We Walked the Sky by Lisa Fiedler - HIGH

We Walked the Sky by Lisa Fiedler, 304 pages. Razorbill (Penguin), 2019. $18.

Language: R (25 swears, 13 “f”); Mature Content: PG (Sex off the page); Violence: PG (Abusive father)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS  - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

While Catherine's mother battles cancer, Catherine knows she can no longer stay with her abusive father without her mother.  Clutching her mother's brooch, she flees her home in search of a better life. Catherine soon becomes Victoria and begins the life of her dreams with the VanDrexel Family Circus. Fast forward 50 years to Victoria's granddaughter Callie.  Forced to begin a new school, Callie uses the wisdom of her grandmother to help her navigate the halls and social life of her new school.  Callie follows in her grandmother's footsteps as an accomplished tight rope walker, but longs to join the circus once again.

We Walked the Sky is a beautiful novel told in the present and past.  Two girls, generations apart, learn to accept a new life, embrace challenges and find family in unexpected places."      This was a very endearing novel.  Each characters was well rounded and developed. I loved how Callie would read a message or quote from her grandmother, then the next chapter would flashback and tell the story of how it came to be.  The overall message of finding family in unusual places is well written, but I feel like the author could have accomplished this without so many swears.  Despite that, students will really enjoy this book.          

Jessica Nelson Media Specialist

The Haunted by Danielle Vega - HIGH

The Haunted by Danielle Vega, 256 pages. Razorbill (Penguin), 2019. $18.      

Language: PG (34 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (Paranormal activity, violence to a baby)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Hendricks Becker-O'Malley is ready for a new start.  Her and her family have moved from Philadelphia to New York to start fresh and escape a tragic event involving Hendricks and her ex boyfriend.  The family moves to a ""fixer-upper"" the town calls the Steele House, which Hendricks soon learns through her classmates, it is said to be haunted. Not thinking much of the rumors, Hendricks continues life as the new girl in town but is soon hearing voices and seeing things.  Is she crazy? Hendricks befriends her mysterious neighbor Eddie who tells her the history of Steele House.  Determined not to let the past repeat itself, Hendricks attempts to rid the house of ghosts, but will she survive herself?

I enjoyed this haunted story of Hendricks and Eddie.  I fell into this book right from the beginning and was able to read it quickly. It had great pacing to keep my attention and very realistic teen characters.  I enjoyed the references to pop culture throughout the book which made an old fashion ghost story seem more relevant.  I also really liked the ending.  It was a good conclusion to a very catastrophic event.

Jessica Nelson Media Specialist

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up With Me by Tamaki and Valero-O'Connell - HIGH

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, 304 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2019. $18                        

Language: R (17 swears, 9 “f”); Mature Content: NC-17 (Sex off the page, abortion, sleeping with a married man); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Frederica Riley is in love with Laura Dean, but Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her.  Freddy's friends cannot understand why she would keep going back to a girl who may be cute, popular and funny but is really thoughtless and can even be mean. Freddy decides to consult a mystic but is not too thrilled with the results of her visit.  She is also losing all of her friends in the mean time, especially her best friend Doodle. With the help of the advice columnist, Anna Vice, Freddy starts to understand what the important things in life are, and realizes a relationship with Laura Dean may not be that healthy after all."   "This novel may be important for certain students to read.  It shows how a same sex relationship can be very toxic and hurtful to be involved in.  I like how this book shows the main character Freddy going back to Laura Dean, but through the help of her friends, it shows why she shouldn't and what kind of person Laura Dean really is.  Sometimes it is hard to see this when in the relationship.

Some of this book was confusing because of the names and pictures.  The main character is named Freddy but I found myself forgetting she was actually a girl because of her name.  Her best friend is named Doodle and is a transgender character but it was hard to remember if he was a boy or a girl because of the pictures and his name. This book also talks about some heavy topics which some students may not be comfortable with. Overall, I liked the book and I feel like it has a good message that some students will really connect with.    

Jessica Nelson Media Specialist                                                                   

Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea and Illustrated by Yana Bogatch –ESSENTIAL

Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea and Illustrated by Yana Bogatch, 275 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second (Macmillan), 2019 $18  

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 (Kidnapping, Drowning).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

Bucky is a 15 year old with a big problem. His little sister is missing and it feels like no one is doing anything about it. She can’t have gone far, the small town where they live is protected by a magical barrier, a barrier meant to keep witches, like his little sister (and his mom) inside. In fact, all of the women in the town are witches, their power manifesting in a variety of ways. So Bucky, with a bit of help from his former best friend, Chamomile, decides to investigate But the witches of the town don’t take kindly to becoming suspects. In the meantime the entire town is flooding as his mother’s grief manifests as a magical rainstorm, and his father doesn’t want Bucky involved in the investigation.

First off the artwork in this book is just incredible. Some of the creepiest and most beautiful I have ever seen. The characters are just luminous. This was the perfect spooky read I have always wanted. Not nightmare inducing but still very chilling. I could not put this book down. The story was interesting and full of lots of little characters and details which helped to make the whole town seem very plausible. I think teen readers will love this, and since its fairly G rated, with no swearing or mature content, it’s a great fit for a school library as well. My only complaint is that cover is so dark, this book may be passed over, going unnoticed.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho –NOT RECOMMENDED

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho, 420 pages. Putnam (Penguin), 2019 $19  Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13 (romance); Violence: PG13 (Killing)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS -NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jihoon is a teen with a lot of personality living in Seoul, South Korea. One night something unexpected happens, not only does he see a monster, but a girl his age fighting it. After he intervenes he meets Miyoung. She is a secret a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox devours the energy of men and in doing so can live forever. During the encounter she loses her fox bead, which is her soul, and later on uses it to save Jihoons life. Now the pair are connected, and both might perish because of it. Worst of all is that Miyoungs mother, is apt to intervene, which would result in the death of Jihoon. Will the pair be able to figure things out, will their friendship and their possible romance survive?

Modern Seoul is combined with legend and lots of culture for a very cool scene. The story is very interesting at first, learning about the two characters, and the other legendary creatures. But about halfway through it gets very repetitive with both characters feeling very ill and nothing much happening. I honestly didn’t even care to read the ending at that point, though things wrapped up nicely. If this book was half the length, I think I would have enjoyed it more, there just wasn’t enough world or interest to hold me for 420 pages.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Caster by Elsie Chapman – ADVISABLE

Caster by Elsie Chapman, 336 pages. Scholastic, 2019 $18  Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13(violent magic/injuries).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aza has real magic, but it comes with the price both physically and environmentally. She has no choice but to use it to help earn money that her family needs. When she accidentally stumbles on an opportunity to make more than enough money, it will test the very limits of both her power and her strength. But she walks a fine line, as real magic wielders are illegal and can even result and having your arms removed or worse.

This book has an interesting concept, especially the part where the magic effects the environment, which poses an interesting question to readers. There's a huge focus on the past which is a bit of a deterrent, even though it's a motivation for the main character, because you feel like you missed reading a previous book in the series, which there isn't one. When the action picks up it's pretty interesting and fun to read. The main ending was neat and I loved it, but then it continued with a ploy for a second book, which was jarring and maddening. 

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - ESSENTIAL

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, 512 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012. $18.

Language: G; Mature Content: PG-13 (racism); Violence: PG-13 (combat and an assassination) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS—ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL—HIGH

In the kingdom of Goredd, an uneasy alliance has existed between dragons and humans for decades. Dragons are able to take on human form and walk among their human counterparts in the market, at the universities, or at the royal court. As the anniversary of the treaty between the two groups approaches, celebrations are planned at the same time tensions increase.

Seraphina Dombegh has earned a place at court because of her exceptional musical talent, but lives in fear as she feels threatened by both dragons and humans. She has a secret to protect and knows that if found out, the factions would seek to harm her.

When a member of the royal family is murdered and it appears that a dragon may be responsible, Seraphina joins forces with Prince Lucian Kiggs, captain of the Queen’s Guard, to investigate the tragedy and protect the peace and her life.

An original fantasy that mixes mystery, race relations, and romance. The main characters are intriguing and Seraphina’s battle to protect her secret while coming to terms with her own identity is well narrated. Worlds within worlds are created that are complex and rich with detail. As with most books that are written as part of a series, the first in this set unloads a great deal of information setting up future plot. This can cause some confusion and disconnection for the reader, but overall, does not present too much of an obstacle.

Reviewer: AEB

Nocturna by Maya Motayne - OPTIONAL

Nocturna by Maya Motayne, 480pgs. Balzer + Bray, 2019. $19.

Language: R (100+ no ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use); Violence: PG-13 (combat, assault, murder (off-page), mention of torture and child abuse)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS—OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Prince Alfehr returns home after three months away to take up his duties as the crown prince. He was never supposed to be king, but when his brother was assassinated, he was forced to take on the mantle. Deep in his grief he begins to dabble in dark magic in an effort to bring his brother back. Finn Voy has the ability to alter her appearance at will and uses this magical ability often to commit criminal acts that enable her to survive. When Alfie’s dark dealings collide with the illicit exploits of Finn, they unlock true evil that threatens everything and everyone. With the future of the kingdom at stake, they must find a way to work together to vanquish the darkest of powers.

An intriguing premise gets quickly bogged down in a wordy and overwrought book. What could have been an exciting journey through a land full of magic becomes tiresome as simple conversations drag on for pages and violent confrontations between good and evil rapidly become stale. It is notable that a fantasy book has Latinx characters and settings, which is important and much needed for the representation that is lacking across all genres. Readers of fantasy will be able to find enough redeeming qualities to see the book through to the end; however, patience will be a necessity.

Reviewer: AEB

Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya - ADVISABLE

Each Tiny Spark Pablo Cartaya, 315 pages. Kokila (Penguin), 2019. $17.00

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Emilia Rosa Torres is easily distracted. Besides her ADHD, she has a lot going on - her father is recently returned from deployment, her mother is working out of town, and her homework is tricky - especially her social studies assignment: to make a travel guide of her town Merryville. Emilia's abuela is from Cuba, so she decides to focus on the local grocery store and Spanish speaking members of the community - where they work and what brought them there. Her choices put a strain on her friendship with Clarissa, her dad just isn't the same anymore - and he won't talk about it. 

Full of lots of current issues - immigration, school boundary changes, culture differences, post deployment syndrome, and family dynamics, there's a lot going on. This is a great opportunity for the hispanic child to see herself in Emilia. Cartaya has interspersed the dialogue with Spanish, which, in context doesn't need to be translated - it contributed to the multicultural feel of this book. I would have liked to see more welding, it wasn't really that important to the plot. Includes an author's note which contains a list of resources for more information about the topics covered, and a challenge to be the spark that makes a difference.

Lisa Librarian

The Hummingbird Dagger by Cindy Anstey - ADVISABLE

The Hummingbird Dagger by Cindy Anstey, 336 pages. Swoon Reads (MacMillan), 2019. $18


Language: G (0 'F'); Content: G; Violence: PG13 (kidnapping, knife violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

After a carriage incident right outside his manor, Lord James Ellerby takes in an injured young woman who awakens with no memory of who she is or how she came to be there. The only clues to her identity or the horrific nightmares she wakes from nearly every night. The entire Ellerby family befriends Beth--as she calls herself--and begins to try and unravel the mystery of who she is. Dangerous forces are definitely at work, and the race is on to solve the mystery before somebody else gets hurt.

This is the second Anstey novel I've read and this one was far superior to the last. I really enjoyed the story (and the romance!) that unfolded in this period romantic mystery. There are great twists and turns, interesting characters, and the book is 100% clean for language and sexual content. I think this will be a big hit for mystery or romance fans.

Reviewer: TC 

Indebted by Charmayne Hafen - OPTIONAL

Indebted by Charmayne Hafen, 300 pages. Capture Books, 2018. $15.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Princess Wren is trapped in her own castle by her grieving father after the disappearance of her mother. But after years of acting in secret to find happiness where her father would forbid it if he knew, Wren finds word about a contest. A contest she is determined to win to show everyone that she is more than a princess.

Hafen writes as an emergent writer, with an appealing but unpolished story. Her writing finds a space between genuine and forced, especially with the Christian theme she wants to highlight. With prayers, scriptures, and discussions of belief, Hafen successfully communicates her values to readers. However, though the intent is genuine, the execution seemed forced. Dialogue was stilted, and the characters didn’t always seem to respond naturally according to the way they were written. The story isn’t bad, it just comes across as choppy, occasionally inconsistent, and a little cheesy at times. The mature content rating is for brief nudity.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Entangled by Traci Hunter Abramson, etc - ESSENTIAL

Entangled by Traci Hunter Abramson, Stephanie Black, Gregg Luke, and Clair M. Poulson, 384 pages. Covenant Communications, 2019. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Seen and unseen forces threaten lives in these four different scenarios. In four fast-paced short stories, men and women race the clock, desperate to save the lives of their loved ones before it’s too late.

I had so much fun reading those stories as I tried to -- and even sometimes succeeded in -- figure out what did or would happen. While the four authors wrote such varied stories, they all wrote them very well in that I was on the edge of my seat the entire book except for the four satisfying endings that respectively separate each story from the next. I can’t pick a favorite story of the four, and I honestly believe that I can reread these stories and still enjoy them knowing the endings.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Pizza by Pippa Cuthbert and Lindsay Cameron Wilson - GIFT

Pizza by Pippa Cuthbert and Lindsay Cameron Wilson, 187 pages. CompanionHouse Books (Fox Chapel Publishing), 2019. $20. 9781620083741

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

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Through an exploration of pizza and its different forms (like calzones), Cuthbert and Wilson open the eyes of their cookbook’s users to a world beyond cheese, pepperoni, and hawaiian. Explanations of the history and variation of pizzas around the world introduce the cookbook, and their recipes illustrate their belief that, when it comes to toppings, less is more.

Reading through the introduction and explanations at the beginning, I felt that Cuthbert and Wilson gave enough information to be interesting without going into too many details and boring readers. They also do a great job at making the recipes extremely user-friendly by using both metric and non-metric measurements and temperatures as well as explaining the different names of ingredients used.  My favorite part of the cookbook is how Cuthbert and Wilson encourage those following the recipes to experiment. With all the mouth-watering recipes and pictures, it’s impossible to flip through the book without marking a couple to try. The mature content rating is for the use of alcohol in some recipes.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Northern Lights by Cathy Parker - OPTIONAL

Northern Lights by Cathy Parker, 224 pages. NON-FICTION, MEMOIR. Thomas Nelson, 2019. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Cathy Parker was hit by love and inspiration as she watched the news about an Alaskan school starting a football program: she was going to help them get a football field. The idea seemed crazy -- even as Parker gained more help and support, the trials and challenges piled up to make the project seem impossible. But with God all things are possible, and Parker knew that He would make it all work out.

Parker gives readers lots of information as she prepares to tell her story of the Alaskan football field. While several of the stories and memories she shares are funny and highlight the miracles of everything coming together with hard work and prayer, I felt that Parker often gave too much information. I got lost in the details as Parker mentioned something that seemed like foreshadowing but ended up being irrelevant and wanted to relive entire thought processes again. The information overload made this book one that I lost my excitement about reading the longer I read, even though I had initially been excited about the story. If you can get through all the details, Parker shares a heart-warming story of hard work, generosity, and miracles.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer - ADVISABLE

The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P. J. Lynch, 134 pages. Candlewick Press, 2018. $17                  

Content: G      

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE       

A little dog has just about given up hope that there is a boy or a girl out there to love him best of all. He has suffered much abuse and has given up hope, and he has lost his ability to bark. Patrick and his grandpa rescues the little dog and Patrick names him Oz. It takes many days for Oz to even come out of his cage, he is so scared. Patrick is patient with him, and very kind. He discovers that Oz has a special gift, and uses that to coax him out of the cage.  

I loved this little story about Patrick and Oz. I loved how it shows that love can overcome hardships and difficulties. The friendship and bond that developed between Patrick and Oz was so well described. I felt like I was right there with them, rooting for both of them. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and full of emotion. They add a lot to the story, they show the emotion and feelings of Oz, Patrick, mom and grandpa so well. It was a great, good-feel book.            

Ellen-Anita, Librarian           

Hungry Hearts edited by Elsie Chapman - OPTIONAL

Hungry Hearts edited by Elsie Chapman, 368 pages. Simon Pulse, 2019. $19.                        

Language: R (7 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG (off-page sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Take a walk down Hungry Hearts Row and be prepared to have your appetite wet with some delicious stories. Thirteen authors come together to share tales of love and romance, betrayal, anxiety, grief and so much more. Each author uses food to weave together stories of how food connects us, heals us and defines us.  Step into a convenient store, restaurant, bakery and cafe and be prepared for your reading taste buds to tingle.  

This is a delightful book using food as the main theme for storytelling.  There are so many different genres that it was nice to pick it up each day, not knowing what to expect.  The stories can be read alone but they are related either by location or a few characters.  I enjoyed reading the different perspectives on certain characters.  The authors describe the food and smells is such detail I found myself hungry throughout the book.  I especially loved the chapter "Kings and Queens".  It has a twist in the end you won't want to miss. If you are a "foodie" this book is for you!

Jessica Nelson Media Specialist

Sleeping Beauty: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani and Jacqui Davis - ADVISABLE

Sleeping Beauty: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani, illustrated by Jacqui Davis. PICTURE BOOK. The Islamic Foundation, 2018.  $14. 9780860375975

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The evil alim is angry that he wasn’t invited to the blessing of the new princess so her curses her to die. He takes his vengeance when she is older, poisoning the girl.  Her childhood friend must undertake the Hajj for the blessing of Allah to cure Zaynab.

Gilani really has come into her own in her latest of her retold fairy tales.  Its as if she has decided to add the maximum Muslim details into the story, raising it above a mere retelling. This really is the richest of the three.  I wouldn’t hesitate to add this to a fairy tale collection.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cinderella: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani and Shireen Adams - ESSENTIAL

Cinderella: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani, illustrated by Shireen Adams.  PICTURE BOOK. The Islamic Foundation, 2010. $14. 9780860374732

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Zahra’s father has remarried - a woman with two daughters.  When Zahra’s father also dies, the money disappears and Zahra becomes the servant and even loses her own name, being now called Cinderella.  

Gilani has created another retold tale using Muslom traditions.  I love that the illustrations, language, and much of the actions reflect the culture.  Skillfully done, add this to either your fairy tales collection or next to your Islam religion books. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Spacesuit by Alison Donald and Ariel Landy - ESSENTIAL

The Spacesuit: How a seamstress helped put man on the moon by Alison Donald, illustrated by Ariel Landy. PICTURE BOOK.  Maverick publishing, 2019.  $18. 9781848864153

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Ellie worked as a seamstress for a large commercial fabric company.  When they decide to enter the contest for a suit that astronauts could use to walk on the moon, Ellie and the others rise to the challenge to create a suit that is safe, comfortable, and flexible.

What a great insight to even another part of the space program where the intuition and work of women contributor silently to its success.  I wish there was more back matter to support the story.  I’m still going to show this to those science teachers who talk about space and about female engineers and inventors.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

curriculum

Under Threat: An Album of Endangered Animals by Jenkins and Frost - ESSENTIAL

Under Threat: An Album of Endangered Animals by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Tom Frost, 63 pages. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Candlewick, 2019.  $20. 9781536205435

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

30 animals each get 2 pages – one a gorgeous illustration looking like a postage stamp, and the other an excellent explanation of the animal and then how humans have caused them to become endangered. I would love to have two copies of this book to make a classroom set of study pages for students to use for a short project.  I love these!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS