Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed - HIGH

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed, 416 pages. Little Brown, 2022. $19 

Language: R (47 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG (mild innuendo); Violence: PG-13 (off-page murder, dead body, vandalism, hate speech racism) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Safiya Mirza is a desi Muslim with Indian immigrant parents. She is also the editor for her school paper at DuSable Prep, a “limousine liberal” private school that pretends to be “woke” because it makes them look good. Jawad Ali is a 14yo Muslim son of Iraqi immigrants in a Chicago public school. He is also an aspiring inventor who loves to build things. When he wore a “jet pack” he made for a Halloween costume to school, his English teacher called the police. Although he was not arrested, he was treated like a criminal and called “bomb boy,” after the incident. When he disappeared a month later, he continued to get bad press. The book starts when Safiya find’s Jawad’s dead body and pursues her own investigation into his murder. The story is told in alternating chapters from Jawad (as a ghost) and Safiya. There are also news articles and other sources mixed in. 

Ahmed's newest novel is a compelling story that reflects the racism, propaganda, and general division between sides in the United States today. The author clearly researched all aspects of the topic and I learned a great deal that I am still processing. This powerful story with its authentic characters and Chicago setting kept me engaged through all 300+ pages as Safiya investigated Jawad’s murder and other racist incidents happening at her school and mosque. It is a murder mystery, an eye-opening social justice exploration, and a heartbreaking, but hopeful story of two teenagers who long to be seen as much more than their race, religion, and skin color. Mature middle schoolers could handle this book, but it would be a great classroom novel at the high school level, if our political climate allows it to be. Most people will be fired-up in a good way after reading this novel. 

Reading Teacher, Stacee S. 

A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan - HIGH

A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan, 406 pages. Inkyard Press, 2022. $19

Language: R (100+ swears, 37 “f”); Mature Content: PG - 13 (psychological abuse, severe depression); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Mina Rahman is a Bangladeshi-American high school senior who is obsessed with filmmaking. Films are her favorite escape from her emotionally abusive parents. Mina’s future depends on winning the Golden Ivy Student Film competition so she can leave her parents and her NYC home for good. She is focused on winning at the expense of everything else, like her friendship with her BFF, Rosie, and her younger sister, Anam. However, when Chinese-Spanish-British indie film star Emmitt Ramos secretly enrolls in her school as research for his next role, Mina is forced to reconsider if her filmmaking dreams are really the only things that still matter. 

The secret celebrity love story premise of this book is fun and would appeal immensely to teenage girls. The author got the idea for the novel when Tom Holland enrolled in her school. However, the tone of this book was odd. It was difficult to balance the fluffy nature of high-school romance with the main character’s mental health issues and abusive family relationships. I appreciated the diversity in the characters but I wished there was more resolution. I think teens will appreciate the frank discussion of difficult family relationships, the POC representation, and the celebrity love story. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

Forbidden City by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL

 Forbidden City (City Spies #3) by James Ponti, 442 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

MI6 needs to thwart Umbra’s attempts to recruit a prominent North Korean nuclear physicist, and the youthful City Spies are up to the task. This mission takes place on two continents and involves serious undercover work and a code so baffling it is deemed unbreakable. Paris becomes the star of this mission when he goes undercover at a chess tournament where he can make contact with the nuclear physicist’s chess prodigy son. The rest of the team has challenging and dangerous roles as well: breaking codes and going undercover as a reporter.

This is the third installment of the City Spies series and it holds up well. The plot doesn’t disappoint and the action is steady and engaging. The characters are likeable and I found myself worried for their safety. There are some great chess analogies and the boy band was a nice touch. I found myself swept up in the story and the great locales. Fun read with action, family, friendship, and intrigue.

Michelle in the Middle 

Liars’ Room by Dan Poblocki - HIGH

 Liars’ Room by Dan Poblocki, 240 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Blended families are never easy, but when 12yo Stella and Alex move to a creepy old house with their new stepbrother, it seems his lies become increasingly unbelievable. Wildwyck isn’t just any old house either, it was a former schoolhouse for misbehaved boys and it has a dark past that seems to be resurfacing. As events in the home escalate and danger builds, it becomes harder to know who to trust and who is lying and where the real danger lies.

Standard Dan Poblocki. If you like ghost stories with an element of danger, this is your book. It’s a fast read and the combination of super creepy house, hidden rooms where children were put to punish them, a graveyard out back, death, and mysterious journal entries make this a great ghost story. Elements of blended families, and trust make it relevant, though the ending left me with more questions than answers.

Michelle in the Middle 

Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi - ESSENTIAL

 Realm of the Blue Mist (The Rema Chronicles #1) by Amy Kim Kibuishi, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2022. $13

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

15yo Tabby Simon’s father was found dead after researching a mysterious tree that leaks mist. Tabby keeps returning to the tree to figure out what happened when one day she unexpectedly ends up in Rema, a distant world of magic and beauty that has extensive problems of its own. Tabby meets a handsome blue-haired boy named Phillip who helps her as she searches for the reasons behind her father’s death and a way back home. 

The world building is cool and the mysterious tree and ghost woman that visits it are intriguing. Fans of manga will relate to the art and the Tabby and Phillip are drawn to each other, making a nice little romance that adds to the story but doesn’t detract from the danger or the plotline. Sign me up for the next one.

Michelle in the Middle 

Shelter by Christie Matheson - ADVISABLE

 Shelter by Christie Matheson, 178 pages. Random House, 2021. $17 

Content: G

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Maya, 11yo, lives in San Francisco with her mom, dad and baby sister. Her dad has been in a bad accident and is in the hospital. Maya, her mom and sister have to move out of their cute, little house and into the homeless shelter. Maya is embarrassed and feels really bad about the whole situation they are in. The story follows Maya through one whole day. She is hungry, she gets wet, she is worried, and she does not dare share her secret with anybody, not even her very best friend. She has a hard time concentrating, her backpack is stolen by a really mean girl. All the things Maya owns are in that backpack. Once in a while Maya thinks back to how things were before.

Matheson did a great job handling such a sensitive subject. She gives great understanding and insight through the way Maya struggles through the day. She is doing her best to be a great student, a great daughter and a good friend. She carries the big secret and it weighs so heavy on her. Maya is strong and tough, yet tender hearted and kind. I admire May and I could not put the book down.

 Ellen-Anita , LMS 

Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen by Kate McGovern - ESSENTIAL

 Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen by Kate McGovern, 278 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17 

Language: G (1 swear); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL-ESSENTIAL; MS-ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Intelligent, creative Maple Mehta-Cohen, has always faked her way through school, hiding the fact that when she looks at words, she can’t understand them. But her fifth grade teacher noticed and now she has to repeat fifth grade, while her best friends move on to sixth grade. Maple feels embarrassed, and as she starts fifth grade again, she secretly tells Jack Wells, who is new and also in the lowest reading group, that she is repeating fifth grade as a special teacher’s helper. Now she is in the middle of a story of mystery and intrigue, not unlike the stories that she loves to create.

This was a cute story about learning differences, discovering your talents, family and friendship. Maple is a storyteller, and the author does a great job of having one voice for the narrative, and another voice for Maple’s stories. I felt like some of the characters should have been more developed, but Maple is well developed and it’s her story, so that is good. This story would be an essential read aloud for any older child with a learning difference to help them discover that their disability is not the most important part of who they are. Maple is a Hin-Jew, as her parents call her - Dad is Indian; Mom is Jewish.

Reviewer: J. Rosskopf 

The Graveyard Riddle by Lisa Thompson - ADVISABLE

 The Graveyard Riddle by Lisa Thompson, 291 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Melody is taking her dog for a walk around the neighborhood and wanders a bit further than usual and finds herself at the cemetery. She discovers on the outskirts of the cemetery an old abandoned building and decides to check it out. Much to her surprise, she finds someone staying there. A kid that looks to be a few years older than she is, maybe 15 or 16. He tells her his name is Hal and that he is a spy working for M18. His team is in the area watching for criminal activity, although, at the moment, he has lost communication with them. He asks Melody if she would help him watch for anything suspicious. Melody finds herself agreeing, but what exactly did she agree to? Who has ever heard of a teenage spy? 

