Djeliya by Juni Ba - OPTIONAL

Djeliya by Juni Ba, 180 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. TKO Studios. 2021. $15 (paperback)

Language: PG (2 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Prince Mansour and his royal storyteller, Awa, journey to reach the mysterious wizard, Soumaoro, who has a fearsome power he has used to destroy the world. 

Inspired by West-African folklore, the story has cultural merit. There were notes in the back of the book about the name pronunciations and the folklore behind the story. This was helpful, because without knowing any West-African folklore I found the story difficult to follow. The stylized art was intriguing but didn’t help clarify the storyline. I felt like there was a great story here that I didn’t understand fully. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Kidnap at Denton Farm by Robert Swindells - OPTIONAL

 Kidnap at Denton Farm (The Outfit) by Robert Swindells, 104 pages. Darby Creek (Lerner Publishing). 2022. $8 (paperback)

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Farmer Denton gets a new wind turbine that brings out protesters. Things go south fast when his daughter Jillo is kidnapped. The Outfit, four teens and their dog, leap into action to help solve the case and rescue their friend. 

Even though the teens are ages 16 and up, the reading level and the simplistic story better serves a younger audience. Nothing earth shattering and readers may guess the ending, but it’s a quick read. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Strange Tale of Ragger Bill by Robert Swindells - OPTIONAL

The Strange Tale of Ragger Bill (The Outfit) by Robert Swindells, 102 pages. Darby Creek (Lerner Publishing). 2022. $8 (paperback). 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ragger Bill is a strange old character with a speech impediment who gets picked on by the people and kids in town. When a young girl goes missing on her way home from school, Ragger becomes the prime suspect. The Outfit, four teens and their dog, try to find the girl and clear their friend’s name. 

Simplistic writing and low lexile make this a lower level read even though the teens are 16 and up. The plot is fairly predictable but the kids are likeable and it’s a short book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

I’m Trying to Love Garbage by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

 I’m Trying to Love Garbage by Bethany Barton. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9780593207031 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Nature’s garbage collectors have a lot to teach all of us about their place in the food chain and their role in keeping the earth free of organic debris of all sorts. They also explain why inorganic waste is such a problem worldwide. 

An excellent addition to any grade class that covers earth science.  Sure to be a hit and repeat favorite. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix - ADVISABLE

 The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix, 304 pages. Katherine Tegen (Harper), MARCH 2022. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Max Sterling doesn’t know it, but for all of his school years he has gone to school with a classroom full of robots – except for himself. Since the first day of kindergarten his best friend has been Josie. When Josie leaves him a message on the last day of 5th grade, Max heads off to uncover her secret – in fact, Josie and Max are about to expose more secrets than anyone in their city could have believed. 

Max and Josie are rising middle schoolers, so if science fiction reads well for your readers, this will work either elementary or middle school. It feels like a single book – a nice option in a world filled with series. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly - ADVISABLE

 Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly, 336 pages. Greenwillow (Harper), MARCH 2022. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The 12 kids of grade seven at the Fawn Creek school have been together from the beginning – until the day Orchid Mason arrives, fresh from exotic places like Paris and New York City. Everyone already fits neatly into the slot life has doled out to them, but Orchid’s fresh eyes, confidence, and kindness sees everyone differently. Maybe they can see each other differently too? But a mean girl who moved away may have the power to ruin everything with her obsession to stay in control. Are four weeks enough to change the world – or is the future written in stone? 

A great classroom read aloud! Kelly tugs on heart strings and gives power to idea of breaking yourself free from other’s expectations and assumptions. A message that kids need to hear over and over again. And probably many adults. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson - OPTIONAL

Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson, 384 pages. Harper, MARCH 2022. $18 

Language: R (77 swears, 4 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (implied sex); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

12th grader Marnie Barnes is obsessed with winning the coveted Hunt Prize, a yearly prize given for a start-up at her exclusive prepatory academy. Her amazing older sister won it, and if Marnie can, maybe she can get her family’s attention. Sandwiched between four other sisters, this is not easy. With the help of her very enthusiastic roommate (she asked for a single room!), her project, having kids read to animals to the animal shelter, is accepted. But then her roomie compares Marnie to the very annoying and also very forgettable Mary Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. It can’t be true! Marnie is driven, she is precise, she demands excellence from herself and others. Oh – maybe Marnie is. Well, if she is now, maybe she can make changes for the future. 

