If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy - ESSENTIAL

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy, 292 pages. Hyperion (Disney), 2021.

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (age appropriate drinking, making out); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE; HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Faced with no job offers after she finishes her fashion design program (with an emphasis on SHOES! Yum!), Cindy leaves her beloved NYC and heads back to Hollywood to her blended family – stepmom, 2 lovely stepsisters, and three adorable half sibs. Erica (stepmom) is the head of a very successful reality dating series – Before Midnight, and needs the steps to come in as last minute replacements, and Cindy decides to also take the plunge, even though she is taking a big risk as a plus-sized woman in a size 2 world. When she meets the bachelor – who should he be but that swoon-worthy man she met on her flight to LA! Can they keep their chemistry on the down-low and navigate the pitfalls of reality tv?

Even though the characters are college graduates, the story is totally appropriate for especially high school. Murphy weaves another charming story of living with a real-sized body and being your best possible person even with all the snark that surrounds you. And of course there is a great romance mixed in.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Lena, the Sea and Me by Maria Parr - OPTIONAL

 Lena, the Sea and Me (Companion to Everything on a Waffle) by Maria Parr, translated by Guy Puzey. 284 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Every time 12yo Lena and Trille from Mathildewick Cove build a raft, it sinks. When Lena’s soccer team gets a new coach, she is not thrilled. She has always played goalie and now her chances look slim for that position. Both Lena and Trille go to music lessons that they do not like. Is it their fault the little sister gets stuck at the top of the flagpole? And how will they get her down?

A fun, easy read and a good reminder of how my childhood was in Norway. I still make waffles for my family, the Norwegian way. This is a good read-a-loud book and there are lots of things to talk about and discuss. Trille and Lena have oodles of fun, and some scary, adventures.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui - ADVISABLE

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui, 288 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Nimra has been attending a private Islamic School and has finished their Hifz program where she memorized the Qur'an. Now her parents feel it's time for Nimra to attend public school. Her best friend Jenna also goes to Farmwell, but when they are at school, their friendship seems different - Jenna didn't welcome Nimra into her friends group and she doesn't like that Nimra wears her hijab. When Matthew, Bilal and Waleed, 8th grade boys who overhear her praying in the band room, invite her to sing in their Muslim band Barakah Beats, she agrees, hoping this will impress Jenna and her friends - which it certainly does. But, Nimra knows her religious parents wouldn't want her to perform, so she doesn't tell them. 

Nimra really transitioned well from private to public school despite the friendship drama - which was spot on for that age group - who likes who, and making your friends talk to a boy for you etc. Siddiqui does a great job of keeping the reader culturally involved without weighing down the plot to do so. The author's note is great - I hope my readers don't stop at the end of the story, but keep reading through to the end. 

Lisa Librarian    

Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden - OPTIONAL

 Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden, 229 pages. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2021. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Someone writes a message on a card "You are Awesome," and leaves it to be discovered. As different people discover it, things start to change. Libby is a bully, but she wants to change. However, that is hard and she finds herself suspended from school again. We also meet Jack who is fighting to keep his small school open. The state says there are no money to keep it open and they will bus the students to a school in the city. Jack finds it hard to remember what and who counts the most. Next we meet Vincent, a mathematical genius who really admires Katherine Johnson. Vincent is bullied at school and it is getting worse. Then we meet T who ran away from home and is determined to make a home in a tent on a rainy sidewalk. Each child tells their own story, and T writes in all free verse.

I loved the story of each person and how hard they worked on overcoming their individual struggles. I really enjoyed the book but I was not happy with the surprise at the end. Other than that, I loved the book.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Jude Banks, Superhero by Ann Hood - ESSENTIAL

 Jude Banks, Superhero by Ann Hood, 312 pages. Penguin Workshop, 2021. $17

Content: G (death of a child)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Jude’s sister, Katie, has died. He idolized his sister and they did everything together. Now Jude thinks if he just had a cape and was a superhero he could have jumped in and saved Katie. Jude struggles with grief and survivors guilt. Jude's mom has stayed in her room and is not even functioning since Katie died. His dad is trying. The neighbors take good care of the grieving family and bring an endless string of lasagna casseroles. Jude feels lost and really doesn't know how he'll even survive all this grief and all the lasagna. He finally meets a girl that also lost a sibling. Jude and Clementine bond over what they have in common and form a friendship of sorts.

Hood has a tremendous story - well written, believable, strong characters and a fast, easy read. I cried and laughed at different parts of the book. I am recommending it to everyone I meet. Jude's story deeply touched my heart and he will be with me for a very long time. This is a great book to hand to a student who has lost a sibling or a friend. People around us die all the time, and this book gives great insight to the grieving process. It even gives some ideas of what to do and what not to do when someone loses a loved one. Read this book!

Ellen-Anita LMS 

The Thief and the Noble by Dana LaCheminant - OPTIONAL

The Thief and the Noble by Dana LaCheminant, 268 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lady Marian wants to help the lower class, but first she has to understand their needs. She dons a disguise to take a job as a barmaid and meets Robin, a thief intent on redistributing wealth. But everything becomes more complicated when Robin and Marian discover that the other isn’t what they appear to be.

As a retelling of Robin Hood, I enjoyed reading LaCheminant’s story – the thrill of vigilantism, the desire to help those who need it, and the reimagining of beloved characters. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with this Robin, which made watching Marian fall in love with him difficult. Focusing on the action/adventure parts of the story was more fun than the romance parts, though the last chapter was, admittedly, a cute conclusion to the development of their relationship.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Kindred by Alechia Dow - HIGH

The Kindred by Alechia Dow, 392 pages. Inkyard Press, 2022. $19.

Language: R (36 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Felix is a duke of the kingdom, and 17yo Joy, his Kindred, is of the poorest class. While linking members of the kingdom through the Kindred program is supposed to help merge the gap between classes and give everyone a voice, the kingdom calls the pairing between Felix and Joy a mistake. They’ve always known that being together was impossible, but, when emergency circumstances force them to meet in person, the impossible starts to feel right.

I am blown away by how quickly Dow made me fall in love with these fictitious alien cultures and places. The characters and the story, though, took a few chapters for me to start enjoying. And then, just as I was starting to get pulled in, my interest stalled again when Earth got involved. Felix and Joy develop in ways that encourage readers to similarly make a positive impact on the world and stand up for themselves–and others–and the scifi world built is mesmerizing as Dow paints with words, but I didn’t love the execution of the plot. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and nudity.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo and Sophie Blackall - ADVISABLE

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 247 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $20. Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

When a gentle monk finds a girl asleep in the barn with Answelica the goat, he takes her to the monastery to recover. The 10yo girl can remember her name, Beatryce, but not much else. However, as Edik nurses her back to health, he discovers that she may be the girl a prophecy refers to, and that her life may be in danger - the King is looking for her. So, disguising her looks by shaving her head, dressing her in monk's robes and warning her not to speak is not enough. When a boy comes from the village looking for someone who can write down a confession - the other brothers at the monastery are anxious to send Beatryce away (for their protection) and reveal that she can read and write. Now, Beatryce finds herself on an adventure, with the boy, the monk and a man who used to be a King. 

As much as I love books set in the middle ages (Gidwitz's The Inquisitor's Tale, Cushman's Midwife's Apprentice) I have a hard time getting the kids interested. Hopefully DiCamillo's reputation will help, as I think she has given us a well-told story with a bit of action, and a lot of suspense. Also, the goat, Answelica, was my favorite. 

Lisa Librarian

The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman - ADVISABLE

The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman, 288 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Piper Peavey is worried about her father. His cancer has progressed and he needs to spend extended time in the hospital. Piper and her dad have been on their own since her mother left them when she was little, but now she's being sent to spend the summer at her grandmother's estate.  Arriving there, Piper finds a group of children, close to her age as well as her mother who is barely involved except to enforce behavior. It seems these children have magical powers, called affinities, and are working at the Estate with the hopes of being adopted. The children are needed to find a magical elixir in the witch's enchanted garden, but Piper wants to find it first - to save her father. 

I do like stories with kids who have magical powers, and these kids are learning how to use theirs - in the case of Piper, discovering what hers are. The mystery unravels slowly, the trials in the garden were dangerous and exciting, and the ending is satisfying but leaves a few openings for a sequel.

Lisa Librarian

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela and David Stoll - HIGH

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela, illustrated by David Stoll, 144 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Mad Cave Studios. 2021. $18

Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Haley and her brother, Max, are sent to a special needs high school following the death of their mother. They find friends with other deaf students and band together to engage in crime. Haley finds committing crime strangely thrilling. They end up stealing from the wrong person though, and find that there are unpleasant consequences that will forever change their group. 

This book uses ASL (American Sign Language) in its illustrations, which is pretty cool. It is a dark story with flawed characters that I found difficult to root for since they are committing crime after crime. The story has enough twists that it will keep you hooked and the illustrations complement the storyline with the perfect blend of color that adds tension in the book. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick - OPTIONAL

Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick, 208 pages. SHORT STORIES Scholastic Press, 2021. $20.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A series of stories, told by a first person narrator and his/her interactions with James who appears in various roles and worlds and manifestations. The stories are very short - 3-5 pages each, and of course, Selznick has provided illustrations. 

Oh dear . . . while I love the quirky stories Selznick tells, I have to say, I was lost. I kept hoping that there would be something to tie it all together. Yes, it's about grief and time and friendship and hope and love, but except for "James" I couldn't find a common thread. The protagonists are children - I think - but I think adults who have more background knowledge and nostalgia and sophistication to make those connections will appreciate this more. 

Lisa Librarian

Elephants! Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, and Meryl Henderson - ESSENTIAL

Elephants! Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Meryl Henderson PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Boyds Mills Press, 2021. $18. 9781635924794

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Descriptions and illustrations of current as well as ancient species of elephants. We learn about their history, ecologically as well as their interactions with humans. How their trunks are used, what their teeth are like, how they keep themselves cool, how important their families are and so much more. 

Wow! I thought I knew all about elephants - I learned so much. Kids will find this fascinating, the illustrations are realistic, and I'm sure that baby elephant was smiling. Includes a glossary, index and sources for more information. A great informative read for upper elementary or even middle school.

Lisa Librarian

When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh - ADVISABLE

 When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh, 304 pages. Sourcebooks, 2020. $17 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Samantha has headed to Florida with her crafting company mom to convince Gram that she would be better off moving back to live near them. Gram has other ideas, however. When Mom has to go home suddenly for business, Gram and Samantha join Gram’s best friend and her grandson, Brandon (very cute), take off on a road trip through Florida in Gram’s turquoise Mustang, with the goal to earn a spot in a karaoke competition at the county fair. 

A quick, fun, funky read full of laughs and impossible, embarrassing situations. Gram really has it going on and her love for life finally penetrates into Samantha’s anxiety. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Shock Waves by Justin A. Reynolds and Pablo Leon - HIGH

 Shock Waves (Miles Morales) by Justin A. Reynolds, illustrated by Pablo Leon, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2021. $13

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Miles Morales is Brooklyn’s Spider Man, and he is trying to balance school, family, and his super hero gig. A devastating earthquake hits his mother’s birthplace of Puerto Rico and he sets out to raise money for the people there. Meanwhile, there is crime afoot that seems to tie into Miles’ school and family life and even his fundraising. 

I like that Miles has a Puerto Rican background and that his mother shares stories and words from her country. It’s refreshing that Miles has a strong family and two parents. Miles makes for a fun take on the Spider hero role and even gets advice from the Queens Spider Man. There’s a nice enough wrap up at the end to be satisfying but enough loose ends to make you want to read the next installment. A fun read for Spidey fans and nonfans alike. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein and Ron Barrett - ESSENTIAL

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Ron Barrett. Penguin, 2020. $18. 9780593222775 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Gone, clear, disappeared – an ode to many ways that something is not there. 

Stein has a deft collaborator in the illustrator of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs for his book about many words and situations that can describe something that is not there. I would to share this with almost any age of reader or writer – if only high schools would embrace picture books more frequently! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela DeVito - HIGH

Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela DeVito, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Hyperion (Disney), 2021. $21

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An orphaned princess, Evony lives with the royal family from a kingdom threatened by witches. Her own kingdom was destroyed by them. Evony has a special ability that Prince Ammon is drawn to, which helps her sense when familiars (servants to witches) are approaching the kingdom. Evony is attracted to the prince and wishes he was drawn to more than just her abilities. One day as they are outside the safety of the kingdom, Ammon is taken captive by the witch, Aradia who literally steals his heart and leaves his body to turn into one of her familiars. Evony sets off find Ammon’s heart and to rescue his sister, who has been captured by witches. 

As the first in a trilogy, this will definitely hook you in. The storyline is original and Evony is a strong character I found myself rooting for. The art is stylish and adds just the right touch of creepiness that makes the book even more intriguing. I will definitely read the next two books. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando, Steve Foxe, and Valentina Brancati - OPTIONAL

 Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe, illustrated by Valentina Brancati, 126 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Seismic Press. 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Andy and his dog, Rocket, are inseparable until Rocket passes away just before Andy’s 14th birthday. Andy is devastated and can’t bear the thought of starting high school without Rocket. When he visits Rocket’s grave, he is transported over the Rainbow Bridge where pets discover their afterlife. Andy discovers that there is a dark side to the afterlife and that Rocket needs his help. 

There isn’t a whole lot to the plot, but pet lovers everywhere will probably relate to Andy and his wish to see his beloved pet again. The art is engaging and bright and appropriately dark where needed, and no one can argue with the theme that no animal is a lost cause. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Evil Thing by Sereno Valentino and Arielle Jovellanos - HIGH

Evil Thing: A Villains Graphic Novel by Sereno Valentino, illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos, 122 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Disney Hyperion. 2021. $22

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Cruella Deville tells her story about how she went from a young girl with hopes and dreams to the evil thing obsessed with turning puppies into fur coats. 

A new take on Cruella’s background story, this one makes you feel sorry for her even while you want to drop kick a member of her family. The art, done in red tones, is totally engaging and beautifully rendered. I thought this telling of Cruella’s descent into darkness had heart (or the lack thereof) that made Cruella more three-dimensional. Add in a dysfunctional family, social classes and greed, and you have a great mix. Even though you know how Cruella turns out, the journey is worth it. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander by Betsy Peterschmidt - HIGH

 Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander by Betsy Peterschmidt, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Amelia is nearly 13yo and she yearns to fly her father’s airship. Amelia’s father doesn’t allow her to so she shows him by taking off herself in his prized craft, the Intrepyd Ray. A storm hits and she is forced down in uncharted lands deep in the rain forest where she meets two brothers who may be able to help her fix her ship and fly it home. 

The art has a beautiful watercolor feel to it. Amelia is a plucky girl and her father is painted as overprotective, especially after Amelia’s mother disappears, but really, how many dads are going to turn an airship over to a preteen? Amelia doesn’t seem to miss her father much, and seems more than ready to break ties with him. The boys’ mother becomes more like family to her than her father, mostly because their mom lets her do whatever she wants. The adult in me wonders that a 13yo should be given carte blanche. I’m sure kids will read it differently and find Amelia’s journey a grand adventure. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag - OPTIONAL

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $13

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Morgan is 15 years old and though she has friends, she has a secret she’s wants to keep until after she graduates from high school. However, her secret might be spilled earlier when she begins to fall in love with a mysterious girl named Keltie who has secrets of her own. 

Even though the protagonist is in high school, the plot puts this in the middle school range. It’s pretty simplistic and the characters aren’t very developed. Morgan’s coming out doesn’t carry much angst and she’s so accepted that one wonders why she felt like she had to move away and wait till after she graduates from high school. The fact that Morgan’s girlfriend is a selkie has “The Little Mermaid” overtones. 

Michelle in the Middle