 What I thought I was getting was just a mystery, but what I got was also a heartfelt story about friendship and growing up. I was completely engaged through the entire story and really enjoyed it. I liked the mystery, found Melody to be a great character, and loved how she knew the exact moment that Hal’s situation was a problem she couldn’t fix and went to her mom for help. 

Reviewer: Rebel 

The Curse of the Crystal Cavern by Francesco Sedita, Prescott Seraydaria and Steve Hamaker - ESSENTIAL

 The Curse of the Crystal Cavern (The Pathfinder’s Society #2) by Francesco Sedita and Prescott Seraydarian, illustrated by Steve Hamaker. 174 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Viking (Penguin Random House). 2021. $13

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The five Pathfinder friends are continuing their search for hidden clues leading to a priceless treasure in this second installment. Those clues, left by an eccentric explorer, are enigmatic and sometimes dangerous. They don’t seem to be the only ones looking either, and time is of the essence. 

This is a great series. The art is fun and the clues even more fun. This book will make you wish you could live in a weird town and stumble across clues that take you on a grand adventure. Whatever the Pathfinders end up finding will most likely have far-reaching effects. Totally engaging thrilling ride.

Michelle in the Middle 

Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld by Shannon and Dean Hale and Asiah Fulmore - HIGH

 Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Asiah Fulmore. 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. DC Comics. 2021. $10

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Princess Amaya of Gemworld is always getting in trouble with her younger brother. When one prank goes too far, Amaya is grounded to earth for a week to teach her a lesson, since she has no powers there. Unfortunately, something goes wrong and with the loss of her power comes a loss of memory, and the week’s stay turns into three years. Now called Amy, she attends middle school until a prince of the realm manages to bring her home where her magical powers are restored, just in time to help Gemworld through a crisis. 

Even though the story seems a little cliché on paper, Amethyst turns out to be a fun story with likable characters. Amy has to decide what to do with her new powers and how to use them. She discovers friends and family and how to kick butt. Fun read that will lead into more adventures with a cool princess. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Whispering Alaska by Brendan Jones - ESSENTIAL

 Whispering Alaska by Brendan Jones, 274 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2021. $17 

Content: G

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Nicky and Josie are 12yo twin sisters. Not just twins, but mirror twins. Their mother, an ER doctor, has just died from Covid-19. Their dad decides what they all need is a fresh start, closer to family – in Alaska. Nicky and Josie have drifted apart and are each dealing with the grief of losing their mother in different ways. In the part of Alaska they settle in, the main livelihood are logging and fishing. Nicky and Josie instantly get drawn into the high drama at the island - a huge debate of whether a large tract of huge, old trees should be cut down or preserved. However, they end up on different sides of the issue. Will this break the sisters apart, or will they be able to work out their differences?

I liked how the family pulled together for support and how the girls were included in what was going on. This is a very realistic, beautiful story. The forest and trees are so realistically described that I felt like I was there with the characters. Through what they learn about the forest, life on the island and the people there, the girls are able to work out their differences and help out the community at the same time. 

Ellen-Anita , LMS 

Bearnard Writes a Book by Deborah Underwood and Misa Saburi - ADVISABLE

Bearnard Writes a Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Misa Saburi. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250261458 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Now that Bearnard has his own book, he wants his BFF Gertie to have a book too. He needs some help though, so he follows the map of Storybook Land thru the library for research - Character City, Setting Village, Problem Plaza. With a stop at The Writer’s Room, Bearnard thinks he might be done, but realizes his story is short and boring. Luckily, he can REVISE! 

What a cute look at the story-writing process! I would even read this to any level that teaches Creative Writing. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

You Truly Assumed by Laila Sabreen - HIGH

You Truly Assumed by Laila Sabreen, 344 pages. Inkyard Press, 2022. $15 

Language: R (6 sears, 2 “F”); Mature Content: PG (reference to terrorist activity involving deaths); Violence: PG (reference but no depictions) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The lives of three 17yo black Muslim young women are rocked by a terrorist attack in the D.C. metro. Of course, everyone assumes the assailant is a Muslim because his name is Hakeem Waters. So, Sabryia accidentally decides to create a blog called, “You Truly Assumed” as a voice for black Muslim young women. Zakat becomes interested in the site, and, because she is an artist, she volunteers to post comic strips and art for the site. Farah joins the fray as the web designer. As their last summer before their senior years unfolds, the girls take on racism and bigotry and learn who they are in the process. 

I enjoyed that Laila Sabreen, a black Muslim young woman, writes truth about the fear, sadness, and isolation in her world  - along with the truth that standing for who you are empowers the soul. This first book by a young writer is a keeper. 

MOMMAC 

Your Heart, My Sky by Margarita Engle - ADVISABLE

Your Heart, My Sky by Margarita Engle, 208 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $19 

Language: G ( 0 swears); Mature Content: PG (thoughts of intimacy) Violence: PG ( harassment by police) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS- ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

14yo Liana struggles each day to find food to eat in Cuba. She spends a good deal of time at the beach where she finds a stray dog she names Paz. Soon thereafter, a young man, 15yo Amado, meets Liana. They find they have much in common as they struggle for survival. Amado’s imprisoned brother and Liana’s escaping brothers become part of the stress these youth live with. Liana plants gardens wherever she can find a hidden location. As their friendship grows into love, they realize they must make the difficult decision of remaining in Cuba or attempting to float to Florida. 

My eyes were opened to the personal plight of the Cuban people during this period of famine. Margarita Engle has a knack for devising her poetry to ebb and flow. Her writing style piques my interest in her other books. 

MOMMAC 

The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now by Deborah Hopkinson - OPTIONAL

 The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now by Deborah Hopkinson, 224 pages. NON-FICTION. Scholastic, 2021. $8

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Readers may be surprised to learn that deadly pandemics have always been a part of history. Hopkinson covers how pandemics were treated, their effect, and what we have learned from history, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The book is well researched with pictures throughout. There is a glossary and some activities at the back. I wanted to like this book more than I did. It dragged for me and I wish there would have been more stories to increase the urgency and engagement. The facts seemed too sterile and clinical for me, though highly relevant. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Great or Nothing by Joy McCullough et al - NO

Great or Nothing by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, and Jessica Spotswood, 390 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2022. $19 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

After Beth dies, the remaining three March sisters quarrel and then separate. Jo moves to a boarding house and takes a job in a wartime factory. Meg stays home caring for Marmie and hoping that john will come safely home from the war. Amy, meanwhile, is supposed to be safely in Canada, studying her art. Instead, she lies about her age and identity and ships overseas to serve as. Doughnut Dolly for the troops who are on leave from the front. None of the sisters are willing to take the first step to say “I’m sorry”. 

I didn’t realize it in my heart until I read this version that the charm of Little Women lies in the interactions and intertwined lived of the sisters. Take them away from each other, and though you have growth for each of them individually, the charm vanishes. Older readers who know the source material might be interested in seeing how the quartet of authors has each girl grow, but I am not interested in reading this again and I don’t think teenagers will be either – especially if they have no idea who the March sisters are. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott - HIGH

The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott, 304 pages. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021. $18.99 

Language: R (23 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG (skinny-dipping, sexuality discussed); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS- OPTIONAL 

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Emily has not been the same since her mother died three years ago. She went from being lucky, social, and daring to feeling isolated, unlucky, and afraid. The story begins at the end of summer when Emily’s dad’s friend from high school and his teenage daughter, Blake, are moving to town from Hawaii. Emily’s dad has brought her back to Huckabee’s Bingo night (which was a special activity she participated in with her mother) to try to nudge her back to her normal life. Emily has been isolating herself since the end of the last school year when she had impulsively kissed another boy in front of her boyfriend and split up the friend group. Her dad has been packing up her mom’s stuff and preparing to sell their house. In reaction to all of these changes, Emily tries to find pieces of her mother to hold onto. She finds a bucket list that her mom fulfilled the summer before her senior year. Emily decides to complete the “lucky” list herself to feel closer to her mom. Blake helps her try items on the list and Emily embarks on her own journey of self-discovery. 

The Lucky List is a beautifully written book about grief, self-discovery, and acceptance. Emily works through her grief and eventually uncovers more about herself than she had bargained for. Her exploration of suppressed feelings and denial of her sexuality lends to a sweet friendship turned love story. At times, it was frustrating to read about Emily’s misguided actions and lack of empathy for other characters, but it was a realistic portrayal of a teen letting emotion guide her decisions. The “F” words were unnecessary and the skinny-dipping part was quite innocent. It seems to be a great coming-of-age read for teens who might have their own need to see characters struggling with the same questions and feelings that they do. The exploration of grief is genuine. The beautiful cover will draw teens to the book and the hearfelt story will keep them reading to the final page. Emily is white and Blake is half-Japanese, half-white. 

Reviewer: Stacee S, reading teacher 

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence - OPTIONAL

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence, 291 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (dealing with parents' divorce and aftermath); Violence: G; 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

As a budding investigative reporter, 13yo Jenna Sakai is sticking to the facts. Relationships always end in heartbreak, of which, her first relationship and her parents’ marriage are proof. She is fine, really, but her best friend Keiko is constantly asking Jenna to talk about her feelings and she would much rather be alone in a little Broadway-themed diner she found. Except her little haven is invaded by another cold, lonely soul, Rin Watanabe. They begin to bond, but Jenna might ruin everything with a new investigative article she is writing. Can Jenna sort out her feelings, figure out her family drama, and still get the story? 

Overall, it’s a cute story with nice Asian American representation. However, I had a hard time believing that Jenna was only thirteen. She definitely talked like a 13yo but everything she was concerned about - winning a scholarship competition, becoming an investigative journalist, going to a diner everyday for hours after school - seemed more suited for an older protagonist. Therefore, I couldn’t decide if I was annoyed at the writing or at the main character. It will appeal to some readers but doesn’t have the literary quality or emotional depth to make it a must-buy. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart - HIGH

The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart, 400 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2022. $19. 

Language: R (42 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The illusion of her put-together life started to slip when Lily’s sister Alice (18yo) attempted suicide. Since then, Lily (16yo) has found evidence that she might also be losing her mind and is determined not to let anyone else see those cracks. But the secret of Alice’s suicide attempt is getting harder to keep – and the secret of Lily’s questionable mental state isn’t far behind.

Stewart addresses difficult topics of mental health, suicide, and the stigmas surrounding the individuals and families who deal with these struggles through Lily’s experiences. The pressure of “normal” that weighs on us actually takes away from being our beautiful selves. Lily’s story is raw, and I loved watching her poetry express her highs and lows. While the ending wraps up too nicely and happily to reflect reality in dealing with mental health struggles, I love the hope it offers readers that things will not always be hard. There are struggles to find a way forward again and a reason to live after getting to the point of wanting to die, but it’s worth it. As Lily says, “the world could use more weirdos” – that includes you and me no matter what we are struggling with.

Lily and her family are implied white, and the main male character, Micah, is implied Hispanic. The mature content rating is for innuendo; self-medicating; partial nudity; and mentions of drugs, penises, orgasms, sexting, and sex. The violence rating is for blood, self-harm, attempted suicide, and discussions of suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros - ADVISABLE

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros, 304 pages. Quill Tree Books (Harper Collins), 2022. $17. 

Language: G; (0 swears 0 'f's) Mature Content: G; Violence: PG - bullying 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Isaac and Marco are best friends - have been since Kindergarten. They both have difficult relationships with their dads, live next door to each other and are starting middle school together - but not in the same classes. Isaac is tall and athletic - he a basketball star, but studying isn't his strength. Marco is probably the shortest kid in the 6th grade. He is in the gifted classes, so the only class they have together is PE. When Marco thinks he might get some attention from his father if he can make the basketball team, their friendship is tested, as Marco needs Isaac to teach him how to play, but Isaac has troubles of his own. 

I liked that each boy had a complicated life - like most middle schoolers I suppose. Falling Short looks at divorce, alcoholismism, abandonment, bullies, and anxiety. The mom's (and abuelita) were stable and supportive, and I liked that there were good friends who helped balance and control the bullies. Some pretty good basketball action, too. 

Lisa Librarian