While Marnie’s attempt to transform herself and to also pursue the prize are the main focus, she also has a really bad crush on a family friend, a rivalry with the daughter of a prominent member of the prize committee, and a possible real romance with a volunteer at the animal shelter she is partnering with. Marnie’s early personality is so repellent that I had a hard time forcing myself to keep reading – so good job author. However, I am not sure that readers who are not fans of Pride and Prejudice will care enough to get through those horrifying early chapters. Perhaps in paperback? Seems like this is really meant for adult readers who understand the source material on a different level. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer - ADVISABLE

Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer, 400 pages. Feiwel (Macmillan), 2020. $19 

Language: PG (12 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Prudence can’t stand her slacker marine biology partner, Quint, but she needs his help if she has any chance to change her final group project grade from its lowly C to her normal A. She exchanges working a few days a week at the Fortuna Beach Sea Animal Rescue Center alongside Quint, for his help in redoing the project. All seems to be going well, until money goes missing from a fundraiser and Prudence is accused. She’ll have to clear her name – not because she wants the grade, any more, but now because she cares for the Animal Rescue Center – and for Quint. 

There is a bit of magical realism, with Prudence getting a hit on the head and gaining the power to dole out instant karma – with some conditions. Beyond the karma twist, watching Prudence expand her personality and her focus to become more human, is the real treat. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Now That I’ve Found You by Kristina Forest - AVERAGE

Now That I’ve Found You by Kristina Forest, 336 pages. Square Fish, 2021. $10 (paperback) 

Language: R (30 swears, 3 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

18yo Evie James was poised to be a star – just like her famous documentarian parents and her movie star grandmother, Gigi. Now, though, all is ashes, after a former BFF posts a video of Evie ridiculing her director. In spin control, Evie is tapped to present a life achievement award to her grandmother – if she can find her. Grandmother has done a runner. It is only with the help of Milo, Gigi’s neighbor and assistant. They desperately search through NYC, as Evie learns more about her Gigi and about the intriguing Milo. 

Equally a heartwarming family story and a cute romance. Perfect fun, light, reading for romance lovers. The only clue that Evie is Black is cover and that she is offered a job as the spokesperson for a Black cosmetics company.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen - ADVISABLE

 Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen, 380 pages. Scholastic Press, MARCH 2022. $18. 9781338620931 

Violence: G (some war danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Five teenagers from different parts of Europe – from France, Britain, Germany, Russia, And Austria-Hungary - find their lives entwined from the very beginnings of World War I, when Felix sees the assassination of the Arch-Duke. 

Five intertwining characters in a complicated warscape makes for intricate relationships, if readers are trying to understand how all of the stories and events are related in history. But if adventure, danger, and some history is what they want, the tale is understandable without a clear understanding of the actual events. My students love her fantasy books – I hope that with the popularity of Alan Gratz’s historical fiction that the kids will also like these. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Unplugged by Gordon Korman - OPTIONAL

 Unplugged by Gordon Korman, 336 pages. Balzer (Harper), 2021. $17 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After 12yo Jett’s last escapade, his father has had enough. Jett is on his way to a technology detox with a minder. Grace loves The Oasis and its technology-free wonder. Jett is ruining everything with his bad attitude and outrageous stunts. But maybe these two can learn a little bit from each other. 

Not Korman’s strongest work. Jett is so over-the-top abrasive with his spoiled rich boy ways that he is a caricature of a human being who is hard to relate to. The silliness will appeal to Korman’s fans, but I don’t think it has longevity. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Rent Collector: Adapted for Young Readers by Camron Wright - ADVISABLE

The Rent Collector: Adapted for Young Readers by Camron Wright, 240 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2022. $18. 9781629729855

Language: G (0 swears, 0 'F'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (discussion of killings and beatings)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Sang Ly lives at a city dump in Cambodia with her husband and sickly child, surviving on the day-to-day money they can make selling what they find in the garbage. Sopeap is an older woman who collects their rent, and the two become unlikely friends when Sopeap begrudgingly agrees to teach Sang Ly how to read. Reading opens Sang Ly's world and gives her the motivation to seek out healing answers for her baby. Sopeap's world is also changed by teaching Sang Ly, and both of their stories together are beautiful and inspiring. 

This is an adapted version of the bestselling novel of the same title. I haven't read the adult version, but the story here is nice and an easy read. The discussion of historically accurate events with the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia are a bit rough and might be hard for younger readers. I also don't know how interested kids will be in this book, despite its quality. It strikes me as being more of a book adults will want kids to read but that's not always a bad thing. 

Reviewer: TC

From the Tops of the Trees by Kao Kalia Yang and Rachel Wada - ADVISABLE

 From the Tops of the Trees by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Rachel Wada. PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2021. $18. 9781541581302 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Though Kalia was living with her family in a Hmong refugee camp inside Thailand, her father wants her to know that the world is much bigger than the little bit they could see behind the fences keeping them in. Putting on their best clothes, he takes her to the top of the tallest tree. 

If you are reading Refugee by Alan Gratz, you should add this to your collection of supporting picture books. Yang shows us through her own story, the love and yearnings for home that exist even under such awful circumstances. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Justice Is… by Preet Bharara and Sue Cornelison

 Justice Is… by Preet Bharara, illustrated by Sue Cornelison. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random), JAN 2022. $18. 9780593176627 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bharara talks about the many facets of justice, showing people and events throughout history. She has thoughtfully collected representative people and events and left the words simple and clear. Each page has a person or situation worthy of a deeper dive. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, designed and illustrated by Minalima - ESSENTIAL

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, designed and illustrated by Minalima. Scholastic, 2020. $38. 9781338596700 

Content: G (some danger) 

 BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT, EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

You are probably familiar with Harry Potter – the books and the movies. You may already own the illustrated version by Jay Kim. However – you have never seen Harry Potter the way Minalima has treated it. Worth every single penny of the $38 price. And better than the first illustrated version because this one is the perfect size for a library shelf! Illustrations on every page – mostly color, and several pull-open interactive bits (move the eyes on one of the portraits, open Harry’s Hogwarts letter, etc.). Love, Love, Love it! This is a gift-giving must for so many people on my list! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery and Jessie Hartland - ESSENTIAL

 Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781534402317

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Tony Hillery tells his story of his Harlem Garden. Across from a public school, in Harlem, was a vacant lot filled with trash and refuse. He enlisted the students to help clean it up plant a garden. This is a true story and to this day the students help grow fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. The book takes you through how it all came about, their failures and successes. The delightful illustrations help tell the story. 

I remember hearing about this on the news. It was fun to read about it and I would recommend this book to students. It is a great way to show that they can impact and change their environment. Exciting projects like this make it easy to enlist the help of friends and neighbors. I loved this book.

 Ellen-Anita LMS 

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks - ADVISABLE

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks, 368 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $27.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Gilles takes no thought when he accepts his friend’s bet to kiss the woman waiting in his boss’s office – not even when Gilles realizes that the woman is a royalist, on the opposing side of the French Revolution than him. The woman surprises him when she reveals herself to be his boss’s daughter, and Gilles practically runs away due to embarrassment. Driven to apologize to the royalist, Gilles starts to wonder if the eyes he can’t seem to forget haunt him for reasons beyond chagrin and guilt.

Character arcs are always important to stories, but Gilles’s story focuses on that struggle of changing one’s character. Once he realizes that the way he is acting contradicts what he believes to be right, Gilles has to decide how he wants to move forward and who he wants to become – as a brother, as a son, as a friend, as a revolutionist, as a man. The decisions that he has to make are not easy, and readers will ache with him even as they hope for the same courage to change as Gilles does. The mature content rating is for innuendos.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Battle of the Bands by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith - OPTIONAL

Battle of the Bands by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith, 298 pages. SHORT STORIES. Candlewick Press, 2021. $19.

Language: R (192 swears, 51 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Sixteen stories, each by a different author, are expertly woven together to tell the stories of sixteen people wrapped up in Battle of the Bands. With the same night as the focal point, the stories overlap and influence the others to give readers insight to all the hearts wrapped up in the music of this one night.

Battle of the Bands has several delightful stories that I anticipate reading again. The first reading was a flurry of page turning – to see what would happen next as well as to go back to match references and keep the events straight. I loved seeing how the night unfolded from multiple points of view brought together by music, even if some of the characters didn’t want to be there.  The mature content rating is for underage drinking, drug use, innuendo, and mentions of sex, genitals, and masturbation.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson - ADVISABLE

 The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson, 241 pages. Bloomsbury, 2021. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Being First Daughter of the Magister means that 11yo Una has meals to eat and lessons to attend to, but she’s been lonely ever since her mother, the Magistrix, died. Julien never knew his mother, but his Baba made sure Julien never wanted for love. Their worlds start to fall apart when the Magister remarries and has a new baby while Baba is wrongfully thrown in prison. These two 11yo's must help each other with their unusual talents to rebuild happiness.

Una and Julien’s story has a distinct fairytale feel though it is not a retelling of a classic story. Maybe it feels like a fairytale because there are unexplainable gifts that no one questions or because love is highlighted as the most important thing to the protagonists. Whatever the reason, this story was comforting to settle into, like drinking a perfect-temperature hot cocoa in winter.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Lotería by Karla Arenas Valenti - ADVISABLE

Lotería by Karla Arenas Valenti, 293 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books), 2021. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Life and Death get to play their game, la Lotería, once a year. This time, Clara (11yo) has been chosen as the object of their game. With each card, her life progresses towards the unknown, and not even the players know what fate holds for Clara.

Valenti’s writing is vibrant, just as visually appealing as Sanmar’s illustrations. As readers follow Life, Death, Clara, and other characters, our eyes are opened to details of Mexican culture and mythology. Sometimes the frequent use of Spanish words and phrases was distracting, but I mostly found the use of Spanish to be like an invitation to become part of Clara’s world.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen