176 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2019. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

With the subtitle “Magnificent Monarchs, Notorious Nobles, and Distinguished Dudes Who Ruled the World”, this browsable nonfiction volume introduces readers to leaders and innovators from throughout history and around the world. The featured individuals are grouped into eight chapters: Empire Builders, Military Masterminds, Rulers in Revolution, Lords of Legend, Kings of Creativity (mostly artists), Aristocrats of Action (leaders in sports), Kings of Change (innovators and earth-shakers), and Kings of Knowledge (mostly scientists). The individual entries range from single paragraphs to double-page spreads, each including at least one illustration. A few entries focus on objects possessed by the powerful, such as crowns, castles, armor, swords, and awards.

The range of individuals included in this book is wide. You will find figures from both well-known and lesser-known events, as well as on the right and wrong sides of history. The 5-page index is adequately thorough; however, there is no timeline. Since the entries are organized by categories, you jump around in time quite a bit. Kids who enjoy browsing through world records and almanac will find this an interesting addition, and educational. Be aware, however, that most entries are too brief to be much help in research. If you do purchase it, I recommend also purchasing its companion book, The Book of Queens.

P.K. Foster, MLS, school librarian

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed - HIGH

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed 448 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2020. $19. 

Language: R (98 swears 30 'f'); Mature Content: PG13; (making out); Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Jamie Goldberg volunteers on the campaign of a state senate candidate, 17yo Maya Rehman is helping, too. Jamie is Jewish, Maya is Muslim, but they share the same political views, and are partners canvasing neighborhoods. Besides the election, there's a bill in the state senate that would make it illegal for muslim women to wear hijab in public. Working together on the campaign and against this bill brings the two close - close as best friends, but is either willing to be the first to say they might have feelings for each other? 

I loved the tenacity of these kids, just barely too young to vote, but so dedicated to the political process. I loved the representation of their religious cultures and the respect they showed for each other. A well written multi-perspective rom-com with a great message about fighting against injustice. Jamie's self deprecation is adorable, and Maya's friend drama was on point. I hope High School readers are inspired by the activism.

Lisa Librarian

101 Awesome Women Who Transformed Science by Claire Philip - ADVISABLE

101 Awesome Women Who Transformed Science by Claire Philip, 125 pages. NON-FICTION. Arcturus Publishing, 2020. $10.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Philip has compiled bios for 101 women who have influenced a number of science fields, from medicine to astronomy to math. These women come from all different countries and backgrounds. Do any of these women remind you of yourself or of who you want to be?

I feel like a lot of books about the amazing women of history have been published recently, and I was surprised to find that many of the women introduced by Philip were still unfamiliar to me. While this compilation is not as engaging as others I have read, I love that the women are organized chronologically because I was able to see the big picture of progression through the years. These women were able to build off the research of those who came before, and readers are encouraged to build off the knowledge of these women in turn.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Turn it Up! A Pitch Perfect History of Music That Rocked the World by Joel Levy - ESSENTIAL

Turn it Up! A Pitch Perfect History of Music That Rocked the World by Joel Levy 192 pages. NON-FICTION National Geographic Kids, 2019. $20.00

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

From the world's earliest instruments to Lady Gaga, from Beethoven to Broadway, and Big Band to K-Pop, this engaging history of music includes styles, musicians, celebrities, and stories which quickly give the reader basic dinner table conversation topics on all things music.

 I thought I knew a lot about music, that background knowledge was great, but the brief bits of info were great, and there was so much new information! Wow! Full of captioned photos and interesting trivia, I felt compelled to share what I'd learned with the people around me. My favorite side bars said "Listen Up" and gave a suggested title and composer or artist - I found every one and listened along while I read. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Includes a timeline, glossary and suggestions for further reading and resources.

Lisa Librarian

Solving Sophronia by Jennifer Moore - OPTIONAL

Solving Sophronia by Jennifer Moore, 224 pages. Covenant Communications, 2020. $15.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meeting by chance in the library at yet another boring society event, 22yo Sophronia and her friends have committed to go after their unconventional dreams. Sophronia wants to be a reporter and finds her chance when she comes across a murder scene as the police arrive. Detective Jonathan is not pleased to find a haughty woman poking around his work -- especially when she finds more headway in cracking the case than he does.

Following the mystery with Sophronia and Jonathan chasing after clues is fun as they are forced to work together and navigate societal rules. The mystery is the focus of the book, though, of course, Moore weaves in romance that is as entertaining as it is cheesy. Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the message of how we can achieve our goals, but I wasn’t wowed by Moore’s writing. The mature content rating is for mentions of drugs and illegal activity; the violence rating is for blood, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Follow Me by Kathleen Barber - OPTIONAL

Follow Me by Kathleen Barber, 336 pages. Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster), 2020. $27.

Language: R (122 swears, 22 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

With over a million followers on Instagram, Audrey is practically a master of social media and branding. She moves to DC for a new job, bringing her closer to her dream job and to some of her fans. Audrey is about to learn that being followed in real life is less exciting than gaining followers online.

What a thrill -- I love the different points of view that Barber wrote so that readers can speculate about who “Him” is, and the twists at the climax are crafted so that everything falls into place believably. These real horrors, including the demented logic of the antagonist, add to the exciting horror of the book but also warn readers to be aware and careful of what they share online. The mature content rating is for implied sex, mentions of masturbation, and illegal activities; the violence rating is for attempted suicide, blood, attempted murder, and stalking.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Big Book of Monsters by Hal Johnson - HIGH

The Big Book of Monsters by Hal Johnson, 172 pages. Workman Publishing, 2019. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH

The creepiest creatures from classic literature can be found in the pages of this book.  There are 25 stories running the gamut from science fiction to folklore, legends, and horror.   There is a short synopsis of each story, and at the end of each, a section called, “Beyond the Book,” that gives added insight into the story or culture.  At the beginning of each story is an insert that gives a few pertinent facts, like powers, most dastardly deed, and fear factor.

This book is a keeper.  The art alone is a reason to get it.  The art is done in bold graphics that really add to the stories.  I loved the layout and the selection.  There are many cultures and time periods represented.  Some of it gets a little cerebral, but the book is like an onion and can be read in layers.  Super awesome reference book! It will make you want to read the originals, and you’ll be able to wow friends and neighbors with cool facts.

Michelle in the Middle

The Mystery of the Moon Tower by Sedita, Seraydarian, and Steve Hamaker - HIGH

The Mystery of the Moon Tower (Pathfinders Society) by Francesco Sedita and Prescott Seraydarian, illustrated by Steve Hamaker, 173 pages, GRAPHIC NOVEL, Viking (Penguin Random House), 2020, $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH

Five teens are thrown together at Camp Pathfinder.  Using their unique skills, they soon embark on a quest for a rumored hidden treasure sparked by the camp’s founder: explorer-inventor Henry Merriweather.  Though Merriweather lived decades before them, they sense his presence as they explore the adjacent town of Windrose and Merriweather’s extraordinary cement castle. 

 

What’s not to like?  The characters are quirky and fun, there is a cool castle, time travel, and a treasure hunt set in a weird valley that farts natural gas.  The art is beautifully drawn and colored and it’s the adventure we’ve all secretly dreamed we could have.  Only drawback?  It ends too soon. Sign me up for book two.

Michelle in the Middle

Of Salt and Shore by Annet Schaap - ADVISABLE

Of Salt and Shore by Annet Schaap, translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson, 336 pages. Charlesbridge, September 2020. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lampie forgot to get more matches to light their lighthouse and during the storm a shipwrecked. Lampie and her father are held responsible. Lampie is sent to the home of local admiral as an indentured servant for the next seven years and unknown to her, Lampie’s father is imprisoned in the lighthouse, even though with one missing leg he has a hard time dragging himself up and down the stairs every day. Lampie has much to occupy her at the mansion – especially the rumors of a monster living somewhere in the building. The truth is even stranger than she could have imagined!

The cover of the book says “What if the Little Mermaid left a child…”, so now you know a bit about where this is going.  I found myself reading as fast as I could to the end.  Schaap introduces just enough as you go along to keep your interest.  It reads like an old-fashioned tale, a familiar friend. I think this is a good candidate for a class read aloud in 4^th – 6^th grade. Hand sell this for students who love old-fashioned stories or place it in a display with other retold fairytales.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

The Ghost in Apartment 2R by Denis Markell - ADVISABLE

The Ghost in Apartment 2R by Denis Markell, 291 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2019. $17.

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

13yo Danny Kantrowitz is supposed to get his own room when his brother Jake leaves for college.  Unfortunately, his parents decide to rent out Jake’s room to visitors to their Brooklyn neighborhood in order to pay for Jake’s education. This leaves Danny with his bed in the closet, like Harry Potter.  Strange things start to happen once Jake’s room is remodeled for visitors.  It seems that the room is haunted.  Jake and his two friends, Nat and Gus, interview people in their diverse neighborhood to try and find answers.

Love the diversity! Cool stories from other cultures as Danny tries to figure out if the haunting is an Arabian ghoul, Korean gwishin, Polish, or maybe a Jewish dybbuk. Danny has a wry sense of humor and the characters are fun..  This is a fun, non-scary ghost story that will make you want to visit Brooklyn and solve mysterious hauntings with friends. Oh, and visit a local deli.

Michelle in the Middle